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Clergy Development/Wellness
"The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning" - M. Scott Peck
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell us in love - like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. - Ephesians 4:15 (The Message)
Rev. Teresa G. Welborn Dear Friends:
Grace and peace to you! Welcome to this webpage for Clergy Development and Clergy Wellness. It is with great joy that I extend a word of thanksgiving to all our clergy in the San Antonio Episcopal Area. For the hours you put in, for the love you give, for your ministry that makes a difference – thank you!
As children of God whose Spirit continues to move in and around and among us, we are lifelong learners. Under Bishop Dorff’s leadership, we are becoming more intentional about Creating a Culture of Growth. And so as clergy, we take responsibility for our own growth and professional development. Here you will find resources and tools to support you in your ministry. If you would like assistance in pursuing a continuing education opportunity that best fits your needs, please do not hesitate to contact me. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you serve Christ. If ever you need to share a concern, celebrate a joy or just talk, I am available to you. Ministry is exciting and rewarding, but at times it can be a challenge to take care of ourselves in the midst of caring for others. Love yourself by taking care of yourself – body, mind, and spirit. Participate in our Clergy Wellness program. Take your vacation time. And above all, make space and time for the ones you love and for Jesus – the one who loves you so.
God’s peace,
Teresa
Rev. Teresa G. Welborn twelborn@umcswtx.org (210) 408-4500
Clergy Development Grants (formerly PHW& E)
Clergy are invited to apply for grants to attend continuing education events. The grants exist to assist clergy in their ability to grow in their ministerial and leadership abilities so that they are better able to address the physical and spiritual needs of the churches and mission fields in which they serve. Find the attachments for guidelines, application and instructions. If you have any questions, contact Administrative Assistant Eve Albert at evealbert@umcswtx.org or (210) 408-4500, Ext. 551 or (888) 349-4191, Ext. 551, Toll Free.
MHM Grant Guidelines
Clergy Development Grant Applicant Instructions
Clergy Development Grant Application
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The goal of our wellness program is to encourage all our clergy to strive towards keeping a healthy and balance lifestyle by taking charge of their own physical, emotional and spiritual health. To achieve that goal we have made available a variety of tools. Clergy participation in the wellness program helps with prevention and early detection of any health issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. The clergy wellness program offers great incentives to its clergy and even to the church they serve as a means of encouraging participation. We hope you will prayerfully consider participating in this program.
Clergy Care is sanctioned by the Board of Ordained Ministry and Board of Pensions. This is underwritten jointly by the Methodist Health Care Ministries and the Board of Pensions. Administration will be overseen by the SWTC Clergy Care Team in cooperation with the health care resources of GPA, Health Care Management, Interface EAP and Quest Diagnostics.
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Taking Charge This program is strictly voluntary and is available to all clergy under full-time appointment including those appointed as Conference staff. Partipants must be enrolled in the Conference Health Plan. Results of the four components are strictly confidential between you and GPA (Group Pensions Administrators, Inc). The Clergy Care Team will only receive acknowledgments of your continued participation in the program and no personal health information is shared.
The first opportunity to participate begins February 1st and concludes December 15, 2012. The blood screening will be available at Annual Conference and the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) should be completed within three months of the lab screening. Participants have until December 15, 2012 to have the physical exam and wellness conversation completed.
Please note that December 15, 2012 is the new deadline date for self-reporting and mailing in all component cards.
All component completion cards must be post marked by December 15, 2012.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COMPONENT COMPLETION CARDS
Enhanced Program There are four components to the wellness program, offering a greater variety of actions. The four components you need to complete are the following:
• Mandatory Components: Lab, Health Risk Assessment (HRA) and the Annual Physical Exam. • Mandatory Component Choice: Lifestyle (4 components to choose from) LIFESTYLE has three choices that are interactive web-based electives and require online participation for the points and tracking system. The 3 components to choose from are: #1-Step by Step in Faith (pedometer program), #2 - Maintain, Don’t Gain (A November Challenge) and #3 - Digital Coaching Programs. The 4th component is the wellness conversation (not web-based). Each component is worth 20 points.
The Four Components
Health Risk Assessment
A Health Risk Assessment HRA is a 20 minute questionnaire. It is a powerful online tool for learning more about your health and improving your living. If your HRA indicates that you are at high risk you will receive assistance toward healthier goals and living. Furthermore, if you currently live with a chronic condition, the wellness program will help you increase your understanding and management of your condition. For best results, it should be completed within 90 days of lab screening.
HRA will be available from Feb. 1 - Dec. 15.
Lab Screening
A lab screen is a good way to identify potential health risks.
The Clergy Care Program will offer the free lab screening at the Southwest Texas Annual Conference in Corpus Christi during the month of June, 2012. The screen will include blood pressure, lipid, CMP, thyroid II, and PSA (men over 50) screening. Clergy are encouraged to participate and support each other during the lab screening at annual conference. For those unable to attend the lab screening at annual conference, a remote option will be available.
All participants will need to complete an overnight fast prior to the testing. You will receive your confidential lab results via mail. Furthermore, a summary will be sent to GPA for integration in your personal wellness program.
Lab Screenings will be done during Annual Conference June 8-9, 2012.
Physical Exam
The physical exam is another component in the Clergy Care Wellness Program. Cost for your physical exam will be covered under the current provisions of the Health Benefit Program. The exam is a time to discuss any health related issues and health goals including exercise with your doctor.
Physical exams may be completed from Jan. 1, - Dec. 15, and reported by December 15, 2012.
Lifestyle - 4 Components - choose one
The Lifestyle component is to call attention to how we live as part of God’s creation. There are four activities in which we can make a healthy impact in your life and in the world. They cover exercise, diet, community activity, education and relaxation methods, with each activity having their own point total. Each activity is worth 20 points.
