Promoting personal health and healing has been central to Christianity from the beginning.
The Health and Wellness Ministry has programs to promote well-being, empower you through self-help and support healing through healing touch, prayer or laying on of hands.
Ann Maffey, a registered nurse and member of the Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry (www.capnm.ca), is the health and wellness coordinator. Available to consult with individuals on a one-to-one basis, she can suggest programs, refer you to community resources and education, and advocate on your behalf when you have health concerns.
You can contact Ann by phone at (250) 388.5188, ext. 233 or email her.
Donations to the Health and Wellness Bursary Fund are tax deductible and may be made in lieu of fees where no fees are indicated.
Subsidies may be available for programs that have a fee. Please speak to the Health and Wellness Coordinator.
Programs offered include:
Please note that offerings may vary throughout the year depending on the interests of congregation members and participants. Please check the church events page for dates and times of upcoming health and wellness sessions. If no location is given, check the notice board at the Balmoral Street entrance when arriving for a session.
New Vistas is a series of ‘lunch and learn’ forums for older adults in Victoria, B.C.
Older adults are invited to explore spiritual issues from an interfaith perspective and connect with like-minded souls in a peaceful, scenic setting. It’s an opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships through lively dialogue and over a delicious hot lunch at Queenswood Centre.
More than 65 people attended the inaugural program in Spring 2007 series on such topics as Becoming a Wise Elder, Forgiveness, Coming to Terms with Death, and What’s Your Story? Tools for Harvesting Life.
Ninety percent of the participants rated the series “excellent – very good” due to the quality of our speakers, the small group discussion, and the sharing from the heart.
Check the events page in the fall for dates and topics. For more information, contact Ann Maffey at (250) 388-5188, Ext. 233.
Tai Chi Class
(Tai Chi Chuen)
Date: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time(s): 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church
Join other men and women in learning Tai Chi to improve their inner and outer balance, while also having fun! Newcomers always welcome. Speak to Carol Halvorson (250) 386-6670 for more information. There are no sessions when the Monday is a statutory holiday. Classes start again for the fall and winter Sep. 14. Beginners and returnees welcome!
Come and feel your energy flow!
No fee but donations welcome.
- E-mail: Ann Maffey
- Phone: (250) 388.5188, ext 233
- Fax: (250) 388.5186
The focus of our yoga classes is to enhance personal well-being and to affirm life, health and vitality in the broadest sense. Classes include quiet centering, warm-ups, stretches, traditional and modified yoga postures and relaxation. Fees apply for a series of sessions. A new series starts every ten to 12 weeks.
Category: Health & Wellness | Tag(s): Yoga |
Summer Strollers at Willows Beach
Date: Thursdays from May to September/October.
Time(s): 10:30 to 11:45 a.m
Location: Willows Beach, Oak Bay
This popular strolling program is for folks who like to stroll and enjoy the views. Some bring their canes, others their walkers, and yet others are just a little slower than they were 5 or 10 years ago.
The Esplanade at Willows Beach offers an even, paved surface on which to walk and benches along the way to sit and catch one’s breath.
After a stroll, participants gather at the Kiwanis Tea Room for refreshments, great conversation and laughter.
All strollers are most welcome to come and join us. Rides are arranged for those who are no longer driving. We have a wonderful group of volunteer drivers to help folks get to our meeting point at the parking lot at Willows Beach (off Beach Drive), stroll with you and get you safely back home by noon.
If you would like to stroll and/or drive, please contact Ann Maffey (see below) or Carol Halvorson at (250) 386-6670.
- E-mail: Ann Maffey
- Phone: (250) 388.5188, ext 233
- Fax: (250) 388.5186
Chronic Illness Support Group
This group is for anyone living with a chronic illness who would like to be part of a group for sharing life’s ups and downs and spiritual reflection.
Healing Touch
Date: Every Monday afternoon
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church
We believe that healing is a process guided by God to restore balance and wholeness of body, mind and spirit, not only within the individual but also within relationships, community and creation.
Healing Touch sessions are available by appointment on Monday afternoons on the hour from noon to 6:00 pm and other times by prior arrangement. To make an appointment, phone the First†Met office and leave a message in the Healing Touch voicemail box or phone Susan Walma at (250) 361-0694. A list of the healers is posted on the Wellness notice board. Each one can give information and healing.
On the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm, the healers meet to share our experiences and to practice new and old techniques. We welcome new healer members who have training in Reiki or Healing from the Heart.
- Phone: (250) 388.5188, ext. 235
- Fax: (250) 388.5186
Also posted in Events | Tag(s): Healing Touch |
Staff Associate, Health & Wellness Ministry
The Health and Wellness Ministry in our church takes a realistic look at the health issues and challenges facing many in our congregation. In addition, it is a reminder to celebrate the strengths and resources of our church community as well as those available outside our walls.
Ann brings over 30 years of nursing experience, and a specialized interest in community and geriatric nursing to her position at First†Met. Through one-on-one and group meetings, information sessions, workshops, discussions around specific issues, and close cooperation with Pastoral Care, our church offers support and practical assistance within a spiritual context through the many of life’s challenges.
Also posted in Meet the Staff | Tag(s): Staff Profiles |
Prayer Connections
“Remember one another in prayer”
The First†Met prayer team has been praying faithfully at home for prayer requests from the congregation and staff. Each request is prayed for one month and is kept private.
How can I make a request?
1. By prayer request slips.
- Weekdays: you can fill out a request slip (church office counter) and place it inthe adjacent “Prayer Requests” box.
- Sundays: prayer request slips are in the Sanctuary pews and the Chapel exterior entranceway. Fill one out and put it in the offering plate, from where it will be transferred to the prayer box.
2. By Email
(confidential)
3. Through staff: If you can’t get to get to church and don’t have Email, give your prayer request to a staff member, who will pass it on to the prayer team.
For whom can I request prayer?
For yourself, or those you care about – family, friends, neighbours, co-workers
What type of requests can I make?
Health problems, bereavement, relationship issues, work-related or student concerns,financial issues, etc. – whatever concerns you.
Consider making a request – we exist to support you in prayer!
Also posted in Pastoral Care |
Date: June 18, 2010
Time(s): 10:30 to 12:30 am
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church Room 119
How often when we forget a name, or forget what we went into another room to pick up do we worry that we are beginning to lose our minds! This happens to all of us at some time and is usually due to having too much on our minds at that moment. However, quality of life is enhanced when we can maintain our cognitive abilities. It is never too soon, or too late to make the lifestyle changes necessary to help improve your brain health. Come to a presentation by Christin Hillary, Support and Education Coordinator, Azheimer Society of BC. Her presentation will be followed by a light lunch. The event is free, but please register through the church office
Also posted in Events | Tag(s): Fun & Learning Events |
