September 2009 - Get Moving for Spiritual, Physical Health
Get Moving for Spiritual, Physical Health
By Jackie Campbell, WPAUMC News
“Fail not, on any account whatever, to walk an hour every day,” the Rev. Samuel Wesley told his son John years before the young man started the Methodist movement.
John took it further, advocating three hours of physical activity daily, along with 3 hours of prayer!
“John Wesley seemed to understand what was needed to form faithful, fruitful and effective Christians,” says Barbara Lewis of the Western PA Conference Health as Wholeness Team.
“It’s significant that we use images of pilgrimage and journey frequently in spiritual formation,” notes the Rev. Lisa Grant, Conference director of connectional ministries.
“Research shows that there are mental and emotional benefits to physical activity,” she adds. “Our brains are stimulated: it helps our memory; it helps us learn; it sparks creativity, and it helps battle depression and anxiety.
“Walking a prayer labyrinth shows the connection between physical movement and opening ourselves to the movement of God’s spirit.”
So get moving! Here are some ideas:
Get started with our Conference Health as Wholeness Team’s Strides for Health campaign, which kicks off Sept. 14. The self-directed program helps you set your own goals and work toward them at a pace that’s right for you. Don’t like to walk -- or need an alternative activity? Check the Walking Conversion Chart on www. wpaumc.org. (Search the word “health.”) You’ll also find chair exercises, a walking log and other information. Miles walked by pastors and church members during the eight-week period will count toward the 2010 Golden Sneaker Award, presented at annual conference to the WPAUMC district that logs the most physical activity. Check the website or e-mail healthteam@ wpaumc.org for info.
Form a small group to walk together. Add a spiritual component by praying or discussing a devotional reading or scripture verse. Walk the neighborhoods around your church and pray for those you pass. Invite others to join you.
Walk in a CROP Walk this fall to benefit hunger ministries. If there’s no CROP Walk in your community, organize one. Learn more at www.CROPWalk.org.
*Strides for Health is a Highmark program adapted with permission by the Conference Health as Wholeness Team.