Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., at Bethel Church in Lansing
LANSING, Ill. (August 10, 2023) – Every Tuesday morning, a small group of dedicated women assembles at Bethel Church for a TOPS meeting. The acronym stands for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, an organization that predates Weight Watchers. Both TOPS and Weight Watchers encourage changes to diet and activity in order to achieve weight loss, and both offer group meetings as a source of accountability and encouragement. TOPS, however, is a lower-cost, volunteer-led option.
With just five members, the Bethel chapter of TOPS has been a source of support and camaraderie for local participants. However, a few weeks ago, the group suffered a significant blow with the sudden passing of their leader. The loss was deeply felt by the group, and they are now considering their next steps.
The group is reaching out to the community in search of new members to sustain their chapter. “We’re a not-for-profit group who want to continue our chapter,” wrote member Barb McKinney in an email, “but our current co-leader is 86 years old, and I don’t think she is really up to leading us forever.”
McKinney notes that there are other TOPS chapters that meet in the south suburbs, but all those meetings take place at night. The Bethel chapter meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, a time that is better suited to members who find night driving difficult.
TOPS gatherings are known for fostering a sense of community that empowers women to overcome other challenges together, not just weight loss.
The Bethel TOPS group welcomes inquiries from anyone looking for a supportive community dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles. Contact Barb McKinney:
- [email protected]
- 708-394-3376
Bethel Church is located at 3500 Glenwood Lansing Road in Lansing, Illinois. The Bethel chapter of TOPS meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.
