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Faith @ Work Messages
"Be Well Thee and Ye!"
Vol. 3 | Journal of ReignBow ReNEWed | Issue 7 | July 2025
Faith @ Work (F@W) Messages is free expression of empowering and educational information for Holystic Wellness. With a faith foundation, it means nurturing of the 8 dimensions of wellness -- emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual. F@W Messages include our podcast and this monthly newsletter of curated information from diverse resources.
We believe in the African principles highlighted during Kwanzaa. It starts with UMOJA (unity) because we promote togetherness in the family, community, and nation. F@W Messages unifies our people with the knowledge necessary for continual growth and transformation.
BODY AS TEMPLE
The care of one's physical wellness is how most folks define being healthy. We know that it is just one aspect of total care. It takes self-determination (Kujichagulia) to focus on the wellness of ourselves and our family. It gives us the confidence and strength to define and name ourselves, create and speak for ourselves.
"15 Edible Plants That Also Double as Natural Remedies"
"What if your kitchen garden could double as your natural medicine cabinet?
Many of the most common edible plants we grow or buy—think basil, garlic, or ginger—don’t just add flavor to meals. They’ve also been used for centuries as gentle, effective remedies for everyday issues like inflammation, digestive trouble, or fatigue. In this article, we’re highlighting 15 edible plants that nourish your body and quietly support your wellbeing."
Chef Will's Corner
This month, Chef Will is announcing open registration for ServSafe Certification Training. This Food Safety Training is for anyone preparing food at “Risk Type 3” food establishments. This requirement is for cooks in cafeterias, institutional facilities, and restaurants.
Prerequisites: Age 18 or older and Valid ID
Class Hours: 20 Hours
Resources: Textbook
Chef Will offers students the core exam requirements plus valuable insights from his professional experience. This in-person training occurs at 6:30pm on:
- Monday, August 18
- Wednesday, August 20
- Friday, August 22
And, then at 11am on Saturday, August 23, 2025 in East Orange, NJ.
Enroll by August 7 to Learn Proper Food Safety for Just $175!
Executive Chef Will Robinson is a trustworthy resource for nutrition and food safety. He has been in culinary arts for over 30 years.
Product of the Month
If you're in need of encouragement, this Gratitude and Hope Journal Set is the ideal gift for yourself and others. Elder Pam designed this set to reflect gratitude and hope in a meaningful way. It includes a lined journal, an uplifting pen, and a wellness bookmark, which prints on demand.
The COLORS
- Yellow represents Hope and Joy.
- Pink represents Compassion and Love.
- Teal represents Strength and Connection.
- Green represents Harmony and Growth.
The ART
- Swirled Circle and Open Hands symbolize gratitude in the midst of struggles.
- Lotus Flower symbolizes Rebirth from trials and tribulations.
- Butterfly symbolizes Hope during challenging times.
- Heart symbolizes Love for yourself and others
The QUOTES
- Front Cover reads: "Joy is the Simplest Form of Gratitude (K. Barth)."
- Inside Front Cover asks, "Who or What Do You Honor in Gratitude?" and states: "Pray Continually, Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances."
- Inside Back Cover asks, "Who or What Do You Hope for Today?" and states: "You Will Be Secure Because There is Hope."
A matching pen comes with each journal.
POWER OF SPEECH
How Can we Effectively Fortify Our Community?
Open communication and active listening are two crucial steps. We cannot let our differences (such as, languages) remain our barriers. We're never too old to exercise our minds by learning new phrases in Swahili, Spanish, and French.
English: INCLUSION
"Diversity and inclusion, which are the real grounds for creativity, must remain at the center of what we do (Marco Bizzarri)."
Swahili: UINGIZAJI
"Uanuwai na ujumuishi, ambazo ni misingi halisi ya ubunifu, lazima zibaki katikati ya kile tunachofanya (Marco Bizzarri)."
Spanish: INCLUSIÓN
"La diversidad y la inclusión, que son la verdadera base de la creatividad, deben seguir siendo el centro de lo que hacemos (Marco Bizzarri)."
French: INCLUSION
"La diversité et l’inclusion, qui sont les véritables fondements de la créativité, doivent rester au centre de ce que nous faisons (Marco Bizzarri)."
The African principle of UJIMA (collective work and responsibility) says we build up and maintain our community together. Your increased knowledge could improve communications with old and new friends. These basic translations are taken from Google Translate.
MINDSET SHIFTS
The best way to achieve the African principle of cooperative economics (UJAMAA) is to educate and enlighten our minds. A well-informed mind meets community needs with valuable goods and services. Ujamaa means we build and maintain our own businesses and profit together.
The following articles support your intellectual, financial, and occupational wellness.
"Gen Z is Hungry for Career Advice. "
"But Their Parents Are Lost Themselves.
Good news, parents: Your Gen Z kids are actually listening to you—at least when it comes to their post-high school plans.
In a recent survey conducted by Gallup, Jobs for the Future, and the Walton Family Foundation, 90% of Gen Z students said they trust their parents to advise them on next steps after high school. Teachers were a distant second at 54%—and social media didn’t even crack double digits.
The bad news?
Parents say they don’t know enough about the vast majority of valuable education and training options their children could pursue. They’re especially in the dark about anything that isn’t either pursuing a career directly or getting a bachelor’s degree. And parents aren’t alone."
"7 in 10 Americans are Anxious About Money
...And Earning More Won’t Necessarily Help, Says Therapist."
"Americans are feeling increasingly uneasy about their financial future.
Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) say financial uncertainty has led them to feelings of anxiety and depression, according to a recent survey from Northwestern Mutual — an 8-percentage-point increase from 2023.
It’s tempting to point to large-scale financial trends to help explain the uptick. Americans hold near-record levels of credit card debt, for instance, amounting to $1.18 trillion, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. And consumers are still trying to gauge how shifting U.S. tariff policies could ultimately affect the rising cost of goods and services."
"Why a College Degree No Longer Guarantees a Good Job"
"A college education used to be considered, along with homeownership, one of the key pillars of the American Dream. Is that still the case? Recent experiences of college graduates seeking employment raise questions about whether a university diploma remains the best pathway to pursuing happiness, as it once was.
Consider the case of recent grad Lohanny Santo, whose TikTok video went viral with over 3.6 million “likes” as she broke down in tears and vented her frustration over her inability to find even a minimum wage job. That was despite her dual degrees from Pace University and her ability to speak three languages."
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Elmwood United Presbyterian Church
Elmwood United Presbyterian Church (EUPC) is where my husband and I lovingly worship and serve as Ruling Elders.
WHAT? EUPC is multi-generational, Christian church that serves communities of Essex County NJ and beyond.
HOW? Elmwood offers extravagant worship, love, and growth opportunities. Ministries for children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors. Services are available live in-person, on Facebook, and YouTube.
WHO? EUPC seeks to serve all people regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or national origin. We delight in the privilege of representing the Kingdom of God in our worship, fellowship, and service. EUPC extends an open invitation to all who would be led of the Spirit to join us.
WHEN? Sunday Worship @ 9:30 a.m; Tuesday Bible Study @ 12 p.m; and Much More . . .
WHERE? Visit at 135 Elmwood Avenue, E. Orange NJ 07018 or Elmwood United Presbyterian Church
Do You Seek GOD's Dynamic Energy and Love?
At Elmwood, it starts with Pastor Maria Norales Crompton radiates out through the staff and congregation.
Who Do You Know?
We love to feature people and organizations that advocate for the uplifting and Holystic Wellness of our community. Faith @ Work Messages started in 2020 to share good news in a world that focuses on bad news.
Tell us about your Community Champion!