AMHERST – The idea isn’t new, but the twist Christ Church has put on it is.
“You always put on a few extra pounds at Christmas,” said Warren Murley, who came up with the idea of a weight-loss challenge to raise funds for the church.
Participants in the 10-week competition pay $10 to compete, and it’s open to the entire community, not just the congregation. Weight losers set a personal goal and give the church $1 for every pound they fall short (the money will go to the church’s roof fund).
Murley is a member of the church’s men’s club, but says those who’ve signed up have been pretty evenly split between men and women.
“I’d be very happy if 20 signed up,” he said.
A dozen or so are on-board so far.
Reverend Glenn Eason indicated his agreement with the view that there’s a spiritual component to taking care of one’s body – taking care of the physical ‘vessel’ Eason believes the creator has granted his creations. The timing is good, too.
“(It’s a) head start on Lent,” said the minister.
Jeff Marshall is taking part. He hopes to lose 10 pounds. He joked that the weight-los challenge could lead to another fundraiser: a rummage sale to sell off clothes that no longer fit.
The idea man, Murley, had a joke of his own. If everyone loses weight and gets smaller, they’ll be able to fit more people in the church pews.
It’s obvious these men are having fun with the idea. But the goals are real. The reverend has set his sights on 20 pounds – two pounds a week.
Weigh-in takes place Easter weekend. Interested would-be participants should contact the Anglican church.
esparling@amherstdaily.com
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