Old Bethel United Methodist Church - Official Site

Greetings in the name of Jesus, our great Physician! Every year we observe and celebrate the festival of St. Luke the Evangelist and Physician. And even though this day is actually recognized on October 18th, this rememberance provides us with a constant opportunity to consider the concept of wholistic health. Read on below to learn how this may be a great concept of health and healing for you and your loved ones!

Healing does not mean just the lack of illness or disability. Actually, the root of the word “heal” means “wholeness”. This is how the concept of wholistic health came to exist. As Christians, we remember that our wholeness involves harmony and balance among all aspects of our life, with our relationship with God as our center. We do use scientific medicine, and recognize that science and spirituality need to be partners in our health.

Shalom is a gift from God (translated ‘peace’ in John 14:27 & 20:21). This is how the Bible describes the wholeness that comes only from God. It is made possible through the complete and perfect atonement of Jesus Christ. Jesus refers to this gift of shalom or wholeness with these words, “…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). This scripture is one of the bases of wholeness and biblical wholistic health. Lyman Coleman in his study entitled Wholistic Health, states, “The biblical concept of wholeness is expressed by the word ‘shalom’ in the New Testament. The word means wellbeing…health…happiness… and harmony. The word implies the healing of all fractures between man and God, man and man, man and nature, and among man, nature and God.”

The biblical view of wholeness is broader than the secular view of ‘holistic health’. The holistic health movement is primarily concerned with harmony WITHIN a person; physical, emotional, and spiritual. The biblical concept of wholistic health begins with harmony BETWEEN a person and God, the source of healing and health. What then is meant by the term wholistic health? Wholistic health refers to a process of wholeness that exists when there is harmony or balance among the different dimensions (physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and environmental) of our lives in our relationship to God. May the Lord help us value the precious gift of life with which He has blessed us.

Old Bethel offers a growing number of sports and recreation ministries both at the church and throughout the community. We are currently even initiating a study that could allow us to build an Indoor Sports Facility complete with a basketball court and jogging track in what is now currently The Grove. Below are sports and recreation ministries that you and your family can take part in at Old Bethel.

Old Bethel Softball:
Interested in playing on Old Bethel's softball team? No experience necessary- just sign up at the Welcome Center on Sunday morning! This is a great way for a father and son to get to know other fathers and sons that attend Old Bethel. Next season is in the spring - so sign up now and start practicing!

Fellowship and Fitness Group:
This United Methodist Women's group meets weekly at Old Bethel to engage in excercise and other get-the-blood-moving activities. Come involve yourself in prayer, exercise, and line dancing in Wesley Hall every Tuesday morning at 9:00am.

Wanna head up a Sports Ministry at Old Bethel? Contact the chuch office!