In This Issue:
- Unity During Distress
- NEW Rest and Renewal Bible Study
- Save The Date for April Journal Club & More!
- NCF Honor Cords for Graduation
- Student Ministry Retreat Recap
- March Prayer Calendar
- NCF Tabletop Discussion Recap
- Nurse Mentors Needed
Unity During Distress
Kris Mauk · Senior Editor, Journal of Christian Nursing
In these times of the COVID pandemic and political unrest, it is hard to think of being unified. Today’s trials and tribulations separate us from each other. Extended families are forced to be apart. Friends must social distance. Fear of the future is fanned by flames of unrest, social media, and the news. The environment in which we currently live does not seem to promote togetherness, much less unity. Much of the joy of living appears to have evaporated from the world. So, how do we achieve unity during periods of distress?
During mass disasters, people often call to God for help and salvation. I am reminded that during the World Wars, Americans banded together. Stories from those times demonstrated unity in the face of fear and destruction. Likewise, the countless tales of heroism, selflessness, and sacrifice that came from the 911 attacks and the aftermath bear witness that trials can make us come together as a community, a people, one nation under God.
The apostle Paul asked the Philippians to have the same mind, the same love, and to be in full accord (Philippians 2:2, ESV). How different would our world look if we all had the same mind and were unified? If everyone in America were in full accord, what would that look like? Unfortunately, in a sinful world there may only be pockets of unity. However, for Christian nurses, as the old hymn says:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure as the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
In ongoing situations like the COVID-19 pandemic we can be sure that there is a steady heavenly Father who still loves and cares for us. He is still the anchor for our souls. He is still the rock that cannot move. He is still on the throne. He still holds tomorrow.
NEW Rest and Renewal Bible Study
The best form of self-care for nurses--or for anyone who follows Jesus--is self-care that integrates Scripture and spiritual disciplines.
When, in your nursing career, would you have longed for someone to invite you to rest? Jesus holds out that invitation to each of us to come and rest with him. A new, short Bible study based on Matthew 11:25-30 uses Jesus’ own teaching to pinpoint how we can rest and be renewed in all facets of our life: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Check out and download the study here.
Save The Date for April Journal Club & More!
NCF has many exciting upcoming events! Join us at the following:
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Weekly Night of Prayer: Every Sunday at 6 pm CST
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Journal Club*: Quarterly in January, April, July, & October
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NCF Tabletop Discussions*: 4th Monday of every other month
- Next Discussion: Monday, April 26th, 7 pm CST: Where Is God When It Hurts?
- Visit the Tabletop Discussions page for information on upcoming and past Tabletop Discussions
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Twin Cities NCF National Meeting
*NCF members-only events!
NCF Honor Cords for Graduation
Are you an NCF educator or a member who is graduating soon? Order NEW NCF Honor Cords to wear at graduation! Members can use discount code RELATIONSHIP on all NCF products in the InterVarsity Store for 15% off!
Student Ministry Retreat Recap
Jen Wojtysiak, BS, ThM • NCF Student Ministries Director
Last month we held our first National Student Ministries Retreat. Here is what students are saying about it:
“I absolutely loved attending this retreat on my Saturday morning! Even though I woke up exhausted, I felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and at peace by the end.”
“In groups we talked about the amazing work God is always doing behind the scenes for his bigger picture, and how easy it is to become comfortable in our small picture view. It is hard to see the good that is being done when we are surrounded by pain, suffering and hatred. This retreat provided the reminder I needed to continue to put my faith in God and surrender all to him and that I am never alone in my life journey.”
“During the NCF retreat, God called me to be weak and release my stress to him. This was so powerful because I try so hard to be in control all the time. I try to be strong in every setting and I had not realized that I needed to let go of all that had been bottled up inside of me. The NCF retreat promoted my spiritual health and I will carry what I learned about Psalm 46:10 with me through my nursing career.”
Join us in thanking God for what he did in students' lives. Stay tuned, we will definitely be making this a regular event!
March Prayer Calendar
Christy Secor, DNP, RN, CDWF · NCF Professional Ministries Director
For many of us, this past year has represented the dark night of the soul. But in our darkness, there is a light that shines bright and true. Skip McDonald, BSN, RN, Regional Resource Specialist for InterVarsity Southeast, shares this beautiful truth in a poem she wrote and recently shared during NCF’s first Tabletop Discussion. To read Skip’s poem and our prayer requests for March, click here.
NCF Tabletop Discussion Recap
In February, NCF kicked off the first of our bimonthly Tabletop Discussions. These discussions center around topics and needs we all face. February’s topic, Jesus and Mental Health During a Pandemic, was presented by Skip McDonald, BSN, RN, Regional Resource Specialist for InterVarsity Southeast. Participants shared:
“This was a refreshing word, and you have poured into us. I feel like I can encourage others.” “Thank you … I needed this today.” “My story and journey has been a long suffering one. I believe being with my fellow nurses who follow Christ has been such a blessing.” “I felt ‘seen’ as Skip shared.”
If you missed the webinar, NCF members can access the recording here. Mark your calendars for April 26 as Skip shares on the subject, Where Is God When It Hurts? and register here!
Nurse Mentors Needed
Christy Secor DNP, RN, CDWF · NCF Professional Ministries Director
Mentoring is an important need within nursing and one where we all recognize the benefits. It provides opportunities for connection, support, and encouragement. It sustains our profession especially following what has been a traumatic year. It’s a place to listen, learn, and link our faith and practice.
NCF wants to connect Christian nurse mentors with mentees. Would you be willing to be a mentor? Questions? Check out the NCF Mentorship page. Ready for the next step? Use the NCF Mentorship Application to sign up.
