Coker United Methodist Church
Tuesday, January 06, 2009

 

Health and Wellness at Coker

 
Health and Wellness logo
 

Starting Premise

 
On Saturday, May 10, 2008, 52 persons working with a consultant funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries explored Coker's vision for health and wellness ministries at Coker.  The starting premise was:
 
We want to develop ministries that encourage healthy minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  At Coker we could create a premier recreational ministry for all ages.  It could involve partnering with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to establish a health care clinic, offering preventative health care to the uninsured and under-insured.  It could include building a Methodist Family Center for Christian recreation and fitness.  The possibilities are limited only by our vision and our faith to trust God's will for us.
 

The Need

 
A recent study by Methodist Healthcare Ministries determined that nearly 18% of the Bexar County population is living below the federal poverty level.  There is a large unmet need for primary health care.  Existing health care clinics are not well positioned to accommodate future population growth.  Over 30% of persons living within three miles of Coker are living well below the federal poverty level.  There are no “charity” clinics in the Coker service area.  So Coker is physically well positioned to serve an unmet and growing health care need.
 
 

Scope

 
The possible scope of a vision for Coker Health and Wellness Ministries was discussed in terms of:
  • Fiscal responsibility and risk - from low to high,
  • Scope of ministry offered - from limited to expansive,
  • Mix of programs and services offered - from wellness to health care, and
  • Target users - from Coker members to include the entire community.

 

Consensus

 
Through a series of guided exercises and small group discussions, a consensus was developed on a vision for Health and Wellness ministries at Coker.  In five years, those gathered envision such possibilities as:
  • An independent, non-profit corporation in place.
  • Committed and sustained financial and volunteer resources.
  • Staff that is exceptional and sufficient in number.
  • A Wellness program that is in operation using a multi-purpose building to serve mind, body, and spirit.
  • A health and wellness center that offers: medical care (primary, dental, and medical), spiritual enrichment and education, wellness programs, recreation and fitness ministry.
  • Our Coker Health and Wellness Center welcomes all.
 

Next Steps

 
The next steps include:
  • Identification of a core leadership group to evaluate the present programs, activities and services that we currently provide, clarify those community needs not being met that we can meet, determine what we can do immediately (time-frame/program-ministries), and engage the congregation for support.
If you are interested in helping or have questions, please contact Pastor Barbara at 494-3455, ext. 242.
 
 
 

Worship With Us:

Times & Directions

  

Our address:
231 E. North Loop Rd.
San Antonio, TX  78216-1896

210-494-3455
FAX: 494-8537