At the North Parish of North Andover, Mass., the Rev. Lee Bluemel organized a “Wellness Day” this spring and opened it to the community. She invited yoga instructors, life coaches, massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, and others to offer their services.

For a $25 fee congregants and people from the larger community could sample the offerings. There were workshops from “What is the Goddess Tradition?” to “Finding Your Creative Light,” plus health and wellness assessments.

“What sparked the idea for me really was an awareness of how many healing arts practitioners we have in the congregation,” says Bluemel.

She adds, “Despite the tough economic climate, this event was a winner. First, it was a fundraiser for the congregation––raising almost $2,000. Second, it brought people from the community into our church, some of whom are now attending services. Third, it helped practitioners make connections with new clients and each other. And finally, it made healing services available to people who normally could not afford them at a time when most people need self care. The feedback was positive from the participants and this event may become a yearly tradition at North Parish.”

About the Author

Don Skinner

Don Skinner is editor of InterConnections and a member of the Shawnee Mission UU Church in Lenexa, Kansas.

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