The Wellbeing initiative at St. Andrew focuses on intentionally addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of individuals to foster a thriving community.

At the heart of our faith is a God who desires abundant life for all creation (John 10:10). We understand this “abundant life” not as a static state of perfection, but as a dynamic, holistic journey toward wholeness—what we call wellbeing. At St. Andrew, wellbeing is the integrated flourishing of body, mind, spirit, and community, nurtured by God’s grace and directed toward love of neighbor and care for the world.

Key values:
• Everything is Connected: Our personal wellbeing is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of our community and the planet. We are part of the same sacred whole.
• Growth is a Process: We are always in a process of becoming. Setbacks, grief, and struggle are not signs of failure but part of the human journey, where God meets us with particular tenderness.
• We Co-Create with God: God invites us to be active partners in the healing of the world, contributing to the wholeness of our community and our neighbors.

Resources:
• The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) – Health & Wholeness – Advocacy resources linking faith, justice, and public health
• The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church (2020/2024): Contains official stances on mental health and advocacy.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7

The Listening Bench offers a safe space where you can share what’s on your mind with a trained volunteer listener. This is not counseling or therapy—it’s more like talking with a caring friend who is lending an ear. This new program is offered by our Wellbeing ministry and is open to any adult, whether you’re part of St. Andrew or someone in the wider community. Stop by the Prayer Room near the west gathering space on the main level of St. Andrew on Sundays.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, when we focus on recognizing and honoring more than 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. They provide essential support to aging parents, ill spouses and children, and disabled family members.

First Lady Rosalynn Carter famously declared, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

Join us in honoring these unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to care for loved ones. We will distribute a small gift to caregivers between worship services on Sunday, November 1.

More information: caregiveraction.org or ncoa.org

November 13 is World Kindness Day! Join the global movement by performing a thoughtful deed and inspiring others to follow suit.

Our youth have partnered with us to create Kindness Rocks, which will be distributed between worship services on Sunday, November 15. The Kindness Rocks Project encourages people to paint rocks with uplifting messages and leave them in public spaces for others to find.

We hope you will take a rock and leave a rock to spread kindness in our community.

More information: thekindnessrocksproject.com

Bill Hamaker, a member of St. Andrew, is an assistant teacher at the Zen Center of Denver and longtime practitioner of Zen meditation. Bill will offer instruction in the areas of mindfulness, meditation and compassionate action along with an opportunity to share with one another the aspects of our mutual spiritual practice. No reservation required.

The labyrinth at St. Andrew offers a contemplative space for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection. Unlike a maze with dead ends and confusion, our labyrinth provides a path that leads to the center and back out again—a metaphor for life's journey and our relationship with the divine.

Learning about the 8 Dimensions of Wellness can help you choose how to make wellness a part of your everyday life. Wellness strategies are practical ways to start developing healthy habits that can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Here are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness:

1. Emotional – Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
2. Environmental – Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
3. Financial – Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
4. Intellectual – Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
5. Occupational – Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
6. Physical – Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep
7. Social – Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
8. Spiritual – Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life

 
Source: SAMHSA.gov