Dear Wellness Warriors,    

    Seasons changing…the end of one time and transition to the next. It is so wonderful that this new season is bringing you gradually back to worship! We continue to walk this journey, keeping recommended precautions in place, while enjoying each other’s company again! Despite this, with the change of seasons and the start of schools, there is a word that keeps surfacing that explains what so many of us are feeling…Uncertain. The definition of uncertain is “not able to be relied on; not known or definite, not completely confident or sure of something”.

This time of year our focus is on our school and college age friends and families, as well as teachers and other school employees who are faced with more uncertainty than ever. Uncertainty can lead to feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. It is an important time to be aware of these feelings and reach out for support when needed…to your church community, your family, friends and reputable online resources.

The Penn Foundation-Behavioral Health Services has several blog posts that I encourage you to look at. They range from managing grief during Covid times and coping with social distancing to strategies to help parents, educators and children cope with the uncertainty of the new school year. This link will take you to the most recent blog post and then you can scroll to previous blogs to read. https://www.pennfoundation.org/news-events/articles-of-interest/strategies-to-help-parents-educators-and-children-cope-with-the-uncertainty-of-the-new-school-year/

The Penn Foundation is also offering a zoom webinar titled “Building Resilient Men and Women One Child at a Time”. September 22^nd 8:30 am. Please see flyer below for more info. Participants receive a free copy of the award-winning book “The Heart and Soul of the Next Generation” (while supplies last). If you have questions, please email event organizer Debra Ryan.

Another suggestion to help children cope with their feelings regarding Covid-19 is this award-winning downloadable book called “We’re going to be ok”. If you have young children check out this resource at https://globalhealth.emory.edu/_includes/documents/sections/ebook-competition/goingtobeok.pdf

On another note, who feels like they are running out of creative meal ideas during these times??! Check out www.choosemyplate.gov

 for creative ideas for kid’s meals and innovative ways to get them involved in mealtime. This is a great website for interesting ways to eat healthy for people of ALL ages!

Thank you to all who donated hand sanitizer. We have purchased small refillable bottles and they will be readily available around the church as we start to utilize more of our spaces. All of the hand sanitizer meets the recommended guidelines for alcohol content. Remember to check any hand sanitizer you purchase at home to make sure it is not on the recall list-found on www.fda.gov

The Blood Drive will be returning to First Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 12th from 2pm-7pm. Miller Keystone has implemented safety precautions according to CDC protocols to insure you a safe donation experience. The need is great during this pandemic as well as heading into the fall. Donors will be accepted by appointment only to ensure safety. Appointments can be made by calling the church office at 610-326-0620 or email Dawn at [email protected]. You can also Register Online with Sponsor Code 4342 at www.GiveaPint.org. If you have specific questions regarding the safeguards in place please contact Dawn. Thank you for your support!

Volunteers needed. We are looking for a small group of adults who would be willing to help with temperature checks before worship services. A simple training will be provided on using our infrared thermometers as well as our current protocols. Please email Dawn or notify Marie if you are interested.

Please see below for a three-part virtual series “Ask the Doctor” presented by Keystone Villa and Tower Health. There will be discussion as well as Q + A on the following topics: Parkinson’s, Dementia, and Diabetes. This is an excellent opportunity to hear the most current information on these prevalent conditions. RSVP here for the Zoom link to participate.

Have you ever heard of “Covid Breathing”? Well, it is being practiced every week at the First Presbyterian Namaste at Home yoga Class and they wanted to share it with us. Check out this link provided by Joann Bathurst…Healthy Lungs (and strong pelvic floors) for everyone!

Are you feeling confused by Covid testing? See this blog post from the National Institutes of Health leadership about the importance of COVID-19 testing and how it can be utilized properly to help prevent the spread of infection and get our country safely back to work and school!

No cost testing is available at local health centers and participating pharmacies. For more information go to https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html#pa (dept of health and human services ) or your local county website. Most places do not need a doctor referral.

My grandmother’s favorite saying has never been more appropriate than during these times, “Let Go and Let God”. During these uncertain times, may we all experience moments of peace and grace by letting go and casting our cares onto God.

~Dawn and your Health Ministry Team