Healthy Congregations Retreat, April 25-27
- About the 2013 Retreat
- Full Schedule
- Covenant Core Training
It's our treat! - the Retreat, including all food, lodging, and materials, is provided free of charge through the sponsorship of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
Registration is currently closed - contact jgamber@healthfund.org if you want to be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.
The 12th annual Healthy Congregations Retreat for Kansas United Methodists will be April 25-27, 2013 in the beautiful Flint Hills setting of Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City. The main Retreat is Friday and Saturday, April 26-27, with additional Healthy Congregations Covenant core training courses offered April 25 at the optional pre-retreat sessions.
The Retreat, part of the Health Fund's Healthy Congregations program, brings together Kansas United Methodists who share an interest in congregational ministries of health and healing integrating the spiritual, physical, mental, and social facets of health for lives of Christ-centered wellness and joy.
Key benefits for participants
- Discover ways churches can advance health, healing, and wholeness in the congregation, the local community, and beyond.
- Complete training courses for Healthy Congregations Covenant program certification.
- Learn how churches can promote lifestyles of healthy activity and food choices
- Gain useful information about current health ministries in Kansas UM churches
- Network with others who share a passion for congregational health ministries
- Gain renewed personal energy in a scenic retreat setting
- Receive clergy and health professional CEUs
Sessions scheduled at the 2013 Retreat
Most retreat sessions include practical information you can take home and use in your health ministry program right away. Please see the Full Schedule tab above for more details about the 2013 sessions and activities. Most workshops are offered twice for scheduling flexibility.
- HC Covenant Core Training - all seven courses - Judy Johnston, KUSM-W
- "Access to Health Care in Interesting Times" - panel discussion
- "Health Care Law Changes & You" - Sheldon Weisgrau, Director, Health Reform Resource Project
- "Social Media in Health Ministry" - Kathy Stover, University UMC Topeka
- "What's on MyPlate?" - Cheryl Johnson, KS Dept. of Education
- "Nurture Your Spirit: Celebrate What's Right with the World" - Karen Osterman Fieser
- "Healthy Congregations Spotlight" - HC Covenant Teams
- "Organic Community Gardening" - Kirk Cusick & Ralph Jarboe
- "Holy Yoga for Beginners / Holy Yoga Flow" - Amy Bowers, Manhattan First UMC
- "Healthy Environment: Why it Matters and What We Can Do" - Rabbi Moti Rieber
- "The Mental Health Connection" - Doug Morphis, D. Min LCMFT
- "Faithfully Fit Forever Leader Training" - Susan Harvey, PT, Augusta UMC
- "Nature Prayer Walk"
Who should attend the Retreat?
Preferably, a church team of two or more should attend the for mutual support after returning home. The Retreat is especially helpful for parish nurses, pastors, and laity actively involved in congregational health ministry, or who would like to initiate new health & wellness ministries in their congregations, but the event is something that all Kansas United Methodists can enjoy. Members of Healthy Congregations Covenant teams will find the Retreat a great place to complete training courses and network with their peers.
The Retreat is a relaxing, informational, and fun event in a beautiful natural setting, and is provided free of charge by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
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2013 Healthy Congregations Retreat Schedule
Registration is currently closed - contact jgamber@healthfund.org if you want to be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.
Most retreat sessions include practical information you can take home and use in your health ministry program right away. View the printable 2013 Retreat Brochure here (pdf file).
Thursday, April 25 Optional Pre-Retreat sessions:
Healthy Congregations Covenant program Core Training Courses
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Health Ministry 101 (Covenant core)
Judy Johnston, MS RD/LD, KU School of Medicine - Wichita
>This introductory course includes Covenant Program orientation, team-building in a church setting, and congregational self-assessment
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Program Evaluation and Using Data (Covenant core)
Kurt Konda MA, KU School of Medicine - Wichita
>Introduction to evaluation methods, tools, and questions; using evaluation templates; and techniques for analyzing and interpreting collected data
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (Covenant core)
Judy Johnston
>Techniques for identifying potential volunteers, recruitment techniques, tips for retaining volunteers over time, and use of learning styles assessment tools to assist in development of functional teams.
