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Health Ministries

The Health Ministry Committee is a group of health professionals and lay people within the church who promote whole-person health. Our goals, as people of faith, are to provide health education and health screenings as well as referrals and resources for the congregation and friends of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church and for the surrounding community. The Health Ministry Committee reaches out to the congregation and the community at large with programs aimed at improving health. These programs have included the following: Blood pressure screenings, walking loops through the church, and year-round exercise programs. Read on for details:

Table of Contents:


Monthly blood pressure screenings

We offer blood pressure screenings the third Sunday of the month, after the 11:00 service (or, in the summer, after the 10:00 worship service). Located in the First Floor Library, just down the hall from the main entrance on Highland Ave.


Walking loops through the church: Quarter and Half Mile loops  Walking loops through the church: Quarter and Half Mile loops, year-round

Here’s a great opportunity to stay fit, even when the weather is cold and rainy outside! Enjoy the comforts of walking indoors and see ELPC’s beautiful and historic architecture up-close. ELPC’s Health Ministry has created two walking loop maps: The quarter-mile loop (click to view the PDF) has no stairs and walkers stay on the first (main) floor. This walk proceeds through the sanctuary and chapel spaces. For the half-mile loop (click to view the PDF), walkers proceed through the main and ground floor levels, through the gym and social hall spaces. Please check in at the main desk when you arrive to make sure the pathways aren’t closed for special events. View the church calendar for holiday closure information.


“Vesta” play performed October 12, 2013 at Kelly-Strayhorn

A play, Vesta, will be presented at the Kelly-Strayhorn at 6pm following heavy hors d'oeuvres at 5:15. Vesta is a story of a feisty 75 year old widow's struggle to maintain independence and dignity as she grapples with her failing health and eventual death. This presentation is an effort to empower and encourage adults to make end-of-life decisions in a timely fashion. There will be a panel discussion following the play. Admission is free. Read a review of this play


Year-round exercise classes

Join us for one or more of these fun fitness classes. No membership or previous experience required. For questions, contact Kate Carlson at (412) 441-3800 x16. (View the church calendar for holiday closure information.)

  • JourneyDance with Yamuna: Use movement to celebrate your inner strengths! JourneyDance meets year-round, the second Friday of every month, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. JourneyDance is a playful and intuitive method of using movement to discover and celebrate our inner strengths. JourneyDance guides you to become fully present in your body, to release trapped emotions and self-judgment, to access your inner power, to celebrate your spirit, and to manifest your dreams. A donation from the heart is appreciated. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of movement. Bring a water bottle if you have one. Open to everyone! All ages and bodies welcome. Meets in the McKelvey Room, first floor. Led by Yamuna.
  • Tai ChiTai Chi: Experience flowing movements and treat your body to a relaxing workout! Tai Chi classes are offered as a series several times during the year, any Tuesday mornings or Tuesday evenings. Winter series classes will begin January 8, for 10 weeks. The morning class runs from 10:00 - 11:00 am; the evening class runs from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. You are welcome to take the whole series or take individual classes on a drop-in basis. Each class is only $3, an outstanding exercise deal! Or purchase ten classes for $25 in advance. For more information, contact Kate Carlson, (412) 441-3800 x16.
  • YogaYoga: Relax and renew your body, mind and spirit! Yoga is offered year-round! Yoga classes are led by Yamuna, a Kripalu-certified instructor. This class meets every Thursday evening throughout the year, from 7:15pm - 8:45 pm in the Sewing Room. (Check with the front desk in case you aren't sure where that is.) Cost is a donation from the heart.

Tips and thoughts on Wellness

Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. In addition to being an active part of a church community, overall welness looks at a life-long process of moving toward enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. The following dimensions highlight some important components of wellness. Take time to explore your own level of wellness and see if you have gotten your “dose of wellness” today!

  • What are some of the ways we can improve our spiritual wellness?
    • Nourish yourself through personal beliefs, morals and religion.
    • Find purpose in life and meaning in the little things you do.
    • Feel connected with ones self and others.
    • Develop a philosophy of life that you want to live by.

  • What are some of the ways we can improve our physical wellness?
    • Get a physical exam.
    • For women: gynecological exam.
    • Exercise regularly and eat balanced meals.
    • Limit or avoid alcohol and tobacco.
    • Be consistent with self-exams like BSE/TSE.
    • Keep your and your children’s immunizations current.
    • Keep up with regular dental and eye exams.
    • Get a massage to ease tired and worked muscles.

  • What are some of the ways we can improve our social wellness?
    • Develop relationships where both parties feel good.
    • Find ways to interact with people in both public and private situations.
    • Read the newspaper! You’ll be amazed with all of the events going on.
    • Join clubs to expand your (in-person) social contacts.
    • Stick to values and beliefs without being persuaded by peer pressure.

More about the Health Ministry Committee

In addition to our regular programs, ELPC’s Health Minstry also offers seminars on various health issues. We have a volunteer resource list of congregants who are willing to assist with health needs of congregants when needed. In 2013 we plan to offer an End of Life Issues program (more details coming). We have purchased a defibrillator for the church and hold classes for staff as well as other health professionals in the congregation. We established a volunteer resource list of congregants who are willing to assist with health needs of congregants when needed, and we offer First Aid classes for young families. Additionally, we have compiled a Senior Resource Guide, related health pamphlets, and disease specific books which are available in the library for the congregation’s use. We also assist and facilitate Blood Drives here at the church.

The Church down through the ages has been a place of healing. Now many churches are reclaiming this ministry. Health professionals and lay people are needed to serve in numerous ways. Are interested in joining us? Please call Pat Krimmel, (412) 441-2909.