Lori Tormey, RN and Coordinator Health and Wellness Ministry 724-312-4875
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MISSION STATEMENT
The Health and Wellness Ministry is a collaborative effort that facilitates and develops health ministries in the congregations and communities of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod in order to encourage holistic wellness - touching one life at a time.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTRY
SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD PITTSBURGH MERCY HEALTH SYSTEM LUTHERAN SENIORLIFE
Bethesda's Health and Wellness Ministry
Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lower Burrell saw the formation of a Health and Wellness Ministry in the fall of 2009. The ministry has been active since its inception, beginning with the monthly blood pressure readings for members of the congregation. The main emphasis of the ministry in this first year was the creation of a Walk to Bethlehem with the goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical activity.
The Walk to Bethlehem, well received by the congregation, was kicked off at a chili cook off in February and will end on December 1. Leading participants are recognized monthly as their pictures are posted and progress is noted on our World May. All participants will be honored at the second cook off this upcoming January. Along the way, activities have been designed to maintain interest in the Walk.
Walkers are encouraged to participate in local Relays for Life and other church activities - physical and spiritual - for which extra mileage is given.
A coffee hour will be hosted in August which will feature activities designed to help those who may be floundering in the ocean - a few life preservers will undoubtedly be given out.
In an added attempt to further promote physical activity a Wednesday Walking Club is being formed. Plans include walking at a local high school tracks during the warm months and moving to an indoor walking area when winter returns.
Each month in the church newsletter, Marlene Matson (who is our creative writer) prepares the article on the happenings of the ministry, adds nutritional tips, additional happenings with our ministry and provides ongoing updates for our Walk to Bethlehem to encourage everyone to participate.
May 23 was the Health and Wellness Luncheon, prepared and served by members of the ministry. A large crowd enjoyed the luncheon following the worship service and was treated to information about the ministry as well as a healthy salad bar lunch. This was so well received by the congregation that it will be an annual event.
At the present time members are collecting and reviewing Needs Assessment forms which were completed by congregation members, and will begin to formulate future programs based on those responses. Plans are being discussed for quarterly programs and a quarterly newsletter as well as a coordination of programs with other ministries in the church. Monthly bulletin boards and newsletter articles keep the congregation updated about health issues, with the inclusion of pertinent health tips. The church website is being reconstructed and will feature a health and wellness page which will better enable the ministry to communicate with the congregation. A health fair is a future goal of the ministry.
In order to include the children and youth, there will be a bulletin board which will address health and wellness issues specific to their age level. And, ministry members will routinely speak to Sunday School classes on these issues. This was already begun in the spring as one of the members discussed summer safety with the children.
The Health and Wellness Ministry of Bethesda is composed of eight health care professionals who are members of the congregation. Linda Armstrong is the chairperson and she has the assistance of Pastor Elaine Hower and the invaluable help of Lori Tormey. In the short time that it has been active, the ministry has been well received by the congregation and it looks forward to continuing to provide education, respect, dignity, and with an air of confidence and spiritual well being for all members of the congregation.
Currently there are 26 congregations that have held meetings. They are:
Aliquippa - Faith Lutheran Church
Allison Park - Nativity Lutheran Church
Beaver Falls - Christ's Lutheran Church (they will also house a Wellness office for Lori)
Beaver Falls - First Lutheran Church
Brookline - St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Butler - Trinity Lutheran Church
Castle Shannon - Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Glenshaw - Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Greenock - Peace Lutheran Church
Harmony - Zion Lutheran Church
Jeannette - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Latrobe - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Latrobe - Trinity Lutheran Church
Lower Burrell - Bethesda Lutheran Church
Monaca - Redeemer Lutheran Church
Monaca - Van Kirk Lutheran Church
Monroeville - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
North Huntingdon - Lutheran Church of Our Saviour
North Park - St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Penn Hills - Zion Lutheran Church
Pittsburgh - St. John's of Highland
Pittsburgh - Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church
Pleasant Hills - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
West Sunbury - Concord Presbyterian (2 congregations)
West View - St. Luke's Lutheran Church
Wexford - Trinity Lutheran Church
I would humbly ask for your prayers as we move forward into our third year. If you have questions about the Health and Wellness Ministry or would like to set up a time to meet with me - please feel free to call me.
Be well in God's grace -
Lori Tormey, RN and Coordinator of the Health and Wellness Ministry
