Fitness blitz preps church, community for the holidays

Thomas United Methodist Church in Kenner has partnered with several area churches to help individuals avoid holiday weight gain. Rev. Kaseem Short, pastor, and members of local churches along with community residents have committed to being a part of a Pre-Holiday Fitness Blitz.

From Oct. 13-Nov. 23, participants have committed to choose an exercise program, select a venue for exercise of choice, and keep a fitness log of their exercise activity. Those joining in will receive a “pastor’s fitness award” for their participation.

Rev. Short “set the bar” by weighing himself during worship and committing to workout at Rosemary Minor Park in the Kenner community for the next six Saturday mornings.

Good health and fitness are a major focus of Agape Healthy Living Ministry, a new initiative of Thomas UMC which takes a holistic approach to wellness. Aspects of the ministry include Spiritual Health, Physical Health, Emotional Health, Healthy Relationships and Financial Health.

Dr. Barbara Soniat, the church’s Agape Coordinator, says, “The AGAPE Healthy Living Ministry is both a nurture ministry for our congregation and an outreach ministry for our community. Through this ministry, we seek to increase awareness of health issues and healthy living practices throughout our community, creating opportunities for faith based organizations, community groups and other agencies to come together to share the love of Jesus.” For more information concerning this ministry, please call (504) 466-2147.