from heraldnet.com
Gwen Thomas, 54, had been a nurse for 10 years but she wanted to do more.
She wanted to combine her faith with her skills as a nurse. After all, she was following God when she became a certified nurse.
“God wanted me to do his work through nursing,” she said. “I am using my gifts to honor God.”
So she started volunteering at her church as a parish nurse, someone who has been a nurse for at least two years who works at a church to address the health of its members.
She took a course designed for parish nurses at Seattle Pacific University in 2008.
She started serving two years ago at Central Christian Church at 126 Cedar Ave. in Snohomish, creating health programs and teaching healthy lifestyles.
Thomas volunteers at the church, but still works as a nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center.
Her position at the church didn't exist before, so there was no one to guide her or teach her.
“I am relying on God to direct me. I have no one else to follow.”
In total, she spends about 20 hours per week in all of her activities as a volunteer.
She started programs to encourage people to live healthier. These programs include encouraging walking after church services and giving free blood screenings once a month.
She visits church members in the hospital, giving them what she calls “blessing bags,” which consist of items like a Bible, candy, puzzles and thank you notes.
“It's just fun things you may need in the hospital,” she said. “Every bag is different.”
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