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DIMENSIONS: CONNECTING ELEMENTS OF WELL-BEING Our quarterly Dimensions newsletter is here to support you on your path to well-being with useful personal wellness information.
IN THIS ISSUE: Full-Circle Reunion: From Refugee Sponsorship to Retirement Stewardship Resources for Managing Debt and Building Financial Stability Pastor Appreciation: Caring for the Caregiver
WELL-BEING PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES
Finding Hope in a New Chapter of The United Methodist Church
Well-Being Overview
Well-Being Programs
Taking the Plunge: What John Wesley and Modern Science Say About Cold Baths
HealthFlex Program FAQs
Warm Up With a Sloppy Joe Spaghetti Squash Bowl
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Full-Circle Reunion: From Refugee Sponsorship to Retirement Stewardship Wespath’s Hoa Quach, Director of Public Markets, at dinner with her family and Pastor Dan Berger (retired, Grace UMC and West Lafayette First UMC).
In 1979, a young refugee family arrived in South Bend, Indiana, after fleeing Vietnam and spending time in a refugee camp in Hong Kong. Members of Grace United Methodist Church (UMC) helped sponsor and support the family as they adjusted to life in the United States. Among those welcoming them was an Associate Pastor named Dan Berger, now retired from his last appointment at West Lafayette First UMC. One of the children in that family was sevenyear-old Hoa Quach, now Wespath’s Director of Public Markets. Although she and her family never forgot the kindness they received, they eventually lost touch with Pastor Dan after he accepted a new appointment. For decades, they wondered what had become of him.
Hoa Quach (front row, left) and her family with Pastor Dan (back row, left) and Senior Pastor Phil Klinger (back row, right) of Grace United Methodist Church in 1979. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Then, nearly half a century later, something unexpected happened.
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While reviewing his retirement information in 2026, Pastor Dan discovered a familiar name. The person helping oversee investment aspects of the United Methodist retirement program was none other than Hoa. Recognizing her name immediately, he reached out. After corresponding by email for several months, Hoa and Pastor Dan finally reconnected in person in August 2026, when Hoa traveled to Indiana to celebrate her birthday with her parents and brother. Pastor Dan and his wife, Kelly, reunited with Hoa’s family at Sunday brunch in South Bend, where they met Hoa’s husband and children. They promised to make the reunion an annual tradition, with Pastor Dan’s children and grandchildren planning to join them at the next gathering.
For Hoa, reconnecting with Pastor Dan carried special significance. Her work today in investment management helps support the financial well-being of others, including pastors like the one who played such an important role in her childhood. The experience reminded her of the lasting impact that compassion and generosity can have.
The congregation’s help is a reminder of the good that exists in this world. Hoa Quach The reunion also offered them both an opportunity to reflect on how lives can come full circle. The stranger who was welcomed and cared for by a pastor and his church is now employed by an organization with the mission of caring for those who serve. Though much has changed since that snowy day in 1979, the power of connection endured, shaping what began as an act of hospitality into a lifelong journey of gratitude, service and shared purpose.
Wespath’s Hoa Quach (left) and Pastor Dan (right).
Pastor Dan still recalls meeting the Quach family at the airport on a snowy winter day and helping them settle into their new community. But he is quick to point out that it was never a one-person effort: “Many people in our church helped Hoa’s family get settled into their new home,” he remembered. Church members helped the family find housing, secure employment, attend English-language classes and obtain necessities such as food and clothing. Together, they lived out Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 25:35) that welcoming foreigners and strangers is an expression of love for God.
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Well-Being Benefits of Meaningful Connections Strong social connections can support emotional, spiritual and even physical well-being. Whether reconnecting with an old friend, strengthening family relationships or building new community ties, meaningful relationships can help foster a sense of belonging, purpose and resilience during life’s transitions. Explore Social Well-Being Resources
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Resources for Managing Debt and Building Financial Stability Financial stress can affect nearly every aspect of well-being. When debt becomes difficult to manage, it can feel overwhelming and make it difficult to focus on other priorities like family and work responsibilities.
“I really see myself as enabling the rest of the congregation to be better ministers out to a world that desperately needs Christian love right now.”
While economic conditions and household expenses continue to challenge many people, including clergy, Wespath’s partner organizations offer opportunities that may help individuals and their families regain a sense of financial stability. For Rev. Kevin Quick, a deacon with the Western North Carolina Conference, gaining control of his seminary debt has given him greater peace of mind. Debt reduction services helped ease the burden of loans for Duke Divinity School, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. “I feel like this program was made for people just like me,” he said.
