Welcome to the ELCA PNA website. The ELCA PNA membership continues to grow as we move toward becoming a national organization.

News from Minneapolis/St. Paul Area Synod- ELCA PNA
The ELCA Parish Nurses were pleased to be welcomed at the Minneapolis and St. Paul Synod Assemblies in April and May respectively. We set up an attractive and informative display table and staffed a quiet room where we could minister to anyone needing medical attention, relaxation or prayer. It was a good opportunity to share information about Parish Nursing!

THE SPRING GATHERING was held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on April 29. Karen Stevenson, M. Div. MSW, a pastoral Counselor in St. Paul, MN gave an insightful presentation: Integrity, Living Life as our “True Self”.

THE MISSION OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Valborg Tollefsrud presented a comprehensive report regarding the 8 new parish nurses we have supported with funds for their Parish Nurse Course, and start up costs. We are grateful to the Minneapolis Synod Mission tables for their financial gift which made this possible.

Become a member today! http://elcapna.org/joinus.htm I would encourage every Parish Nurse to participate in the ELCA/PNA organization by joining, by serving on a board or committee, by encouraging other ELCA Parish Nurses to join AND by prayer support. These are exciting and challenging times and it is a privilege to be part of it. You are also invited to submit devotions of 200-300 words written specifically with Parish Nurses in mind. Please email them to mjhallberg@gloriadeistpaul.org or ktreat@luthersem.edu. The Communications Committee selects those printed.

Blessings on you all!

Ann Rabie, Chair, Minneapolis/St. Paul Area Synod Parish Nurse Association Board

News from the National ELCA Parish Nurse Association Steering Committee

The Steering Committee meets monthly via phone conference. Area contacts from 6 of our 8 regions of the ELCA meet. We still need representatives from Region 1 and 7.

First retreat was last November, 09 held at Heartwood Conference Center in Wisconsin. Both Rev.Jensen Seyenkulo, ELCA Churchwide Office and Tammy Devine, ELCA Board of Pensions presented. The Steering committee met for the first time in person. It was a beautiful setting. Thrivent for Lutherans offset the cost of the facility.

In February, we submitted an application for affiliation to ELCA Churchwide, It was warmly received and supported from Vocation and Education It is still in process. We anticipate conclusion to this process within the following 2 months.

Plans are underway for a pre-Westberg event for the ELCAPNA in St. Louis for September of 2010. Watch for more information.

We are currently sending out a survey to the 900+ people on the national list. Watch for this in your email or by snail mail

Blessings on your ministry,

Annette Langdon, ELCA Parish Nurse Steering Committee Chairperson, Churchwide