Dear Friends in Christ,

What an exciting time for ELCA Parish Nurses! As Chair of the ELCA Parish Nurse Association, I have had the privilege to watch things grow. Here are a few highlights.
We have:

• Developed a logo and chose a thematic scripture
• Provided display tables and interaction at Synod Assemblies and events, including WELCA
• Provided CEU programs twice a year with theological grounding and inspiration
• Proposal for partnership sent to ELCA Church-Wide
• Facilitated the start-up of three new parish nurse programs through the provision of $2000 scholarship and mentorship. (The churches also received a laptop computer from Hennepin County.) The following churches in Minneapolis were the recipients:
  • Messiah Lutheran
  • Oromo Evangelical
  • St. Paul’s Evangelical

There is still much to do as we look toward developing into a national association. There are over 900 ELCA parish nurses across the country. How exciting to look forward to connecting and encouraging each other in the ministry of parish nursing!

This brings me to the Westberg Parish Nurse Symposium and Wheatrigde Wellness Conference. If you are planning to attend either of these events, please watch for an opportunity to connect with ELCA parish nurses. It will be great to meet each other and dream about where God is leading us!

If you are in the Minnesota metro area in October, the Fall Gathering is on October 9th. It is shaping up to be a wonderful event with Amy Hartman sharing about the ELCA initiative Cherish Our Children and Luther Seminary Professor, Terri Elton, leading a Bible study. We will also be having a brief business meeting to elect new Board members and officers. We welcome your involvement!

May our compassionate God bless you and your ministry!

Annette Langdon, RN, BSN, MA
Parish Nurse at Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley, MN
Chair of the ELCA PNA