Health, Healing & Care Ministries

Olivet's Health & Care Ministries are led by a certified parish nurse. Parish nursing is a specialty practice and professional model of health ministry that embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical, and social dimensions of the person (Faith and Health, Hickman) and is recognized by the American Nurses Association. The integration of faith and health is at the heart of the parish nursing Association.

To be more involved in this area of ministry, you do not need to be a parish nurse or healthcare professional. Having a passion for health and wellness and the willingness to respond to God's call for care, is what health ministry embraces. We have a variety of volunteer needs in Olivet's Health & Care Ministries. For more information on any of these programs, please contact Bev Gravdahl at bgravdahl@olivet.org or (701) 235-6603.

Hospital & Home Visits

Olivet’s parish nurse and volunteer parish nurses offer hospital and home visits on an as-needed basis or upon request. Please get in touch with Olivet’s parish nurse if you or a family member would like a home visit.

Health Screenings & Promotions

Blood pressure screenings are available by drop-in or appointment by Olivet’s parish nurse. Additional health screenings, health promotion programs, and special events are conducted throughout the year, integrating body, mind, and spirit.

Grief Ministry

Olivet’s health ministry offers support to promote healing for those who have experienced a loss. Monthly and seasonal grief care notes, messages, mailings, and available community resources are provided. Special services, programs, and other gatherings are offered around holiday times and other times throughout the year.

Healing services

A service to restore, replenish and renew is offered the 5th Wednesday of each month in the evening, along with special Sunday worship opportunities throughout the year. A blessing and anointing are offered during these special times of worship and prayer.

Foot Care Ministry

Olivet partners with local health care agencies and student nurses in the FM area to provide foot care for adults. The treatment includes an assessment by an RN, Epsom salt foot soak, nail trim, nail debridement and filing, softening of callous/corns, exfoliation with a homemade sugar scrub and lower leg/foot massage with lotion. Paraffin treatment is also available upon request for an additional fee. Referrals and education are also provided as needed. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the church office.

service of Remembrance

In November, All Saints Sunday is the day the Christian Church has reserved for remembering and honoring our forebears in the faith. At 9:45 a.m. come to a special time to remember our loved ones. A special display is created to remember specifically members who have died this past year.

Olivet Blood Drive

In response to the ongoing need and desire to support our community and beyond, Olivet’s health ministry, in conjunction with the local blood services, hosts a blood drive 2-3 times per year. We are always grateful when you can join us and participate in something amazing like this!

Baptism Welcome

At the time of baptism, families are welcomed with a blanket made by our Olivet quilters, along with a care note from their Olivet family. New baby home visits from a parish nurse are available upon request.

Advanced Directives

Olivet’s parish nurse is a certified facilitator and will provide assistance with completing your Advance Directive or reviewing documents. The Advanced Directive serves to help loved ones and medical providers in knowing your wishes regarding life-sustaining or life-prolonging measures.

Cancer Support

Olivet’s health ministry offers opportunities for those who have had or are currently facing cancer, a chance to share, support, and educate one another. There are regular gatherings throughout the year along with special education topics and guest presenters that are specific to cancer. Family members or friends are always welcome.

Olivet visitors

Olivet visitors are dedicated and trained volunteers who conduct home visits as referred by Olivet’s parish nurse and/or pastors. They offer a caring and listening presence to those they see and are a vital part of Olivet’s overall care ministry.

Emergency Response Care

Olivet’s staff, along with many volunteers, are CPR certified, as well as trained on how to administer basic first aid. An AED, emergency manuals and first aid kits are thoughtfully placed around the building and updated by our health ministry team. We are always in need of healthcare professionals who are willing to update, refill supplies, provide continuing education, and respond to situations that may arise during worship or programming. If you are a healthcare professional or have BLS skills, please contact Olivet’s parish nurse.

Health Screenings & Promotions

Blood pressure screenings are available by drop-in or appointment by Olivet’s parish nurse. Additional health screenings, health promotion programs, and special events are conducted throughout the year, integrating body, mind, and spirit.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Olivet members share their gifts of crochet and knitting by creating beautiful prayer shawls, which are given to those in need of comfort, shelter, and peace. This is a prayerful ministry as the prayer shawl makers begin each shawl with prayers for the recipient and continue throughout its’ creation.