From the Rec Min January 21, 2020

               Thank you all once again for a great Saturday of CSports Basketball. Only one more week to go! Remember that a lot of you will be having make-up games this week during your practice times. There were more concerns brought to our attention this weekend about referee calls and Mrs. Rose and I will, as always, will try to keep an eye out for any unfair circumstances, but please remember that almost every call (or no call) will make one side happy and the other side sad. We pay referees for the full court games and I consider the licensed and official officials to be better at it than I am. We beg coaches to help from the sidelines each week which would be of benefit in many ways. Please bear with us for one more week. I would challenge anyone to go to any league of any sport for any age and not find fault in officiating. Some think it is too relaxed, some think too strict. Please encourage your players and their families to realize that referee decisions are a part of every level of every sport and please don’t say bad things in front of the children regardless. 

               The 2019/20 CSports Basketball Celebration was very well attended and all seemed to enjoy the event. The coaches and all volunteers were thanked, the teams paraded across the stage with their banners, and the video was great. The speaker was a little weak (me) but I was honored to have the chance to address the families as my retirement is getting near. My message was consistent with my message each week which reminds each of you of your influence upon the players and families, and the responsibility that goes along with that influence. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to, “Train up a child in the ways that are right, and when they are old they will not depart from it.” I displayed the image of a Father’s Day card I received several years ago from my son and daughter in law which showed their picture with the words, “Lord, I want to be like You, because they want to be like me.” I trust you understand the meaning. None of us will “be like the Lord” but He is our role model as we are the role models for these young ones over whom we have authority. Their future will be affected by what they learn from us. Our words, character displays, beliefs expressed, values modeled, along with our love and encouragement will be passed on to future generations. Our church’s goal statement of “Love God, Love People, and Change the World” is never more displayed or effective than when you sit with your players during devotions, team prayers, team meetings, and as you guide and encourage from the sidelines. Truly, God put you into this ministry just for this purpose!

               Enjoy this week and I’ll see you on the court. Please be sure to let Mrs. Rose know if you’re planning a team party. I need the paperwork from Team Service Projects, also. Thanks for everything!

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

From the Rec Min January 13, 2020

               Even though we missed a weekend of basketball games we must be thankful that no one in our area was hurt too badly by the storms Saturday. Mrs. Rose kept track of reports and advisories from late Friday evening through early Saturday morning. We will always choose the safety of our participants over “taking a chance” that all may be ok, and thus, games were cancelled. Mrs. Rose and some of our sports staff actually came to the gym on Saturday to break things down for church services Sunday. They deserve a big “thank you” when you see them this week.

               PLEASE encourage all of your families (and coaches especially!) to be at our CSports Basketball Celebration this coming Sunday in the gym at 3:00pm. Advise everyone to be about 10 minutes early so they can fill out the response cards and find a seat before the lights go down. The Celebration is where we thank coaches and volunteers, the players parade across the stage with their team banners, and, at the end, are awarded trophies to commemorate their season with us. Please don’t miss it.

               We have two more game weeks. As in football, we are beginning the “4th quarter”. Jesus told us in John 13:15, “I have set you as an example that you should do as I have done for you.” We are all so blessed in so many ways and God expects us to model those blessings so that others may see Him through the things we say and do. We have two more weeks to be the life-long memories that these young basketball players will pass along to future generations, whether as parents, coaches, teachers, or even ministers one day. Let’s finish at full speed!

               As always, thank you all for everything you do for this ministry! Please be sure you finish your Team Service Projects and get the paperwork to me. If you’re planning a team party please let Mrs. Rose know. I’ll 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

From the Rec Min January 6, 2020

               Good Monday morning! I hope your Holidays and weekend went well. Saturday was a busy but productive day! There were several close games which added to the excitement and all of the players got one week better! We all work to be better week by week. My staff and I are always trying to find better ways to prepare and conduct practices and games along with better ways to notify people and better efficiency in all of our efforts. This Saturday we had our first technical foul called against a coach by a referee. We are using professional referees (and paying them) in order to assure the best quality officiating possible. The coach who was called out is a good one; a great guy who just got caught up in the action. Let me assure you…I’m no hypocrite! I’ve been “that guy” way too many times as a coach and even just a parent when my kids were growing up. I’ve embarrassed my wife, made my daughter cry, been called out by umpires, and even modeled some bad habits for my son who was a high school coach for a while. I’ve felt the feelings and expressed them in the wrong manner. God put me in the position of leading a Recreation Ministry 16 years ago. I came equipped with some knowledge of management, sports, and a willingness to work hard. One of the tasks put before me was to create a sports program that was to be “in the world but not of the world”. My experiences in my earlier sports life occurred as I was a Christian, even as a music director and youth pastor. I just got caught up in the competition. My passion for my team, my kids, and my misplaced sense of right and wrong led to expressions of which I was ashamed. And now, here I am in a position in which I am to help Spirit called volunteers lead and mentor young ones while they, themselves, become ministers. As they serve, they grow. I did!

               Psalm 51:10 asks God to, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Every level of every sport has officials who are expected to see everything on the court or field and to view it in the same manner as every player, coach, and fan. The difficult task we have is to realize that reality and place the proper value on it. You may be right, but the ones calling the balls and strikes, the fouls or three second violations, the offsides, or whatever, are doing their best. We even invite our coaches to assist as sideline refs so that they can help with the effort to see and call everything properly.

               While our efforts, our expectations, and our protective nature toward our players may raise our blood pressure from time to time, we are teaching children the proper way to react while they are playing a game. Their developing nature will one day determine their behavior at a red light when the person ahead of them is on a cell phone, in a grocery line when the person ahead of them can’t find their check book, and in many other relatively minor instances in which frustration may lead to improper behavior that they will later regret. I am writing this as a personal confession and as a heartfelt challenge for all who read this to be in control and to encourage each other. In my previous career I had a subordinate staff member step in front of me and probably save my career as I was about to react in a very negative manner. I will never forget that. Knowledge is knowing what, but wisdom is knowing when and how. Let’s all be examples and helpers for each other as we minister to children and families.

               Please remind all of your families that the CSports Basketball Celebration will be Sunday, 1/19, at 3:00pm in the gym. Encourage all to attend and to get here early so they can fill out their response card. Thank you all for everything you do for this ministry!

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

From the Rec Min December 23rd, 2019

Merry Christmas (week) to all of you! We had a great game day Saturday! The holiday excitement that I hear teachers speak about was evident, which was great! Lots of smiles and hugs! I hope you all saw on our Recreation Ministry site where our Cheerleaders, as their Team Service Project, went and entertained the residents at a local assisted living facility. I was at home in my usual position in my recliner and seeing that post made me smile for a while. God is good, and so are the acts of his people when they serve Him!

               Sunday our Senior Pastor, Dr. Couch, preached about the first announcement of “the Good News”, the words and song of the angels, which came to shepherds in the fields who were at work caring for their sheep. He reminded us that King David had been a shepherd. We read in Psalm 23 that “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” It was interesting how he brought all of this together as told in the Christmas story in Luke 2. My favorite part of Luke’s description of the night’s activities are often overlooked. In Chapter 2, verses 15 – 18 we read, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” You see, when they heard the “Good News” they didn’t sit around and discuss “how cool” it was…they went and saw, and then spread the word. The angels had announced that the good news was to “be for all the people”, much like Jesus’ command later in Matthew 28 where He said to “…make disciples of all the nations…” .

               There are so many opportunities we have during this season to celebrate love and family, parties, moving and entertaining tv specials, as well as church programs which remind us of the Holy reason for the holiday and we need to take in as many of them as we can. But here I want to encourage you…no, challenge you, to insert words of “the good news” when you greet loved ones or even strangers, when you thank your waiter or the person at the cash register, and when you leave anonymous gifts for postal workers, first responders, or co-workers. Say “Jesus is born!”, or “Praise God”, or something to promote the reason for the season. Jesus, God incarnate, is the reason we celebrate. Santa promotes the spirit of giving and we must give, serve, love, and praise in remembrance of God’s gift to us when Jesus was born and, also, for God’s gifts to us each day. Love your family, friends, and everyone you see with the love that God instructs us to give. Shine the light that He shines through us.

               Have a great Christmas and I’ll see you all next week!

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

From the Rec Min December 16, 2019

    Another Basketball Saturday in the books as we near the Christmas break. Thank you all for the time and effort you put in to make this program work. I hear from so many people throughout the season how “great” the program/ministry is but it’s hard to get the message to all of you who deserve the credit! Messages are being delivered during practice devotions and halftime devotions regarding the true meaning of Christmas. This is one of the most crucial, yet difficult, messages to get across to children as we focus so much on Santa, snowmen, etc. When I had the chance to speak to the families in the bleachers during a halftime Saturday I explained how I discussed the matter with my 4 year old grandson last week. Christmas is about the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who was our God coming to earth as a human to teach us how to live and love and to eventually give His own life so that we can be reconciled with our perfect Creator. Santa Claus is the continued spirit of one of God’s followers, Saint Nicholas, who, by obeying God’s desire to show love, is the giver of gifts as his symbol of unconditional love every year as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. I believe he (my grandson) understood that. Santa’s visits and gifts are symbolic of God’s gift to the people He created and loves.

               I heard a message about God’s unconditional love a few weeks ago when I attended a service at a local church where that same 4 year old grandson was singing. As the children’s choir came in and mounted the steps in front of the pulpit they were smiling and waving to their family members. As the music started some sang, some shouted the words, some kept smiling and waving, some sat down, and some acted as if they didn’t know what to do and just covered their faces with their hands. When the songs were over we all applauded. The pastor, who is a CSports parent (by the way), acknowledged the various styles and behaviors displayed by the children and asked, “How many of you parents and grandparents stopped loving them when they acted up?” Obviously, none of us did. We still embraced them and told them how proud we were of them when they came back to us. The pastor told us that this was what unconditional love is. This is how God loves us even with our imperfections. While he wants us to do well every time, He is still there ready to embrace us when we come to Him. 1 John 1:7 tells us, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.” I pray that we are all walking in the light. We may be smiling and waving when we should be singing and praising, but we are still His! Let’s share that love with our families, our players, and with all we fellowship with during this season!

               Our programs would be nothing were it not for our many faithful volunteers. May I ask for a very special favor…Even in the rush to get teams together before a game, to get ribbons and PGRs together, let’s still be aware that volunteers are trying to serve. Our tunnel volunteer, Elissa, is one of the most faithful volunteers we’ve ever had. It is her job to keep order in the tunnel, to get PGRs for Mrs. Rose, to line teams up for call outs, etc. Please help her keep order during these times. Help her keep your team relatively quiet so that she can hear the signals from the gym. PGRs are a must…no option…so please follow the rules and get them to her. Thanks!

               One more game week before we break for Christmas. Enjoy the season, attend programs, sing carols, and share some love for someone who needs it! 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

From the Rec Min December 9, 2019

Thank you for another fun day of C-Sports Basketball this past Saturday. There were a couple of times when the players got a little too intense during the games but the coaches and referees handled it beautifully. During this week Lets make a special effort to remind our teams and families:

1. Good sportsmanship is more than just rule following. Respect your opponent and treat them as you would want to be treated.

2. The red undershirt is a part of the uniform. There were a couple of players who wore different shirts under their jersey. If they have lost their red shirt please let us know so that we can get them another one.

3. Work on the rules with your team. I had a parent of a 3rd and 4th grade team asking why the referees were calling 3 seconds and double backcourt. Our refs are not terribly strict but it is important to make calls so that the players grow in their knowledge of the game. That’s a part of our developmental purpose. Please work on these rules along with travelling, double dribbling, etc.

