A True Depiction of Kimbilio

Occasionally you may cross paths with people who are helping others in their spare time, or who do nice things for those in need when they can.  But rarely do you find someone like the person I want to introduce to you.  


Her name is Gwen Thomas and she is a member of the church I serve.  I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a heart for giving of herself as Gwen.  Gwen is a R.N. and the "parish" nurse for our church.  But far more than that, she is a genuine lover of people, and lover of Jesus; and she lives out both of those passions in her daily walk and talk.  


Recently, Gwen was the recipient of the 2010 Annette Stixrud Parish Nurse of the Year at the 2010 Conference of Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries in Portland, Oregon (She's the one on the right).   The honor is given to the person who, nominated by peers, most exemplifies a dedication to and passion for parish nursing;  demonstrates success in developing health ministry programs;  and shows compassion, creativity and support in working with people.  


What's interesting is that Gwen was taken by complete surprise by the honor and humbly states that she fells she is NOT doing enough for health ministry at our church.  That statement alone is unbelievable, and as the pastor of that church, I believe Gwen has set the standard for future award recipients, and certainly has exampled what it means to be a "refuge" for those who need it the most.  


Allow me to mention just a few of the examples in Gwen's life of service (developed over the past two years)-the list exhausts me just thinking about it: 

• Blood pressure screening checks, along with teaching and follow-up calls.
• Emergency preparedness alerts and procedures for infection control on church website.
• Mobile care clinic and access to available community resources, such as respite care.
• Hospital visits with prayer and a basket of gifts for those who are ill and waiting family members; as well as sitting with and caring for members in hospice.
• Fit and Fellowship--Weekly walks after services on Sundays. [I know for a fact that because of Gwen, people in our church family are healthier, and some have been saved from early death because of unhealthy life styles that were changed!]
• Gwen has also traveled to Mongolia and Kenya, where she assisted doctors, provided CPR classes and taught house moms who care for orphans.
• As part of her concern for the whole person and her desire to meet the needs of others, Gwen started a church/food bank garden.  With land donated by a church member, plants started from seed or donated by the community, and volunteer help, the garden gave over three tons of food to the community food bank and at least that much to church and community families in need.

Gwen's mantra for her work?  "Stepping out into the water!"  Well done Gwen...you have the true spirit of Kimbilio.  Thank you! 

If you are interested in learning more about Faith Community Nursing training and ministry, you can contact: 

Bruce Strade, Executive Dir.

Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries

503-413-2585

bruces@npnm.org

www.npnm.org

   

"The Incarnation Is To Be An Advocate For Lost People"

The title of this blog is a quote from a man by the name of Hugh Halter.  Last year he spoke at something called the Verge Conference, a gathering of pastors and leaders who realize the western church is listing ship and needs to be uprighted in accordance with God's expectations.


Hugh talks about our posturing as Christ Followers in the world, and how it may just be blocking the message of Jesus.  I'm posting it here so you can hear what he has to say and see if you agree with his thoughts as we explore futher what it means to be a Kimbilio church.


Hugh Halter & Incarnational Posture

Greg

An Act Of Kimbilio

Every once in a while I hear about a church that gets it (in my opinion) and steps out in faith to do what God has called the church to do.


This morning I was handed the NW Section of the Seattle Times where a title jumped out at me:  A Call To Higher Service [Oct 4, by Katherine Long, Seattle Times staff reporter].  It's a story about a church in downtown Seattle who is taking a great leap of faith and revamping their ministry away from themselves and towards those who are on the margins of life; the poor, the homeless, the orphans, the abandoned.  


Here is a group of people who are dismantling a portion of their 50 year old church building and rebuilding on the same site a building that will house a community-service center, a shelter for homeless women and children and 50 units for those who are in need of low-income housing!


Imagine that...tearing down A church in order to build something that is THE church to the people, who God loves!  Wow!  What a great idea!!!!

(Drawing of final project from Times article)

And not only are they stepping out to do that, they are partnering with other organizations who are already involved in those areas of need and ministry to create the synergy to get it all done, and keep it all going!  Well done Mary's Place!  Well done Compass Housing Alliance!

YES!!!  Down are the walls of self-service, down are the walls of denominationalism and "it can't be done" attitudes.  This is Kimbilio at it's best; and it's something that a lot of people are desiring, and want to be a part of.

Well done Gethsemane Lutheran of Seattle!  Way to be a model of Christ for all of us!  I don't think it will take you long to raise the money for this...I'll be one of the first to give!