Spring 2010

Download Vital Signs as a PDF

In this Issue:

• National Nurses Week Resources
• Planning the Vision and Direction of your Group
• From the Heart – Vignettes to Encourage
• Celebrating Judy Shelly
• Annual Census Announcement

National Nurses Week Resources are now available

Ideas for planning an event, a downloadable Bible study guide and ideas for prayer are now online at http://www.ncf-jcn.org/publications/main.php.

Many leaders use these resources as a kick-off or outreach event, or as a way to revitalize their group.  Some groups are already planning a breakfast or brunch event.

Planning the Vision and Direction of your Group

God has placed Christian nurses in their positions to be a part of what God is doing at their workplace to grow His Kingdom. God wants to work in and through them to bring others to Himself, to guide their conversations with patients, and to change the culture of nursing. NCF should be a place where non-Christians can come to learn about the Source we have for our inner strength and hope.

We all know that nursing is tough and that many nurses have a difficult time in balancing time for work, church and family. NCF groups are here to encourage, equip and engage them.

Many nurse groups take a break over the summer. Before you wind down or as you plan this summer, I would encourage the core members to reflect on NCF's purpose as you plan for next year.

The Purpose of Nurses Christian Fellowship, as a ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is to establish and advance in nursing, within education and practice, witnessing communities of nursing students and nurses who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture and God's purposes in the world.

Please pray about how your group can reflect the purpose of NCF, especially reaching out to others and becoming witnessing communities.

Each nurse in your group has a unique sphere of influence. Starting to pray for those within each individual sphere of influence is a great place to start.

This past school year we challenged our student groups to use "2+ Prayer Cards".  Each person chose two people to commit to pray for and to intentionally build a relationship with using the ideas and helps in the 2+ Prayer Card. Consider using this tool for your group!

Need more ideas for your group? Contact Bonnie.

Have an idea to share with other groups that God has used in your group? Contact Bonnie

From the Heart: A JCN Collection

We've put together a care package for you. From the Heart is a new topical collection at Journal of Christian Nursing. These short vignettes beautifully convey the heart of great nursing and will encourage you in your role as a healthcare provider.  If you are looking for ways to encourage your group, you could periodically email them one of these stories.

I guarantee your heart will be touched when you read these stories, says Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, JCN Editor.

Celebrating Judy Shelly

Have you been blessed by a Bible study guide or book written by Judith Allen Shelly?

In March, we celebrated Judy Shelly's forty years of ministry with NCF with a special banquet in Valley Forge, PA. Judy is preparing for retirement June 30, 2010.

Judy's contribution to God's work among nurses and nursing students is a treasured legacy. She is the author of 20 books, numerous Bible studies and other resources on integrating spiritual care and nursing practice. She served as the editor of the Journal of Christian Nursing and is a leader in spiritual formation for NCF and InterVarsity.

The annual Nurses Christian Fellowship Nurse Group Census is coming!

Look for an email survey coming to your inbox sometime in May.  Your quick response to the survey is appreciated!

Looking for more ways to connect with NCF?
Check out our blog and Facebook page!