Friday, April 26
9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Registration and Refreshments
Opening Plenary Sessions 9:45-11:45
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Kim Moore, President, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
Opening Worship
Rev. Karen Osterman Fieser, Norwich UMC
Opening Panel Discussion "Access to Health Care - in Interesting Times"
Facilitated by Kim Moore
Sheldon Weisgrau, MHS, Director, Health Reform Resource Project
Schaunta James-Boyd, Director, EC Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, Wichita
David Sanford, Director, GraceMed Health Clinic, Wichita
Stephanie Waggoner, Director, United Methodist Mexican American Ministries
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions Block 1:
Note: during each two-hour block, choose either 1 two-hour session or 2 one-hour sessions.
1:00 - 3:00 (2 hour) Group Facilitation Techniques (Covenant core) |
1:00 - 2:00 Health Care Law Changes & You
Sheldon Weisgrau, Director, Health Reform Resource Project
>It's been three years since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In that time, the Supreme Court has weighed in and a national election has been held. And yet, with much of the ACA scheduled to take effect in January 2014, many people still do not understand the law or how it will impact them. Here's a chance to lower the political heat and shed some light on the issue. Sheldon Weisgrau will discuss health care, health insurance, and why health reform is an important public policy issue. Sheldon will talk about the ACA, how it may (or may not) address problems in the health system, and the impact of the law on consumers, health care providers, and businesses. After attending this session, you'll have a much clearer picture of what's in the law (and what's not), how it affects you and your community, and what we can expect in the coming months.
1:00 - 2:00 Social Media in Health Ministry
Kathy Stover, University UMC Topeka
>Learn how to use social media and web technologies to promote and support your health ministries. (Also offered 4:30-5:30)
1:00 - 2:00 Nature's Walking Prayer
> Although not a labyrinth, the paths and outdoor areas of Rock Springs serve as the metaphor for our Christian journey and invite you to walk and pray. Start with a brief introduction, choose the approach you wish to experience, and then walk, contemplate, and pray. Your path will lead to a lovely outdoor “center” where you will spend quiet time in rest and prayer before continuing your journey in prayer back to the meeting. (Also offered 4:30-5:30)
2:10 - 3:10 What's on MyPlate?
Cheryl Johnson, Director, Child Nutrition & Wellness Team, KS Dept. of Education
>Learn what makes a healthy plate using the energy balance concept during this fun workshop! MyPlate concepts covered include proper portioning, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, more whole grains, lower-fat foods, reduced sodium intake, and drinking water instead of sugary beverages. (Also offered 3:20-4:20)
2:10 - 3:10 Nurture Your Spirit: Celebrate What's Right with the World!
Rev. Karen Osterman Fieser, Norwich UMC
>Do you have a vision for yourself? A vision that gets you excited every morning and keeps you open to possibilities? The 22-minute DVD Celebrate What's Right with the World, available for loan free from UMHMF, teaches what a powerful force having a vision of possibilities can be. The beautiful photography and dialog of Dewitt Jones, National Geographic photographer, will help us approach our lives with celebration, confidence, and grace. Experience this for yourself and learn ways to use the DVD in your church. (Also offered 3:20-4:20)
2:10 - 3:10 Healthy Congregations Spotlight
Healthy Congregations Covenant team members
>Hear about and discuss health ministry work being done in Kansas UMCs with members of Covenant teams. (Also offered 3:20-4:20, different teams)
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions Block 2:
Note: during each two-hour block, choose either 1 two-hour session or 2 one-hour sessions.
3:30 - 5:30 (2 hour) Group Facilitation Techniques (Covenant core) |
3:20 - 4:20
What's on MyPlate?
Cheryl Johnson, Director, Child Nutrition & Wellness Team, KS Dept. of Education
>Learn what makes a healthy plate using the energy balance concept during this fun workshop! MyPlate concepts covered include proper portioning, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, more whole grains, lower-fat foods, reduced sodium intake, and drinking water instead of sugary beverages. (Also offered 2:10-3:10)
3:20 - 4:20 Nurture Your Spirit: Celebrate What's Right with the World!
Rev. Karen Osterman Fieser, Norwich UMC
>Do you have a vision for yourself? A vision that gets you excited every morning and keeps you open to possibilities? The 22-minute DVD Celebrate What's Right with the World, available for loan free from UMHMF, teaches what a powerful force having a vision of possibilities can be. The beautiful photography and dialog of Dewitt Jones, National Geographic photographer, will help us approach our lives with celebration, confidence, and grace. Experience this for yourself and learn ways to use the DVD in your church. (Also offered 2:10-3:10)
3:20-4:20 Healthy Congregations Spotlight
Healthy Congregations Covenant team members
>Hear about and discuss health ministry work being done in Kansas UMCs with members of Covenant teams. (Also offered 2:10-3:10, different teams)
4:30-5:30 Organic Community Gardening
Kirk Cusick and Ralph Jarboe, Co-founders, Land Empowering Lives Collaboration
>Garden with minimal digging and weeding, no tilling and no insecticides while helping those in poverty grow and preserve their own food.
4:30 - 5:30 Social Media in Health Ministry
Kathy Stover, University UMC Topeka
>Learn how to use social media and web technologies to promote and support your health ministries. (Also offered 1:00-2:00)
4:30 - 5:30 Nature's Walking Prayer
> Although not a labyrinth, the paths and outdoor areas of Rock Springs serve as the metaphor for our Christian journey and invite you to walk and pray. Start with a brief introduction, choose the approach you wish to experience, and then walk, contemplate, and pray. Your path will lead to a lovely outdoor “center” where you will spend quiet time in rest and prayer before continuing your journey in prayer back to the meeting. (Also offered 1:00-2:00)
Evening Activities
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
7:30 Evening Vespers
1. Taizé Worship Service - Rev. Karen Osterman Fieser
2. "A Sharing of Gifts" - as a Retreat participant, you are invited to come with something to share - a talent God has given you. This could include music; art you have painted, sculpted, fashioned; poetry you have written, magic tricks, short stories, etc. To give all who are interested a chance to share, please plan on no more than 5 minutes per person.
Saturday, April 27
7:15 - 8:00 Breakfast
Saturday Plenary Sessions 8:10-9:45:
Morning Worship
Rev. Karen Osterman Fieser, Norwich UMC
Keynote Presentation
Kim Moore, President, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
Morning Concurrent Sessions:
Note: during this two-hour block, choose either 1 two-hour session or 2 one-hour sessions.
10:00 - noon (2 hour) Health Communications and Marketing (Covenant core) |
9:50 - 10:50
Holy Yoga for Beginners
Amy Bowers, Manhattan First UMC
>Yoga means Union. Holy means pertaining to God. Holy Yoga is the union of our body and mind and spirit with the Spirit of God. It is an intentional practice of connecting our entire being with God's Word and God's Spirit. Holy Yoga invites us to surrender and introduces us to Grace! This hour-long class will provide an introduction to yoga especially for those of the Christian faith. There will be plenty of time for "experiencing" yoga and the myriad of benefits it provides to the body, mind, and soul. This yoga will be at the beginner level. Persons with little or no yoga experience are encouraged to attend.
9:50 - 10:50 Caring for Creation: Faith-Based Environmental Activism and the Challenges we Face
Rabbi Moti Rieber, Coordinator, Kansas Interfaith Power and Light
>Every major faith tradition recognizes a responsibility to care for the Creation we have been blessed with. Yet our society seems to run contrary to this responsibility - particularly in our profligate use of energy from fossil fuels. These damage our health, the natural beauty of our state, and cause changes in the environment that we don't fully understand. This talk will focus on the environmental challenges that face us and what we, as people of faith and as communities of faith, can do to address these complicated and difficult issues.
9:50 - 10:50 The Mental Health Connection
Doug Morphis, D. Min, LCMFT, Counseling & Mediation Center
>The connection between one’s mental, physical and spiritual health is like a three-legged stool; when one leg is affected,the whole being is affected. This workshop will enable participants to be observant of stresses, anxiety, grief, family issues and congregational issues that may need attention including education, support or referral to a professional.
11:00 - noon Holy Yoga Flow
Amy Bowers, Manhattan First UMC
>Yoga means Union. Holy means pertaining to God. Holy Yoga is the union of our body and mind and spirit with the Spirit of God. It is an intentional practice of connecting our entire being with God's Word and God's Spirit. Holy Yoga invites us to surrender and introduces us to Grace! This hour-long class will provide an introduction to yoga especially for those of the Christian faith. There will be plenty of time for "experiencing" yoga and the myriad of benefits it provides to the body, mind, and soul. This yoga class is for persons who can get up and down from the floor with some ease. Yoga experience is not necessary. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.