Rev. Kevin Quick, Deacon, Western North Carolina Conference
He is now better able to focus his energy on serving his congregation. “I love helping people achieve things,” Rev. Quick said. VOL. 11 | ISSUE 4
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Debt Refinancing Clergy Debt Reduction Success Story
One option for managing debt is refinancing, which can simplify repayment and lower borrowing costs. Debt refinancing is the process of replacing an existing loan or credit agreement with a new one that has better or more favorable terms. It can make debt more manageable in the long term, help improve credit scores with regular payments, and avoid tax liability. Wespath’s partner organizations offer clergy debt refinancing opportunities at significantly reduced interest rates, with as little as 6% or lower for consumer debt and 1.52.5% or lower for student debt. Through debt refinancing, clergy can experience significant savings on their monthly debt payments.
Hear more about how the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina helped Rev. Kevin Quick pay off his student debt.
Understanding Debt Consolidation
A Tool, Not a Quick Fix
A specific type of refinancing is debt consolidation, which combines multiple debts into a single loan or payment. For those carrying balances on high-interest credit cards, for example, a consolidation loan may offer a lower interest rate payment and a clearer repayment timeline.
Debt refinancing is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor does it eliminate debt overnight. Instead, it can serve as a tool to support a broader financial strategy.
According to a recent CNBC report, more consumers are turning to personal loans from banks, credit unions or online lenders to consolidate high-interest debt (as opposed to other methods such as credit card balance transfers, home equity loans or retirement account loans). Financial experts note that debt consolidation may help borrowers save money and create a more structured path toward becoming debt-free. However, they also emphasize that sustainable progress requires addressing the behaviors or circumstances that contributed to the debt in the first place.
When paired with a realistic budget, a commitment to reducing unnecessary spending and a plan for managing future expenses, debt refinancing—including debt consolidation—can help create momentum toward financial wellness. Many people find that having one payment instead of several can reduce stress and make it easier to stay on track.
Consumers should take a moment, look at the full picture and choose a solution that builds long-term stability, not just short-term relief.
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Resources Available to Clergy Inspired by the low-interest clergy debt refinancing programs offered by three United Methodist foundations (UMF), Wespath helped three additional foundations and three credit unions (CU) start their own low-interest refinancing programs for clergy. These organizations serve annual conferences across the denomination and may be able to help clergy explore options for lowering interest rates, consolidating debt or creating a more manageable repayment plan. “This program has provided substantial financial benefit to those who have gotten their loans refinanced,” said Rev. Joel Fitzgerald of the UMF of Michigan. “It has also provided hope to folks going through the ordination process that the church is taking seriously the realities of working as a pastor in this season.” Clergy can reference this list/map to find the institution(s) that cover their annual conference.
If debt has become a source of ongoing stress, reaching out for guidance can be an important first step. Exploring available resources and financial planning services like EY Navigate may help identify solutions tailored to your individual financial situation.
Institutions Offering Clergy Debt Refinancing and the Annual Conferences They Serve
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Annual Conference Served by Either a UMF or CU Offering Clergy Debt Refinancing, or Both
Small Steps Can Make a Difference Improving financial well-being rarely happens all at once. By understanding your options, seeking trusted guidance and making a plan for the future, you can take meaningful steps toward greater financial confidence and stability.
Clergy Debt Refinancing Resources Need help managing debt? Wespath maintains a directory of United Methodist Foundations and Credit Unions that offer clergy debt refinancing programs throughout the connection. Depending on your annual conference, these organizations may provide options for refinancing or consolidating debt to help reduce financial stress and improve longterm financial wellness. Explore Institutions Offering Clergy Debt Refinancing
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Pastor Appreciation: Caring for the Caregiver Ministry is life-giving work, but it can also be demanding. The needs of a community never end, the heaviness of a hurting world is everpresent, and Sunday always arrives in need of a sermon and spirit-filled worship service. Pastors are often expected to be flexible, compassionate, spiritually grounded and responsive to the needs of others, regardless of what may be happening in their own lives. Over time, the demands of caregiving, leadership, administration, conflict management and constant availability can deplete the energy that ministry requires. Burnout Is Not Failure Pastoral burnout is not a personal or spiritual failure. Rather, it is often the result of prolonged stress and limited opportunities for rest and renewal.