1 - Step by Step in Faith
2 - Digital Coaching Programs
3 - Maintain, Don't Gain Holiday Challenge (November)
4 - Wellness Conversation
See the Clergy Wellness Packet for details.
Lifestyle may be completed online from February 1 and reported by December 15.
Clergy Wellness: At-a-Glance
Purpose
Promote physical, emotional and spiritual health for our clergy by encouraging personal responsibility and offering a variety of tools to aid in that process. Clergy modeling of good stewardship of body, mind and soul provide those they serve with visible reminders of holy living.
Eligibility
All full-time clergy appointed to a local church and Conference staff in the Southwest Texas Conference. Participants must be in the conference health plan.
Four Components
Health Risk Assessment Feb 1 - Dec 15 Lab Screening - Annual Conference June 8 - 9 Physical Exam Jan 1 - Dec 15 Lifestyle - 4 components Jan 1 - Dec 15
Participants must complete four components that best fit their needs in order to qualify for the $160.00 stipend. The three mandatory components are: lab screening, health risk assessment and the physical exam. Clergy have a choice between the 4 components in Lifestyle. They are the following: Step by Step in Faith (pedometer program), Digital Coaching Programs, Maintain, Don't Gain (November Challenge) and the Wellness Conversation to complete the required four components. Each component is worth 20 points.
Important Dates
Feb 1 Clergy Care Launch for 2012 Feb 1 - Dec 15 Health Risk Assessment (complete within 3 months of Lab Screening) June 8 - 9 Lab Screening Dec 15 End of Program 2011
Lab Screening Locations
June 8 - 9 Corpus Christi – Annual Conference
Incentives
$20 for each completed component (Total $80) $160 stipend for personal retreat or use in related wellness options $200 health insurance premium rebate to your church after completion on all four components. A fee will be charged for PC Version pedometers for Lifestyle component - Contact Clergy Admin. Eve Albert for details at 210-408-4551 or email at evealbert@umcswtx.org. Note: For 2012, you will be asked to fill out a brief survey prior to receiving your stipend. This will be used to help us evaluate the wellness program and report to MHM.
Continued Care
Further assistance is available, from wellness tools, lifestyle coaching for those that have been identified as high risk for developing a chronic disease and management for those clergy who are living with chronic disease.
Who to Contact
Teresa Gayle Welborn 210-408-4511 twelborn@umcswtx.org
Eve Albert 210-408-4500 ext. 551 / 888-349-4194 clergywellness@umcswtx.org
Isabel Munoz 210-408-4500 ext.526 /888-349-4194 imunoz@umcswtx.org
Retreats
The idea of a retreat was created to augment the new Clergy Care Program in encouraging healthier lifestyles. We offer several retreat possibilities in an effort to provide a spiritual renewal opportunity for you and your family. Included are other wellness options to help encourage clergy to pursue a healthy life style. This ministry is made possible by a grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries and endorsed by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
In addition to retreats a pastor may use the $160 stipend for any reasonable form of wellness pursuit such as fitness club membership, nutritional supplements, excerise clothing and/or equipment, therapuetic messages, etc. Please remember to qualify for the $160 stipend in the coming year you are required to send a brief paragraph report on your use of the 2010 stipend. Send your report to:
Eve Albert Clergy Wellness Administrator Southwest Texas Conference 16400 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78248 888-349-4191 Ext. 551 210-408-4551 210-568-4443 Fax Clergywellness@umcswtx.org
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Mount Wesley Conference Center is available year-round for individual private retreats to groups of 200
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Mount Wesley Conference Center Kerrville, Texas
Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the Mount Wesley Conference Center is situated on 64 acres of woodland. From individual private retreats to groups of 200, this year-round South Texas retreat center is dedicated to enabling individuals to experience the love, grace, and joy of God in a Christian retreat setting.
Costs: $25/single; $26/ Couple
Meals: $6 Breakfast; $7 Lunch; $8 Dinner (meals served in MHM Dining Hall)
Contact: Patti Zaiontz, Administrator Address: 610 Methodist Encampment Rd. Kerrville, Texas 78028 Phone: 830-895-5700 Fax: 830-895-4664 Website: www.mountwesley.org Email: pattiz@mountwesley.org
Note: Rates are for Wellness Clergy Retreats only. Otherwise other rates apply.
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The Haven River Inn has a special place in its heart for ministers and Christian workers
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The Haven River Inn Comfort, Texas
The Haven River Inn is a refuge of peace in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Guests enjoy walking along the Guadalupe River through pecan trees and rolling meadows on this 23-acre estate or merely relaxing in a “rocker” on our spacious wraparound porches. With a special place in its heart for ministers and Christian workers, over 260 Christian leaders stayed at the Haven last year.
Costs: Clergy and spouse may stay 2 nights free once per year Sunday - Thursday
Rates otherwise: $75-110/night
Address: The Haven River Inn 105 Highway 473 P.O. Box 899 Comfort, TX 78013 Phone: 830.995.3834 Fax: 830.995.4335
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Lebh Shomea stresses the silent listening of the heart - contemplative prayer
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Lebh Shomea House of Prayer Sarita, Texas
Lebh Shomea, House of Prayer, at La Parra Ranch located in Wild Horse Desert, six miles due east of the small South Texas town of Sarita.
The purpose of the House of Prayer is to assure a milieu and to furnish a place where a person may retreat at any time in order to be alone and pray. Lebh Shomea stresses the silent listening of the heart - contemplative prayer.
Costs: $25/day only including meals $42/night per person including meals Address: Lebh Shomea House of Prayer La Parra Ranch P.O. Box 9 Sarita, TX 78385-0009 Phone: 361-294-5369 Website: www.lebhshomea.org Email: info@lebhshomea.org
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