I’m starting to like my morning games of catch, especially during weeks when there’s an excessive heat warning. This morning, Amy Norman, who serves on the Board of Education for the MSD of Lawrence Township, came to the church for an early game of catch.
I first met Amy earlier this year to learn more about her, her role in the community, and more about the schools in our area. It was clear right away that we both share a passion for the community and to help all kids learn and grow. Amy also coaches youth track with the YMCA, but, as she shared, baseball is not her sport. While I didn’t offer to play catch today with a shot-put ball, I know that she could have easily done that. Although I don’t think you’re supposed to play catch with a shot-put ball!
As we shared in our game of catch, I learned more about her kids and her son’s preference for football and track and field. Again, playing catch is for everyone, so as we talked, we started to get into a groove of catching and tossing again and again. It comes naturally even if you don’t play baseball or never have.
Amy was born a mile from Wrigley Field, so she was born a Cubs fan. Even when her family moved downstate when she was young, she still cheered for the Cubs. Central Illinois gets a little more interesting in their sports loyalties being halfway between St. Louis and Chicago, but with her Chicago connection, Amy still cheered for the Cubs in a town divided between the Cubs and Cardinals.
Today’s game had a crowd. Well, it was a crowd of one, but an important one though. Amy has had a neighbor for many years who is a longtime member of Castleton UMC, my church. As Amy shared with Rosemary that she was going to play catch with her pastor, Rosemary wanted to come watch and cheer us on.
I love all the connections that we all have. It’s what makes community. Whether it’s getting to know your neighbors, the people in your own church, or even the people in the church nearby, those who attend and serve in our local schools, and people who run businesses nearby, the more people we get to know, the more relationships we build, the better our community becomes. I have a friend who often says, “Community is a team sport!” It’s very true! Whether you’re playing catch or cheering for the players, it takes all of us working together to make our community an even better place to live, learn, play, and grow.
Here is an update on the financial fundraiser for Gleaners. We are at $17,867. 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!