Looking out for each other

Helen and I have recently joined our local Slimming World because we both felt like we needed to lose weight.

Slimming World is a weight loss organisation that provides lifestyle weight management programmes for people of all ages. This year Slimming World is celebrating 50 years since it was founded in Derbyshire in 1969 by Margaret Miles-Bramwell. 

This is only our 5th week and we are both doing very well. I've lost one stone and Helen is 0.5lb off losing her first stone. The Lunn house is very competitive at the moment, but all in love. We are both enjoying the new recipes especially cooking with fresh ingredients.


However, what caught my attention was how the group look out for each other. Members have group support through shared experience with other slimmers to encourage behaviour change. Looking out for each other is evident when members clap an achievement or support a member when feeling down. Accountability is demonstrated in the group.

Since starting Slimming World I have been reflecting on the heritage of the Methodist Church. 
Early Methodist gatherings were called 'societies'. The groups, called 'classes' and 'bands' met regularly, and the idea was to be accountable to each other about how each person was living the Christian life. People who attended had to be open and willing to be changed by the experience. The small groups helped people to belong and to learn and grow in their faith. 

Holy Club
I see more accountability at Slimming World than I do within Methodism today. I think we can learn from groups like Slimming World because members look out for each other in love; we need to remember our heritage and look out for each other in love. 


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