Overview

The news is overflowing with reports of rampant obesity. Almost everyone of us will admit that we need to eat healthier and get more exercise. A few of us are actually taking the time and expending the energy to make good health a reality in our lives. But we could all use some additional help in this arena.

Our newly formed Health Ministry is designed to encourage people to take care of their physical body through a balanced diet, regular exercise and regular visits to a health care provider in order to be better equipped to serve God. But this is not your typical Elementary School Physical Education class. This is a very real ministry meeting a very real need within the body of Christ. But it's also an opportunity to reach out to friends and neighbors who have the same procrastination problems many of us have.

The goals of the Health Ministry are modest but important. They begin with simple awareness through various avenues. For members to take advantage of a program like this they have to know that it's available.

The cornerstone and primary early goal will be to help increase our awareness of healthy eating habits and organizing groups to participate in physical activity. Within the next couple of months you can expect to hear more about a seminar to introduce us all to this topic and help move us toward making good health a part of our daily lives.

The Leaders

Kristen and Brian Mosier are the people who are leading this important effort. Because of their experience and expertise they are best equipped to "encourage us to good works" and healthy lives.

What's needed

Brian and Kristen recognize that we have many in the congregation that have specialized knowledge of various aspects of good health. They need those folks to step up and be willing participants in educating others in those areas.

They also need some physical help with set up and tear down of equipment that will be used in some of the ongoing seminars. Above all else they need those of us who aren't so healthy to be active participants, willing to become more healthy and productive.

What's coming up

Several activities are already being planned for this new ministry. Among them are monthly seminars that will highlight specific areas of healthy living. But there will also be ongoing workshops to encourage proper physical fitness and lifestyle changes that will bring us to improved health.

There will be some blood pressure and Body Mass Index screenings to help us all evaluate our need and set goals for successful accomplishment of good health. Organized fitness groups will work together for accountability, encouragement and fellowship. BOOT (Bettering Our Own Temples) Camps will be held for both men and women.

No matter your shape (and yes round is a shape) you can be part of this ministry. You can encourage others to become more healthy, you can change your own lifestyle to improve your ability to serve and you can pray that many lives will be positively changed as together we reach toward healthy living.

Look for more information in the coming days, weeks and months. And spend some time in prayer concerning your resolve to be better equipped for service in God's Kingdom.