11:00 - noon Caring for Creation: Faith-Based Environmental Activism and the Challenges we Face
Rabbi Moti Rieber, Coordinator, Kansas Interfaith Power and Light
>Every major faith tradition recognizes a responsibility to care for the Creation we have been blessed with. Yet our society seems to run contrary to this responsibility - particularly in our profligate use of energy from fossil fuels. These damage our health, the natural beauty of our state, and cause changes in the environment that we don't fully understand. This talk will focus on the environmental challenges that face us and what we, as people of faith and as communities of faith, can do to address these complicated and difficult issues.
11:00 - noon The Mental Health Connection
Doug Morphis, D. Min, LCMFT, Counseling & Mediation Center
>The connection between one’s mental, physical and spiritual health is like a three-legged stool; when one leg is affected,the whole being is affected. This workshop will enable participants to be observant of stresses, anxiety, grief, family issues and congregational issues that may need attention including education, support or referral to a professional.
12:15 - 1:00 Closing Luncheon
Afternoon Optional Sessions:
1:00 - 3:00 Outcomes-Based Planning (Covenant core)
Judy Johnston
>Introduction to the socio-ecological model and its use for planning, along with worksheets, instructions, examples, and assistance in developing outcomes-based plans for effective health ministries
1:00 - 4:30 Faithfully Fit Forever Leader Training
Susan Harvey, PT
>Faithfully Fit Forever is a faith community based exercise, devotion, and health education program focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection. This training will prepare participants to start or lead FFF programs at their churches. Please note that separate registration is required for the FFF Leader Training session.
Notes: * to complete all 7 core courses at this retreat would require participation in the pre-retreat sessions Thursday, April 26 and one afternoon session on Saturday from 1-3. ** The FFF Leader Training requires separate registration.
Healthy Congregations Covenant Program Core Training Courses
Registration is currently closed - contact jgamber@healthfund.org if you want to be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.
Already registered or just curious? Download the 2013 Retreat brochure here.
For the first time, in 2012 we are offered all seven of the required Covenant core training courses at the Retreat. Due to the success of that offering, we plan to again provide all seven courses at the 2013 Retreat. The courses fulfill the team training requirements of the Healthy Congregations Covenant program, which provides resources, access to expert help and advice, and $1000 in annual funding support for your church's health ministry work. These courses are open to all, regardless of whether you're in the Covenant program (yet).
The 2013 Retreat represents an excellent opportunity for new churches to join in the Covenant program, or for existing participants to complete the core training or get new team members up to speed in a short time. If you are able to participate from 1 p.m. Thursday through 3 p.m. Saturday, you can complete all required courses and achieve certification in the Covenant program.
Health Ministry 101 (Covenant core) - Thurs. April 25, 1-4 p.m.
>This introductory course includes Covenant Program orientation, team-building in a church setting, and congregational self-assessment
Program Evaluation and Using Data (Covenant core) - Thurs. April 25, 4-6 p.m.
>Introduction to evaluation methods, tools, and questions; using evaluation templates; and techniques for analyzing and interpreting collected data
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (Covenant core) - Thurs. April 25, 7-9 p.m.
>Techniques for identifying potential volunteers, recruitment techniques, tips for retaining volunteers over time, and use of learning styles assessment tools to assist in development of functional teams.
Program Options & How to Plan Program Events (Covenant core) - Fri. April 26, 1-3 p.m.
>Learn strategies for program management and keys to successful event planning.
Group Facilitation Techniques (Covenant core) - Fri. April 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
>Practice techniques for convening groups and effectively managing productive meetings, facilitating from the chair, leading groups in planning and consensus building, and developing leadership among committee members
Health Communications and Marketing (Covenant core) - Sat. April 27, 10 a.m. - noon
>Practice techniques for convening groups and effectively managing productive meetings, facilitating from the chair, leading groups in planning and consensus building, and developing leadership among committee members
Outcomes-Based Planning (Covenant core) - Sat. April 27, 1-3 p.m.
>Introduction to the socio-ecological model and its use for planning, along with worksheets, instructions, examples, and assistance in developing outcomes-based plans for effective health ministries