April 2, 2026
On the sunny Sunday afternoon of March 29, Galilee welcomed neighbors to our second annual Palm Sunday Eggstravaganza — and this year, the celebration expanded into something even bigger. Alongside the springtime egg hunts, petting zoo, bounce castle, crafts, and other activities, we offered our first ever Community Health Day, offering free health screenings and wellness resources for our community.
About 400 people came through the church, mostly families from the surrounding neighborhoods, many visiting Galilee for the first time. The building was full, the grounds were lively, and every health station stayed busy throughout the event.
In the narthex, assessment stations staffed by medical professionals provided screenings to generate a ten point personal health score for each participant. The stations included a hearing test, vision test, weight and BMI, blood pressure, glucose testing, and kidney screening. Additional stations offered guidance on nutrition, exercise, and mental health. We also offered chair massages and intercessory prayer, making the event not just about physical health, but about caring for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
We were joined by community partners, including:
Outside and in the gym, meanwhile, a full-scale community celebration was underway. Children hunted Easter eggs and visited the petting zoo (featuring star attraction: donkey Eva the Diva). They had their faces painted, made crafts, participated in a cookie walk, and had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny (aka Galilee member Sharon Howard-Denny). Volunteers grilled and served 275 hot dogs, along with chips and drinks, all provided free of charge.
What a day!
Galilee was able to add the Community Health Day component to our Eggstravaganza thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Virginia United Methodist Foundation. This grant will allow us to work in partnership with Arcola UMC and Crossroads UMC to host three additional Community Health Days later this year — in July, September, and October — bringing resources and encouragement for greater wellness in our community.
Events like this do not happen without volunteers: planners, cooks, medical professionals, screeners, prayer partners, and people who simply showed up ready to welcome our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who made the day possible. It was a joyful and busy afternoon, when Galilee was able to open its doors wide and serve the community around us — body, mind, and spirit.
A Note of thanks to our volunteers from Felicia Johnson, Galilee’s Director of Serve Ministries:
“I want to thank each of you for helping make our Community Health Day such a meaningful and successful event.
Because of your willingness to serve, our community was blessed with caring, compassion, and support. It was a beautiful example of what happens when we come together to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
A special thank you to David and Ann Stewart for your leadership, dedication, and heart for this work. Your efforts helped bring this vision to life, and I am incredibly grateful.
I also extend heartfelt appreciation to everyone who used their medical knowledge and professional skills to serve others. Your time, expertise, and compassion made a lasting impact on every individual and family who attended.
And to those who served in other ways, whether through setup, greeting, organizing, supporting behind the scenes, or simply being present, thank you as well. Your willingness to step in and help, even without a medical background, was just as important.
A special thank you to our prayer intercessors. Your prayers covered this event in ways that may not always be seen, but were certainly felt. Your faithfulness and spiritual support were an essential part of what made this day so impactful.
Thank you again for your commitment to serving our community. I look forward to continuing this work together.
With gratitude,
Felicia”