The LineUp

Coming in 2011

Starting this weekend we are proud to announce the launch of "The LineUp". "The LineUp" is going to be a quarterly information and promotional piece that will include all upcoming events, contact information and new program details for all things Shepherd Sports. "The LineUp" design is set up to allow anyone who opens the professionally designed piece to have a quick insight into all we do at Shepherd Sports.

Our pray for "The LineUp" is for the people within our ministry to use it as a way to reach out to their friends, family members or neighbors and encourage them to become involved with what we do. Although we are all passionate about sports our goal has been and will continue to be reaching out to this community to share God's love and word with them. We hope you will not only pick one up for yourself, but grab a few and get your friends and family involved.

Pics from our Leadership Dinner

Here are a few pictures from our amazing Leadership Dinner this past week. Thank you for everyone who came...Praying this night is going to impact everything we do in 2011.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

Time to Celebrate...

As we enter the Christmas season it also represents another year in the books. To celebrate this year we are hosting a Leadership Dinner for all or our Coaches, Captains and Volunteers. As we approach December, 20th...I'm getting more and more excited. Although we communicate and work together all year long with our Sports Ministry Leaders, it is rare we all get to gather in the same place. I am excited to celebrate with everyone (secret recap video is being made) and looking ahead at what we can accomplish through sports for the Kingdom in this city.

If you've been involved with us over the past year as a volunteer of any kind, please SAVE THE DATE...my desire is to gather the heart of the ministry together for one fun night of celebration, and if that doesn't get you excited to come...then come for the free food and some cool give-aways. The evite should arrive in your inbox sometime next week. Make sure to RSVP, the deadline is December, 16. If for some reason you do not receive an invite and have been apart of Shepherd Sports then please contact Emily so we can make sure you get your invitation.

I would also like to extend an invitation to anyone looking or interested in getting involved with Shepherd Sports. We want you to come and enjoy the night and see how you might get involved with Sports and Ministry in 2011.

Emily North:

enorth@theshepherd.org

818-831-9333 x234

with CHANGE comes GROWTH

With growth comes change and with change can come new problems and new problems can create out of control turmoil and so on and so on. As people we are often so in tune with our own lives that a little distraction or speed bump can send us spiraling for some solid ground. Most of us enjoy the comforts we have created for ourselves and we often times go to great lengths to keep these margins of comfort at whatever cost.

I am all too guilty of this, and God often reminds me we we’re not called to be comfortable with our own Christian bubble. As a ministry leader this issue can magnify it self in many different ways. Over the years God has blessed Shepherd Sports but that doesn’t mean we haven’t faced our own trials along the way. I believe the only way to sometimes achieve growth is through trials…and to achieve growth sometimes God is calling us to change. If we’re standing still, we can often get to comfortable with what we currently have. If I have learned anything, it is that all we have can be gone in an instant. The bubble we create of worldly comforts can be here today and gone tomorrow. This is, except our faith and relationship with God.

At Shepherd Sports I have story after story of speed bumps we have faced along our journey, each one creating new opportunities and chance for growth. I believe this is how we must face obstacles in our life. God is always using a facet of different things to get our attention and on the surface these uncomfortable issues can seem negative and sometimes downright awful. However, we must rest on God’s word that He will not leave or forsake us and He promises to provide for us.

Lets take what comes our way and grow, learn and become better at what we do and whom we are. We must seek God in these decisions but we must look for ways to grow. By taking the glass as half full and the truth that God wants good things for us, our outlook on change should be that of excitement of what God is going to do next in our lives.

Time Matters

2011 in the making

Every year I like to take a few days and get away from the daily grind and my regular schedule to focus on the upcoming year. This year I was fortunate to have a friend offer me his cabin in Big Bear. As someone who loves to snowboard it was torture at times to be in Big Bear with no board and no snow. I can't remember the last time I was in Big Bear to do anything except Snowboard. However, the solitude and minimal distractions was just what I needed. During the week I also managed to go without t.v., (also torture with the World Series on) and no car for several days.

Somewhat forcing my self to take a week out of my normal life was a little difficult at first because it is out of my usual busy schedule. However, after a day or two, I really began to enjoy the quit walks, crackling fireplace and hot coffee with my books. This time is always so refreshing and gives me time to really seek the vision for Shepherd Sports, my staff and the volunteers that serve so faithfully. Above is a picture of a desk calendar that I rip off and put up on the wall to stare at all week. I spend time in pray, planning and trying to implement new ideas for the coming year. The picture above is an empty version before anything goes up...the same calendar now sits in my office full of events, leagues and classes for 2011. Although only pieces of paper, i always see each event or league we run as people who need a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. It makes this time so rewarding because when we get to look back at the lives we changed the time and commitment will be worth every second.

