Today marks the beginning of the season of Lent. For the next 40 days (excluding Sundays) Christians around the world will “practice Lent” in this time leading up to Easter. Perhaps Lent is a familiar space for you – one in which you have grown up in. Or, maybe, Ash Wednesday is that one day a year where you wonder why people are walking about with black marks on their foreheads? Wherever you are in your experience, knowledge or understanding of Lent and its practice — there is an invitation to draw closer to God and to examine one’s faith and spiritual practice in an intentional way, during this season.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad briefly shares some of his own experience and about not-growing up with Lent and then introduces a potential guide for the season of Lent written by two pastors in the Denver, Coloardo area — Pastors Dave Meserve and Mike Sares. The guide, only available electronically, will be published each Wednesday throughout the season of Lent and may be accessed through the link below. Additionally, Rev Brad provides a couple links to other “favorite” guides for the season of Lent.
Remember when you purchase through SmileAmazon and designate Soccer Chaplains United, we get a small donation (.5%) of every eligible purchase.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-26 05:00:002021-03-08 14:20:46Intro to Lent
Yesterday, Darren Dragovich announced he would not seek to renew his term on the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. For the past four years, Darren has brought a lot to the board. With his initial start in 2016, he helped to facilitate a church partnership conversation with Cherry Creek Presbyterian and a meeting with the church’s missions committee. Darren’s background with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and CGF (College Golf Fellowship) also lent invaluable experience to the ministry during a time of important transition and change.
Darren shares his personal story of how a chaplain impacted him in college
I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Board since 2015, and remain in complete support of Soccer Chaplains United and its mission.
Darren Dragovich, former Secretary of the Board of Directors, Soccer Chaplains United
It was during Darren’s tenure that Soccer Chaplains United underwent a name change and rebranding. Additionally, Darren’s skill and knowledge pertaining to legal matters and as General Counsel at Western Union has helped provide good insight as the ministry has moved forward into the years following its rebrand.
Darren prepares an impromptu drum roll at the unveiling party for Soccer Chaplains United
The funny part is that the applicant was someone I know. The convergent worship leader at the church my family worships at, Cherry Creek Presbyterian, and a church partner with Soccer Chaplains United. What’s even more funny is that I had asked the missions director and executive pastor if they knew of anyone in the church that might assist us.
Darren and I visit with a team before praying over a Community Project donation in 2018 headed to Juarez, Mexico with church partner Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church
Darren recently joined another non-profit board and between his work, church, and family commitments, he felt that now was the time to consolidate his extra commitments.
I am incredibly grateful to Darren for his time these past four years and his commitment to continue to support me, and Soccer Chaplains United, going forward. We pray a tremendous blessing on Darren, his family, his work, and on all that God has in store for Darren in the years to come. Thank you, Darren!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Darren-Dragovich_Western-Union_600x400.jpg400600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-25 06:00:002020-02-24 12:56:21Dragovich Steps Down
Valor Christian High School Soccer is returning to Tamarindo, Costa Rica in what has become an annual tradition. This year’s trip will feature sixteen boys from the soccer program. The team will fly down to Costa Rica during the upcoming spring break and business week — March 14 – March 23. The team will look to build two homes for needy families during the day. At night, the team will minister to the soccer community through building relationships, competing in games, and sharing the gospel with athletes from the local area. It is during this time that the team will also look to give gear away to players who need new cleats, goalie gloves, and jerseys.
We look forward to changing lives through the global game of soccer and building a couple houses in the Guanacaste region for poor families. We feel blessed to serve!
Mike Wright, Valor 2020 Costa Rica Team Leader
Valor has been to Costa Rica several times and has been the recipient of our Community Project before including in 2018 and 2017. You can see other projects we have fulfilled and partnered with for Costa Rica in the past – go here and click on the Costa Rica flag!
Rev Brad Kenney went with Valor in March 2018 and led the infamous paint crew
Tamarindo has gone from being a small fishing village 20+ years ago, to now, being more of a small, sleepy surfing and tourist town. Behind the tourism, a lot of poverty exists among the local people. Valor Christian High School Soccer is partnering with Mercy Home Ministries and builder Maximo Cisneros to build “Mercy” homes for needy local families that he has identified. Additionally, they will be reaching out through soccer camps and clinics where they will distribute soccer gear to the many children who do not have shoes, cleats, shin guards, or even soccer balls.
Project Request
20 new soccer balls – size 5
Adult medium sized jerseys/shirts/training tops
Goalie gloves – any quantity new or used
Cleats – any quantity, new or used, up to size 11
When you support Soccer Chaplains United a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and to cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/costa-rica.png800800Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-20 05:00:002020-02-18 15:06:15Valor Request for Costa Rica
To what team do you ascribe allegiance to? What team/sport do you avidly follow or you might even say you, “bleed these colors?” Our allegiances to sports teams are not something that are lightly considered — and a plethora of reasons exist for the way that we follow and cheer on our sports teams. Maybe it was where we grew up, how we were raised or a special or significant person who shared their interest with us.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad looks at the topic of allegiances. While it is common to be a die hard fan for a sports team, our allegiance to God and spiritual things is often times something very different.