4. Also, teach body control. Players often go full speed and that creates a lot of “pile ups”. Teach them to avoid body contact as much as they can and to pass or shoot before they get boxed in.

I had the opportunity to present a number of the halftime devotions Saturday. Please tell your families that we would love to hear an inspirational “Spirit story” if any of them feel led to speak during a half time. Just have them call Mrs. Rose.

Anyway, I spoke to the families about how our Recreation Ministry came to be and how we knew the “Call” was legitimate. We had many meetings to determine what we would do in the new (back in 2003) venture. At one of our meetings a member of the committee recited a scripture she had read that day from Proverbs 3 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.” And then, the part you will read on the podium at the entrance to the gym, “In all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your paths.” The instruction has proven itself to be true as we trust and acknowledge Him with everything! Each season of our sports program results in changed lives for many. Then, look in the mirror…How else could we get the hundreds of volunteers who do so much without the direction of the Holy Spirit? All of you became “ministers” when you answered the call to serve. We hear testimonies quite often about how your love and guidance has helped the children and families we serve. Please keep it up!

               Two more game days before Christmas. Please encourage your teams to attend Christmas programs when they can and to experience the full and true spirit of the season. Stay healthy and safe! 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

From the Rec Min October 21, 2019

Good morning my brothers and sisters in the ministry! Today begins BASKETBALL SEASON! Thank you all for a great Soccer season. Lots of lives were touched, friendships made, and hundreds of young players learned skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship while hearing the word of God during each practice and game day. The motto of our church is to “Love God, Love People, and Change the World”. You have done that! Keep it up! Yesterday, Sunday, our church celebrated our 40th year as Christ United Methodist Church. There were very meaningful celebrations and programs but every one of them emphasized our beginning and never ending purpose – to make disciples. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 28:19,20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” That is our purpose, promise, and directive. Thank you for your time and sweat this season and I hope you will stay on with us as we move on to the next sport. Mrs. Rose needs Basketball coaches badly! We have a lot of young ones signed up who will not be able to play unless we get more coaches. Please call 706-3326 if you can help. Evaluations begin tonight.

               May God bless each and every one of you as you have blessed us with your service!

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

From the Rec Min October 14, 2019

What a great weekend we had! Thank you all for putting up with the misty rain on Saturday and for making our 2019 CSports Soccer Celebration on Sunday such a powerful event. We love to tease Mrs. Rose about having supernatural influence on the weather during CSports activities. What we decided Saturday was that, considering how badly our community needed the rain, she just got “out-prayed”. The cooler temp helped, however, and we had some great games. The Celebration Sunday afternoon was well attended and the Spirit was definitely present. Our Children’s Ministry put on a puppet show and our players paraded across the stage to cheer for their teams and to thank their coaches. Our speaker was the Founding Pastor of our church, Pastor Jeff Spiller. With this week being our church’s 40th anniversary it was very fitting that he spoke to the crowd about the means for Godly success. He is a living example of a follower who leads and a leader who follows. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” All who receive this message have answered the call to serve. We are bearers of both the word and the way. We have schedules and routines that we “religiously” follow, but it is the Holy Spirit that determines the outcome of our efforts.

               After the Celebration was over, I was standing with Pastor Spiller when the mother of one of our players came to speak to us. Her child has some special needs and she just wanted to thank all involved in our program for the positive things that are happening in their lives. She showed me a video on her phone of a time in one of their games when coaches and players on both teams made it possible for her child to score a goal. I heard the cheers and saw the joy in all of the faces in the video. When that happened, every one of the players and coaches became ministers…maybe for just a brief time… but they changed lives through their spirit and actions. With goosebumps on my arms from the inspiring video, I told the mother of other times teams have done this in other sports as well. This is who we are and what we do. Thank you all for being life changers through your words and example. The response cards received at the Celebration indicated that 7 adults and 24 players accepted Christ during the season. 35 adults and 53 players indicated that they had grown closer to Christ and stronger in their faith during the season.

One more week and it becomes basketball season and we start all over again! Mrs. Rose always needs coaches so if you feel the tug, please volunteer to coach basketball. Have a great week and I’ll see you Saturday. Please let your families know that our Pumpkin Patch Family Day will be going on this Saturday as well so plan to stick around before or after your game and enjoy their activities.

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

From a distance and from all I’ve heard, Saturday’s soccer games went beautifully. Thank you all for your efforts at making this program and this Ministry work so well each week! I was participating in a funeral in our sanctuary but had you guys on my mind! PLEASE remind about and encourage your families to be in attendance at the 2019 C-Sports Soccer Celebration this coming Sunday, 10/13, in our gym at 3:00pm. They will want to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early to get a good parking spot and to fill out their response card. The response cards are one way we in the Rec Ministry learn things about our programs – both good and bad! This is also when the coaches and other volunteers are thanked, parents receive words of encouragement, and players receive their trophies for their hard work during the season. There have been, on a few occasions, coaches who can’t attend. I ask that you all prioritize this event but if there is a reason you can’t attend, be sure your team comes and have a sub in charge to pass out the trophies at the end of the Celebration. Mrs. Rose will be checking in with each of you this week.

               Sunday morning our pastor preached to us about the words found in the Book of James, 4th Chapter, 17th verse, which says, “Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” I can recall as a child hearing my father speak about “sins of commission and sins of omission”. The memory of his explanation has affected both my behavior and my conscience throughout my life. Whereas, even in my daily Christian walk, I still commit sin through my human weakness, I believe the majority of my sin comes from things I should do, but don’t. It may be because of laziness, shyness, being in a hurry, preoccupation, or whatever, but so many times I think back on “what I should have done” in regret. As we near the end of our soccer season (2 more weeks) I encourage each of you to make every effort to not miss a chance to change the life of a young one in your charge, to encourage a family, and to model for all what it means to be a servant of Christ.

               Yesterday as I was leaving church I passed a person who I knew was involved in an activity that two of my grandsons are in. They stopped me and told me how much they appreciated seeing my 6 year old grandson during his time with them interacting with a special needs child, speaking positively to them, sitting by them, explaining what is happening to them, etc.  I was both proud and humbled. His behavior became a blessing, and even an example, to others. I pray that the Lord gives me similar opportunities and that I may respond as a servant rather than as a busy adult with responsibilities and too many things to do. I pray that my instincts will “let my light shine so that they may see my good works and glorify God who is in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) I pray that for you as well. Use your time wherever you are to hear His voice and respond so that your later thoughts will result in a smile of heartfelt peace rather than guilty regret.

               Oh well…that was on my heart today. Thanks for hearing me out. I hope to see you all on both Saturday and Sunday at the Celebration! Have a great week!

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

From the Rec Min September 30, 2019

With another great weekend of C-Sports Soccer behind us we now move toward the last three game weeks. Please be sure to plan your Team Service Project (I’ve gotten several reports of great projects completed already!), and ask all of your families to be sure to plan to be at our October 13 C-Sports Soccer Celebration. I also want to thank all of you who came to our C-Sports Sunday services yesterday. There were lots of C-Sports shirts among the congregations of all of our services. It meant a lot to our members to see you. You were great witnesses to the effectiveness of the ministry in which you serve!

               In Matthew 22:37 Jesus tells us to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” In 2 Corinthians we are told, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” We are not only the beneficiaries of that “newness” but are instruments through which God’s message gets to all of those who participate in our programs. Be willing, energetic, devoted, and motivated! Two more game weeks until the Celebration. We want to be sure the “word” has been received by that time.

               We’re not sure when the cooler weather might get here so stay hydrated as you lead your flock! Have a great week and I’ll see you on the fields!

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