Thank you all for a successful 2nd week of 2018-19 CSports Basketball! There were great crowds at all of the games and the cheers, smiles, and flashing cell phone cameras showed that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Thank you for the time and effort you put in each week coaching and organizing so many things that make our sports programs meaningful and fulfilling. I know competitive sports sometimes bring out the human nature of frustration and disagreement, but I know that we are all striving for the same goals of mentoring and modeling for the children and families who are watching us. Remember that all refs and most scorekeepers are volunteers and are doing their best. If there are problems please take either Mrs. Rose or me to the side and ask us to intervene. There is never any shouting at volunteers. When my kids played league and school ball I was the worst! Therefore, I sympathize with all who are having to “hold it in” for the ministry.
We had several volunteers do halftime devotions, most informing about and encouraging ladies to attend our upcoming Women’s Conference. My devotions in between all of these others was an encouragement for those who so faithfully bring children to and support our sports activities. You/they are displaying your unconditional love for them which God first displayed for you. I referred to the 6th Chapter of Deuteronomy, 7th verse which commands us to “Tell it to your children” all the time. I read a viewpoint some time ago referring to “huddles”. This is play-off time in all leagues of football and I know many of us spend a lot of time in our favorite chair watching games. The author of the article I read wrote about how our entertainment is limited to the plays and replays we are shown. During huddles and halftimes the cameras show cheerleaders, bands, and commercials. But, we know that the plays we watch don’t “just happen”. The blocking schemes, the pass routes, the assigned coverage, and all of the plays are called and discussed in the huddles and in the locker rooms. His point was, this is church – worship services, small groups, any time we gather “in His name”. Matthew 18:20 is where Jesus tells us, “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am among them.” Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Worship opportunities are our “huddles” where we learn “the plays” we need to run throughout the week. Trust me, when we gather in the gym for CSports activities, the Holy Spirit is present. When coaches gather with their teams for the team devotion during practices, the Holy Spirit is with them. When we read the Bible and pray with our children and grandchildren, the Spirit guides us. The search for, the submission to, and the commitment to the leading of the Holy Spirit is what determines our effectiveness in the lives of our families, work environments, or wherever we may be led. We have all been called to be God’s servants in our positions of leadership, whatever they may be. Let us not discount church attendance, Bible study, small groups, etc. so that our cups may be filled to overflow on all God’s children the Spirit sends our way.
Please remind your teams to come get their “C-Sports at the Jags” tickets for the game which will be Saturday, January 5 at 3pm at the Mitchell Center. All of our group will be in one big section and the USA people will be taking our picture while we’re there. We encourage our players and coaches to wear their basketball shirts. There are no C-Sports games that day due to New Years. We need to move the $5 tickets quickly so that I have time to get more for the procrastinators.
Please remind families to not leave valuables visible in their vehicles. Especially this time of the year, “the wolves will come to feed” wherever they see a lot of cars. I hope you all take advantage of the numerous Christmas programs, light displays, and worship opportunities available during this blessed season. Last night I saw my grandson, Jackson, who is on our K5 Knicks team, sing his first solo in church. What a blessing! Please enjoy all you can fit in your schedule between now and January 1!
See you on the court!
In His Service,
Steve Ellisor, Recreation Minister
Christ United Methodist Church
251-706-3326
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6