Web sites abound on various topics related to health ministry. Below is a beginning list of those we found of interest that we’d like to share with you. We hope to be adding/subtracting sites on an ongoing basis. Check back with us again for new additions.

A copy of the first draft of "Health, Healing and Health Care" can be found at www.elca.org/dcs/healthcare.html.

ELCA Division for Church in Society Age-Span Ministries has a listing of key resources about caring for older persons, with links to related web sites. www.elca.org/dcs/age-span.html

Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs. This site has a comprehensive look at ELCA advocacy at the federal level, including coverage of current health issues. http://www.loga.org/

All of the ELCA social statements and messages are available online at www.elca.org/dcs/studies.html. For example: A Social Statement on Abortion, A Message on End –of-Life Decisions, A Message on Suicide Prevention.

An internet community of persons dealing with grief, death and major loss can be found at http://www.griefnet.org/.

State of Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities has a web site that provides information on Caregiver Support, Brain Injury & Coma, Health & Wellness, Advance Directives and Living Wills and much more. Access them at http://www.dsaapd.com/.

ELCA Division for Church in Society Health Ministry Program has a listing of resources of all kinds, with links to key web sites for congregational health ministries. www.elca.org/dcs/healthmin.html.

As a community we also have questions about contemporary issues of health including cloning and genetic research. The ELCA has published copies of papers written by theologians, scientists, ethicists, doctors, pastors and counselors on the morality and social impact of these issues.

1. Genetics! Where Do We Stand as Christians?
2. Human Cloning: Papers and Reflections from a Church Consultation.

For a single complimentary copy call the Division for Church in Society at 800-638-3522 ext. 2996. Multiple copies may be ordered for a minimal cost.

Throughout life, we all experience losses. A Natural response to loss is grief. Grieving is a healing process and evokes physical, emotional and spiritual responses. Not only death but also other losses related to physical, emotional changes, change of living arrangements, work and relationship changes local/national crises precipitate a grieving process. Pastors and your faith community can offer support and solace during such a time. In addition, resources in our community are available. Most funeral homes offer bereavement and/or group support. Health care insurance may cover private grief counseling. Many employers and most schools offer grief help. Local support groups are available in the community (check the local newspaper and the brochure "For the Bereaved" in the rack at the rear church entrance). The internet offers help at http://www.griefnet.org/. Seek help through prayer, healing services offered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and know that you are not alone in your grief.

The Health Ministry Committee currently is providing information about health, wellness, resources through the bulletin, Epistle and website. We welcome new members and hope to expand the scope of our focus as we grow. Please read the church bulletin for committee meeting dates/times. Any questions or comments can be directed to the Health Ministry Committee at the St. Paul’s email address.