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Health Care
Why is health important to United Methodists?
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Bishop Ough calls us to act now. Join the West Ohio Health Reform John 10:10 Challenge. Be a part of the Justice Action Team and stay informed of ongoing vigils, educational events, important news, worship opportunities, and new ministries.
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And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well (Matthew 9:20-22, RSV).
We believe that our mission as the church is to continue the redemptive ministry of Christ, including teaching, preaching, and healing. Christ's healing was not peripheral but central in his ministry. The church, therefore, understands itself as called by the Lord to the holistic ministry of healing: spiritual, mental and emotional, and physical.
As 2010 dawns, the General Board of Church & Society has resolved to introduce a focus on a “Prophet-Driven Economy.” We will make every effort to help United Methodists raise their voices on behalf of those in need. Read that proposal here.
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Kaiser Foundation Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Helath Care Reform Proposals.
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*Contact your elected officials at the federal and local levels or learn how connect with your local media here.*
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**Nervous about connecting with legislators? Be effective, faithful, and strategic with these easy steps.**
- What does the United Methodist Church think about health care?
- Myths about health care reform are flying. What myths and truths concern United Methodists about health reform?
- What do our Social Principles say about health and health care?
- 2009 Resolution to Make Health Care a Priority: find out what we are doing in West Ohio!
Resources for Worship:
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Two Act Play "Healing the Jericho Traveler(created by United Methodist Reverend Jackson Day). Use in worship, for discussion, or in a study group!
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Interfaith/Interdenominational Toolkit for Health Care and Worship
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Ezekiel 34 Health Care Justice Bible Study: The Bible and the health obligations of government, a 2 hour study. Click here for the accompanying leader's guide.
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Hold a Health Care Justice Sabbath! To download free resources, ideas, and worship helps, click here.
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Health Advocacy Resources for Worship (provided by Professor Robin Knowles-Wallace, Methodist Theological School in Ohio). This excellent resource includes lyrics created by attendees of the Health Advocacy workshop at Lakeside, June 2009.
Other Resources/Articles:
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The Economic Research Service of USDA has released a new web-based report assessing a wide range of indicators: Health Status and Health Care Access of Farm and Rural Populations.
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Taking the Pulse of Rural Healthcare: A feature article and podcast in the Fall 2009 issue of Amber Waves
- "Is There No Balm in Gilead?" West Ohio United Methodist Tom Galloway preaches a sermon on health care and justice.
- Blogging about health care and faith - one West Ohio pastor's reflections.
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"Health Care and Structural Violence" Valerie Elverton Dixon (Sojourners), 7.24.09
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"The United Methodist Church Support Health Reform," Jim Winkler (General Board Of Church and Society), 7.23.09
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"Three Moral Issues of Health Care" Jim Wallis (Sojourners), 7.02.09
Stay in Love with God
In summary, HR 3962 will make health coverage accessible to more people and provide health care for more people.
UPDATE ON LEGISLATION: HR 3962
Do Good
As the hands and feet of Christ in the world, we can be a part of his healing ministry in many ways.