A Word From

Pastor Larry Van Slambrook

Message from Pastor Larry

Focus on Health

     We are in an age where there seems to be a great emphasis on health and exercise.  When I exercise at the Hudson Mills Metropark I see people of all ages running, walking, roller-blading, jogging, some pushing a baby stroller, and walking dogs.  In almost any kind of weather people are out there working their bodies.  There are also places such as Snap Fitness or Anytime Fitness which have trainers and every conceivable kind of exercise machine to be used by people as they seek to gain and maintain fitness.

     For the past several years there has been an increasing emphasis on healthy eating as well as weight loss.  Cora and I are Lifetime members of Weight Watchers which emphasizes a lifestyle of eating in a very healthy way.      

     There is much to be gained by regular exercise and a healthy diet as continuing medical research has verified.  Most of us value our health because it makes such a positive difference in our lives.  Good health involves body, mind and spirit and enables us to live active and productive lives!  The World Health Organization defines good health in the following way:  "Good Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

   Martin Luther once said that “It is the part of a Christian to take care of his own body for the very purpose that by its soundness and well-being he may be enabled to labor for the aid of those who are in want, and thus the stronger member may serve the weaker member.”

 How do we determine how healthy we are?  There are many ways but primarily a physical exam by a physician.  Such an exam may show that you are very healthy but it may also identify areas of concern which need to be addressed.

 We are the body of Christ designed by God to be alive and active in fulfilling His will and purpose here on earth.  The Word of God (Scripture) reveals to us the marks of a healthy church.  On the basis of Scripture as well as research that has been done in many churches, Stephen Macchia has written a book entitled Becoming a Healthy Church in which he identifies 10 traits of a vital ministry.

  These 10 traits are as follows:  God’s empowering presence; God-exalting worship; spiritual disciplines;  learning and growing in community;  a commitment to loving and caring relationships;  servant-leadership development;  an outward focus;  wise administration and accountability;  networking with the body of Christ;  stewardship and generosity. 

 To assist churches in determining the state of their health an assessment was developed which is referred to as CHAT—Church Health Assessment Tool.  It is a very effective means of discovering the state of health of a congregation, identifying areas of good health as well as those that are in need of some attention.  The results of this survey helps churches know how best to move forward!

 We will be using the CHAT survey here at St. Andrew’s to help us look at ourselves to see our strengths as well as those areas of our life and ministry in need of some attention.  I believe the Lord will use it to guide us on the path of moving forward in fulfilling His will.

 During the month of February, all members and attenders of St. Andrew’s are asked to take the CHAT survey either online or by paper copy.  Please note that the survey will not be available online until February 1 and then through February 29.

 To complete the survey online, go to the website www.HealthyChurch.net and then click on the button that says “Take the Survey.”  You will then be asked to enter the login information and a password which can be obtained on the “We are Listening” bulletin insert or by contacting the church office.

  If you don’t have a computer/internet access, paper copies will be made available at your request.  A sign-up sheet is available in the narthex and copies may be picked up on or after Tuesday, February 1.  It is suggested that you connect with someone who has internet access to input your information or place your survey in a box outside of the Church Office and the information will be entered for you.

   Whether you are an attender or member we strongly encourage all congregants 13 years and up to participate in the survey.  Please take this opportunity to share your thoughts with us.  Your feedback will help shape strategic decisions and ministry effectiveness for the future.  The more people who participate in this survey the better because it will give us a more accurate picture of the state of our health.

  With the information gathered from this survey in hand, our leaders will be working in the months ahead to make plans and take actions that will facilitate our becoming a healthier church than ever!!  Let’s keep moving forward!

Yours in Christ,