Click the links to read updates from our Pastors and staff.
Also scroll down to read Wellness Wisdom from our Health Ministry team.
This Week’s Update
Previous Updates
Wellness Wisdom from the FPC Health Ministry Team
May 13, 2020
As we continue to battle Covid-19 and all of the challenges that have come with it, “warrior” seems like a fitting term. A warrior is defined as someone who is “strong”, “brave” and “doesn’t give up” …perfect description of the people of FPC in my opinion. I have been amazed at the creativity, compassion, tenacity and spirit of the people in this congregation. Week after week people have stepped up to educate themselves, learn safe new ways to help one another and take care of themselves and their families, all while being patient and trusting in God. I am so proud to be part of this strong faith filled community.
This week following Mother’s Day is National Women’s Health Week. This is a perfect time for women to remember to take care of themselves and set examples for the girls and women in their lives. “Find Your Health” is the theme from the Office on Women’s Health this year. They are asking women to think about where they are on their health journey, where do they want to go and how they can achieve these goals? This can be challenging, especially in Covid times, but arguably more important than ever. Consider scheduling a telehealth visit with your provider if you have ongoing health concerns that need to be addressed or if your stress during these challenging times is getting in the way of your daily activities.
Good news…according to the National Institute of Health, participating in new activities benefits your overall health! While you are staying at home for Covid-19 and trying new ways to connect with family and friends, learning new things and changing the way live your everyday lives, you are also helping your overall health! One cute idea for families that was sent to me from a parishioner was a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt…
Just because we may be social distancing doesn’t mean that we can’t still connect with our neighbors and friends. Set up a neighborhood scavenger hunt through your Facebook group or email chain. Each participating house can display something in their window for kids to find and mark off their list. Adults can get your walking in while the kids have fun!
Looking for a quick simple workout that can be adapted for your exercise level? Check out the 10 Min workout from AHA here https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active/10-minute-home-workout
Blood donations-stay tuned for more information on upcoming local drives with precautions in place. If you have fully recovered from Covid, your plasma donation could be very important. Ask your health care provider for more information.
Health Ministry News-Our health ministry mask project is winding down. If you are still in need of a mask please contact Dawn and we will provide you with information where you can get one. Our Pony Express is still up and running so please reach out if you are in need of an essential errand or supplies.
How else can you help? If you find yourself with extra hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes (it could happen!) and would like to donate some to be saved for needs within our congregation, please contact Dawn. Hand sanitizer popped up in the baby section of a grocery search last week so you never know! Just remember it needs to be at least 60% alcohol and labeled with the ingredients.
Thank you for all your do to keep this faith filled community together. May you be blessed with peace, strength, hope and health for the coming day.
~Dawn and your Health Ministry team
Wellness Wisdom from the FPC Health Ministry Team
April 29, 2020
We hope this Wellness Wisdom finds you as well and safe as in the previous weeks. As we continue on this journey placed before us by this virus, I continue to see God’s light and affirmation of His presence even in the smallest of moments…having extra hand sanitizer offered the day after someone is in need, donations of supplies for masks and generous people offering their time to make them, offers of extra food and errand running for people, etc.
Inevitably, many of us will have difficult moments and days. This, without doubt, is a mentally challenging time. Experiencing a public health crisis of this magnitude brings to the surface feelings of loss and grief for all ages, impacting how we function each day even if we are physically well. Sadness and concern over loss of our routines, our freedom and mobility, our security and safety are normal feelings.
Here are a few suggestions for managing these feelings compiled from Betty Long, CEO of Guardian Nurses and a member of our congregation:
- Name your feelings, acknowledge the grief, allow your children to express their feelings. Try to listen without fixing…sometimes listening IS fixing.
- Find ways to process your feelings-journaling, prayer, meditation, music, art, talking to your friends or pastors.
- Care for yourself-Eat well- we all know we feel better when we eat better, as yummy as those quarantine carbs can be. Exercise-try to spend some time in nature. Raining again? Try a new online exercise. Free workouts can be found in so many places right now-You Tube, Instagram, American Heart Association, National Institute for Aging, etc. Google free workouts and you will be amazed!
- Maintain some structure to your day, including sticking to a sleep regimen. Take time to add what is personally important to your day alongside your to do list.
- Be careful how much negativity you consume on TV and online…subscribe to some of the good news sites popping up.