Looking back on my week of solitude was very eye opening to realize the time we spend on things that are not of the Kingdom...the time we waste on the internet or watching t.v. or just getting up and going somewhere because its easy and gives us something to do. As Americans I believe this to be true of most of us, including myself. We have so much at our fingertips that we can fill entire days, weeks and even years of our life up with stuff that means nothing in scope of eternity.

Ask your self these questions: How much t.v. did I watch this week? How many hours did i play video games this week? How long did i go without checking my emails, getting on my phone, texting, seeing who hit me up on facebook? Our attention span has shortened and in turn shortened the time we spend with our Creator. As much as we all plan on spending time with God, reading a book that going to help our marriages or help our kids...life always seems to take over. Things that are important to God should be important to us and therefore should take precedent over video games, t.v. shows, internet and our facebook status. Try unplugging yourself, set Godly priorities, take a good look at what fills your day, week and year and know that God is calling all of us to take a quit walk with Him, everyday.

How important is God to you?

Who's leading your life?

Who are you letting fill up your calendar?

How important is your spouse?

How important our your kids?

What's really important in the scope of the eternal kingdom???????????

There is more to this book then being TALL

Michael Young

Being 6'9 it is usually easy to figure out what sport I enjoy playing. Yes, basketball. However, when i'm sporting a nice tan (this is not often) some people do guess volleyball. Not sure how to take that...but, most people guess correct, with basketball. Although Basketball ended up being the sport I played in college and professionally it was not always my favorite sport.

As the Rangers are getting ready to play the Yankees it's great to see an old friend doing so well. Many of you might have heard of Michael Young, the Rangers current third basemen and ex short-stop. But, what many of you might not know is that Michael Young is a UCSB alumni. My alma-mater.

Growing up, baseball was my sport...I ate, sleep and breathed baseball. It wasn't until I got into high school that I really got into basketball. While being recruited in High School it was always important to me at the time that any school I went to would also let me play baseball.

One of the reasons ended up signing with Pepperdine is because they had both solid basketball and baseball teams. As my freshman year of basketball season and Pepperdine was ending, baseball season was already underway. I practiced twice with the Pepperdine baseball team before deciding to transfer. So for the first since I was five, I would go a whole year without playing on a baseball team. Interesting fact about that team...Randy Wolf of the Milwaukee Brewers was a freshman that year as we shared the same dorm.

Fast forward one year as I wrapped up my red-shirt year at UCSB. I am back on the baseball field playing on my first ever college baseball team. Although I played the field and hit my entire life, at the college level my only asset was as a pitcher. This was a new role for me, but after missing out on the competitive side of basketball because of red-shirting, I was thrilled to be competing again. We ended up having a great team that year, which was bitter sweet because with the talent we had, my playing time was very, very, very limited. However, the excitement of being a part of a top NCAA team and going to the big dance was something ill never forget. This would in fact be my last season playing competitive baseball. With the school load and the amount of work I was putting towards basketball, something had to give and when your 6'9...basketball usually wins out :)

I share this story for a couple reasons. One, it is cool to see an ex-teammate like Michael Young doing so well and having a chance at winning the big one. As I remember him, he was always a very hard worker and got the most out of what God had given him. It is amazing at what time will do, because Michael was not even one of our top three players on that championship team that went to the NCAA tournament. So don't be discouraged if your not the star right now, or in the position you want to be. Work hard, put in the hours and be faithful that, not you, but God is in control.

The other reason I share this story is I believe all to often we read only the cover of a book. I have gotten dubbed a basketball player ever since I was sixteen and 6'9. Most people don't know I played college baseball, or was a quarterback in High School and played on several travel soccer teams. Granted I am only talking about sports here...but this idea of judging someone with out really get to know them can be extremely unfair. Whether it be there height, looks, tattoo's, piercing or the color of their skin...I believe as Christian we are falling way short on this. I am all to guilty of this as well, but we need to take the time to get to know someone beyond what you see. We don't have to condone the behavior to befriend and or get to know someone on a deeper level.

