Health & Wholeness
Mission Statement
The parish nurse and the health and wholeness team will implement programs to promote health and wellness in the congregation and community, by educating people about their role, resources and options about their health, so all can achieve the wholeness planned by God.
Flu Shots
Flu shots for adults will be offered at the church on Wednesday, September 29 from 10am – 12:30 in the fellowship hall. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone unless there is a medical contraindication. The strongest needs are for anyone over age 50, anyone with heart or lung disease (including asthma) or chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney problems or weakened immune system because of the increased risk of complications from the flu in these groups. All who are household contacts or caregivers of children younger than 6 months and all healthcare workers are encouraged to obtain the flu shot to protect those who are at the highest risk of complications. The inactivated influenza vaccine can NOT cause someone to get the flu.
There are about 30,000 influenza (flu) – related deaths each year. Deaths may occur from pneumonia or exacerbation of chronic diseases especially in the over 65 age group. There is no charge here for vaccines for those on Medicare or with Aetna Insurance. Others will be charged $25 for flu shots. Optional pneumonia shots for $50 and tetanus shots for $45 will be available by registration if your health care provider recommends this. Please sign up online at www.vaxcare.com by clicking “patient signup” and entering ID "3237" for this site or contact the church office at 407-644-2906 to register.
Keep your mind and body ready to serve
Keeping our bodies and minds in good shape helps us be prepared to answer God’s call to serve him through worship, connect with him through the study of Scripture, and to act for him by helping others. The church provides the following options for you to prepare yourself physically to be in service:
The Health Ministry Team
Health and wholeness ministries support the journey of this congregation and community toward a balance of physical, emotional, spiritual and social health. The Health Ministry Team and parish nurse identify the needs of the congregation and then provide resources to help individuals make informed decisions about their health and ways to maintain wellness.
This ministry team plans and coordinates programs/classes regarding any aspect of improving the health of a person. Emphasis is given to activities that will decrease the major causes of premature death, i.e. heart and vascular problems, cancer, breathing problems, accidents and diabetes. Programs regarding a medical diagnosis emphasize knowledge to help the person directly or indirectly impacted by the problem. All programs support the use of spiritual beliefs and activities to deal with attitudes which negatively impact health, such as stress, anger, hopelessness and powerlessness. Written material and a bulletin board provide detailed information on specific topics.
Blood Pressure Screenings
Screenings for blood pressure are periodically held at FUMCWP between worship services on Sunday. The parish nurse is available to perform this screening at other times when in the office.
Gentle Yoga Classes are held each Monday and Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Family Life Center Room 316. Gentle yoga is appropriate for all adults; no previous experience is necessary. Gentle Yoga is a series of stretches including yoga poses with some focus on breathing. Classes are taught by Gwen Burnett, certified Yoga teacher in the Integral Hatha Yoga tradition and registered Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. Donations are accepted.
Jazzercise is a 60-minute class incorporating cardio, strength, and stretch moves for a total body workout. All ages, fitness levels, and sizes are welcome. You don’t need any dance experience to enjoy this class. Classes are offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am and Monday through Thursday from 6 to 7 pm. The cost is $34 per month or $80 for eight weeks of unlimited classes. The joining fee of $35 is waived for members of the church. Contact Nancy Lowe, certified Jazzercise instructor, at 407-321-7761.
Hatha Yoga classes (Level 1) are held on Monday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 and on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 in the Family Life Center Room 305. Monday class includes light hand weights. Classes are open to all members of the community and no prior experience is necessary. Beginners learn and improve poses and breathing; experienced students focus on the foundations of their practice. The cost is $14 for single classes, $44 for four classes, and $80 for eight classes. Scholarships are available. Classes are taught by Vickie Reedy, certified instructor in YogaFit and Sign Chi Do (a medically-based Christian relaxation program).
Hatha Yoga classes (Level 2) meet on Wednesday mornings in the Family Life Center Room 305 from 9:30 to 10:45. More challenging poses are presented by Vickie and poses are held longer than in Level 1. For more information about yoga classes and nursery availability visit the Positively Fitness blog.
CPR and AED Training
The church has two automatic external defibrillator (AED). One is located in the ushers' closet near the sanctuary and the second is in the Family Life Center kitchen. Parish Nurse Betsy McKeeby will continue to regularly offer classes to groups of four to six people who want to learn CPR and use of the AED. Contact Betsy McKeeby to schedule this 1 1/2 hour free course. All ushers and group leaders are encouraged to get this training. Four-hour Basic Life Support (BLS) Training with certification is also offered regularly by appointment. Recovery of infants through adults is included. Contact Betsy McKeeby to schedule.
Personal Counseling by licensed mental health counselors is available at the church through the Community Counseling Center of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Please call 407-876-4991 for an appointment. This is a fee-based service.
Alzheimer Counseling is available for caretakers or others impacted by Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia. The family counselor from the Alzheimer Resource Center is available by appointment. Contact Betsy McKeeby for more information.
Brain Fitness
This is a two day/week program based on a cutting edge model for memory wellness. This socially and cognitively stimulating model is set to enhance or maintain cognitive functioning for individual success and enjoyment. Our participants have suffered stroke, cognitive impairment, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease - but is specifically designed for those in early stages of a memory disorder. For more information on this program, contact Peggy Bargmann, Program Administrator at 407.774.6274 or email Brain Fitness directly. This group meets from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Medical Supplies including wheelchairs, walkers and crutches are available for use as needed. Please contact Betsy McKeeby to check on equipment availability.
What is a parish nurse? – A parish nurse is a registered nurse working in the church to assist members to become more aware of their health and ways to move toward wholeness. Parish nurses act as health counselors, educators, community resource liaisons and integrators of faith and health. Contact the church office at 407-644-2906 if these services are needed.

