First A.M.E.
Church Health and Faith Policy
Moving Together in Faith and Health PROGRAM OVERVIEW First African Methodist Episcopal Church is committed to promoting good health and well-being of our congregations and the community. Our food selections, lifestyle and environment all affect our health. We understand that dietary factors contribute substantially to preventable diseases and premature death. We believe the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we must attempt to preserve the temple through active living and healthy eating. As a result of the strong relationship between diet, exercise, health, and our commitment to health, the following policies were created to help facilitate the selection of lower fat and high calorie food and beverage options for church sponsored events. It is fitting for First A.M.E. to provide leadership to promote healthful eating at church functions. We can model our commitment to good health by developing a healthy church environment. Most importantly, following these policies can promote better overall health and reduce risk for chronic diseases. FAME Church endeavors to offer healthy food choices at all of its sponsored events. In today’s society, there are many healthy options for tasty foods and beverages. When food and beverages are provided for events, food choices that are lower in fat and calories should be offered and portion sizes should be monitored. The US Department of Health & Human Services has asserted that obesity and non-healthy food choices are contributing factors to health problems. With increasing rates of obesity in America, FAME Church maintains that it is important to offer beverages such as water and food such as fruits, vegetables or other healthy snacks for mid-morning and late evening meals. FAME Church affirms physical movement as a part of our worship heritage and cultural identity. Our worship services are designed for appropriate physical movement in our liturgy and as prompted by the Holy Spirit. FAME Church realizes that the human body was created to move and that immobility is a contributing factor to the decline in overall health.
Health & Wellness Ministry
It is the goal of the Health and Wellness Ministry to develop a health system that integrates a faith and health focus along with bringing education and awareness on health across all ministries of the First A.M.E. Church. This focus will be established through the implementation of three policies and strategic planning to incorporate all ministries of First AME Church with the vision and goals to change the environment in our church home to improve the health of our children, youth and families.