How about a game of catch after worship? I really didn’t think through my invitation when I made it. I preached two services, greeted members and guests before and following worship, and facilitated a meeting after church. I didn’t know if I would have any energy left for today’s game, but I bounced back pretty quickly for my game of catch with Wesley Sapp.
Wes has been coming to my church for several months now. It has been great getting to know him, worshiping with him, and being in service with him. He is a regular volunteer with our Monday food distribution down the street.
He is familiar with all things church. Growing up in northern Indiana as a PK, a pastor’s kid, he knows a thing or two about church. I do feel like there is a special club for pastors, and pastors’ spouses and kids, as we all know what it’s like to serve a church, love the people, get the call, pack up and move, and eventually repeat. Wesley did that several times growing up.
I quickly learned this summer that Wes is a fellow baseball fan as he would wear his White Sox cap to our food distribution. As a kid, he went to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to a summer baseball camp with the Chicago White Sox. He remembers fondly some major leaguers who would make the trip north to teach and play with the youngsters.
Even with that experience, he still has cheered for the Cubs among other teams. In fact, he put on his Cubs cap to play our game of catch. Wesley said that he would love to visit all the ballparks someday, as he could already name many that he has visited. I think that’s a great idea!
Even though my coffee was wearing off this afternoon, Wesley and I enjoyed a game of catch and conversation. I have found time and again that the conversation I have with my catch partners has been great. There’s something really special about tossing a ball, making a good catch, and tossing it back that makes a rich environment for meaningful conversation. Wesley is an encouraging guy and as I shared with him that I would like to keep this going after August, as a pastoral ministry, he nodded his head in agreement, and said with enthusiasm, “That’s a great idea!” Thanks for the encouragement, Wesley!
Here is an update on the financial fundraiser for Gleaners. We are at $17,365. 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.
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!