Tomorrow, December 1 is known as Giving Tuesday in the U.S. It is a time of special emphasis for non-profit and charitable giving which helps groups and organizations like Soccer Chaplains United as they come to year-end.
Giving through groups like Facebook (link to our Facebook Page) sometimes can even receive a match if certain conditions are met — for example, gifts made starting at 8:00 am Eastern (6:00 am Mountain) are matched up to $7 million by Facebook’s charitable arm.
Because Soccer Chaplains United is based in Colorado, next year we hope to participate in ColoradoGives Day (usually the second Tuesday of December) and also has incentivized matches and other opportunities to grow donations.
Of course, monthly, recurring giving through the mail or PushPay (link to PushPay donations) is perhaps our most preferred method of support as it helps us determine our annual budget and stay debt free in our ministry.
The great thing about Soccer Chaplains United is that when someone donates — you are actually a part of the team. Donations don’t go to cover some big building somewhere or pay exorbitant salaries, and a portion of each donation gets sent out into the far-reaches of the earth through our Community Projects.
We’d like to thank you for considering giving to Soccer Chaplains United during this season. Have a wonderful Advent and finish 2020 strong!
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of chaplaincy service across all levels of soccer. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Simply click the PushPay (the big P or give tab) link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/k0e6e0a0r3a-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-30 10:30:302020-12-01 13:47:06Plan on Giving During Giving Tuesday?
Of the three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams which have Soccer Chaplains United chaplains serving and supporting the organizations, only one team has pulled through the first round of the 2020 MLS playoffs. Nashville SC, a new, expansion team for 2020 won their first round playoff match last night to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Columbus Crew.
Colorado Rapids the #5 seed in the Western Conference, on Sunday, lost 3-0 in an away trip against #4 seed, Minnesota United. The team started brightly, and looks dominate in many parts of the game, but ultimately injuries and lineup changes led to a few inconsistencies and unfinished chances and the Rapids quickly exited after having last been in the MLS playoffs in 2016. As volunteer chaplain for the Rapids, I shared with someone recently about the loss,
It really feels devastating in a number of ways — after watching the team face challenge after challenge this year — months away from families, starts and stops to the season, a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the team…and then there are a lot of unmet and unrealized hopes and expectations. To come this far and to achieve (for the team) a spot in the playoffs has been a tremendous feat, but I know to a person — from front office to the footballers to the equipment staff — everyone had hoped for so much more. I am super proud of each and everyone who gave their all and I pray that as we rest and get ready for next year there will be a looking back on a solid foundation laid for the future.
The Portland Timbers faced similar challenges this year, albeit a win in the MLS is Back bubble tournament earlier in the year might soften the early exit for the #3 seed in the West. Portland had a home match against #6 FC Dallas, and nearly advanced, but top man Diego Valeri’s chip-shot effort glanced the outside of the far-post. The teams, drawn, finally went to penalty kicks and FC Dallas came out on top. Timber co-chaplain, Ben Dudley, commented on the loss,
Ben Dudley, co-chaplain Portland Timbers posing during the team’s inaugural season
Always tough to lose a match, especially, on PK’s. Proud of the team and their resilience this season. 2020 MLS is Back Champs is something that we will uniquely claim! 2021 here we come!
Ben Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain Portland Timbers
For Nashville SC, 2020 is also a year and season full of trial and adversity. Beginning with the spring tornados which trashed East Nashville, the team being suspended from the MLS is Back bubble tournament in Orlando because of a COVID-19 outbreak, to even a “minor” early-season switch from the Western Conference to Eastern Conference, Nashville SC has also had its own challenges to face.
So when Nashville SC handily beat expansion-side Inter Miami FC 3-0 in the play-in game for the Eastern Conference Playoffs, that was one thing. But last night’s 1-0 win in extra time against perennial playoff contender and former MLS Cup winners (2017), the #2 seed in the East, Toronto FC meant a new level for this new Nashville team. Soccer Chaplains United volunteer chaplain, Rev Billy Cerveny expressed his emotions with me in a text exchange, last night:
Rev Billy stands with Nashville SC players helping cleanup after the early 2020 tornados which ripped through Nashville
For the teams that have finished, end-of-season meetings will inform players about team plans for next season. Some will end up moving on from their teams, some will stay. Some will have contract negotiations, offers from other teams. Some are preparing to welcome a new child to the family. Some will be getting married. The busyness of life will resume (briefly) until the pre-season begins again.
