Compassion Ministry
The Compassion Ministry's goal is to address physical, social, spiritual, economic
and justice needs in the congregation and reaching out to the entire world.
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Stephen Ministry
A Stephen Minister is
…a trained lay member of the congregation who will visit with you as needed, listen, offer resources and referrals, pray with and for you and offer Christian love and support.
They are Caring, Supportive Christian People Who have a desire to be with you in the time of need, grief or crisis.
Everyone goes through periods of difficulty or crisis at times.
Having someone who cares enough to listen can ease these experiences of confusion, stress, or loneliness.
Reaching out to those who are:
- Hospitalized, shut-in
- Grieving a death or a loss
- Separated or divorced
- Seriously ill and their families
- Lonely, depressed
- In a job crisis
- Facing life transitions
- Inactive members
- Struggling with faith issues
- Experiencing the stress of moving
- New to our church
Stephen Ministers provide:
- One-to-one ministry as trained, caring church members reaching out to others in time of need.
- A confidential ministry.
- A caring relationship that focuses on the unique needs of each person and lasts as long as it needs exist.
Stephen Ministers participate in on-going continuing education and group supervision, under the guidance of the Pastor and Stephen Leaders.
If you would like to have a Stephen Minister contact you please call our church office at 360-679-1561 or email Pastor Buss; pastor@whidbey.net.
Parish Nurse Ministry
Are any among you suffering? They should pray.
Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.
Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. James 5:13-15What is a Parish Nurse?
A Parish Nurse seeks to promote the understanding of a relationship between health and faith.
She is a personal health counselor, health educator, advocate, facilitator of volunteers, and liaison with congregational and community resources.
She does not perform traditional nursing tasks such as dressing changes, medication administration, and treatments.
Who is Our Parish Nurse?
Alberta (Abby) Chromy, R.N. has been a nurse for over 50 years, with experience in both hospital and clinical settings.
Abby has completed the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Course at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham. Parish Nursing Standards have been adopted by the American Nurses Association and are guidelines for all Parish Nurses.
What Services Does A Parish Nurse Perform?
Abby assists the pastors in contacting hospitalized and homebound members of the congregation. Coordinates volunteer services and care giving resources within the church and offers spiritual support for healing, wellness, and wholeness.
The Parish Nurse is supported by the Health and Wellness Committee of the Church and meets regularly with Pastor Buss.
Please keep in mind that confidentiality is strictly maintained within the scope and practice of Parish Nursing.
How Do I Access the Services of A Parish Nurse?
The Parish Nurse Office is found in the south wing across from the preschool. She can be reached personally by calling the church office (679-1561) during the hours listed below. You may always leave a message on the church answering machine, or leave a written request in the office.
A Resource Library with faith and health information from the Puget Sound Parish Nurse Ministries, the International Parish Nurses Resource Center and local agencies is available to the congregation.
Office hours: Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:30 PM. Special arrangements can be made if you need to meet with the Parish Nurse at a time other than these hours.
Missions
The Krafts in Peru
Nick and Shannon Kraft and their 4 children, Madison, Tanyon (TJ), Moises, and Tucker
Nick and Shannon Kraft were commissioned as missionaries with World Mission Prayer League on January 25, 1998. Their first assignment took them to Chiclayo, Peru, for 4 years. Groups from OHLC went there during the summers of 1999 and 2000 to offer support and bring them additional supplies.
Following some much-needed leave time back in the US, the Krafts were sent to Caranavi, Bolivia, in early 2004. They are working with a local Christian television program for children, as well as developing a marriage ministry and various outreach programs for children and youth.
Compass Center
Habitat for Humanity
Our church continues to support our local Island County Habitat for Humanity both financially and through volunteer labor.
Meaningful Meals
Oak Harbor Help House
Lutheran World Relief
OHLC supports Lutheran World Relief in a variety of ways, including: making quilts, and health and school kits to be sent overseas for disaster relief. LWR handcraft catalogs are available at Christmas time for the purchase of fairly traded products for gift giving. Fairly traded coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate are on sale year round in the church narthex.