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Health and Wellness

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 388-5188, ext. 233 or email her.

Programs offered include:

• New Vistas
• Tai Chi (Tai Chi Chuen)
• Yoga
• Summer Strollers
• The Ramblers, one of our social groups, are an eclectic mix of people who love to walk.
• Chronic Illness Support Group
• Osteoporosis Support Group
• Healing Touch appointments
• Sessions on other topics related to health such mental health and spirituality, prostrate health, healthy eating, CPR, etc.

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

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.

As follow-up, two mini-workshops will be offered next fall at First Metropolitan on The Process of Forgiveness – a Seven Step Program and On Dying Well. Lunch is included. The New Vistas forums at Queenswood will resume next winter on the 4th Wednesday of each month, starting in February and ending in May 2008. 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 (Tai Chi Chuen)

A gentle, yet powerful set of exercises that all ages can enjoy. These exercises will relax your body and improve balance and coordination. Come and feel your energy flow! No fee but donations welcome.

Yoga (Kripalu Hatha)

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.

Summer Strollers at Willows Beach

Summer Strollers

A gentle walk along the esplanade at Willows Beach for those who walk with a cane or walker or use a scooter offered from May to September/October.

There is no fee but we usually follow our walk with refreshments at the tearoom.

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.

Osteoporosis Support Group

Healing Touch

A support group for those living with osteoporosis. Date and time to be arranged. Contact the Health and Wellness Coordinator for details of meetings.

Healing Touch

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.

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.