"Wellness Ministries" - Fill the JAR - Episode 010

·46 min·4 clips

Seth Whispelway hosts a podcast to find nourishment for dismantling economic systems that destroy life and building God's economies of thriving.

The episode begins with host Seth Whispelway introducing the podcast's mission to counter capitalism's dehumanizing effects through spiritual nourishment and economic justice work. He frames the discussion around jubilee, abundance, and reparations as core economic justice goals. Guest Peggy Madison joins to explain Wellness Ministries, which focuses on healing rather than curing, operating in over 1,000 UCC congregations out of about 5,000. Peggy describes how the ministry provides resources like a monthly newsletter with over 5,000 subscribers, including from other denominations. She shares a concrete example of Mary, who after a stroke, created a circle of care by calling five homebound people daily, leading to a resolved medication crisis. The conversation delves into the importance of congregations offering belonging and advocacy, especially for mental health issues, with tools like mental health Sundays. Seth and Peggy connect wellness to economic justice, discussing how churches can help break down barriers to healthcare through practical support like rides to appointments. They address systemic threats like proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, detailing a recent advocacy effort where webinars trained 70 church leaders to lobby Congress. Peggy reveals that a senator warned half of nursing homes in his state could close if Medicaid changes occur, impacting jobs and care. Seth emphasizes that advocates don't need to be policy experts but should humanize issues when meeting elected officials. The episode concludes with personal wellness tips from Peggy, such as finding laughter and combating loneliness, and Seth directs listeners to resources on the UCC's economic justice website.

As heard by us

Mental health ministry here is grounded in church-based support, from toolkits and committees to rides and advocates.

Fill the Jar's Wellness Ministries episode frames mental health care as part of church work, with Seth Whispelway speaking from his United Church of Christ economic justice role.

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Why you'd press play

For when you want church-rooted wellness talk with actual next steps.

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