Caring & Health

Need healing in body, mind and spirit? Interested in maintaining and promoting good health for the glory of God’s kingdom? The purpose of our caring and health ministries is to partner with you in caring for the gift of life. We provide resources for living well in all stages of life and aspects of life—body, mind and spirit—and making healthy spiritual living a priority.

Care ministry

Looking for emotional and/or spiritual support through a current struggle? Visit a support group that addresses your specific needs or explore other care ministries that will help you cope and overcome.

Disabilities ministry

We desire to be a welcoming place to those with disabilities. In addition to offering events that help people with disabilities connect, we offer special on-site accommodations that allow everyone to participate fully in worship and learning.

The Gathering

This group respite program is for people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss. It provides a day of stimulation for the participants and a needed break for the caregivers. Volunteers provide activities for cognitive and social stimulation in a safe, enjoyable environment.

This ministry is provided in partnership with professional support and training from Avinity Senior Living. An assessment with a professional Gathering staff member (MSW or RN) is required prior to attending this social model program.

To volunteer or participate, contact Cindy Engelkes by e-mail or at 763.231.2964.

Support Groups

There are times in our lives when we need the understanding and encouragement of others who have walked in similar shoes. Experience renewed hope through our numerous support groups and grow your faith in a God who indeed cares for you.

All groups meet at Calvary and are free of charge unless noted differently. For more information, contact Cindy Engelkes by e-mail or at 763.231.2964.

Health & wellness

Exercise and walking opportunities. Free blood pressure checks. With the help of our parish nurse ministry, you can improve your overall health and wellness.

Advance care planning

Advance care planning is talking to your loved ones about what you would like your health care choices to be if a time comes when you are unable to speak for yourself. After you have this conversation, you may write down your wishes in a document called a health care directive. This document allows you to:

• Give instructions about the type of medical care you wish to receive or not to receive
• Choose a person(s), called a health care agent(s), to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate
• Your parish nurses are here to help with the process.

Contact Cindy Engelkes by e-mail or at 763.231.2964.

Parish nurse ministry

A melding of both nursing and ministry, our parish nurse ministry serves individuals and families through health education and resources that promote spiritual maturity. The goal? Wellness in body, mind and spirit.

Our parish nurses work together in providing health education and congregational care. Could you benefit from parish-nursing services? Contact Cindy Engelkes by e-mail or at 763.231.2964.

Life Events

Our lives are characterized by many joyous, sometimes challenging and heartrending, rites of passage – baptisms, weddings, funerals. Let us help you plan for some of the most important events in your life.

Prayer ministry

From prayer warriors to prayer chains to prayer shawls, we want to uplift you with the power and refreshment of fervent prayer. More>>

Visitation ministry

Count on our prayer and presence if you or a loved one is hospitalized, in a care facility or homebound, or experiencing a life challenge or transition. In addition to offering their compassion, lay ministers represent the caring presence of God and our entire church community. We are eager to support you and share resources in a variety of ways:

• Phone calls or visits before, during or after hospital stays
• Visits, with Holy Communion if desired, for those who are homebound or dealing with a life challenge or transition
• Delivery of a meal after a hospitalization or a funeral
• Prayer support

It is our desire to help you stay spiritually connected to your Calvary family. To make a request or volunteer for any of these ministries, contact Cindy Engelkes by e-mail or at 763.231.2964 or the church office at 763.545.5659.

Visitation ministry

Visitation ministers provide friendly visits and companionship to those who are homebound or struggling with a life transition or challenge. Along with conversation, visits may include reading aloud, listening to music or Sunday’s sermon together, or playing a game.

BeFrienders ministry

BeFrienders are specially trained lay ministers who are eager to extend a listening ear and caring presence to others facing physical, emotional and/or spiritual trial.

Hospital Visits

Count on our prayer and presence if you or a loved one is hospitalized. Please contact Cindy Engelkes by e-mail or at 763.231.2964 or call the church office at 763.545.5659 to request a visit. Remember, hospitals no longer notify us when our members are admitted for care.

Meal Ministry Team

Are you in the midst of a heath crisis or a life transition? Calvary’s Meal Ministry Team is ready to offer support and encouragement by delivering a meal.

To volunteer to serve on the Meal Ministry Team, please complete the Meal Ministry Team Information Sheet and send it to Cindy Engelkes by mail or e-mail. Contact Cindy at 763.231.2964 for more information.