Go Team!

For those of you who might have missed it, let me just say that last weekend's softball game was far from pretty. We faced a bigger and more experienced team, and they handled us pretty well. But everyone had fun, and nobody got hurt (well... except for Charlie, who seems to get hurt every week!).

Since we have more men than women playing, some of the men have to sit out each week. This was my week to provide moral support from the sidelines, as I was not in the lineup. So I spent a lot of time just watching. And I noticed some things that have bounced around in my mind ever since.

About half way through the first inning, I realized just how much our softball team is a picture of our church.

Everybody has a role to play, and no role is more or less important than the others. Whether pitching, catching, playing infield, or outfield, the team relies on every player being in their place and performing their role. Sounds like the church, doesn't it? "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT)

Everybody has good days and bad days. When somebody struggles, the rest of the team gathers around and tries to encourage them. "Come on, you can do it" is heard over and over, from players in the field, from fans on the sideline... in softball, it seems that everybody naturally understands how vital it is that we encourage one another. And the harder somebody struggles, the harder the encouragers shout their encouragement. "... let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

When a team member faltered, I smiled as another player stepped in and helped. I watched as a player who can hit but not run made it to first after a smash hit, and then was replaced by another runner who could take it the rest of the way home. It should be so in the church. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

We didn't win last week, but I was proud of our team. And each week, as we gel more and more together as a team, I think we'll be more and more a picture of what Jesus wants the church to be. After all, His prayer was "that they all may be one" (John 17:22). Is there a better picture of that one-ness, than when a group of men and women, young and old, players and cheerleaders, athlete and non-athlete, take the field together for a common goal.

Go Team!

Pray This Week!

Don't forget that tonight's midweek prayer meeting is cancelled in lieu of tomorrow evening's National Day of Prayer.

The church will be open starting at 5:00 PM and will close at 9:00 PM. Come anytime between those hours and spend some time praying for our country, our leaders, and most of all, the spiritual revival our nation so desperately needs.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

Of Birthdays and Prayer Days

Here is a repeat of a website posting from May 3, 2007. This is a special week!

It was May 3, 1970. In just 24 hours one of this area's most well-known historical events would occur - the shootings at Kent State University. But on May 3, something happened that didn't make the news, and is unknown to all but a select few now. On that day, a twelve year old boy experienced the most important event in his personal history. That boy was me, and on May 3, 1970, I trusted Christ as my Savior. I am, spiritually, 40 years old today. And so it is a special day as I look back over the journey Christ has led me on so far - a journey that has included both ups and downs, successes and failures, victories and defeats. But one thing is certain. I am more sure today of His love for me than I have ever been. He promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) I can testify after 40 years of walking with Him, that He never has, and He never will.

This week is also special for another reason - Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. Will you join with us this day in praying for our nation? Our church? Our brothers and sisters in Christ? Those around us who have never yet met this Man who loves them so? Pray. He will answer. "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." (John 14:14)

Our regular Wednesday prayer meeting is cancelled this week, and the church will be open for prayer on Thursday. Come any time between 5-9 PM to pray.

Softball Game 1 vs. Maranatha Bible

Our first game was rained out, but we made it to the 5th inning so the score counts. We lost 10-5, but what a great time was had by all.

Join us for our next game!

Here's a little video to bring you some of the action.


(If you received this in email, and the video did not come through, you can check it out on YouTube.