“At the core of every major faith tradition stands an explicit commitment to be with the sick, the poor, the alienated, the marginal, the wounded and the dying.  The commitments are very old, but the implications are ever new.”

Through a unique arrangement with Advocate Health Care, we are pleased to offer our members a Health Ministry Program, led by our Parish Nurse, Deb Stankiewicz, MS, RN. 

Our parish nurse supports the holistic health of our members by helping them to see the link between faith and health and through the following activities: personal health counseling, health education, health screenings, referral to medical practitioners and resources, and the facilitation of support groups.

Some of the offerings of our Health Ministry program are outlined below:

Annual Congregational Health Screening: Oct 24, 2009, 7:30-10:30 am @ Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange.

Every October, members of First Congregational Church are invited to take advantage of our preventive health screening.  The screening includes a set of comprehensive lab tests offered onsite at greatly reduced prices. Members can register in advance by contacting our Parish Nurse for any or all of the following tests: 

Basic Blood Test – includes complete blood count, lipid panel, blood sugar and chemistry panel ($38) 

Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) – for males older than 45 years of age ($38)

Thyroid Function – T3, T4, TSH ($40)

Blood Group and RH Factor - ($25)

At-Home ColoCare Kit - ($6)

C-Reactive Protein (Cardio CRP) – ($40)

Also included are height, weight and blood pressure measurement.  No doctor’s order is required, and participants receive the results in a confidential health counseling session with the parish nurse.  A Personal Health Record binder is given to each participant to help them in being good stewards of their personal health.

Annual Flu Shot Clinics: Oct 1 & Oct 24 from 11-1 in the Chapel

Usually held in October and November in Plymouth Hall ....Flu Shots $30; Pneumonia Shot $45. Appointments are not necessary but suggested. Checks and Medicare accepted (please present card for verification of coverage).

Medical Equipment Lending Closet 

Members can borrow medical equipment for temporary use through the medical lending closet.  Such things as walkers, canes, commodes and bath benches are available. 

Transport Services

If you need help getting to and from church, Deb can make arrangements for you

Weekly Tai Chi and Exercise Classes

Stay healthy and fit by participating in one of our weekly Tai Chi or exercise classes offered at the church (on the second floor of the Education Building). 

Tai Chi Classes are offered at no charge on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-10:30 in the Seim Room. Contact Deb Stankiewics at ext. 18 for more information. 

A Yoga-Lates Body Sculpt class is held every Friday morning from 8:45-9:45 in the Seim Room.  Personal Trainer, Julie Albrecht leads this class. Bring your own mat and exercise ball if you have one. Pay as you go for $10 per hour, or pay $80 for ten classes. 

For more information on any of our Health Ministry program offerings, contact Deb Stankiewicz at 246-1900, ext. 218 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .