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“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:23-25
There are certain things that help shape and form our communities – family, school, church, and sports! Each one can have a place in bringing people together, connecting, supporting, celebrating, and sharing the experiences of this life God has given us.
Sports can certainly have a positive impact on a community. Whether through schools, clubs, intramural, amateur or professional, sports help bring people together. Sometimes we gather as fans to cheer and celebrate, other times to boo and cry. I’ve often thought of sports as a form of warfare – a battle between people or groups of people, but hopefully without killing one another! It tests our skills, and determination, develops teamwork and comradery, and lets us use our gifts and talents to complete and win, or lose.
It is similar in the church – we battle with temptation and sin, and even sometimes with one another! But ultimately, we seek and find victory through our faith in Jesus Christ. We come together to worship, serve, learn, support and care for one another. We share our gifts and talents, given to us through the Holy Spirit, all for the glory of God, in this arena we call life.
At our church council meeting last Sunday, Executive Director David Killian from Youth For Christ, shared some exciting news with us about the new basketball courts we dedicated last November. He said they are hosting their first 3-on-3 Basketball tournament this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. They’ve got a bunch of teams signed up and it is going to be a wonderful answer to prayer to see this event finally happen – after several years of patient and persistent work!
This tournament connects two things for us, God and sports in our community. Young people who love to come and play basketball, along with their friends and families, will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel from the wonderful leaders at Youth For Christ during a special intermission at the event.
If you can make it, plan on coming to see the action this Saturday. Bring a lawn chair and your voice of encouragement. Pray for the event and for everyone coming. Pray for Youth For Christ and the wonderful work we are partnering with them to do. Pray for the participants and their families, that God’s Word of promise will reach those hungering to know Jesus, and lead them to a life of faith for eternity. See you Saturday (and Sunday!)
In Christ; Pastor Dan
Special Announcements: Mark your calendars, coming up:
- January 18th – Youth for Christ 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at 1:00 p.m. at church
- February 2nd – First Evangelical Annual Meeting after worship in the sanctuary
- February 9th – Holy Cross Annual Meeting after worship in the sanctuary
