Healthy Inside & Out
By: Sarah Fedele/American Heart Association
“When we care for every part of us, we are better for ourselves, and better for others,” shared Senior Pastor Gloria Samuels of Great Commission Community Church Inc. in Winston-Salem.
Pastor Gloria started the church with her late husband, Philemon Samuels 14 years ago. A lot has changed since back then. “COVID redefined the face of health consciousness for our church. We saw people encountering stress and anxiety, and it is still happening. Our church members have been dealing with the trauma of loss, worry for the health of themselves and their families, stress over loss of financial stability, and anxiety over injustices that have surfaced throughout our nation,” said Pastor Gloria. Their Health & Wellness Ministry was born to help support the bodies and souls of church members through these difficult times.
As part of Healthy Churches of NC, the Great Commission Community Church Inc. has committed to embracing health through providing healthy foods at all meetings and events, serving water instead of soda, focusing on nutritious vegetables and salads. “Our motto is healthy, but tasty,” shares Samuels. Their healthy focus also extends out into the community. They collaborate with Bethesda Center for the Homeless, providing healthier meals for the homeless at least once a month. They also work regularly to bring healthy foods to Mineral Springs Elementary School and Middle School for events such as the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. In addition, the Outreach Ministry of the church provides healthier foods that school students can bring home to their families.
According to the American Heart Association, exercise can help to relieve mental and physical tension. The Great Commission Community Church is encouraging its congregation and community to move more. The church is a proud member of the Triad Pastors Network, which is located in the Maya Angelou Center for Healthy, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The Triad Pastors Network has come together to walk at the Winston-Salem Heart and Stroke Walk on Sunday, October 23, at 1 p.m. “We are excited to invite everyone to come out to our church parking lot at 3733 Ogburn Avenue in Winston-Salem to get walking tips to be prepped for the Winston-Salem Heart and Stroke Walk. Our Health & Wellness Ministry will be providing training on Saturday, October 15, at 9 a.m., Wednesday, October 19, at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is also invited to our Pep Rally on Saturday, October 22, at 9 a.m.,” shared Pastor Gloria.
The American Heart Association’s Winston-Salem Heart and Stroke Walk will take place at Bailey Park in Downtown Winston-Salem on Sunday, October 23. The fun begins at 1 p.m. with the Mascot Dance-Off, Kid’s Zone, Puparazzi Parade, DJ, healthy cooking demos, and free blood pressure screenings. Sponsored by Healthy for Good Sponsors Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and MedCost, and Forsyth Life is Why Sponsor Novant Health, the 1, 2 or 4 mile downtown walk begins at 2 p.m. Register to join in the fun at www.WinstonSalemHeartWalk.org. If you would like to join the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity Walk Team, call 336-713-7600 for assistance. For more information about the American Heart Association’s Pastor’s Network, email TriadNC@heart.org.
