For those who want to “praise the Lord, get in shape and see Vicksburg’s attractions,” Mount Zion No. 1 M.B. has a place for you, said Ernest Dixon, the church’s ministries and youth director.

“God wants us to be in shape,” said Dixon. “He wants us to lead long, healthy lives so that we can grow older and stronger and continue worshiping him.”

Light for My Path Club, a biking, walking and jogging group organized by Dixon, gathers once a month to ride or stroll through the Vicksburg National Military Park. The group, consisting of children, parents and church officials, meets at 9:30 a.m. each third Saturday, but this month will meet the fourth, on June 28th, due to a church choir picnic and field trip already scheduled.

The group had its first go-round in April, and then met again in May. At last month’s gathering, about 15 people were in attendance.

“I’m here to have some fun,” said Zion Jones, the 7-year-old daughter of Ebony Jones and a student at Dana Road Elementary.

Jamesha Jones, 8, the daughter of Carla Jones and also a Dana Road student, said she was looking forward to hitting the trail with her grandmother, uncle, sister and cousin.

Dixon said the military park was chosen because of its scenery and attractions. If you goThis month, Light for My Path Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. June 28 at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Otherwise, the group will meet each third Saturday at the same time. Membership is free, but participants must pay the $8-per-car VNMP entry fee. For information, call Ernest Dickson at 601-638-6601.

“A lot of us who live in Vicksburg don’t go to the military park like tourists do,” he said. “We forget how great it is.”

He continued, “With this group, you can praise the Lord, get in shape and see Vicksburg’s attractions. That’s tough to beat.”

And, Dixon said, “Anyone who wants to join is welcome, whether you’re a member of our church or not.”

Club membership is free, but participants must pay the park’s entry fee, which is $8 per vehicle.

“So be sure to car pool,” Dixon said. “Make it a little cheaper per person.”