Cheryl Updegraff

I began serving as the Parish Nurse for our church family in 2004; I love being a part of our church staff and the Caring Ministry outreach. The goal of our Parish Nurse Program is to meet the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of the individual by utilizing the resources of our church family (Doorstep Dinners/ Heavenly Helpers/ Stephen Ministers), the health care system, and the community. I spend most of my time responding to the needs of our church members by visiting hospitalized members, nursing home visits, and home visits, availability on Sunday and Tuesday mornings, Wednesday afternoons and other times by appointment; and providing support and education of availability of services, programs, and health screenings. I am a Stephen Minister Leader and remain involved in the outreach and caring ministry programs. Our Parish Nurse staff position is a part time position (10 hours per week).

I received my diploma in nursing from Lutheran Hospital and have a bachelor’s degree in Health Care administration. My prior work history was Practice Manager for an Otolaryngology three office practice for many years and a staff Pediatric nurse at both Lutheran and Lakewood Hospitals. My husband, David, and I have been members of the church for 50+ years. We have three children who were baptized, confirmed and married in our church. The church family has always been a large part of our lives. Our children and grandchildren all live out of state so we travel often and also enjoy our Lake Home and summer activities in Marblehead.