The Church has been in health care since its earliest centuries. Following Jesus’ example in sending is disciples out to preach and to heal, Christians opened the first hospitals to care for the poor who were ill in the Roman Empire. Bringing faith and health
together is not a new concept, but we know more now than we did 1500 years ago. For one thing, while we still have a biblical calling to care for the poor who are ill, we also have a Scriptural calling to honor God with our bodies through preventive care of ourselves and those around us.
Our faith and health are intrinsically connected. As followers of Christ, we pursue healthy spiritual lives and want to answer the calls God places on our lives for service. Health in spirit and body go hand in hand, not in the sense that faithful people are never sick but being mindful of our bodily and emotional heath so that we can actively car- ry out what God calls us to do.
In today’s world we face so many health issues not know centuries ago—especially today the stress of change and uncertainty of the fu- ture. Many of us at St. Matthew’s are dealing with Pastor Ingrid’s leav- ing this past fall and the unknown future of when we will call a new pastor and what that will look like—how will things be the same and most importantly how will things be different?
A Stephen Minister is willing to sit with you—to pray with you—to be a listening ear. Just contact Pastor Alexis and we will set you up with someone.
In Christ, The Rev. Peggy Marks
Stephen Leader for Continuing Education