The first question I am almost always asked is: how tall are you...and that question is immediately followed by: do you play basketball. These questions can become annoying after you hear them your entire life, although innocent enough. What about that co-worker or friend you haven't taken the time to get to know beyond what you have in common. It is all to often only about ourselves, we take someone and put them in a box and move on. I challenge you to dig deeper...get to know someone for real. Why your doing that, don't forget the ultimate gift you can share is the salvation of Jesus Christ. This gift will be so much easier to deliver if you take the time and develop a real relationship with someone. The better you know someone, the more you usually care for them and the more you care for someone the more you want them to have a chance to live eternity with Jesus.

So dig deeper, care a little more and don't be afraid to share the gift of Jesus Christ with someone.

God vs. Football

Yes, its football season...FINALLY. For those of you that are football fans, the excitement of a new season is always fun. As much as I love football season (Chargers and Packers to be exact) it amazes me at the value we put on sports and especially football in this country. As much fun as sports are to play, watch and coach…the position that sports and football has taken within this country is somewhat disturbing.

Hey, my life has revolved around sports for many years and even today my job title has the word sports in it. However, as a man of God the importance of sports must never trump or take the place that God has in our lives. Do we miss church to catch the game, do we skip reading our word in the morning to organize our fantasy football team. We cannot serve two masters…For God to be your Lord; He must be first in all we do. Does that mean we shy away from and shun all things sports? My simple answer is no, however the real answer is all in priorities.

I am obviously bias when it comes to combing sports and God, as it is not only my job but also my passion. As we can easily see from the beginning of the 2010 football season, Americans love football. So rather then assume football is not something God would want us involved in, why don’t we use people’s love of football and reach out to them right where they are.

Shepherd Sports is set up to be that vessel for you to use sports as an avenue to share the bigger picture of a personal relationship with Jesus. A place to play, coach or volunteer in hopes of using sports for something greater then our own personal enjoyment. Sports are often seen as something un-spiritual because it involves being physical and not cerebral. In today’s society and the country we live in, Sports might be the biggest tool we have to reach out to this lost and dying world who so often put things like sports in front of God. With sports being so popular in this country, it just seems like the perfect fit to reach out to those around us. So if you love it, use it. If Jesus is your Lord, then sports can simply be a physical vehicle to deliver the spiritual message of the cross to those around you.

For all you men that love football we have a new season starting this Saturday. …so call a friend and sign up today:

www.ShepherdSports.org

Summertime Fun

On Saturday (August, 28) at Rancho Simi Field in Simi Valley, Shepherd Sports is having a Family Fair Day. With double headers already scheduled for our adult coed softball league and our biking and hiking clubs set to work out that morning we our attempting to get all of our Shepherd Sports family together for a casual day of fun.

Free games and activities for the kids including face painting and a bounce house. Lots of food for sale including burgers, hot dogs, kettle corn and cotton candy. If your looking for something fun to do or want to meet some cool peeps come out this Saturday anytime from 11am - 3pm and join us. We would love to have you and don't forget to invite someone to join you.

Beach Baptisms

This past July our Church had it's annual Beach Baptisms. This day is a always a highlight for me...this years conditions proved extremely difficult with the waves, rocks and non-cooperative ocean battling us at every turn. Although my feet were scrapped and bruised it didn't compare to the excitement and rejoicing that happened on the beach and in the hearts of everyone there that day. Men and Women from all different backgrounds, cultures and races came to the beach, not worried about there past or the current conditions of the raging sea, they came to give there life to the only one that can control anything, JESUS CHRIST. There would of been no other reason to enter the ocean that day.

Beach Baptism Revised from Call On Jesus on Vimeo.

Jrue Holiday...

What a summer...and we're not even done yet. I wanted to share a few pics I just got back from our Youth Basketball Camp this past July. We were fortunate enough to have Philadelphia 76'er point guard Jrue Holiday, come and be a part of what were doing at Shepherd Sports. The kids ate him up and the camp was a huge success. Jrue was the consummate professional and took time with ever kid. Thanks Jrue, for making this Basketball Camp an experience the kids will never forget.

Goofing around with Coach Charles

Jrue & I showing the kids how its done

Pastor Dudley...a BIG Jrue Holiday fan

A good basketball player, but a better man

Team Building...

Things get pretty busy around Shepherd Sports during the summer months...we recently had a chance to get all our staff and family together for a night out on the town. Well, not really...but we did get to hang out and break bread together. We spent the evening at Dream Dinners. A place where you prepare meals, freeze them and then eat when ready. It is a healthy alternative to eating out all the time.

It is always good to get the team together outside our everyday busy sports schedules and enjoy each other as friends. We are so fortunate to have a staff that enjoys not only working together but enjoying life together. This video was put together by our basketball coordinator Alfonso. Check out the cooking skills by yours truly...I think I'm ready for my own cooking show :)

Talented People or People with Talents?

