We continue easing into summer soaking in the sweet glow of the sun as much as we can. Summer this year looks different for many of us. During a time when we may normally enjoy cookouts, sports, and vacations with family and friends, we are still loving our neighbors by keeping our distance. 

At our houses of worship, things have looked different for a while. Many faith communities and their health ministries have mobilized in unprecedented ways to keep their communities healthy and safe.

During this time, these health ministries have stayed strong for us. Health leads and faith leaders have creatively exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.

We are thankful to our network and those beyond it who have continued checking in, providing warm meals and necessary commodities, and living into community, even from a distance.

Though our worship buildings are closed, we know church is very much open.

This month, we are excited to announce the premiere of The Faith and Health Perspective in Spanish At the top right-hand corner of this issue, click the words "En Español" to access the Spanish language version. We welcome your feedback and invite you to share with your networks.

"As with most public health issues, viral hepatitis is complicated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that people with underlying health issues are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe complications from COVID. ."

Elizabeth Brewington, Opioid Response Program Coordinator

"As the daughter of parents who are deep into their eighties, these past four months have been particularly worrisome since Covid-19 reshaped all our lives into unknown territory."

Karen Richardson Dunn, Associate Director, Healthy Aging

Bryson City UMC, located in the heart of Western North Carolina, has been a member of the PHW Collaborative since 2016.

Bryson City UMC's ministry has become an integral part of their community. One of their largest and most impactful projects is their community garden. Dr. Patricia Graham, who has been overseeing the garden, talked to us about how they have had the opportunity to expand this project:  

"In March of 2020, Dr. Patricia Graham, the director of the Pass it on Cafe (A Fresh Expressions Dinner Church) approached Rev. Wayne Dickert of Bryson City United Methodist Church, and Catherine Gantt, the President of the church's outreach ministry, Restoration House, about forming a partnership to reach more people in the community by providing nutritious meals and supplying fresh vegetables to those who were food-deprived. 

It was determined that part of the Pass it on Cafe (PIOC for short) team would work the ground, plant, weed, and harvest the produce to fulfill two ministries. It was agreed upon that part of the vegetables harvested would be generated into a monthly menu to feed the community hot nutritious dinners, free of charge, regardless of race, sex, social, economic, or educational levels. Not one person would be turned away from being fed a meal. 

During the rest of the month, vegetables would be harvested for the Restoration House Blessing Box, where the homeless and families could come and gather fresh vegetables. 

The PIOC team harvests and weighs all of the produce for the prime purpose to see which foods are producing well and to evaluate if additional fertilizer needs to be added to a specific crop to increase productivity. 

The garden is much more than just a place to grow vegetables. It is a place of serenity and reflection. The volunteers have even noted how they can feel God’s presence when working the soil and meditating on the day’s task. The garden has become a place to gather and be in fellowship with each other and to have their souls restored."