Why It Matters
While the holidays are often seen as a season of joy and celebration, many people in our congregations may experience them differently. Loss of a loved one, financial hardship, health challenges, or limited social connections can make this time feel lonely, stressful, or isolating. As faith community nurses, recognizing that not everyone experiences the holidays as happy allows us to approach members with compassion, presence, and meaningful support. By being aware, listening without judgment, and creating opportunities for connection, we can help those who are struggling feel seen, valued, and not alone.
FCNs can make a real difference in reducing social isolation. FCNs are uniquely equipped to do the following:
Reach out to members who may feel lonely or isolated.
Provide a safe space to share feelings and be heard.
Encourage connection through calls, visits, or small groups.
Offer practical support and helpful resources.
Include spiritual care through presence, reflection, or prayer.
Raise awareness about the impact of social isolation.
Ready-to-Use Program Ideas
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Objective:
The Faith Community Nurse will increase awareness among congregation members about the impact of social isolation on physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and promote opportunities for connection and support during the holiday season.Metric:
At least (input your number) adults will participate in one or more connection-focused activities (e.g., social events, support groups, or volunteer outreach) hosted by the congregation in December.Data Collection Tool:
Attendance log or sign-in sheet from social events, or short post-event reflection survey (1–2 questions about connection and belonging).Key Activities:
Host a “Stay Connected Sunday” or fellowship hour to share education about the health risks of loneliness and ways to stay engaged. Use the Loneliness Awareness Week’s Toolkit to access social media graphics, event posters, and a Supporters Information Pack.
Provide bulletin inserts or social media posts with information on how faith and community can reduce feelings of isolation. Access the NIA’s Social Isolation and Outreach Toolkit to access animated graphics, social media images, educational flyers, videos and more.
Share brief devotionals, prayers or sacred texts that emphasize community, care, and connection. Work with faith leaders and use denominational, faith-based, or interfaith resources to find devotionals, prayers, and readings that foster connection.
Encourage members to identify one person in the congregation or community to check in on weekly during December.
Other Resources to Support this Goal:
The Surgeon General’s Framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection
The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults engAged Community Awareness Toolkit
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Objective:
Establish and sustain a Buddy/Visitation Program with at least (input goal number of trained volunteers) conducting a minimum of two meaningful contacts per participant per month by the end of December.Metric:
Number of volunteers trained and active
Number of members receiving visits or calls
Frequency of meaningful interactions logged
Data Collection Tool:
Volunteer Contact Log Sheet or simple digital tracking form noting:
Date of contact
Type (phone call, in-person visit, card)
Length of interaction
General notes or concerns
Weekly summary sheet for nurses to review trends and follow-up needs.
Key Activities:
Recruit and train volunteers early in December (training session led by FCN on confidentiality, active listening, and spiritual care). Access the Successful Strategies for Recruiting, Training, and Utilizing Volunteers A Guide for Faith- and Community-Based Service Providers.
Identify isolated individuals through pastoral staff, deacons, or congregational care lists.
Pair each volunteer with 1–2 individuals for regular contact.
Provide conversation guides (sample questions, prayers, topics). For best practices on visiting programs that address social isolation, visit Link, The Visiting Scheme, The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health or AARP’s Help Older Adults Prevent Social Isolation DIY Guide.
Hold a mid-month debrief for volunteers to share successes and challenges.
Conclude the program with a “Community Celebration” or recognition Sunday.
Collect volunteer logs and summarize total contacts for reporting and evaluation.
Other Resources to Support this Goal:
AARP Foundation: Connect2Affect Volunteer Toolkit
Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation among Older Adults Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Item description
Ready-to-Share Videos
Focus on Spiritual Integration
Focus on Spiritual Integration
Integrating Spiritual Care to Address Social Isolation
During the December campaign on social isolation, FCNs have a powerful opportunity to blend health education with compassionate spiritual care. The goal is not to fix loneliness, but to offer a healing presence by listening deeply, holding space, and supporting individuals as they experience their emotions. Through meaningful conversation, prayer, or simple companionship, nurses can help others recognize how God is moving in their lives even during seasons of struggle. Practicing nonjudgment and self-awareness allows the FCN to accept each person exactly where they are on their journey. By letting go of expectations and focusing on presence, peace, and connection, FCNs help foster a renewed sense of belonging and spiritual well-being. This gentle integration of faith and care reminds each person that they are seen, valued, and never alone, which is an especially vital message during the holiday season.
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The resources provided on this website are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. The Indiana Center for Parish Nursing (ICPN) does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of information from external websites linked here.