Over the past 13 years that Wespath has surveyed pastors in the U.S. about the five dimensions of well-being, pastors have consistently reported depressive symptoms at a rate roughly twice that of the average American. These symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, persistent feelings of sadness and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide. For pastors experiencing any of these symptoms, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression screening tool can help assess emotional well-being. While the tool is intended for screening purposes only and is not a diagnosis, a score of 10 or higher may indicate the need to speak with a physician or mental health professional about next steps. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Supporting Those Who Serve Pastors often spend so much time caring for others that their own needs can unintentionally take a back seat. As the people in the pews, it’s important that we not only express our gratitude, but also consider how congregations can support the long-term well-being of those who serve. Support can take many forms, including encouragement, healthy boundaries, opportunities for renewal and access to mental health resources. Creating a culture where pastors feel comfortable seeking support is an important part of sustaining healthy ministry.
We All Have a Role to Play
If a pastor is experiencing emotional or mental health challenges, professional support can make a meaningful difference. Participants enrolled in Wespath’s HealthFlex plan have access to behavioral health services through their health plan benefits. For no additional cost, MDLIVE Behavioral Health connects participants with licensed therapists or board-certified psychiatrists virtually by phone or video, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) allows participants to attend up to eight sessions of therapy per concern per year. Beginning January 1, 2027, Wespath will begin partnering with Spring Health as its new EAP provider. In addition to helping connect participants with the right healthcare providers and other resources, Spring Health offers selfguided tools for stress management, sleep and mindfulness.
Many annual conferences offer resources that support pastoral well-being, including financial assistance for counseling, spiritual direction, renewal leave programs and other forms of care. Support from the congregation also plays an important role in a pastor's well-being. Open conversations with Staff-Parish Relations Committee (S/PPRC) members about well-being, realistic expectations and healthy support systems can help foster a sustainable ministry environment. The Duke Clergy Health Collaborative also offers resources with practical guidance for congregations that want to better support their pastors. Thank you, pastors, for all you do! We appreciate you and want to provide you with the same care and dedication you bring to others.
Show Your Pastor They’re Appreciated Take this opportunity to express gratitude and support the well-being of those who serve your church. Explore practical ways to encourage and care for your pastor: 50 Ways To Support Your Pastors Well-Being Brochure Congregational and Social Support (Duke Clergy Health Collaborative)
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Finding Hope in a New Chapter of The United Methodist Church For more than five decades, Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr. has served The United Methodist Church (UMC) as a pastor, seminary president, author and church leadership expert. From his beginnings in a small rural church in Mississippi to becoming the founding director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, his work has consistently focused on helping church leaders discern where God is calling them next. That focus on discernment became the foundation of his latest book, “An Aura of Hope: United Methodism’s Next Chapter in the United States.” The book was written during a pivotal moment for the denomination following disaffiliation, which Dr. Weems describes as a traumatic period that left many congregations asking, "What’s next?" and wondering what a “renewed” UMC might become.
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Senior Consultant, Lewis Center for Church Leadership CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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His message also extends beyond congregational strategy to personal well-being. Ministry can be demanding, especially in times of uncertainty, but Dr. Weems believes a strong sense of purpose helps sustain leaders through challenging seasons. While hardships remain, he notes that work rooted in hope and meaning consumes different energy than work marked by discouragement or despair.
Rather than dwelling on loss, Dr. Weems encourages church leaders and congregations to rediscover their identity and purpose by looking to the denomination's earliest roots. Drawing from the teachings of John Wesley and Bishop Francis Asbury, he highlights four enduring principles:
He also emphasizes that no leader serves alone. Clergy and laity need one another, supporting each other in a shared calling. Healthy ministry grows from community, not isolation.
Look at the great opportunities God has given us.
Begin with people Go where people are Focus on service Remember those on the margins Today, those principles require fresh reflection. Dr. Weems notes that many churches no longer mirror the communities around them. As demographics shift, congregations face geographic, age, racial and economic gaps between those who worship and the broader populations they are called to serve. For Dr. Weems, renewal begins with a simple but transformative question: Who are the people God has given us? Churches, he says, can find new energy by looking beyond their pews and seeking to understand the needs, concerns, hopes and dreams of their communities.
At a time when many congregations may be tempted to turn inward and focus on scarcity, Dr. Weems offers a different vision: one centered on possibility, service and connection. By rediscovering who they are called to serve, churches can move beyond survival and toward renewed purpose. For leaders and congregations alike, that renewed sense of purpose may be the beginning of what Dr. Weems calls an “aura of hope.”
Leadership always begins with people.