God truly gives each of us a talent...or maybe 2 or 3. For me, this point has been driven home this week as I prepared to do a half hour radio spot with my good friend Patrick Bet-David on his KKLA show called "Saving America". Patrick has been a faithful member of Shepherd for some time and has an amazing testimony of someone who came to this country as an immigrant, served in the U.S. Army and know runs his own business...and a successful one at that.

Patrick's vision for his radio show has nothing to do with his bottom line or gaining new clients, it is strictly about changing this world for God's kingdom. Not an easy thing in today's society and especially living in southern california. Patrick's show this week is highlighting Shepherd Sports...we air this Sunday (6-27-10) at 12:00pm and again at 9:30pm on KKLA.

I have been blessed by Patrick and I pray our church and sports ministry will be blessed by the airing of the show on Sunday. Included on the show this week is Jrue Holiday and Annette Davis. Both professional athlete's who are running their basketball and volleyball camp's respectively at Shepherd Sports this summer. On the radio program this week both Jrue & Annette share how sports and Jesus has impacted them and how they keep God first in their life. You do not want to miss these interviews as both Jrue and Annette share valuable insights into how they keep God in all aspects of what they do.

With talents like Patrick who use his business connections and love for this country to host a radio show every week that brings people closer to God, or Jrue Holiday who is currently the youngest player in the NBA to give back to his home church with his 1st Annual Basketball Camp this Summer and Annette Davis who has played in the Olympics and still currently plays on the AVP tour and still finds time to balance God, family, work and still has time to give back.

I am privileged and honored to know and work along side these people who go about their everyday life with a passion to use what God has given them to give back and lead people towards the cross. I can only pray that we all find a way to use our God given talents and resources to glorify him.

For info on Jrue's Basketball Camp & Annette's Volleyball Camp, check out our website: www.ShepherdSports.org
To learn more about Patrick and how he can help you, visit his website: www.myphpdream.com

...and don't forget to listen this Sunday to KKLA at 12pm...spread the word.

Getting in shape

Getting in shape can often be one of life's biggest challenges...especially when you have to go at it alone. That's were we come in. Our BootCamp class is not only the biggest in the valley but the most powerful as well. Beyond getting in shape, we provide professional trainers that have your best interest at heart. All of our trainers volunteer their time to help give back. With the professional help from people that care and the team concept of our BootCamp I believe our BootCamp is not only the biggest but the best. As a ministry, we are in the business of people...the business of helping people grow both spiritual and physically.

Join us this summer for a fun & exciting way to get in shape. BootCamp starts next week and runs on Monday and Thursday evenings. You can register online or get more info off our website...hoping to sweat with you this summer.

www.ShepherdSports.org

Kids, Kids & more Kids

On Saturday we launched our Youth Summer Basketball Program. This was one of the first programs I launched at Shepherd Sports in the summer of 2006 and was our first youth sports program ever at Shepherd of the Hills. Wow, have we come along ways. In our inaugural season we had 60 plus kids. As you will notice in the video above we are at over 200 kids for this summer...separated into three different leagues.

God is good, not only with the blessing of these leagues and the facility to host them but by providing the men and women to support them. Our Youth Sports Director deserves much of the credit for the growth of this program...his insight, vision and dedication is inspiring and I believe our youth basketball program is the best in the city: HANDS DOWN! One of Charles biggest win's has been the people he has been able to surround himself with. From the ladies that help do the check in, to the coach's he trains that have the same passion for the kids as Shepherd Sports does. The whole youth program is a win win for all involved and I cant wait to here the stories of lives being changed through basketball this summer.

Not bad for a city boy

Last Saturday the staff and I invited some of the men involved in our ministry for a little out of city experience. We ventured up the 5 freeway past Magic Mountain to a gun range that I couldn't find again, if I had to. We spent most of Saturday learning how to shoot a rifle the good old fashion way. Not that old fashion, but we did learn allot about our heritage and what happened on April, 19 1875. If you don't know that date, it is worth looking up. This gun range is run by a group called "Appleseed" and they teach history while also teaching marksmanship. Very fascinating, but the highlight is still shooting that gun.

As our ministry has grown it has been a great pleasure getting to know all the leaders within the ministry. It has also become a major part of what we do here at Shepherd Sports. Young or old, we all need direction and discipleship. With the added volunteers and leaders within Shepherd Sports, it has been both a challenge and a reward to watch people grow in there walk. Shooting guns is just part of the fun, but adding power to someone's quiver for the Lord is where the real joy lies.

