In Mark Chapter 4 Jesus
compares growth in the Kingdom of God to the growth of the mustard
seed. From tiny beginnings it grows out of all proportion and
provides shelter for birds and, presumably, people too. Such
astounding growth is, He says, an example of how the Kingdom will
grow.
Those
of us involved in Walton Parish Nursing (Felixstowe) are beginning to
marvel at the truth of that parable. Ten years ago the local Baptist
Church had a vision to serve their local community. They did a survey
of needs and found that people were concerned about their physical,
mental and spiritual health. So they set about meeting that need by
employing a Parish Nurse for a few hours each week, to use her
nursing skills to minister to those needing them in the church
community and beyond. A qualified and active nurse in her day job,
and linked to the wider network of Parish Nursing worldwide, she was
able not only to follow up on those with physical problems but also
to pray with her clients as well.
Amazingly, in the ten years
since its inception, Walton Parish Nursing has grown like the mustard
seed in the parable. Through the generosity of the Baptists in
sharing their scheme with two other churches we now have a truly
ecumenical project run by Baptists, Methodists and Anglicans in equal
parts.
We employ not just a Parish
Nurse but a Parish Occupational Therapist too! They use their skills
to head up a team of 19 part time volunteers working in our needy
community. We run chair-based exercises, drop in clinics, baby
weighing at a local authority children’s centre, Sole Mates (foot
and leg care) and health education courses for anyone in Walton who
wants to take advantage of them. Visiting, transport and advocacy are
all part of the package too.
So our seed has grown into a
tree with many branches that shelter and protect the vulnerable in
this part of Suffolk. But the roots have grown too…those of us
involved are amazed at the way that our faith has grown and deepened
as we have seen God’s hand at work in the provision of key people,
of finance which is all based on donations and grants, and in binding
our churches together in a wonderful way. We really do feel part of
the Kingdom of God!
Thank
you to The East Anglia District and the Ipswich Circuit amongst
others for on-going help in funding this project and if anyone has a
desire to plant a Parish Nursing seed in their neighbourhood or wants
to know more please do get in touch at www.waltonpn.org.uk.
Heather
Bentley ( Member of WPN management team and Seaton Road Methodist Church)
