A Year of Activities for Your Church's Health and Wellness Ministry

Here is the next six months of ideas about health and wellness ministry activities for your church.

July

Focus on the benefits of massage during International Massage Week. You would probably have no problem finding licensed massage therapists to do education for your group on the benefits of massage. For some people, seeing (or feeling in this case) is believing. I was one of those people until my first few massages made a believer out of me!

A local massage business might be willing to offer short 10 or 15 minute massages at a small price. You may even be able to get them to donate a gift certificate for 1 hour of massage in exchange for the chance to discuss massage benefits with your group. You could raffle the gift certificate as a prize for attending the ministry activity!

August

Focus on pain during Pain Awareness Week. An alarming number of Americans are becoming addicted to pain killers by accident. You could provide education for them on pain medication safety. If your local university has a school of pharmacy, contact one of the program advisors. They are always looking for educational opportunities for the students. Why not have them come to your church?

September

Focus on cancer during Leukemia and Lymphoma week. This might be a good month to plan an outing that involves your church youth group. Consider paying a visit to the cancer unit of your local children's hospital to spread some cheer. It will be a memorable and humbling experience for the children in your church. You could have them prepare something fun or enjoyable for the patients. Make sure you coordinate this with the hospital staff ahead of time.

October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. There are probably many women in your congregation that are survivors or currently fighting a battle with this disease. Consider involving them in this month's planning activities. Pastoral care week is the last week of October. Make sure to plan something special for the person in charge of feeding, protecting, teaching and praying for your flock.

November

November is American Diabetes Month. The American Diabetes Association will have lots of useful resources for you. Consider exchanging diabetes friendly holiday recipes for fun.

December

Vacation! Take a break from your ministry activities. You have worked hard all year. Sit back and enjoy the holiday time with your family and church family.

You can visit this website for a full listing of monthly health observances and more activity ideas: http://www.pohly.com/dates.html