I’m thankful for basketball! Not only because it’s March Madness and the NCAA tournament is well under way, but also because of ministries like Upward. For the last three months, our church has been bursting at the seams from the growing numbers of Upward families who participated in this incredible ministry. Every Saturday, over 730 people gathered for basketball games that taught the fundamentals of basketball and the fundamentals of faith. This year, 172 boys and girls participated as basketball players and cheerleaders, 66 different people served as coaches, coordinators, half-time speakers, and referees. All of this orchestrated by the passion and leadership of the Upward’s core team Luanne Thorman, Sissy Galbraith, Sandy Brannon, and Kathy Shea!
This ministry is incredible! But the focus of Upward isn’t basketball and learning cheers, the focus of Upward is Jesus. This is an opportunity for us to teach our kids and the kids of others what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. During every practice, the kids are engaged in conversations about how their faith affects their lives. What does it mean to be patient? How can we be kind to friends, family, and even siblings? As athletes, what does it mean to be honest on the court? We here at Shiloh know that God has called us to invest in the next generation. Upward is just one of the incredible ways that make a Kingdom investment in our kids and their families.
I want to encourage you to continue to pray for these kids and families and pray for Upward ministry. If you would like to be involved with our next Upward opportunity, call Children’s Ministry Director, Kathy Shea, at 513-451-3600 #102 or email kathy@shilohumc.com.
Thank God for basketball and thank God for Upward!
Blessings,
Pastor Rachel
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