Rest

In all of our lives we need rest and refreshing. For the next week I will be away from the office and computer to enjoy time with my family and rest. A time to get away and laugh, play, read, and simply rest. Resting is biblical. In fact, Jesus said to those who were weak and tired, "come to me and I will give you rest." So, as I head out before our new fall season begins, I will be seeking rest. I encourage you to do the same - take time to refresh yourself and rest! I look forward to being back and beginning a new series of posts regarding recreation on September 8.

A New Season

September is a time that schools and football welcome new seasons. There are the new shoes, clothes, supply lists, as well as the sounds of the Friday night band, cheerleaders and fans, and hopes of your team winning the championship. September also starts a new season for Cool Spring Recreation. New seasons allow us the opportunity to put behind the difficulties of a year passed and anticipate new growth and development. Over the past weeks we have looked at and began discussing areas in which we can grow, develop,and reinvent some of the programs / leagues we offer to the community. Talking about such things as creating new social media in order to interact with new people groups, adjusting leagues to do a better job of teaching practical life principles and discipleship opportunities, and creating new spaces within our facility that ensure we are fulfilling our mission of combining both physical exercise and spiritual development in a timely and effective manner. To find out what's happening in September, visit our website at www.coolspring.org and view our recreation page. You can also sign up for our monthly Rec News through email.

Sign You Up

Volunteers are a great source for ministry! The Cool Spring Rec Center is open Monday through Friday, 5:30 am - 9 pm, and you can imagine that staffing could be an issue. But today as our Rec Staff met to schedule the next three months, I was reminded how great it is that all of our staffing needs are filled with volunteers. That equates to seventy people volunteering their time to serve their community for the purpose of investing in others. It also allows us to put our efforts and finances into equipment and materials needed to create and develop relationships with others. Thanks to all the volunteers for serving! And by the way, we do have some slots open. I would love to "SIGN YOU UP."

A New Division

This past week, we had our first meeting to establish a Challenger division for our winter basketball program. This league will provide an opportunity for those with special needs to participate in exercising their bodies and minds, while enjoying the game of basketball and having fun. I love how our people of Cool Spring and others in our Rec Ministry / Upward League continue to impact the lives of those around us. It is going to be exciting to see these athletes play!

"Being" the Church

I just want to say thanks to all the folks within the Cool Spring family and those connected to our Rec Ministry and Upward Sports leagues. Your prayers, cards, and concerns over the last week have been awesome and humbley overwhelming. Thanks for "being" the message of Christ during the passing of my father.

Surf's Up

Most of our family grew up in the Hampton Roads / Va. Beach area, so water activities were a part of our lifestyle. Over this past week I had the opportunity to see several cousins. One in particular introduced me to The Christian Surfer's Association https://www.christiansurfers.com/2/. What I love about this is that it is a group of people doing what they love to do - surfing - for the purpose of recreation / competition; yet with the intentional mindset of engaging others for the purpose introducing people to Jesus Christ and gathering them into small groups that encourage relationships and discipleship. All of the "Why" we do what we do. Surf their site and be encouraged. (click on Surf's Up for the website)

Why Recreation and Sports

Below are a couple of reasons for why we use recreation and sports as a ministry. In fact, it is these reasons I often have to refer back to in order to remain focused on the task ahead. Check them out:

• rec / sports events are gathering places for people
• rec / sports events bridge cultural and racial barriers
  
• rec / sports ministry provides a place for people to live their abilities, interests, talents, and giftedness for a greater purpose
• rec / sports ministry offers an avenue to gain visibility in the community
• rec / sports ministry offers people a way to an abundant balanced life
• rec / sports ministry provides a catalyst for relationships
• rec / sports ministry is a tool for developing leaders