A BIG thank you to Bob Zio for taking his time out to teach us a little about our History...oh yeah, did I mention how fun it was to shoot those riles. You can check Bob's and Appleseed's website here: www.appleseedinfo.org

Hawaii Winner

This is a clip of our BIG Hawaii Raffle we do at our golf tournament every year. For $10 you can buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a free time share in Hawaii for a week...not a bad prize for $10. This year's winner was a high school student form Hillcrest Christian School. Keep checking back as I will post more golf pictures as they come in.

CHAMPS are Crowned

All our Winter Seasons are behind us now and we are moving into our Spring and Summer programs. It is always fun to hand out our CHAMPS shirts at the end of a season and to find people wearing them around town with pride. The great thing about sports is we all get another chance to become CHAMPS when the next season rolls around. Till then, these teams hold all the bragging rights. Congratulations to all our winter league CHAMPS.

Men's A League Winter Basketball CHAMPS

Men's C League Winter Basketball CHAMPS

Men's C+ League Winter Basketball CHAMPS

Men's B League Winter Basketball CHAMPS

2010 Winter Coed Softball CHAMPS

2010 Winter Coed Soccer CHAMPS

Just Hanging

Dono & Dud at Easter

With Easter behind us and our 4th annual golf tournament just around the corner (april, 29) the family and I are in the midst of getting away for a few days. With a 18 month old boy running around there is never a dull moment and the time I get hanging with the family is always refreshing

A round or two of golf always helps and after being out of commission for over a month with a badly sprained ankle, doing anything competitive is good for my spirit :) I have had to slow down over the last month or so with my ankle and the extra time has been good to get a few projects done and spend some more time with the family. I believe I am still a few weeks away from getting back into any real running or playing. Please pray that there is nothing serious with my ankle and that I would be able to return with no permanent issues.

When I return we are preparing for our big golf tournament push...I am blessed with all the support for this years tourney. We have created a new golf committee and they have stepped up beyond my expectations and I can't wait to see the results for this years fundraiser. If you golf or would like to come experience the dinner & auction don't forget to sign up before the deadline of April, 25. We have tons of raffle and auction items that all benefit what we do in the sports ministry. We would love to have you be apart of what were doing. We hope to see you there.

One Person & Sport at a time

I wanted to share a letter I recently wrote to my Indoor Soccer Team that I captain'd this past season. I think it gives the insight into why Shepherd Sports exists. Our ministry needs leaders who desire the things of God and not their own personal agenda's. It is this principle that drives what we do at Shepherd Sports...in an effort to change the world one person and one sport at a time.

(The best part of my job)

Goal Members,(team name)
I know it is cliché to say...but I wouldn’t judge our season on the number of wins and losses...oh yeah, we can’t forget all the ties. Although we suffered through some trying times this season, I had a blast hanging with some old friend and making some new ones. Just as in life, we don’t always get the WIN...but what God asks us to do, is trust in Him and keep our faith that He is in control. I pray if you don’t have a home church already, you would consider giving Shepherd a try...we are about Jesus and what He did for each one of us on the cross. Jesus doesn’t care what church you go to, or what your job title is or how much money you make...He cares about the relationship you and Him hold together.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” HEBREW 11:6

If you every have any questions about God/Jesus/Church or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I also hope you will all consider joining us again for our Indoor Soccer League...Summer League starts in July. Thanks again for a great season, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves...you all made it very easy to be the captain.

In Love,
Pastor Josh

Playing Catch up...

There is no doubt I have been slacking on my blog posts. I do enjoy sharing about what’s happening here at Shepherd Sports and occasionally sharing about my life. However, the business of the season has kept me from writing as much…so ill attempt to make up for lost time :)

Our biggest hurdle has been the addition of our online registrations and although this new resource is a huge blessing, there are a lot of trials and work that goes into running these new programs. We are blessed with a great IT department and we have all been working hard to make this process as easy as we can for anyone looking to sign up online. Tonight we are getting ready to launch our Fall Boot Camp Class, which always proves to be a huge turnout. We are wrapping up our Winter Basketball League as well as winding down our other adult winter sports. We are also in the middle of our 2010 golf tournament and although its still over a month away, we have tons of work to do in order to run a successful tournament. If you love to golf, you don’t want to miss this day. Save the Date: April 29.

