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Methodist Healthcare Ministry |
First UMC Tower Tidings, August 2007 Methodist Healthcare Takes on Two New Staffers Shirley DeLaurentis and Gerald Saenz
She’s always wide-eyed and eager, whether it’s talking about her students, her job, or her music. Shirley DeLaurentis, the new Wesley Nurse at FUMC is enthusiastic and ready to get to work. "This field is wide open—wide open!" she gushes. "I can’t wait to get to work. There are such possibilities here." You may know Shirley better as a member and sometimes guest director of the Chancel Choir. Among her many areas of expertise is music. She holds a Masters of Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Her busy schedule has always included music ministry either as a participant or a director. But her primary vocation has always been nursing. Shirley has been teaching at Moody High School’s Health Science Academy for the last seven years. Before that she racked up experience as a hospital nurse, a school nurse, an out-patient clinic nurse, and family practice clinic manager. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters in Health Services Management, there’s hardly anything that her new job could throw at her that she can’t handle. Wesley Nurses not only serve the medical needs of the congregation and the community, but recognize spiritual interventions as a means of healing also. "I’m looking forward to every aspect of the position," says Shirley, "the planning, the interface with people, and of course the educational aspect. People can only take care of themselves if they know how." Stop by and visit with Shirley. You’ll find her just across from the main office. She is expected on the job in early August.
New Counselor Eager to Work in Faith Based Environment “This is surprisingly quiet for me,” smiles Gerald Saenz, the new Methodist Healthcare Ministries counselor. And well it might be. Gerald spent the last decade in the northeastern United States working in crisis counseling and with foster programs. Now he is glad to get back to his roots. A native Corpus Christian, Gerald was ready to move closer to family when he got the opportunity to sign on with Methodist Health Ministries. “I also look forward to doing work done out of a faith-based place,” he adds. “This helps to reinforce that churches are here for this type of ministry.” Gerald meets with clients here at FUMC on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until around 8:00 pm. The rest of the week he’s based at St. Luke’s UMC. He welcomes the opportunity to make it easy for someone who needs help to get counseling. Methodist Healthcare offers counseling at several locations throughout South Texas. Fees are on a sliding scale based on income and range from free to a maximum of $15.00. “I urge everyone to take advantage of the availability,” says Gerald. “Don’t be intimidated. Refer a friend or family.” To schedule an appointment, you can call Gerald at 548-3081. “It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering stuff,” he adds. |
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E-mail: ccdistrict@bizstx.rr.com phone: 361-852.8268 fax: 361-852.3370 3510 Gollihar Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415 Copyright © 2006-2007 || Home | Contact Us | WebServant | |
Wesley
Nurse Eager for Possibilities in Sharing Health and Wellness
