Self-Awareness

Signs of stress like irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, change in eating habits and anxiousness need to be taken seriously so they do not manifest into more serious problems. While all of these can be a natural reaction to a crisis or severe challenge, it is when the feelings and behaviors persist over days and weeks that clergy should take steps to address the underlying causes of the feelings and habits.

Tending to Your Mind

Counseling and Therapy

  • Wespath offers free resources for work, home and emotional support to help you cope. If you are feeling worried or stressed about COVID-19, call Optum Support line at (866) 342-6892.
  • Wespath has partnered with the App Sanvello to offer you clinically proven therapies for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or whatever you may be going through.

Sign up at Optum https://www.liveandworkwell.com/content/en/public.html

Then sign up for the free app at https://www.liveandworkwell.com/en/member/spotlights/traumatic-event.html

Fun Activity Suggestions

Tending to Your Body

Exercise

  • Take a walk and enjoy noticing what’s around you.
  • If you are a member of a gym, check to see if your gym now offers free online classes.
  • Free FitOn App, fitness, nutrition, wellness https://fitonapp.com/

Diet

  • Health Coaching help you set realistic goals, get motivated, and create a support structure. Call 1-888-573-3113 or visit Virgin Pulse and click on the Health
  • Weight Watchers, Wespath WW Wellness Hotline at 866-204-2885
  • Virgin Pulse offers nutritional guidance as well as tracking and stress reducing tools. You can join at Virgin Pulse Program | Wespath Benefits & Investments

Tending to Your Soul

Calm Place

Create a quiet space for yourself to just be. What do you need in this space? (e.g.: a book, a meaningful object, a photograph; art/craft supplies; a musical instrument; a fragrance)

Prayer Chair

A place where you can go to meditate on Scripture: Use your Bible, hymnal, songs of praise and worship; prayer journal; devotional books

Weekly Prayer Support via ZOOM for EPA&GNJ

Join our weekly prayer support group every Tuesday at noon – come whenever you would like for prayer and support:  Zoom access information:
Join at: https://epaumc.zoom.us/j/591129374?pwd=dElpMUdVd09VTTBoRDZxTm9zejVqdz09
Meeting ID: 591 129 374
Or call in: +1 646 558 8656

Grief Support

Resources through EPA&GNJ Insurance Programs

Resources through GNJ’s Health Insurance Plan

  • For non-emergencies consider using MDLIVE via phone at 1-888-750-4991, Virgin Pulse mobile app (click on the Benefits tab), Wespath website at wespath.org to access Virgin Pulse, or your local physician’s remote services. Cost of remote visits and MDLive for individuals covered by HealthFlex will be subject to your health plan coverage rates.
  • Health claims for Covid 19 are covered under HealthFlex
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) includes 8 visits of professional counseling for you and your dependents. EAP 866-881-6800is available 24/7 with no-cost support and resources. 
  • For the latest updates https://www.wespath.org. You may also visit the http://www.benefitsaccess.org  page using your login details.
  • Please connect with Alexa Taylor our Insurance and Benefits Manager, 732.359.1038 ataylor@gnjumc.org with any questions you may have regarding our health insurance.

Resources through EPA’s Health Insurance Plan

  • MDLIVE via phone at 1-888-750-4991, Virgin Pulse mobile app (click on the Benefits tab), Wespath website at wespath.org
  • Virgin Pulse, or your local physician’s remote services. Cost of remote visits and MDLive for individuals covered by HealthFlex will be subject to your health plan coverage rates.
  • Interactive Mental Health Resource Guide
  • Health claims for Covid 19 are covered under HealthFlex
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) includes 8 visits of professional counseling for you and your dependents. EAP 866-881-6800is available 24/7 with no-cost support and resources. 
  • For the latest updates https://www.wespath.org. You may also visit the http://www.benefitsaccess.org  page using your login details.
  • Please connect with Jo Fielding, 484-762-8213 jfielding@epaumc.church with any questions you may have regarding our health insurance.
  • EPA’s Board of Ordained Ministry offers support for counseling and spiritual direction. This is confidential.
  • Magellan – A separate Employee Assistance Plan offered to all clergy who are eligible for health insurance – even if they have waived coverage. 1-800-788-4005.  This provides 8 free completely confidential visits for you and anyone in your household.

Other resources through Hotlines/Counseling

Check out local professional counselors to see if they take our health insurance. Other free or sliding scale options include:

  • CONTACT- provides emotional support to people in distress or crisis 609-896-2120; 609-585-2244
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7) 1-800-273-8255
  • Lifeline Crisis Chat Crisischat.org; suicidepreventionlifeline.org
  • Domestic Violence Statewide Hotline 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7) 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988 to immediately reach the suicide and crisis lifeline
  • Lifeline Crisis Chat Crisischat.org; suicidepreventionlifeline.org
  • Domestic Violence Statewide Hotline 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
  • Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)