WBGL Community Matters

Brad Uken, Director of the Champaign County Farm Bureau, discusses challenges farmers face with weather and trade, as well as the impact Covid 19 has had on meat production. He also shares thoughts about what the summer will look like with 4H and County Fairs.

The last few months have brought changes to how and where we worship corporately and grow spiritually as a church community. Many have not been able to assemble together in the church building for some time. This presents many challenges for Pastors, Church Leaders and Parishioners. It also creates opportunities for new ways of ministering and growth. Research indicates that there may be a drop in church attendance following the "social distancing" that has been in place for some time. Where do we go from here? Dr. Arnie Cole, CEO of Back to the Bible and Director of Research and Development for the Center For Bible Engagement, speaks to what is happening, according to research and what what lies ahead in terms of opportunities for new and fresh ways of ministry.

Dr. Ryan Porter, Medical Director of Surgical Services and Digestive Health at Carle Hospital, shares how the medical community is getting back into gear to provide a broad range of services and procedures to those with health care related needs. He assures us that it is important to seek medical care, even though we may have fears about Covid 19 in the hospitals. Medical teams are ready to provide their services in the safest way possible.

Author and Psychologist, Dr. Melissa Mahon, answers several important questions relating to Anxiety and Panic. If you or your child or someone you love is dealing with anxiety or even panic attacks, you'll want to hear what Dr. Mahon has to say. She'll give you greater insight to what may be going on in your mind and body and ideas of how to help you through it. Dr. Melissa Mahon is the owner and founder of Journey to Present, and she is also a Psychologist at Advocate Healthcare in Aurora, IL.

Are you experiencing fear and uncertainty with your pregnancy? Sherry Sherwood, the CEO of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, encourages you to reach out for hope, encouragement, direction and assistance.

Many people in prison find true freedom. It's not just freedom found upon release. It's freedom from within. Cliff and Sue Parrish discuss how their ministry, Freedom From Within is changing lives, as they serve and teach more than three hundred inmates per week.

Recently, I heard someone say that for some people, this time of social distancing and quarantine, is like a mini vacation but for others, it's like a hurricane. Dr. Melissa Mork is the author of Navigating Grief With Humor. She is also Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Northwestern St. Paul. Dr. Mork gives practical advice and insight into how we can better understand loss, control, perspective and relational issues during this unprecedented time.

Daryl Carlson, from the Alzheimer's Association, describes what Alzheimer's and Dementia is, he shares about signs and symptoms from those at risk and discusses how family and friends should respond. He also talks about the latest research in response to this deadly disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States

Daryl Carlson, from the Alzheimer's Association, talks about signs of cognitive decline and how we can reduce our risk of dementia and strengthen the sharpness of our brain.

Habeeb Habeeb, Founder and CEO of H-Squared Leadership Institute, shares principles he discovered early in life. Many will find themselves working in a place where they are searching for meaning and purpose and are wondering, "Is this it?" Habeeb found himself in this "place" for a season, and he reminds us that there are great lessons we can learn during these times, and leadership principles we can develop, so that we are better prepared for what God will be leading us to. Habeeb discuss the power of influence through the practice of kindness, empathy and service and he reminds us that we all have the ability to impact and influence others.