Back At It!

Last week we had a Fall Kick off for the Christ First Weight Loss support group. We have 10 highly motivated people who have decided to make the changes necessary for getting healthy. I'm one of those people. I want to share my story as a stumbling leader.
My name is Kevin Eckert. I'm the Youth Director at St. John UCC in Freeport IL. I started my weight loss journey at 455 + lbs. At the time the scales I had didn't weight over that so I truly have no idea at what weight my journey started. God lead me to a wonderful weight loss group call First Place 4 Health. This faith based weight loss program begun the transformation of me spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. For several years I worked at getting me healthy. I experienced great success with weight loss and continually challenged myself physically. After a few years I was encouraged to begin my own weight loss group at my church. After several years and over a hundred participants I began my biggest challenge yet. In the early months of 2011 I found that I had injured my back. I had sustained quite a severe injury and it was quite depressing. I had a surgery to correct the pain but the relief was short lives. In January 2012 I found myself in the hospital for my back, again. I felt defeated and hopeless. The depression was so great that I turned back to food to self medicate my depression. I knew I needed to pursue a healthy lifestyle but the depression won the battle for several seasons. I struggled and stumbled as a leader, husband and father. I came to a point with my depression that I decided to get help. I began to prepare for a "Come Back". Struggles with weight will be a life long journey. I know with God's guidance I will restore this temple He has provided me. I can't do this alone. I have an extremely supportive family and a wonderful weight loss support group. My journey hasn't been easy and I have along road ahead of me. Please keep me in your prayers.

God’s Calling

Seasons come and go, whether we want them to do so or not. It is far better to adapt to colder temperatures with heavier clothing rather than to wish for summer and shiver. How often people resist the change of seasons and remember with longing the way things used to be!

We can learn something from the birds. They know when it is time to migrate. They are called to the South and months later, they are called to the North.

Even the stork in the sky

knows her appointed seasons,

and the dove, the swift and the thrush

observe the time of their migration.

But my people do not know

the requirements of the Lord. Jeremiah 8:7

In the same way, you may experience a change of season regarding your call that requires a migration and adaptation to the new demands. A migration for you may or may not be geographical, but a move to another mindset or function is necessary.

Did God call you to your current job? To a particular ministry? Are you still called?

I’ve wrestled with this nagging feeling concerning my Christ First weight loss group for over a year now. We have helped many people start a journey of health for the last three years now and Both Kirsten and I are feeling that God has been nudging us in a different direction. Kirsten and I spent time talking about what we were called to do with this ministry and we agreed at this time it is best to pass the reigns on to someone new, Someone with fresh perspectives, and someone who God is calling to continue this ministry.

Is it Abandonment? Desertion?

Change is not always easily welcomed or understood, especially when it comes to church. Christians may struggle with the idea that a change in function may appear to be abandonment of the call, when actually it is the call itself that has changed.

My call to St. John UCC has not changed. My call to continue leading this CF ministry has. I ask that each of you, whom have participated in this ministry, please pray about this ministry and that God nudges that new leader into place. Kirsten and I will always be supportive and we will facilitate the new leaders needs for supplies and advice. We are not deserting our current groups or in any way abandoning them. It’s time for us to step aside and let new leadership pay it forward.

I started this ministry three years ago because of my passion for health and helping others. I pray as you consider stepping to this new role that you're open to God’s Calling. You will be amazed how rewarding it is to serve others and to know you are making a difference in the lives of those who desperately need this lifestyle change. 

Consumed by the Call,

Kevin T. Eckert

New Members

If you're looking for a support group for weight loss and you are ready to change your life. Please contact us and join one of our group today. 815-235-2824

Three Weeks Left!

Just a reminder! We have three more weeks left to our current weight loss challenge. Monday nights final weigh in is Nov. 7th and the Wednesday group will be on Nov. 9th.

Just a Symptom

So I'm going to say something and you may not agree. Maybe your struggling with your weight and your weight has changed your life for the worse. Perhaps you use your weight as an excuse to continue unhealthy behaviors. Have you ever caught yourself thinking "It is what it is, I can't change".
Hopefully I have your attention.
I used my weight as an excuse for a very long time. So long in fact, I would consider myself a professional excuse maker. I've heard and used most of the excuses.
In the last few years I've been teaching people about a symptom of depression. I know I used the D word and people get so bent on that. There not depressed, There life is perfect. So what if my husband isn't around much or my wife nags me constantly to lose weight. Here is another D word for you: denial, and I'm not talking about a river in Egypt. Wake up and start working at making your life better. Take a long hard look at your life and ask yourself how it can be better. Then "Do Work Son".
Your weight, your struggling relations, your lack of "Want To", are all symptoms of something darker inside. Past traumatic events, abuse, depression, all left unhealed. I created our Christ First Weight Loss ministry to help those who suffer from these issues. Together our support groups help us understand how to make the changes we need, in order to restore our lives: Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally. It's time to cure whats causing your symptoms. Call Today 815-235-2824.

Expect a Miracle

Team Weight Loss Challenge

We began to discuss other options for motivating each other to succeed with our weight loss efforts. We decided that each group (Monday & Wednesday) will each split into two competing teams. This way each group is competing against people they know and see on a weekly basis. This will be a percentage lost contest. We will add up the entire teams efforts to determine the winning team from each group.

What’s the prize? Well, after some discussion amongst the Wednesday group members a very fun idea emerged. The losing team has to cook and serve a healthy 4 coarse meal to the winners. That in itself will be a challenge to keep under 600 calories.

This challenge will begin August 22nd (Monday Group) and August 24th (Wednesday Group). It will end on Nov. 7th (Monday Group) and Nov. 9th(Wednesday Group).

If you are a member of Christ First you will be assigned to a team. Please be sure to make arrangements for your first weigh in if you are unable to attend class next week. Your team is counting on you.

Mark Your Calendars

We will be starting the new book the second week of August. Contact the church office to get signed up today. 815-235-2824.