Referenced in today’s podcast is the following scripture verse from the Bible:
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain,in the Apple and Google store.
Last year, Compassion International, a ministry based in Colorado Springs, CO took a group of athletes from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to El Salvador on a vision trip. The intention was to allow several athletes to interact with and see the work that Compassion is doing in the country. Matt Pirmann and Ken McKinney, leader of the trip, reached out to Soccer Chaplains United to see if there might be any gear or equipment to take down as part of the trip. Soccer Chaplains United was able to get 150 shirts and 10 soccer balls into their hands with short notice.
Compassion Team Members and NWSL athletes show the children some games and drills with a ball donated from Soccer Chaplains United.
Compassion is a long-serving organization whose mission and vision is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Compassion’s three-cord approach is to be: Christ Centered, Church Based and Child Focused. With that in mind, Compassion’s development work with children around the world aims to be holistic in its approach. Compassion’s three-cord approach is to be: Christ Centered, Church Based and Child Focused. With that in mind, Compassion’s development work with children around the world aims to be holistic in its approach.
Nicole Barnhart, pictured in the photo at the top of the page, was one of the NWSL athletes and Compassion team members. She shared this about her experience,
The trip to El Salvador was the opportunity of a lifetime. I went there thinking that I was going to inspire these children, help spark belief and give them hope that they have the strength to fulfill their Go-given potential, but in the end they stole a piece of my heart and inspired me beyond anything imaginable.
Nicole Barnhart, Goalkeeper Utah Royals FC
Lori Krueger, looks on while a Compassion child shares
One of the members of the team was NWSL Chaplain Coordinator, Lori Krueger. For Lori, the trip was a blessing — as she had been praying about hosting a retreat for players at the end of the season. But then, the opportunity from Compassion to take athletes on this vision trip came along.
The trip to El Salvador with the athletes from the NWSL was such a special experience. It was pretty incredible to see the difference that Compassion is making to support these kids who are living in extreme poverty. I saw talent kids, living with hope and dreams because of the ministry.
Lori Krueger, NWSL Chaplain Coordinator
The athletes had opportunity to watch the Compassion work in person and to play some games with the children that are part of Compassions outreach through the various centers that they have throughout the country.
A young girl heads a ball donated through Soccer Chaplains United.Team members were exposed to the impoverished conditions many El Salvadorans live in.
It was hard to see extreme poverty first hand, but at the same time it was so amazing to see how these people who have so little really have so much. They are so joyful and liven and gracious and their passion to live a life in Christ is unbelievable.
Nicole Barnhart
Compassion’s request was the 10th project for 2019 and the first time we have supported a project for El Salvador. One of the outcomes is a new initiative from Compassion to raise awareness and support for ongoing work in El Salvador. You can learn more through this link and opportunity. Additionally, Compassion is exploring other opportunities in other countries for athletes to “give back” to they native lands and people by coming alongside in similar initiatives.
Smiling faces were found to be in high order for many of the girls that the team spent time with.
A piece of my heart will always remain in El Salvador and I will never forget the amazing people I met and how they have motivated me to be better. Jesus showed me a beautiful example of what it means to have a thankful heart no matter our circumstances. He provides for us all and meets us where we are.
Nicole Barnhart
Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United a portion of your gift automatically goes to help projects and requests like this one for Compassion International. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and to cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CW2302185-Compassion-El-Salvador-NWSL-Vision-Trip-ES0835-303-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-13 05:00:002020-02-11 10:51:35Compassion in El Salvador
Saturday, February 29, Soccer Chaplains United has a special volunteer opportunity. Come and sort out soccer gear and equipment for the upcoming Musana Community Development Project!
These kids are waiting for some new soccer gear!
Details
Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm Mountain
Recently, Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids returned from a month-long sabbatical. His time away during the month of January was filled with rest and learning to shut-down and say ‘no’ to several things.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad shares about his sabbatical and offers some reflections and encouragement from his time away from ministry. He shares four key learnings that he takes away from his time of rest that may be helpful (though challenging) for anyone in and around the game of football.
Referenced in today’s podcast are two key scriptures from the Bible:
Mark 6:31 — …he [Jesus] said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Isaiah 30:15 — In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-12 06:00:002021-03-08 14:19:28Reflections on Sabbatical
February 1 is Saint Brigid’s feast day (the day when the church recognizes and celebrates her life). Brigid (also known as Brigid of Kildare) was an Irish woman who lived from 450 – 523 AD. She was well-known and well-endeared to people for her generous and hospitable spirit.
In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad looks at the life of Brigid as an example for us today. Whether you are a footballer, a coach or manager, owner or team executive — Brigid’s example can serve as a great starting point for considering how we open our hearts and hands to people in need.
Referenced in today’s podcast and is the devotional book Celtic Daily Prayer — a favorite of Rev Brad’s and available for purchase through AmazonSmile. Remember that when you purchase through AmazonSmile and designate Soccer Chaplains United as your charity of choice, .5% of your purchase price is gifted to us!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain,in the Apple and Google store.
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