My Brothers & Sisters

It is with deep gratitude and joyful anticipation that we gather today to launch Health Month within the context of the 150th anniversary of this church, the body of Christ  - this is a time to reflect on the past and a time set apart to renew our commitment to holistic well-being: body, mind, and spirit, to live the abundant life

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As we begin, let us anchor ourselves in the words of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” This verse reminds us that wellness is not merely about physical strength or mental clarity—it is a sacred calling.  We are entrusted with the gift of life, and we are called to steward it with courage, compassion and discipline.

Our theme this year is “Health and Wellness.” It’s more than a slogan - it’s a declaration.  A declaration that we will care for ourselves and one another, that we will listen to our bodies, nurture our minds, and tend to our spirits. That we will walk together toward healing, wholeness and hope.

Throughout this month, we will explore what it means to live well, to live the abundant life:

• We will learn from health professionals, addressing the following topics: Mental Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Dementia.

• We will move our bodies in joyful activity.

• I am inviting us to consciously rest, reflect, and pray.

Let this month be a time of rekindling—rekindling the gift of God within us, as Paul urged Timothy.  Let us not be ashamed of our struggles, but instead join together in strength, relying on the power of God who calls us with a holy calling.

Here are four areas of wellness for your reflection based on James K. Wagner’s book, An adventure in healing and wholeness:

1. Spirit. Psalm 32:1-4 describes how lack of spiritual health can influence the body and the mind. The psalmist admits that  unconfessed sin and heavy guilt resulted in physical problems, insomnia, depression, and low energy levels.

2. Body. An unhealthy body can influence one’s mind, spirit, and relationships with others.  Anyone who has experienced a prolonged illness or unrelenting pain can relate to this. Likewise, many who have had surgery know about mental depression in the post-operative stages.

3. Mind. Negative emotions and attitudes can add stress to our lives that opens the door for disharmony and imbalance physically, spiritually, and in human relationships. Some of these mental states would include resentment, revenge, anger, lack of forgiveness, hate, jealousy, ungratefulness, constant complaining, and criticism.

4. Relationships. Broken relationships frequently cause physical and mental anguish. People who make the following comments are usually saying it like it is:

      “She makes me sick to my stomach.”

      “That man gives me a pain in the neck.”

      “I can’t stand to be in the same room with that family.”

By James K. Wagner

May this month be a journey of renewal.  May we find strength in each other, peace in our hearts and purpose in our steps. And may the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline guide us every day.

I invite us to utilize the Prayer Room, the Prayer Box, and the Wall of Wellness.

Yours in Christ,

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