Roots of Care
A virtual network of self and community care for the flourishing of the whole-person
they are like trees planted by streams of water…
Intertwining roots, soaking up the nutrients of water and soil, are the sustaining force of trees and plant life. In a similar way, we need interwoven forms of self- and community-care in order to sustain the well-being of our whole person. In this online space, Roots of Care, you will find a multitude of "roots" from which you can draw in order to care for your well-being. There is yoga, meditation, prayer, ways to engage scripture, music playlists, coloring pages, and so much more.
The work here is supported by the United Church of Christ Health and Wholeness Advocacy Ministries, particularly the UCC Disabilities Ministries, UCC Mental Health Network, UCC Wellness Ministries, and Proyecto Encuentros de Gracia y Bienvenida.
Meditation
Find guided meditations, written meditations, and links to recommended meditation apps.
Ritual
In this section, you’ll find rituals for harm reduction, grieving, sexual health and wellbeing, and mental health.
Movement
All bodies are moving bodies. Find dance, various forms of yoga for all abilities, running guides, and more.
Art & Creativity
Tap into your inner child with downloadable coloring pages from Illustrated Ministry.
Music
From Spotify playlists to sing-a-longs for all ages, calm your spirit and your heart with music.
Learning
Find a compilation of recommended podcasts, books, and other resources to learn and grow.
Writing
Prayer through words can be powerful. Find lectio divina guides, journal prompts, and more.
Spiritual Care
Here you can find a list of a variety of chaplains, spiritual directors, and other care professionals.
"It is in the roots, not the branches, that a tree’s greatest strength lies."
- Matshona Dhliwayo.
Meditation
Guided Meditations
Meditation Apps
The Shine App is black woman created and owned and features a library of over 1,000 meditations, journaling prompts, and more all created by diverse experts with representation at the forefront.
The Calm App features guided meditations, exclusive music, mindful movement guides, nature scenes, and masterclasses.
The Headspace App and Website feature guided meditations, articles on how to help kids sleep better, bedtimes stories for kids and adults, and more.
Written Meditations
Click on the images below to download PDF files of meditations for gardening, cooking, and centering your spirit.
Art & Creativity
Illustrated Ministry
Illustrated Ministry creates faith resources for the church & home. They celebrate the expansive image of God in everyone, through open and inclusive language, diverse imagery, and progressive theology.
Click the image of the coloring page to download a copy for yourself!
Find even more free creative elements from Illustrated Ministry here.
Movement
Connect with God’s Spirit by moving your body. Here you will find dance classes, yoga classes, blessings, and even a running guide.
Blessings for Movers of All Kinds
Movement Classes
Devotional Running Guide
Guide Our Feet:
A Runner’s Invitation Into the Holy
Put your feet to the ground and connect into your spirit with this 15-day devotional for runners.
Click HERE to download
Writing
Click on the images below to download the corresponding PDF file.
Ritual
Liberation through Lament
A Sacred Time of Grief
Tena Nock-Hope guides us through a litany of loss in this powerful ritual for grief. For those attending Synod, this litany will be done LIVE in the virtual exhibit hall at the Roots of Care booth on Wednesday, July 14th at 3pm EST.
Click HERE to download a PDF of the litany.
Music
Spotify Playlists
The playlists below were curated and/or recommended by the 20-30s Clergy Network.
Learning
Recommended Reading
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal by Sarah Bessey
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
What Is God Like? by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner (children’s book)
Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God by Kaitlin B. Curtice
Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace by Osheta Moore
Old Turtle by Douglas Wood and Cheng-Khee Chee (children’s book)
We Pray with Her: Encouragement for All Women Who Lead by Emily Peck-McClain, Danyelle Trexler, Shannon Sullivan, Jen Tyler, and J. Paige Boyer
Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith by Mihee Kim-Kort
Spiritual Care
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is rooted in the practice of listening for where God is at work in our lives. In partnership with a Spiritual Director, you can untangle harmful theologies, deepen your own spiritual practices, or discern where God is calling you in your own life.
There are many options out there for spiritual directors. Here are a few we recommend:
Rev. Heidi Carrington Heath who says, “Some people may be neutral about your flourishing. I am not one of them.” Learn more and visit her website at revfemme.com
Rev. Joellynn Monahan of Heart & Wisdom Monastery. Learn more and visit her website at thespiralway.org
Coaching
Similar to Spiritual Directors, coaches help folks make real, tangible differences in their lives by asking hard questions and deeply listening. While coaching is not inherently spiritual, that element can be woven into the practice if a client so desires.
There are many options out there for coaches. Here are a few we recommend:
Seed to Stem Coaching with Rev. Emily Snowden and Rev. Sean Williams
Collaborate, Illuminate, Create with Linda Baumgardner
Rev. Dr. John T. Myers of Fruit of the Spirit LLC
Please note: We do recommend looking for coaching who are certified through the International Coaching Federation.
If you are a spiritual director or coach and you would like your information listed here, please email us at uccrootsofcare@gmail.com
Meet Our Collaborators
To read the full bios and find links for how to connect with these folks and their work beond this space, click below.
Rev. Mahogany S. Thomas
Min. Blyth Barnow
MaryAnngeline Medenas
Byb Chanel Bibene
Cecilia Clasen
Rev. Pedro Silva
Whitney Hosein
Rachel Teigen Brackett
Teña Nock-Hope
Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler
Holly Hancock
Celange Beck
Min. Amy Johnson
Rev. Dr. John Myers
Rev. Heidi C. Heath
Rev. Rhina Ramos
Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund
Rev. Kelsey Beebe
