Health is related to everything a person does, thinks, and feels.  The Severns Valley Health Ministry emphasizes the interrelationship of the body, mind, and spirit.

This Ministry enables us to:

* Better meet the health needs of our congregation
* Promote good stewardship of the body and the gift of life
* Understand the relationship between faith and health
* Increase the ability of members to care for one another
* Develop ways to reach out and address health-related 

* Encourage the use of faith resources for health and healing

The Health Ministry Provides:

Education
Thorough classes, articles, bulletin boards, etc. The Health Ministry Director, a health care professional of faith,  informs members of Severns Valley about a wide range of health and wellness topics.  Typical education topics include: stress, grief, nutrition, exercise, family relationships, and several preventative programs.

Counseling
The Health Ministry Director is available to discuss personal health concerns and serve as a liaison between the individual and other health care professionals.  This service can encourage members to recognize, acknowledge, and seek medical help for symptoms they have previously ignored or denied.

A Source of Referrals
The Health Ministry Director acts as an advocate for individuals who do not know how to access the healthcare system.  The Director serves as a liaison to a variety of regional sources and services, which may include referrals to ministers, physicians, self-help groups, regional agencies, legal or financial advisors, therapists, and counselors.

The Health Ministry also helps to enlist and train Severns Valley members as volunteers for educational programs, screenings, support groups, visitation, and other ministries as needed.

Current Workshops:

GriefShare

This 13-week video seminar features some of the nation’s foremost experts on grief recovery.  Each video-directed session is combined with a grief support group discussion time.  GriefShare is for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them.  Some of the topics include:

• When Your Dreams Fall Apart

• The Emotions of Grief (1)

• The Emotions of Grief (2)

• Your Family and Grief

Individuals and families may enter the workshop at any time.

"Surviving the Holidays" Seminar

If you are experiencing grief from the death of a loved one, from separation or divorce, or separation due to military service, the holidays can be painful. This encouraging seminar will help you survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again.

"Our Family at Home"

If you know a shut-in or homebound member who is not on "Our Family at Home" list, please inform the church office.