Healthy Cooking in Post Falls

February 14, 2020

Post Falls focused on the eight laws of health in their cooking classes. 

Idaho's Post Falls Church in Idaho recommitted to health ministry in 2017. The first health class was initially well-attended, but 10 weeks was a long time — and people dropped out. The second health class was shorter and also well-attended, but people dropped out again. Over and over people commented their favorite part of the classes was being able to try the foods. So, it was decided to have a few cooking classes.

The cooking classes have become very popular. This season eight cooking classes were planned that explore global flavors, including those of England, India and the Mediterranean. And this past October, we inserted a 20-minute health presentation within the cooking class time. Since there were eight cooking classes, it was decided to focus on the eight laws of health.

The evaluations were glowing. People loved the health information and the whole-food, plant-based meals along with recipes.
About 30 guests, most non-Adventist, came for the Scandinavian-themed dinner in January. Post Falls Church has been blessed with new members who are in the health care field. This has greatly increased the capacity for health ministry, headed by Jay and Alison Cover.

As for advertising for these classes, it has been a learning process. The decision to have a website dedicated to the ministry with a registration email address and ministry team contact information has been a boon. Business cards and flyers outlining months of upcoming classes in advance can been printed up, which in turn refer people to the website for class details as well as preregistration.

One of the health team members has shared this ministry on a local vegan Facebook page. The classes are enthusiastically commented on and shared. There have been several new people attending from the vegan group. A local Adventist physician refers his patients to the cooking classes. A community plant-based group as well as a non-Adventist nurse practitioner spread the word too.

The Lord is clearly leading as more and more people are attending, and it is incredibly exciting to develop deep and lasting friendships with those who attend regularly. At Post Falls Church, we eagerly anticipate what God has planned. Our health ministry website is www.healthforlifepostfalls.com.

Their classes ceased after January due to the  COVID-19 virus. This article is shared as fodder for possible future cooking classes. Jeanne Barrett-Usher and Sheila Cumbo, are on the Post Falls Church communication team

News

Three red hearts on a yellow background.
By Isaac Meythaler June 12, 2025
Three academy students from Upper Columbia Conference received the $500 2025 Caring Heart Award scholarship, made possible through three-way funding from North Pacific Union, local conferences and academies.
By Dustin Jones June 3, 2025
During a joint meeting of the nominating committee and executive committee held Wednesday, May 28, Eric Brown was appointed as UCC vice president for administration.
By Isaac Meythaler May 30, 2025
Community members in Wenatchee now have a place to grow their own food, thanks to Wenatchee Adventist Church.
Patty Marsh Retires After 25 Years of Service
By Isaac Meythaler May 27, 2025
Patty Marsh, director of UCC women’s ministries, children’s ministries, urban ministries, disaster relief, and Adventist Community Services (ACS) is now retiring after 25 years of service in Upper Columbia Conference.
By Dustin Jones May 7, 2025
Spokane-area residents can now access the broadcast for free with a digital antenna.
By Isaac Meythaler April 16, 2025
Key points included the church's financial position and GC rules of order.
By Isaac Meythaler April 16, 2025
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency faces major funding reductions as a new leader takes over.
An Aerial view of Camp MiVoden showing a lake with a dock in the middle of the woods.
By Isaac Meythaler April 14, 2025
Thanks to longstanding effort and dedication, Camp MiVoden has achieved a key goal by remaining under budget for two years in a row as of this year.
A nativity scene on a float decorated with christmas lights.
By Isaac Meythaler April 7, 2025
KLRF Radio took a new approach to share hope with the Walla Walla Valley last Christmas.
By Isaac Meythaler April 7, 2025
Serve Summit, held at Ellensburg Church on Feb. 21-22, marked a significant moment in the church's efforts to engage with and serve its local community.
More Posts