Season Opener
Thursday night marked the beginning of the 100th season of the National Football League (NFL). The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers clashed in what turned out to be a low scoring defensive struggle. I watched most of the first half but confess that the lack of offense left me a little bored. However, I was greatly personally entertained by some real-time photos and commentary from friends who were at the game. It was fun to get a sense of the opening night energy through their eyes.
There is a similar level of season opening energy at Elmhurst CRC these days as church life is also kicking off some great new things.
On Wednesday night more than 100 boys gathered in the church basement for the opening night of Pathfinders and Cadets ministry. Wow! As a first-hand witness, I can testify to extraordinary levels of movement (jumping!), volume (shouts and cheers!) and excitement for things to come (Bible study, badges and more).
So many great things are starting right now — far too many to list in a blog. You can check out a comprehensive list here… My pastoral heart wants to gently remind folks that not everybody can do everything, but that God calls each of us to do something. Pray for God’s leading and direction in this regard. Opening season is a great time to try things on and see if they are part of God’s plan for you for the nine month season ahead.
As much fun as football season openers are, we have even more reasons to be enthusiastic about the beginning of a new ministry year:
- The Bears may be on the books with a 0-1 losing record, but…
...the Church is destined to have a winning season. - The NFL is going on season #100, but…
...God’s people have incredibly been around since the call of Abraham and Sarah — or, at least 3,500 years of recorded history. - The Bears have a pretty fine coach in Matt Nagy, but...
....the Church has an infallible Shepherd in Jesus Christ. - Odds are that the Bears are not going to win the Super Bowl, but…
...Victory is already assured for us because of what Jesus accomplished.
I like where this season is headed!
Grace and Peace to you amidst all the new beginnings,
~ Pastor Gregg