Religion and Science

Religion and science have been in the news for centuries. Pew Research has some new interesting articles about Religion and Science in the U.S. There is also an interesting article about how our brains are wired for faith.

Choices: Theological Reflections on Living and Dying

On October 18th and November 1st, we got the pleasure of talking with Clauda Ricks Hubbard, UM Elder, Chaplain at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. We discussed what messages our culture sends about death and living. It is a very important topic to discuss, but one that we many times avoid. Many personal experiences were shared with the group. One participant wrote later, "I think people have to remember that a Memorial service of some kind is REALLY important for the ones YOU leave behind.. whether it is a simple dinner, open house, family-only service or the full blown visitation.. and I thought the comments about watching the casket "go to the bottom" was great.. and the legal papers necessary for last wishes and organ donation were great information to me...I have had several people in my immediate circle of friends lose their parents this year,whom are in their 60's.. and I think the unexpected deaths are particularly difficult to deal with. Thanks for all the heartfelt stories and comments this morning."

Another important message that was mentioned that when our children turn 18 years old, they are legally an adult. If the young adult is in an accident, parents do not have the right to make certain decisions at that point without "durable power of attorney."

The Center of Bioethics has a great informational website including forms to complete for Kansas and Missouri concerning Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare Treatment Directive. Check out the Caring Conversations link. If you have not thought about your death and how you would like things handled, now is the best time to start.

Nutrition Part II

We met this morning and found that Julie-Ann's patients have indicated that her view of a diet is just spit out anything that tastes good...she denies it, but it got everyone working with her this morning. We talked about different heart diseases and the role of cholestrol in these diseases...after that discussion Julie-Ann helped us discover foods that were good for us and our heart and others that were not. Imagine my chagrin when I found out that baked beans and refried beans should not be on my diet...luckily I like black beans, which are good for me. The group today was very active and had quite a few questions for Julie-Ann. She had a good impact on me today...I had salad for lunch and then cooked us up a lean pork roast and some vegetables for dinner. I know it is hard, but we all need to pay more attention to these issues of health and diet and exercise...because the healthier we are able to stay the more we will have to give to our families, our community, our church, and our God.

Nutrition

Julie-Ann Dutton joined us for the first time last week beginning a four week series on nutrition. Last week her class centered around a review of the science behind nutrition. The chemical structure of macronutrients and how they are metabolized, and a discussion of the micronutrients that are also essential. She also provided recommendations for a balanced diet. The second session will be held on the 27th and will focus on heart disease and nutrition, including a review of the disease, the relationship between diet and disease. She will again close with recommendations for a heart healthy diet. Come join us and see how eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you to worship at St. Paul's a bit longer...and stay healthier while you do.