Hey Now...

I’ve been taking quite a bit of flak at home lately.  As coach of my daughter’s softball team, I get to nominate girls from our Sparta team for the league “All-Star” team.  It’s not like Little League. This is a single game, a non-consequential exhibition event.  As has been my custom for the past several years, I always nominate the 8th graders—so they have the chance to play in one last game. That’s what I did again this year.  All four of them. My daughter included.  Come to find out, after the invites were extended, I was only allowed to nominate three girls. No exceptions. No wiggle room. No grace from the softball powers that be, even though the game is only played for fun.

Now what do I do? How do I rescind an invitation? Which girls draws the short straw?  “Sweetie pie, I need to talk to you…” Thus, the bummer part of being the coach’s daughter. The other three girls will play; she will watch with me from the bleachers (although I did promise her ice-cream).  She, from the start, has been understanding and gracious about it.  She gets it. She expected it once she heard about the 3-player limit. It stinks, but she gets it. She really has been great about it.  Truth be told, she would be my first choice. (Shhh… don’t tell her I said this.) This is not a case of coaching nepotism. All season, she has been the best (and only) pitcher for our team, played her position extremely well defensively, and has been a consistent, solid offensive threat from the 4 or 5 spot.  I’ve told her repeatedly, that regardless of who plays on the field during the All-Star game this Saturday, she is unequivocally an All-Star.  She knows it. Our team knows it. Yet, she will not play.  And make no mistake, she still gives me a hard time about it. Lots of grief.

Busting my chops. Frequently. And I deserve it. 😉
 
It's good to be positively affirmed. It’s necessary. Especially in a world that breeds and spews nonstop negativity, it is uplifting and encouraging when you are built up and appreciated. Whether it’s a gold sticker in preschool or a promotion in the workplace, it feels good to celebrated when we are doing something right. When we are working hard. When we are doing good. When we are putting in the time. When we are showing up.  It fills our emotional and mental gas tanks—whether on the softball field or elsewhere—to be recognized!  To this end, I would like to recognize YOU, our KoK members, for being proverbial all-stars.  How?

1. At the start of the year, I challenged each person/family in the church to be present in worship at least twice a month.  This wasn’t about achieving some arbitrary number for worship attendance, but consistently engaging our church families in the life and ministry of our congregation.  A great many of our families have met this challenge. You’ve showed up.  Yes, our average weekly attendance has ticked up, ever so slightly, but most importantly we are seeing each other more frequently.  Relationships deepen, excitement grows, ideas form.  Of course, there is still plenty of room in the pews for other lapsed families, new families, friends and visitors! If you or your family haven’t quite hit that twice/month mark yet, don’t stop trying. This weekend is a great time to start!  I know it can be especially challenging/tempting to stay home in the summer months; but we want you here. We need you here. Our church is better when all are here, when we are together. We are a stronger church and can make a more noticeable impact when we are a community who worships together, encourages and cares for each other, and prays for one another.  If you have noticed a friend or church member who has been missing, reach out to them! Mail them a card. Give them a call. Shoot them a text. Send them an email. Let them know they are loved and missed.  
   
   
2. Back in January, we also asked you, our all-star KoK members, to continue to be faithful in your financial giving. This is being done.  Thank you. Many of you continue your generous offerings to our church from 2024, some have even increased their giving a bit.  As you may recall, last year was the first time in many years that our church budget finished in the black. We’d like to make this a recurring trend.  Unanticipated expenses are always coming up as we take care of our aging facilities. Necessary future projects and improvements are on the horizon. Additionally, and as you all know personally, other “monthly” bills and weekly purchases continue to see price increases. Your faithful generosity gives us the flexibility to meet our needs and think of ways to be a blessing to others. Thank you for your continued contributions to our church!
    
3. To add to this, and as way of a reminder, our upcoming voter’s meeting is on June 29th for the purpose of electing new church officers.  We are looking for people to serve in a variety of different capacities on both our church council (president, vice-presidents, youth group director, treasurer, fellowship, Christian Education, property chair).  We also have to open positions on our endowment committee.  Please consider how you, or others, might be able to use their God-given gifts and time to serve our church.  If you have questions about any of these, please contact me.

 
Thank you KoK “All-Stars” for being faithful to God’s church in this place!
 
“Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NLT)