St Stephen’s, Belrose is meeting the needs of the people in its area by running a ‘Health for Tomorrow’ conference for over-55s in September.

Belrose seniors minister Barb Watt says the parish examined the demographics of its surrounding area to work out what kind of outreach event would best serve the community.

“There are a number of retirement villages in the local area and ABS statistics show that a large percentage of the local population is in the second half of their lives,” she reveals. “As health is such a pivotal issue as people age, it seemed an excellent theme to engage with those living nearby.”

Mrs Watt and a small team from the church went to work to plan an event incorporating the health of the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Of the 73 people who came on the day, 38 were from beyond St Stephen’s, many of whom registered as a direct result of advertising in media and signage, according to Mrs Watt.

“Most came because of particular interest in one or more of the 18 workshops offered. Choosing just three was quite a challenge,” Mrs Watt says.

St Stephen’s contains a considerable number of parishioners working in health and related industries, who shared their expertise at the workshops. There were also presenters from other organisations such as Alzheimer’s Australia and Sydney Diocese Insurance Services.

The rector of St Paul’s, Wahroonga, the Rev David Reay summed up the day, by encouraging all delegates to put their trust in Jesus. There were lots of new faces at church the following Sunday, according to Mrs Watt.

“We are praying that we have made a significant connection with members of the local community,” she says.