St. Luke’s Parish Nurse Ministry Enters New Chapter After 28 Years of Compassionate Care
After 28 years of faithful ministry, compassion, and care, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is celebrating the retirement of longtime Parish Nurse Becky Williams while welcoming Lacey Anderson as the next leader of this vital ministry.
For nearly three decades, the Parish Nurse Ministry at St. Luke’s has provided a unique connection between healthcare and spiritual care, supporting parishioners through illness, recovery, grief,care giving, aging and many of life’s most significant transitions. The ministry reflects St. Luke’s belief that God cares for the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
“Through this ministry, parishioners have found not only practical health guidance and support, but also prayer,encouragement, and compassionate presence during some of life’s most challenging moments,” said the Rev. Bryan Owen, Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Williams’ journey with St. Luke’s began long before she became Parish Nurse. Becky and her family first joined the parish in1986 after meeting Rev. Charles Jenkins at a family wedding in Arlington, TX.They were immediately drawn to the church’s welcoming spirit and the strong programs offered for families and children.
Her role as Parish Nurse officially began in1998, and over the years, Williams became a trusted companion to countless individuals and families throughout the parish.
“Becky has had an extraordinary impact on St.Luke’s,” Owen said. “For 28 years, she has walked alongside parishioners and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Her ministry has been marked by compassion, wisdom, and faithfulness. Much of her work happened quietly, one person and one family at a time, but the impact of her care can be seen throughout our parish community.”
Throughout her years of service, Williams witnessed many changes at St. Luke’s, including the construction of the church building itself. However, she says the greatest transformation has been within the parish community, especially following the fire that led to the church’s rebuilding efforts. She describes the response from parishioners as creating “a palpable joy” and strengthening the relationships that make St. Luke’s a caring community.
One of the most meaningful moments in Williams’ ministry came before Parish Nurse was officially established at St.Luke’s. While attending a symposium, she received a small, wrinkled piece of artwork depicting the Road to Emmaus. Months later, as she prayed for clarity about whether she was being called to this ministry, she asked God for a clear sign.
That Sunday, the Adult Forum lesson unexpectedly focused on the Road to Emmaus. Later, when Williams shared the significance of the moment with the priest, he told her that he had considered removing that story from the lesson but felt something encouraged him to keep it. For Williams, it was the answer she had been seeking.
The framed artwork became a lasting reminder of God’s guidance throughout her ministry and a symbol of the ways God often works through unexpected moments.
Another meaningful experience came through a senior resource fair hosted at St. Luke’s. During the event, Williams met an attendee who was struggling financially and living with limited support. After connecting with a Veterans Affairs representative, the individual later received long-overdue disability benefits related to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.
For Williams, moments like these reflected the heart of parish nursing.
“The greatest impact has come from witnessing God at work through the lives of parishioners,” Williams said. “Walking alongside people during moments of vulnerability, grief, healing and joy has been both humbling and deeply meaningful.”
As Williams retires, St. Luke’s is continuing the ministry by welcoming Anderson as the new Parish Nurse. Anderson will begin her role on Monday, August 10.
A registered nurse in the Baton Rouge area since 2013, Anderson brings extensive clinical experience and a passion for caring for both the physical and spiritual needs of others.
“I have been a Registered Nurse in the Baton Rouge area since 2013,” Anderson said. “The fun thing about being a medical-surgical nurse is that I have worked alongside many different specialties caring for diverse patient populations with a wide range of medical conditions. To put it simply, it keeps things interesting.”
For Anderson, nursing has always been more than a profession.
“Nursing has always been a calling and a ministry to me in its own way,” she said. “I have loved the intimacy and creativity that direct patient care brings, caring not only for the patient's physical needs, but also their spiritual needs — either after a hard day of tough news, or prayers of thanks for God’s goodness.”
Owen said Anderson brings both professional skill and spiritual depth to the role.
“In addition to her nursing skills and professional experience, Lacey brings a deep love for Christ, a compassionate heart, and a genuine passion for pastoral care giving,” Owen said. “These gifts will serve her well in this important ministry as she continues the tradition of Christ-centered care that is such a vital part of our parish life.”
Anderson said she is grateful for the opportunity to continue the ministry Williams helped build.
“I am thrilled to join the St. Luke’s team as our Parish Nurse,” Anderson said. “I humbly thank Becky Williams and our clergy for their faith in me, and I welcome all the prayers from our congregation as I step into this exciting position. God is on the move at St. Luke’s, and I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide this ministry.”
The transition of leadership within the Parish Nurse Ministry reflects St. Luke’s ongoing commitment to caring for its community. As the parish rebuilds its campus following the fire, the church continues investing not only in buildings but also in the ministries and relationships that define its identity.
“As we rebuild, we are doing more than constructing new buildings,” Owen said. “We are investing in the ministries and relationships that make this church a caring Christian community. The transition from Becky to Lacey is a wonderful example of honoring a remarkable legacy of care while ensuring future generations will continue to receive the support and compassion that have long been hallmarks of St. Luke’s.”
The continuation of the Parish Nurse Ministry reflects the same vision behind St. Luke’s Capital Campaign, “Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.”Through faithful ministry, compassionate care, and continued service, St.Luke’s remains committed to walking alongside its parishioners for generations to come.