Nurture Your Spiritual Well-Being In times of change and uncertainty, staying connected to your faith and purpose can provide clarity, peace and hope. Wespath offers spiritual well-being resources to help support reflection, renewal and growth along your journey. Explore Spiritual Well-Being Resources
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Taking the Plunge: What John Wesley and Modern Science Say About Cold Baths Health and wellness trends often come and go, but some ideas have lasting relevance. In his book “Primitive Physick,” in the year 1747, John Wesley encouraged cold bathing, writing that it could help improve circulation and support overall health. While Wesley didn’t have access to modern research, today’s scientists are exploring many of the same potential benefits of cold-water immersion. Cold plunges, or brief immersions in cold water, have gained popularity in recent years. Advocates claim they can help improve mood, increase resilience and boost physical recovery. Although researchers are still studying the full effects, early findings suggest there may be benefits when cold exposure is practiced safely and consistently.
More Than a Wake-Up Call Stepping into cold water can feel uncomfortable at first, but that response is part of the process. When exposed to cold temperatures, blood vessels narrow and then widen again as the body warms, a process that may support circulation. Studies indicate that taking ice baths can also help reduce stress and increase focus. Some people even report feeling more energized after a cold plunge or shower. (Consider warming up with this cozy sloppy joe spaghetti squash bowl.) Researchers have also found that cold exposure may stimulate the release of hormones and chemicals associated with mood and alertness. While a cold plunge is not a substitute for professional treatment of mental health conditions, some individuals find it helps them feel refreshed and mentally invigorated. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Building Resilience Through Discomfort Cold water immersion is often described as a way to practice resilience. Choosing to do something challenging for a short period of time can help build confidence and mental strength that carries over into other areas of life.
John Wesley’s recommendation for cold baths may have sounded unusual in the 18th century. Nearly three centuries later, many people are discovering that a brief encounter with cold water can leave them feeling energized, refreshed and better prepared to face the day.
This concept aligns with a Nordic philosophy known as friluftsliv (free-air living), which encourages people to spend time outdoors regardless of the season. Rather than avoiding cold weather, practitioners learn to embrace it through activities such as winter walks, outdoor recreation and cold-water experiences.
Track Your Energy Use (and Other Healthy Habits) with Personify Health
Start Slowly and Safely Cold plunges aren’t for everyone. As with any new health or wellness practice, consult your healthcare provider before trying cold-water immersion to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual health needs. If you’d like to experiment with cold exposure, start small. Try ending your shower with 15 to 30 seconds of cool water and gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. Focus on slow, steady breathing and listen to your body.
Trying to stay warm during the cold seasons while limiting your heating costs? Wear more layers or cover up with a blanket indoors instead of turning up the heat! If Personify Health is included in your benefits package, log in or register for the program to start tracking your daily Bundle Up Healthy Habit (find Healthy Habits under the Home tab). Healthy Habits and other actions in Personify Health earn you points, which count toward earning “Rewards Cash,” the “rewards currency” for HealthFlex. Use your Rewards Cash to shop the Personify Health Store (found under the More tab), redeem gift cards, direct deposit into your bank account, or donate it to a charity of your choice. You’re eligible for the program if you’re a HealthFlex participant or covered spouse. If you’re not in HealthFlex, you may be eligible for Personify Health as a retiree or if your conference or employer offers standalone Personify Health. Check with your conference office or human resources representative to confirm your eligibility. Register for Personify Health
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Warm Up With a Sloppy Joe Spaghetti Squash Bowl Time spent in the fall/winter outdoors can leave you feeling chilled to the bone, especially if you’ve gone for a cold plunge.* Treat yourself to a warm, comforting meal that delivers plenty of flavor and nourishment: Sloppy Joe Spaghetti Squash Bowls Serves: 2 1 large uncooked spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded ½ cup uncooked onion, finely chopped 8 oz uncooked ground turkey breast 1 cup no-salt-added canned tomato sauce 2 tsp unpacked brown sugar 1 tsp chili powder ¾ tsp garlic powder ¾ tsp onion powder ½ tsp kosher salt ⅔ cup light cheddar cheese, shredded 2 Tbsp scallion, thinly sliced CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
*Learn how cold baths and exposure can help improve well-being.
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Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat foil with cooking spray. Coat cut sides of squash with cooking spray and arrange squash cut sides down on prepared pan. Roast until strands of squash separate when scraped with a fork, about 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Scrape all squash into strands, leaving strands inside squash shells. 2. While squash roasts, heat a medium nonstick skillet on medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Add turkey to pan and cook until turkey is cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up with a spoon. 3. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Cook until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
WeightWatchers (WW) Who: If you are a HealthFlex participant, you, your spouse and your dependents age 18 or older are eligible for a WeightWatchers discount. Cost: $9.75 per month for the digital plan; $19.11 per month for the digital and workshops plan (more than 50% off the retail price). Learn More About WW
4. Preheat broiler to high. Divide turkey mixture evenly between squash halves. Top with cheese. Broil until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Garnish with scallions.
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