Health & Wellness Ministry

Who We Are

The Health & Wellness Ministry (HWM) is responsible for providing members of the Congregation with opportunities to strengthen their relationship between Christian faith and health of mind, body and spirit.

What We Believe

HWM believes that supporting health, wellness, and healing in our community is core to the ministry of Jesus Christ. As Scripture reads, “‘Come, you who will receive good things from God. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me’” (Matthew 25:34-36). Jesus taught us that all people deserve love and care–especially those who exist on the margins of society or are experiencing a particularly challenging or vulnerable season in their lives. HWM intends to answer Christ’s call to radical love and care of our siblings through the lens of connection, spiritual care, education, and access to resources.

Our History

In the early 2000s, the United Church of Christ identified a faith-based need within the changing landscape of our denomination: ministries for health and wellness at denominational, conference/regional, and congregational levels. First Congregational Church in Winchester, UCC, hired Kathleen Zagata, RN, MSN as Health Minister. Kathleen attended to the needs of our church community, with particular attention to our siblings in Christ seeking additional emotional, spiritual, and medical support. She headed FCCW’s HWM for over two decades. Kathleen transitioned from her position with FCCW in 2023.

Since 2023, HWM continues to provide community support and connection, healing opportunities, health-based education, and access to practical medical equipment. HWM now functions as a church committee: a team of lay volunteers who steer the ministry, with the guidance of a pastoral liaison, Associate Pastor Rev. Maeve Hammond.

What We Offer

For upcoming HWM events open to the church community and general public, please check out the church calendar.

Healing opportunities: In the fall and the Lenten season, HWM helps lead Sunday worship. During these services, we provide healing liturgy for the congregation and offer laying-on-of-hands prayer stations for worshipers who would like to receive individualized prayer time and healing touch.

Eleventh Hour workshops: We invite speakers and experts in their field to provide interactive talks at the intersection of healing and spirituality during FCCW’s occasional Eleventh Hour–11 AM after Sunday worship.

Annual bike rides: HWM coordinates and supports a multigenerational, all-ages, local bike ride each spring.

Caregiver support: In 2024, HWM began developing the Caregiver Support Network. To read more about our offerings and local opportunities to receive support, please visit the Caregiver Support Network webpage (coming soon). If you are a caregiver and would like to receive support from the Caregiver Support Network, please contact Associate Pastor Rev. Maeve Hammond.

Health-based education: HWM shares relatable and relevant medical news and health-based education to the congregation via notices in the church e-newsletter. If you would like to be added to the e-newsletter mailing list, please email Office Manager Sarah Marino at sarah@fcc-winchester.org.

Medical supplies: HWM provides and maintains a life-saving AED device in the church lobby. HWM also has a closet located on the Sanctuary-level of the church, near the Associate Pastor’s office. This closet contains cold and flu supplies, COVID-19 PPE, First Aid kits, and some mobility devices. Anyone is welcome to access this closet. Please review the map below to find the AED and/or the closet.

AED in the Church Office Lobby

Health & Wellness Closet

How to Get Involved

If you would like to learn more about HWM, serve on the committee, and/or receive support, please contact Rev. Maeve Hammond at maeve@fcc-winchester.org.

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