Throughout history, we have equated a stretcher with illness or injury.  We have seen images of wounded soldiers being carried off the battlefield or of paramedics carrying a person from house to ambulance.

Even in the Bible, we find a description of stretcher bearers:

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.  And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  Mark 2:3-5

Sometimes we cannot think about positive steps towards health or begin the healing ;process without the love and support of others.  Whether our needs are physical, mental or spiritual, there are times when we just cannot go it alone—we need someone to carry our stretcher.

The Good Shepherd Stretcher Bearers, a Wellness Ministry, is a program through which the church ministers to the spiritual, mental and physical needs of the people.  This ministry is a team effort.  Good Shepherd’s programs are designed to help anyone without regard to church membership.

Most of Good Shepherd Stretcher Bearers’ programs are offered free of charge.  We are here to meet your needs.  If any program or service requires a fee, the cost will be publicized.  Donations are always welcomed.

Good Shepherd Stretcher Bearers is led by Parish Nurse Bette Sue Allen, R.N., who says, “For me, the Wellness Ministry is taking God’s love into Phase 3:  I’ve believed in it.  I’ve accepted it.  Now I am ready to act on it.  A Wellness Ministry means caring for the whole person—sharing one another’s burdens; providing presence, support and encouragement; listening; helping one another feel God’s loving, healing power, especially in times of despair.  This type of ministry remembers Christ’s command to teach, preach and heal.”

Wellness Ministry Page