Love AME Church and Campfield AME Church Teamed Up With
Local Non-Profit to Launch Health Symposium
By Anthony Vieira, Jr., 2nd Episcopal District
Two Maryland churches—Love AME Church and Campfield AME Church—recently teamed up with Taking Effective Action, Inc. (TEA) and its partners to emphasize the importance of healthy living during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, Nov.14, the group launched its 2020 Virtual Health and Wellness Symposium. The virtual symposium, which had more than 213 attendees, helped raise awareness about chronic conditions such as heart disease and HIV/AIDS. It featured a panel of national and local health experts who offered their insight on disease prevention, particularly during the pandemic. It also touched on health longevity, wellness, nutrition, common chronic diseases supported by evidence-based medicine, and more. The event attracted people from around the U.S. and as far away as Sweden.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us just how crucial raising awareness is,” said Dr. Patricia Davidson, a Medstar Washington Hospital Center Cardiologist and the keynote speaker of the 2020 Health and Wellness Symposium. “Educational events like this allow us to reach underserved communities and underscores the importance of disease prevention and getting care.”
Symposium attendees had a chance to interact with the health panel and get their questions answered. Once the Q&A sessions were done, attendees observed a cooking demonstration that included healthy eating tips, food safety, and recipes to boost the immune system. This was followed by a discussion with Dr. Mira Mehta, Director of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program at the University of Maryland, on the nutrients found in the healthy recipes demonstration.
The symposium also provided virtual prayer rooms where the participants could pray privately with clergy during breaks and at the conclusion of the event. After the sessions ended, some attendees put their trivia skills to the test for a chance to win prizes.
“It was very well put together—a good choice of presenters, great information, which is especially important during these uncertain times,” said Dr. Shirley Cason-Reed, former International President of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
TEA Founder and CEO, the Rev. Dr. Gertie Loretta Hurley was also pleased with how the event turned out. “Helping others live healthier lives has always been important to me,” Hurley said. “I think this year’s symposium was a fun and interactive way to spread the word.”
The Rev. Rowena A. White, Pastor of Campfield AME Church said that some of her members expressed interest in having a virtual health and fitness symposium presented at their own church. While other symposium attendees noted that they’re looking forward to using what they’ve learned in their everyday lives.
“I encourage you to apply what you have learned today to improve your health. It’s about your total health—spiritual health is just as important as your physical and mental health. You need to be healthy all-around, pray more, forgive more, trust more, and build that relationship with God,” said the Rev. Krishnan Natesan, Pastor of Love AME Church. The Rev. Krishnan Natesan founded Love AME Church in 2016 and has members worldwide.
The Rev. Dr. Gertie L. Hurley is an ordained Local Deacon in the Second Episcopal District, the Washington Conference, where Bishop James L. Davis is the Presiding Prelate, Mrs. Arelis Beevers Davis is the Episcopal Supervisor and the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton is the Presiding Elder. The Rev. Dr. Hurley is a third generation AME and the oldest daughter of Presiding Elder Kenneth White (Deceased) and the Rev. Pauline L. White Thurston and the oldest sister of the Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White (deceased) former Pastor of Campbell AME Church, Washington, D.C.
The Rev. Rowena A. White, Pastor of Campfield, is the widow of the Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White and daughter of the Bishop Robert Webster (retired), and former Episcopal Supervisor, Carole Webster (deceased).
About Taking Effective Action, Inc.
Taking Effective Action, Inc. (TEA) is a 501©(3) non-profit organization committed to advancing, supporting, and promoting the health of families, women, men and youth in the greater Washington, D.C. and Maryland area. Through its outreach programs and publications, TEA has made a significant impact in people’s lives by inspiring and encouraging them to “Take Effective Action” for their health. They in turn have inspired and encouraged others to do the same. Visit www.t-action.org to learn more.
