Deborah is working part-time to support and engage the local churches in "understanding and developing ministries that support the health of body, mind, and spirit of all God’s children."
"Health ministry and faith community nursing have been my passion for the last 16 years, helping congregations begin or grow their ministries of faith, being a resource for education, building relationships, and observing the improvements in quality of life, health, and faith leaves me feeling blessed alongside others," she said. "I believe all communities of faith long to provide compassion and caring mind, body and spirit connections within the congregation and the community and I want to walk alongside to help. "
Many from the historic Rhode Island Conference will know of the ministry of Peggy Matteson PhD, RN- BC Faith Community Nurse, and UCC Authorized Minister of Congregational Health. Peggy has retired. Deborah has been a long-time colleague of Peggy’s, and said she will strive to continue the supportive services that were provided in Rhode Island, and to expand the Ministry of Health and Wellness to the wider Southern New England Conference.
Health & Wellness Ministry fosters the understanding that an individual’s health of the body, health of the mind, and health of the spirit are interrelated and was upheld in the General Synod 21 Resolution, “Reclaiming the Church’s Ministry of Health and Healing.”
Deborah, BSN, PHN, MSN, RN-BC Faith Community Nurse, has more than 30 years of nursing experience focused on home health care, geriatric care, and 16 years of practice as a faith community nurse/ parish nurse. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in Parish Nursing and Health Ministry from Azusa Pacific University and is Board Certified in Faith Community Nursing and a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner.
The guiding principle of her ministry is the integration of faith, health and wellness while promoting quality of life throughout the lifespan. She has completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education and holds membership in Sigma Theta Tau, the American Nurses Association, Health Ministries Association, the Connecticut Council of Parish Nurse Coordinators, and the Wellness Ministries of the United Church of Christ.
Deborah lives in Westbrook, CT, with her husband Alan and is the mother of three adult sons.
Deborah invites anyone involved in, or interested in, faith community nursing or health and wellness ministries to reach out to her at ringend@sneucc.org.
Bridge Conference Minister the Rev. Kent Siladi talked to Deborah during a live interview last year; watch a recording here: