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.
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.
News
Connection, Awareness, Resources and Education (CARE)
Do you want to know how to journey with and support someone who has a chronic illness such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, or Parkinson’s? Dr. Art Cross and Rev. Franklin Faine will present an overview on how to help those with chronic disease by using the Connection, Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE) model on Thursday evenings, 6:00 to 8:30, January 26, February 2 and 9. Register online or contact Betsy McKeeby at the church (407-644-2906, ext. 237).
Our Whole Community
We are a member congregation of Our Whole Community, Inc. a group of faith-based organizations collaborating on community health initiatives to produce intergenerational wholeness and healthy lifestyle outcomes in the Central Florida area. For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, visit the web site at www.ourwholecommunity.org.
A major effort has been providing the support for individuals to experience growing some of their own food. Raised garden boxes are available for rent in the community. Portable garden boxes are available to allow home gardening in a limited space. The cost of the 28" X 16 " self-watering box is $30 which includes a nutrient patch. More information is available at www.agardenpatch.com or boxes can be purchased by contacting Cathy at csemyck(at)earthlink.net.
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:
Fitness Classes
See the schedule- 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 where you can burn up to 600 calories in one fun and powerfully effective 60 minute workout. Choreographed to today's hottest music, Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, Yoga, and kickboxing. You don’t need any dance experience to start dancing yourself fit today with 8 classes offered each week. Class times are Monday 5:15pm and 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 5pm and 6pm, Wednesday at 6pm and Saturday at 9:30am. The cost is $36 per month (electronic funds transfer) or $92 for eight weeks of unlimited classes. The joining fee of $20 is waived for members of the church. Contact Nancy Lowe, Certified Jazzercise Instructor, at 407-321-7761.
- Junior Jazzercise fitness is fun with this exercise program designed specifically for kids. Now you can encourage healthy habits for life when you sign your kids up for the playful and popular Junior Jazzercise! Not only will they be taught to develop large motor skills, coordination, strength and endurance, but they will learn about nutrition, and the importance of physical fitness while dancing to the music they love. These classes are offered to children ages 6 through 12 every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm. The cost is $49 per month and we do offer a sibling discount. Contact Nancy Lowe, Certified Jazzercise Instructor, at 407-321-7761.
- Hatha Yoga classes (Level 1/2): for women meet on Wednesday mornings in the Family Life Center Room 305 from 9:30 – 10:45. Karen Cornelius is a trained YogaFit instructor. The class consists of the physical yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation combined with prayer, and devotion time. Previous experience with Yoga is encouraged. Dress in comfortable clothing. Bring a mat, towel, and a bottle of water. (Extra mats and are available.) The entry class is free. Contact Karen at 407-678-2667 or kcornelius@cfl.rr.com.
Health Services
See the 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 and Dementia Resource Center is available by appointment. Contact Betsy McKeeby at betsym@fumcwp.org 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) 927-4380 or email Brain Fitness at brainfitness@cfl.rr.com directly. The group has a Monday and a Wednesday session each week from 10 am to 2pm. For more information about this ministry, visit the Brain Fitness page. - 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. - Medical Supplies including wheelchairs, walkers and crutches are available for use as needed. Please contact Betsy McKeeby at betsym@fumcwp.org to check on equipment availability.
- Support Groups
Various groups meet here dealing with different life issues. For more information, please visit the Caring Ministry's Support page.
Training
Read more- 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 at betsym@fumcwp.org 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 at betsym@fumcwp.org to schedule.
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.
