Navigation Back Search
Search

Yoga ministry stretches beyond church walls

By Lilla Marigza
May 21, 2026 | FORT PIERCE, Fla. (UM News)

At First Church Fort Pierce, a United Methodist Congregation in Florida, a yoga class with mostly adults ages 60 and older is doing more than improving strength and balance. What began as a small gathering has grown into a compassionate community that gives back, turning movement and mindfulness into a powerful force for good. Video by Lilla Marigza UM News.

A simple yoga class at a Florida church is transforming lives in unexpected ways.

At First Church Fort Pierce, a United Methodist Congregation, participants — most over 60 — are finding strength, balance and renewed hope, even while facing health challenges like Parkinson’s disease.

Led by longtime instructor Mary Weden, First Church Yoga has become more than exercise, creating a welcoming community that gives back through donations and service projects.

What started as a search for studio space has grown into a powerful ministry of healing, connection and generosity. Lilla Marigza reports for UM News.

Watch video

Find out more about Mary’s yoga classes at First Church Fort Pierce.

You can fill out an online form to join First Church Yoga on Zoom.

Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

Related Tags

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Faith Sharing
Happy Fourth of July! Photo by Mike DuBose; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Social media graphics from UM News
Graphic for the Fourth of July available to download and share on social media.
Church Growth
The Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church choir entertains visitors from the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry at the church in Nairobi, Kenya, during the agencies’ spring board meeting April 8-10. Parkview Kitengela is one of nine newly established congregations in the Nairobi District, which is thriving through evangelism campaigns and community outreach. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Evangelism sparks church growth in Kenya
When the Nairobi District superintendent started his United Methodist appointment two years ago, he had no churches or members. Now, there are nine congregations in four circuits, and membership has grown to more than 1,400.
Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets
A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved