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Thursday, January 28, 2010

31

I'm pumped that 31 players have signed for the Upward basketball league starting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Again, it is exciting to me to see how God has placed our Rec Ministry in partnership with Living Hope Church and they have stepped out into their community! They are doing what people in Canada don't understand - a church partnering with a community in sports. I love it when God does the unthinkable connection.

While 31 might not be a big number from our perspective, it's huge for them and the Kingdom of God. It's 31 more opportunities to invest in new lives through sport/basketball. It's about building and establishing genuine relationships for the long haul.To often we look at numbers and see victory or failure based on amounts. The Christian impact will never hold if we build it on event driven philosophies. It holds when we begin to grasp the life of Christ and His passion to connect one on one with the person passing us on the street, suffering physically/financially, and those wondering through life with no direction.

Let this be a reminder to seek God for unthinkable opportunities. Allow Him to guide us outside of our normal boundaries of "religious work" so that we can connect with people in a genuine Christian way.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Serve in Your Sweet Spot

1 Corinthians 12:7 “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial…”

The Rec Center at Cool Spring is a great facility. It offers recreation and leisure activities for all ages. From fitness rooms to sports leagues, there is an opportunity to remain active in physical fitness. But, with all these activities you have to have workers.

I am thankful for the many volunteers who work in the Recreation ministry. Our team is made up of Rec Desk workers, Fitness instructors, and League Directors. Each of these areas requires different people with different interest and passions while pursuing the same desire – to combine the gift of leisure with the companionship of Christ. Without these people our facility would not function as it does Monday through Friday 5:30 am to 9 pm.

The scripture speaks about each of us, followers of Christ, having a special and unique gift. God has given us a spiritual gift to be used for His glory and will be beneficial to others. Those gifts will vary for each individual: service, hospitality, apostleship, mercy, and others. I have often found in my own life that when I am serving in my spiritual gift, which is evangelism, apostleship and administration, I am living in my sweet spot.

While our team is a good one, there is still room for others. Currently we need Rec Center volunteers to fill mid-day slots, Upward Devotion speakers for game days, Upward basketball ref’s and soccer coaches. We have the opportunity to connect with an average of 800 people a week in the Rec Center and 600 Upward players a week in basketball. Today, I am asking you to consider your spiritual gift. And as you do, consider using it to serve in the Rec Center. Find your sweet spot and learn to live in it!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Some people know how to have FUN

Laughter is medicine for the soul! It is a true statement and the Bible has much to say about a joyful spirit.

I want to introduce you to Jill Buaghan, a friend of mine, and welcome her to the "recreatn" blogspot. Jill has several books (most recent - Born to be Wild) and tools out there to help you live that "Harley" life you've often dreamed of. She knows how to have fun and knows whats needed to do so. So, check out Jill and enjoy her new website at http://www.jillbaughan.com/ .

Friday, January 22, 2010

What's Up in Rec

Just thought I would share with you several things ahead of us in Recreation at Cool Spring. These are things that have grabbed my focus the past two days. And these are things you need to know are coming up so you can participate. So, what have I been working on ?

  1. Upward Soccer Registration has started and we are signing coaches and players up
  2. Summer Multi -Sports Camp is scheduled for Aug 2-5, 2010
  3. Rec Center Volunteer Training is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 20
  4. Hunter Education Course scheduled for March 5,6th at Rec Center
  5. Upward Basketball games start at all four locations Saturday - all concessions are ready, refs in place, game day announcers ready to go - we have great volunteers!!
  6. Sportsman's Expo is in the works to be held March 20, 2010
  7. Upward Flag Football is underway for planning meeting with Directors (yes, Upward is a 360 day job)
  8. Publishing a new Upward Hanover Director's Guide - for those interested in leading our Upward Sports League, we now have a tool for you!
  9. Taught Sport Parent Survival Course - material available if you're interested
Take note of the items that interest you and get plugged in. It is our desire to combine the gift of leisure with the companionship of Christ.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Parent Survival Guide

This morning I was speaking with a community group on the topic of Recreation. While the topic of Recreation is generic and can cover a lot of material, I chose to speak on the Role of Parents to their Child in a sports program.

Over the last twenty years we have seen recreation sports change from backyard sandlots to high dollar sports complexes, kids paying all sports to now a focus sport year round, college coaches recruiting at the middle school level, and the cost of leagues and equipment has risen beyond the means of the average next door neighbor. And after all of these changes for the so-called "better" - 70 % of the twenty million kids playing sports in the US will quit by age 13.

Here are a few points to think about when parenting your child through their "Recreation " sports league:

  • Ensure that a child's involvement is safe, beneficial, and enjoyable
  • Learn what your child wants from participating in sports. Be careful not to force your child in sports based on your wants
  • Provide a supportive atmosphere - there is a difference between supportive and nudging or pressuring a child
  • Determine when your child is ready to begin playing a sport. There are different needs for different sports. Know the physical, mental, and social development of your child.
  • Protect your child from abusive coaches - physically and verbally
  • Help your child develop realistic expectations of their capabilities in sports. This means as a parent you need to have realistic expectations for them as well. Unrealistic expectations always equals frustration - for you and the child
  • Help your child interpret the experiences associated with competitive sports - winning and losing
While there are others, I've listed these as a starting point to keep in mind. In today's Richmond Times, Cal Ripken was quoted as saying, "If you are in any doubt as to what to do, cheer your child on like a grandparent. When they do good, say "that was a good play." And when they do bad, say, "That wasn't so bad."

There is nothing wrong with cheering, supporting, and encouraging your child to be the best they can be. The key is to find the proper balance for the child and teach them and yourself to live in that balance. Remember, it's RECREATION!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Qualified or Disqualified

Over the last twenty years, it seems that our conversations of greatness among athletes has led us to great disappointments. From the taking away of gold medals in the Olympics, to the turn of the "steroid era" in baseball, gambling from players or ref's, and the trouble that athletes find themselves in when they carry handguns for practical jokes. All of these issues lead us to one question, "Have the great ones disqualified themselves?"

1 Corinthians 9 talks about the qualification and disqualification process. Paul speaks of the Christian faith and refers to it like a runner. A runner who runs in such a way that he wins and does not disqualify himself. Any competitive runner will tell you that they live a disciplined life in regards to their training and eating. If they don't, it will cost them - from cramps to dehydration and endurance. Paul tells us in everything we have to excercise self-control. Therefore, not running in such a way that is aimless, nor do we run / live our faith like one boxing in mid air. The christian life must remain focused on Christ and the goal of honoring Christ in all we do. Paul charges us to live a life that has a purpose, a goal, and a disciplined approach. While we can name great athletes who have found themselves in the debate of disqualification,what is it that you and I need to bring under discipline or self-control in our lives? What are the sins that so easily entangle us that could prevent us from finishing the race well and being disqualified? Disqualification is tough and humiliating. But, through Christ love and forgiveness of sin, we are given a daily opportunity to qualify for the race that is before us.

What kinds of discipline are required for you to ensure your not disqualified in serving Christ?

Friday, January 15, 2010

Challenger League

Tonight we are meeting with parents of the players who have signed up to play in our first year of Challenger basketball. This will be an exciting night as we welcome the parents and meet the players.

This league is an extension of our Upward basketball and Bridge Builder ministries of Cool Spring Church. Ed Berenson, along with Wendy Atkinson, Michael Curley, and Steve Vehorn have worked on the establishment of this league for over a year. And tonight we kick it off! The players participating will be children ages 6-13 that have special needs. Each player will receive a uniform, t-shirt, and end of season award. The league will have a six week game schedule on Friday nights in the Rec Center at Cool Spring. Come out and support the players of this exciting league.Concessions will be available as well.

See you in the stands!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Prayer WEBINAR

Just attended my first Webinar through Church Sports Outreach. A Webinar is a great tool. It involves a presentation and conference call through the computer with a group of people who are led by a facilitator or presenter for a certain topic or discussion. Webinars are a great way to provide connectivity between groups, people, and organizations without having to wait a full year to attend a "seminar."

Today's topic was "A Different Perspective on Prayer and Ministry" led by Bob Schindler of CSO. Many of us come into the office with our list of to do's for the day or the week and we never really find the time to pray as needed. While prayer is on our minds, it just seems to pass us by with the "to do" list before us.

Mark 9:14-29 was our main passage as we looked at the connection of prayer and faith and believing verses unbelieving. Like the disciples, we refer back to the accomplishes we have had and lean on them to guide us in the future. Therefore, we exhibit little faith and often, maybe unconsciously, place our faith in ourselves to accomplish the tasks before us. And when it doesn't work, like the disciples, we can not figure out what happened. We have to understand that without prayer, our motivations for the work around us comes from our perspective, not our beliefs. Prayer must be a part of our mindset and our pre-game preparation for the daily activities of our lives - whether that be leading your family, ministry positions, or going out into the work force.

As you think about your life and the list of tasks that is before you, take time to find God's perspective before you start working on your own. The disciples were puzzled when they failed to heal the boy from his disease. And, in private they went before Him and asked, Why? Jesus simply speaks to the heart of matter when he says, "Oh, you unbelieving generation." Could it be the fact that we trust ourselves more than we trust Christ? Could it be that we really don't believe Jesus and the power of who He is and what has been placed within us - the Holy Spirit?

Prayer is and should be our starting point (making our request known), our resting point (the place in which we reflect and restore ourselves with the truths of God), and our finishing point (the time we celebrate in worship of what God has done according to His will).

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Nova Scotia Press

Check out the following link -http://thechronicleherald.ca/HCW/1161715.html- to a newspaper article introducing Upward basketball and Ian MacFarlane to the Halifax Community. Pray that it will be received by the community.

It has been exciting for us to be a part of this partnership with Living Hope Community Church. Over the next few weeks, Ian and I will be talking about an upcoming summer sports project. We may be involved in a variety sports camp (June) that could include multiple sports. If your interested, start praying and come by to see me.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Olympic Bobsled Team 2010

Training Complete


We had a great final day of training coaches and referees for the new Upward league in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ten new coaches came out for the training and we introduced the philosophy of coaching and ministry. Several things I am reflecting on following our training and discussions:

1. You have to adjust your ministry process based on your demographic and culture. While the Upward ministry provides a great shell to follow, within the culture of Nova Scotia (a culture where people go through life never thinking about God and simply shut down any conversation regarding religion) the approach of the devotions and half time speakers may look different. The focus of the league will be to teach basketball at the highest level possible while demonstrating the love of Christ through making genuine relationships with community members. Yes, team huddles during practice will take place, but the way they are communicated might not be the traditional style of giving a devotion. Trust between the community and Living Hope Upward basketball league will be critical in securing the foundation for future years of ministry.

2. We really are dependent on God to move in the lives of others. While we hosted a previous summer camp, handed out several hundred brochures in two days, and met with school leaders, we still must pray fervently for people to have open eyes and hearts to participating in a new local basketball league.

3. The job of church planters is hard. I remember all to well the days of living overseas with the daunting task of starting a church in a country that only one percent of the population was Christian. Pastor Ian is meeting regularly with families who are hurting and students who are fighting against the struggles of the world without any concept of who God is and how He can be a part of their daily lives. And Pastor Ian is doing it without a "Christian Ghetto" around him. That's one of the great things about the partnership we have formed. We are able to walk alongside of Ian and Ian alongside of us as we both seek to be used by God in the process of lives being transformed.

Continue to pray for Living Hope Community Church ( a church of about 40 people seeking to impact a city of 350,00) and the start of their Upward basketball league. Pray that God will provide players, coaches, ref's, and facilities. Pray for Ian to guide and direct the church and that God would raise accountable leaders to run and work the league.

Friday, January 08, 2010

Training Day 1

We headed back out in the snow and freezing temps to distribute more brochures to schools and neighborhoods. We had some great contacts today with teachers and principles of the local schools. God provided for us several "persons of peace" who are interested and excited about the way the Upward league will involve the children. Following the schools we hit a nice new neighborhood for door to door distribution. And in order to thaw out, we went to Tim Horton's coffee shop for a classic hot chocolate and donut.

The landscape of Nova Scotia is breathtaking, even in the snowy cold winter. Lakes are frozen and boulders are covered with white caps. Michael, Dana, Kelly and I went out to the famous Peggy's Cove to see the lighthouse and Nova Scotia's most prized picture spot overlooking the Atlantic. We also enjoyed a nice bowl of Seafood Chowder (Haddock, Lobster, Potatoes).

Tonight we met with a group of volunteers eager to learn how to run the Upward League Manager - the system used for drafting, organizing the league, and other administrative tasks. Basically it was a walk through the computer. Tomorrow we will start early with the same group for coaching and ref training. During the training Pastor Ian received a phone call for a new player registration!

But for now, and after computer training, we are headed out to Tim Horton's coffee shop - I'm ordering a double - double and a chocolate dip.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

O degrees and 20 cm

Arrived today in Halifax Nova Scotia to 0 degrees C (32 F) and 20 cm (8 in) of snow. Travel was good and after claiming luggage we hit the famous Tim Horton's coffee shop for soup, sandwich, and hot chocolate.

During the afternoon we hit the streets of a local neighborhood to distribute the Upward basketball flyers. There is nothing like going door to door bundled up like the Michelin Tire Man and promoting the new basketball league. This community seemed to have a variety of ages represented. We are going to hit some other neighborhoods in the morning as well.

We had some great lobster (5.50 per pound!!) and met for prayer with local church leaders. Praying that God will provide children for the league and that the community would begin to hear and ask questions about the Upward Basketball League. Pastor Ian was interviewd today by the local newspaper for an article to run this weekend promoting the Upward League. This is a praise that Living Hope will be getting some "free" press.

Continue to pray for our leadership training and opportunities to engage people while delivering flyers.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Brrrr...Nova Scotia

This week I am headed back to Halifax, Nova Scotia to work with my friend Ian McFarlane. Ian is the Pastor of Living Hope Community Church - www.livinghopehalifax.com.

I, along with Michael Curley (our basketball director for Upward), and our spouses, will be training coaches, ref's, and volunteers as part of a continuing partnership in starting an Upward basketball league. Over the summer we were able to help run their first basketball camp and now they are ready to start a league in February 2010. We will also be meeting with members of their church and small groups. This will give us the opportunity to worship with other believers and see how God is working in their community.

We are praying for the families of Halifax to see the great opportunity for their children to play basketball in a league that develops basketball players and Godly character. We are also asking God to reveal to us those in the community who may be seeking Christ and through this sports league will come to know Him as Savior. We would ask that you join us in praying for Ian and Living Hope as they step forward in faith to impact their community through sports.

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Duke Bound

Dreams do come true! As much as Disney World advertises this and does do a good job of achieving it, I ain't talking about Disney today. I am talking about Duke basketball and Cameron Indoor Stadium - www.goduke.com.

Brendan, my youngest son, was born a Duke fan. And for those of you thinking he got that from me, well, no. It's just his team. And today, he has been provided an opportunity to go see Duke play Clemson. Not only are they playing Clemson, but it is the 70th anniversary of the historical landmark in college basketball and the celebration of their 50th anniversary to the first ACC title won by Duke. It should be a good one in Cameron Indoor today, whether you are a Duke fan or not!

As a sports fan, I'm pumped! As a father getting to watch my son's dream come true, I'm in tears!

So for all it's worth today - GO DUKE.