Congregation sheds more than 100 pounds
During the Lenten Season (Feb. 13 – March 31), Rev. Peris J. Lester led his congregation at St. John CME Church on a “40 Ways in 40 Days” spiritual journey that included not only fasting and prayer, but exercise classes and sessions on healthy eating.
“Keeping up with the First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative, ‘Let’s Move,’ we’re moving to lose some of those physical weights in terms of getting our health together,” Lester told The Chronicle in February. “…Oftentimes when we come to church, we just meet and eat. We want to worship God in freedom, but also we want to move.”
Members of the church gathered faithfully every Monday evening for group walking and on Fridays for zumba. In all, church members lost 128 pounds. The biggest loser among the men was Rev. Darel Brannon, who shed 18.5 pounds. Kristin Jarrett was the biggest loser among the women.