On a personal note, I am currently down and out with a bad sprain of my ankle. It’s not broken but I was hobbled with crutches and now a good limp follows me everywhere I go. For those that know me, understand what agony this is for me, as I love to be active and involved in as many sports as possible. However, I remain in good spirits, as I know God has a plan for this time in my life. I ask for your prayers that my ankle would recover in a miraculous way and there would be no permanent damage.

As the whole church gets ready for EASTER I hope we all are seeking out people to invite to church. This time of year is a great opportunity to invite those around you to attend church service, as most people are more open about going to church at Easter time. It’s time to get out of our comfort zone and time to help those around us see and understand who JESUS really is...may all those around you recognize these things in you.

In Love, Josh

It's been tough sitting out our coed-softball league this Winter. I miss my friends and the fellowship of this league. I can't wait for summer leauge.

Life Imitates Sports

I was going through some old emails as i have been preparing for our upcoming golf fundraiser in April and i came across this email... Thought it was worth sharing... enjoy, Josh

Why God Created Golf

I want to talk to the people that don’t play golf and help you understand why God created Golf and why you should encourage people to play Golf

God wanted men to understand His kingdom (he knew it would be hard for them) so he created Golf

Another chance = Mulligan

Ask for Forgiveness = Yell 4

Golf teaches outreach = invite 3 other guys

Teaches faith and to expect miracles = hit a club that you know that you can’t reach the green with

Prayer = please let me make this putt

Teaches us to have quiet time = when others are hitting 400 times a round

Teaches to sacrifice to God = hit a ball in the water, woods, or I don’t know were it went

We get to see all that God has created = never hit the ball in the fairway

It is easier to get to heaven if you follow the straight and narrow = fairway and stay out of the sand traps

Heaven = just get on the green you have done the minimum/// closer to the pin the better your works

Teach us to help each other with brotherly advice = don’t hit the ball there again

Sand trap = a taste of hell

Thanking God = your ball is on the green

Talk to God = How did that happen

To be of service = Get other guys club or tend the flag

Teaches us grace = great shoot or your ball is over their behind the tree

Parable =God tells Jesus to create a game to teach about the Kingdom so He will not have to keep explaining the parables to the disciples

Grace = the farthest away or weakest shot, hits next //your friends will quote the scripture for you (it’s still your turn)

Golf update...

As most people know we run a big Golf Tournament every Spring as a Fundraiser for Shepherd Sports. This day is always a blessing and a time that God has always shined upon all that we do here within the ministry. This one event has allowed us to offer scholarships throughout the year for all our programs and has helped us grow in ways we wouldn't have otherwise been able to. This Golf Tournament is essential to our growth and all we do in the ministry.

Although the day in itself is a huge blessing the months leading up to the day can be rigorous and stressing. There is so much that goes into running a golf tournament and then you add the fundraising aspect and it turns into a full time job for the 4 months leading up to the tournament. I am currently in the midst of the storm...however, I am blessed to announce that we have formed a GOLF COMMITTEE and what a blessing these men and women are going to be. I am excited to watch this group of people network and find news ways to maximize our fundraising efforts.

I had a chance last week to actually swing a few with a some of our Golf Members. As you can see from the video, i need help...so here is what i'm asking: If your a golfer send me some tips on my swing, but more important then my swing, I am asking for people to step up and join our new Golf Committee. Please email me with either as both my swing and our fundraiser could use you. Bonus points if you can name the course and the hole we're on.

sports@shepherdsports.org

Team First...

The Worlds Greatest Sports Staff...this was taken at our weekly team meeting today. This weekly time is always a time of refreshment and growth for me, as the staff and I are always seeking ways to better lead people towards Christ. I am blessed to have these three in my life and it doesn't hurt that they constantly make me look good and keep me laughing.

Fun & Competitive...

Although I am a Basketball guy at heart and I love our Basketball Leagues, it is our growing coed leagues that have become some of my favorite times of the year…as I often look forward to playing in my soccer and softball games each week. Our leaders and captains have done such a good job at making our coed leagues both fun for everyone and competitive at the same time.

I’ve played in a lot of different leagues and this combination of playing for fun with a competitive atmosphere is not easy to achieve. The atmosphere that we strive for at Shepherd is one of Love no matter how good you are at sports. Our desire is that everyone feels loved while getting to compete in the sport they love or they are learning the sport for the first time. I pray our leagues would always welcome every kind of athlete, as sports are so much more then the win’s and loses.

The Deadlines for both our Coed Soccer and Softball leagues are fast approaching…if you haven’t had a chance to sign up, you need to do so before Monday, January 18.