It’s such a beautiful day! It feels like fall with temperatures in the 70s, a mix of sun and clouds, and a nice breeze. Let’s get out of the office and play catch! At least that’s what some of our staff at my church, Castleton United Methodist Church, did today around midday.
We all have many meetings in our church office building all week long, so it’s nice to get outside. I remember one time earlier this year when Meg suggested we go outside for our staff meeting. We had never done that before. Would it work? It might be too distracting, too hot, too windy. We tried it anyway and found that it was worth the risk!
Today, I joined Chris Croyts, our discipleship guy, who is always willing to play sports, Zach Hubbard, our tech and communications guru, Meg Jones, our family ministries leader, and Amy Leonard, our all-things buildings and operations specialist, for a big game of catch. It was a lot of fun to be tossing the ball, actually we kept two baseballs going, between us. We spend a lot of time talking, praying, discerning, planning, and working around tables, but it was nice to be outside playing a big game of catch.
Since I have served at Castleton, which is over a year now, I have hoped to cultivate a staff culture that emphasizes working in ministry together, shows respect and kindness to one another, and just enjoys being together. Our weekly staff meetings often take longer than needed, because we laugh and enjoy our time. That’s really a great thing and something to celebrate. Earlier this summer we enjoyed an all-staff Indianapolis Indians baseball game and last month we even had a bowling outing together. I’m not going to say who won, but I’ll just say it wasn’t me, not even close!
If you are wondering about baseball loyalties among the church staff; Chris is a Los Angeles Dodgers fan since he grew up in California, Meg is a Cubs fan growing up in northern Indiana, Amy is a Cubs fan growing up in Central Indiana, and Zach is a Phillies fan growing up on the east coast. I’m not going to say who my favorites are, but you know I’m a Cubs fan. Although, I will say that I did cheer for the Phillies in the World Series last year and I’ve always wanted to visit Dodger Stadium and get a Dodger Dog. Chris said they are footlong ballpark dogs, so they have to be good! Again, baseball brings people, and church staffs, together.
Our staff is an example that you can get along even with differences. We might cheer for different teams or have different opinions or ideas, but we can still work together with joy and fun and even a little play. I’m thankful for their hearts for ministry, their commitment, and their willingness to just enjoy being together and playing a game of catch!
A quick update on the financial fundraiser for Gleaners. As of this afternoon, we are at $17,184. Thank you to everyone who has donated, played catch with me, and shared my fundraiser with others! I’m overwhelmed with the generosity of so many who helped to shatter my original goal of $15,420.
It’s official! My new goal is $20,000. Let’s keep it going!
If you feel moved to share a financial donation for my Gleaners fundraiser, use the link below.
https://give.gleaners.org/fundraiser/4739257
Also, don’t forget to invite family and friends to join me for my Final Day of Catch Party behind the main church building near the playgrounds on Thursday, August 31st from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. We will welcome Rowdie, the awesome mascot from the Indianapolis Indians, and will give out free popsicles. Join us for the celebration!
Here is the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1226246214719825/?ref=newsfeed
Get outside. Play catch. Find something that brings joy and a smile to your face.
Thank you for supporting Gleaners and following my 30 days of catch!