- Commit simple acts of kindness-it is the best kind of contagious!
- Remember you can control your mindset. There are many ways to deal with the cycle of negative thinking. One is reframing your thoughts…instead of “I am trapped in my house” try “I am happy to be safe in my home”.
- Be open to allowing joy and gratitude into your life. Find a way to note the positives and find one thing to be grateful for each day. It will give you strength to draw on in the hard moments.
Are you a Meditation skeptic? Check out the website, https://www.tenpercent.com/mindfulness-meditation-the-basics
created by Dan Harris, the co-anchor of ABC News “Nightline” and the weekend edition of “Good Morning America”. Ten Percent Happier Meditation is an app based on his bestselling book 10% Happier. Check out the free resources on their
“Coronavirus Sanity Guide”.
FDA Alert
Be aware, the FDA has put out an alert advising against the use of Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine for Covid-19 treatment outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. These drugs are often used to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Currently they are being studied in clinical trials for Covid-19 in hospitalized patients under special circumstances. These drugs can cause dangerous abnormal heart rhythms and only be used to treat Covid-19 symptoms in the hospital setting or under close observation of a licensed physician.
Donations
With the thrift stores being closed, the VA is looking for help in acquiring any of the following items:
kitchen cooking items,
dining table and chairs, couch,
bed frames,
dressers,
coffee tables
The contact person is John Unger, Outreach Specialist for Veterans Multi-Service Center (c)610-349-3771 or (o) 610-269-6974, [email protected]
Lift Chair
If you know someone in need of a lift recliner chair please contact Dawn for more information.
If you know seniors in need outside of our congregation, RSVP Services is a volunteer organization that can assist with calls to seniors, medicine and meal delivery and attaining food pantry items. See www.rsvpmc.org
For needs within our congregation our Pony Express team is on stand-by!
We have acquired elastic for masks and have more being made, so please email Dawn at [email protected] if you are in need of one.
May you face this time with hope, light and gladness in your heart. May you see the spirit of the living God through good people, doing good deeds and making powerful connections.
~Dawn and your health ministry team
Wellness Wisdom from the FPC Health Ministry Team
April 21, 2020
As we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic, most days may feel like an exercise in following the rules; stay home, wash your hands, wear a mask, get some exercise, don’t watch too much news, play with your kids, enjoy the quiet time, be productive, stay 6 feet away from people, etc.
I try to remember we are taking care of our bodies, in mind, body and spirit, with these rules just as we are called to do… “Do you now know that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” -1 Corinthians 6:19-20
We hope our Wellness Wisdom has helped to support you through this journey and will continue to do so. There are many topics in previous Wellness Wisdom’s that can still be helpful and support you with good information from reputable sources. If you need any of these sent to you please reach out to Dawn.
“Wear A Mask”-please continue to follow the current recommendations of wearing a mask in public. We have several people sewing them if you are in need. Our health ministry is providing them one per person for free. If you would like an extra mask, we will do our best to provide one. Small donations toward the supplies are welcome. For correct use of a mask please refer to the last Wellness Wisdom and remember to wash them daily after use.
“Ask For Help”-our Pony Express (aka FPC Prime) is up and running. If you feel uncomfortable going to the store or are in the higher COVID-19 risk group, please contact Dawn. We are doing our best to utilize people who have already planned to go out to minimize extra trips.
As we are called to be witness to the Holy Spirit, I continue, as I am sure you are, to look for light during this darkness. One way I have seen this is through the plethora of resources people have made available to help one another. I have included the links and attachments to some of these below. There are many more available across the spectrum of needs. If you or someone you know has a need and is having trouble finding a resource, please reach out to me. As always, our conversations remain private.
Fear, anxiety and grief are all normal emotions that can ebb and flow during these times. Sharing accurate information and strategies for coping can be an effective way to manage stress and connect with others.
The NIMH (National Institute for Mental Health) has a several page document regarding shareable resources on Coping with Covid-19, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-coping-with-covid-19.shtml
Click here for helpful informatioin for families from Abington Jefferson Health.
Dawn can be reached at [email protected]town.org for any of the above needs.
Time and experience will help move things from being uncertain to being more certain. Know your limits. Keep track of your overall stress level and the things that are helpful across time.
May you find the light of the Holy Spirit all around you and enjoy the beauty of Spring while staying safe and healthy in mind, body and spirit.
Dawn and your health ministry team
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