ABC : Wellness Ministry

Wellness Ministry seeks to continue Jesus’ mission of love and healing today. This ministry is an enduring sign of the belief that every person is a treasure, every life a sacred gift, every human being a unity of body, mind, and spirit.

The Wellness Ministry works to bring alive the Gospel vision of justice and peace. It seeks to answer God’s call to foster healing, act with compassion, and promote wellness for all persons and communities, with special attention to those who are poor, underserved and most vulnerable. This Ministry strives to transform hurt into hope.

The Wellness Ministry commits to:

Challenging members of the Church of the Brethren to adopt healthy living and behaviors (spiritual, emotional, physical) with special emphasis on metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, high cholesterol). It will also encourage and support wellness ministries within the Church of the Brethren (Lafiya, Parish Nursing, etc.) See the Lighten Up, Brethren! information!

Engaging in the current public debates about health care delivery, access, and financing reform.

Educating members of the Church of the Brethren about the stewardship of healthcare resources (health care costs, complimentary and alternative medicine, pharmaceutical dependence reduction, and the allocation of healthcare resources (especially at end of life). "How should Brethren use their health care dollars?

Promoting simple living, because simple living is healthy, spiritually centered living. This Ministry will raise awareness of the connection between physical, mental, spiritual, social and emotional aspects of life. "What does simple living look like today?”

New! Take the 300 Day Anniversary Challenge
The Wellness Ministry is sponsoring the "300 Day Anniversary Challenge," a fitness activity which begins at the Cleveland Conference and goes until the next Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., marking the Church of the Brethren's 300th Anniversary. Learn more about this activity here.

2007 Health Promotion Sunday Theme Focuses on Wellness
Church leaders across denominational boundaries are lifting up the need for healthier clergy and congregation members. One pastor and physician noted that in many cases the least healthy meals we eat may be at our churches! ABC created many worship and congregational resources for Health Promotion Sunday, normally celebrated on May 20. The following on-line resources will be available here.

Handouts from 2006 Annual Conference Insight Session Are Now Available
Below are three handouts from the 2006 Annual Conference Insight Session "Laughter, Love and Wellness," which was presented on July 2 at 12:30 p.m. These materials were compiled by Sonia Solomonson.

Scriptures about Laughter and Joy, pdf file or webpage
Resources on Humor and Laughter, pdf file or webpage
Hymns and Occupations, pdf file or webpage

"Wellness in Times of Crises" DVD Available
During ABC's report to delegates on Tuesday afternoon of 2005 Annual Conference, the agency showed an excerpt from its new "God's Spirit is Among Us: Wellness in Times of Crises" video. This 17-minute video tells how Brethren have found hope and wellness during life's difficult times and circumstances. The video is available for congregations to use individually or with small groups as they seek to discuss wellness further. It may be a helpful tool for congregations wishing to learn of ways they can assist individuals find wellness throughout all phases of their lives. ABC is making the DVD available at cost, $7.50. To order a copy, send ABC an e-mail message.