For Nashville SC and the other remaining MLS playoff teams, December 12 is what they are all striving for — the MLS Cup trophy match. There’s still football to be played!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MLS-Playoff-Update.jpeg19201733Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-25 10:00:232020-11-25 10:31:21Colorado Crashes Out; Portland Ponders What Might Have Been; Nashville Never Gives Up
2020, unlike any other year in recent memory may prove to be the most difficult one yet to find much to give thanks for. But as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., we all might just need a little extra encouragement and help in just how to give thanks and some ideas of what to give thanks for.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share three practices that can help shape our understanding and orient us toward a better posture of giving thanks — even when we are facing scarcity.
Scripture references from today’s episode include:
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, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/From-the-Touchline-Special-Edition.jpg11281500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-25 00:00:002024-08-20 13:37:09How to Thanksgiving
I had the privilege last week to speak with students at Denver Seminary, my alma mater, and share about my work in sport chaplaincy. The course, Many Faces of Chaplaincy, is part of the core curriculum base for those studying chaplaincy — whether in the Master of Divinity track or the seminary’s Chaplaincy Certificate Program.
For me, sometimes the class can be a great opportunity to see the growth of chaplaincy and some have even been curious enough to look more into serving as a chaplain in sport, and even with Soccer Chaplains United. Most students are looking into military or hospital/healthcare chaplaincy opportunities.
Myself, and three other presenters, joined Prof Dr. Jan McCormack (top left) and about 18 students to discuss specialized chaplaincy expressions
This go around, I was surprised at the large numbers of students in the class — the seminary’s recent development of online programs, perhaps, a reason for the larger class size. I was also pleasantly surprised at a number of international students — three of them from Africa that were studying chaplaincy at Denver Seminary.
After a short introduction, myself and three other presenters took round robin questions from Dr. Jan McCormack about the nature of our different expressions of chaplaincy. Particular emphasis was on the entrepreneurial nature of our chaplaincy work — especially with being in sport. Questions about standards and proficiencies also were subjects covered in the 2-hour zoom, with questions from the students at the end of the class time
Additionally, I shared with the students about the growth of sport chaplaincy around the world and encouraged them to consider that wherever God may take them in ministry and life — if they have a passion for sport and available time, to consider being a volunteer chaplain in a sporting context.
As an alumni of Denver Seminary, it’s always great to serve and share to the next generation of chaplains coming out of the school. It is a way of giving back and I hope that in the future there will be more opportunities and more interest from students to really explore the many, many opportunities to become a chaplain and pastoral presence in sport.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/643_denver-seminary-logo-30377.jpg148240Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-24 12:00:042020-11-24 12:08:00Spending Time With Denver Seminary
We all need good news from time to time. Now, SmileAmazon is available in the Amazon App — so it’s really convenient for people to support Soccer Chaplains United with all their ways of purchasing things on SmileAmazon. You no longer need to make the purchase only on a laptop or tablet, you can use the app on your phone!
Do you buy things on Amazon? Follow these steps below:
Switch over to SmileAmazon.org.
Select Soccer Chaplains United (Denver)
Purchase your items*
*A small percentage of your purchase will be donated to Soccer Chaplains United.
Thanks for considering and supporting Soccer Chaplains United this way!
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individual donors and church partners. Please consider making a contribution today through the PushPay button below to help us continue to subsidize training and education of our chaplains.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Smile_CharityListinAppFacebook-Banner.png6271200Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-18 12:30:142020-11-18 12:25:56Good News: SmileAmazon Now Available in the App
It’s my favorite time of year, again. Advent. This season and the lessons that we can learn and the hope that we can build has perhaps never been so important especially in the difficulties that we’ve undergone with COVID-19.
I have shared before about Celtic Advent (listen to last year’s podcast). This season of the church which begins November 15 is a critical time for preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share the three different ways that Celtic Christians understood and celebrated the season of Advent and I talk about three things that are critical for getting us through the waiting seasons and moments of life.
Today, I mention the following books and resources:
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, SoccrChapUtd,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 Kenney2020-11-18 00:00:062024-08-20 13:37:35Why We Need To Observe Celtic Advent (2020)
Last year, on Saint Martin’s Feast Day (November 11), I created a special podcast (listen to it here) and shared Saint Martin’s story — the one where he famously cuts his Roman cloak in half and covers a beggar shivering from the cold. That famous story is the origin of our English word for chaplain.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share another story of Saint Martin, on this, the day when we celebrate his life and faith. This time, Martin is now a Bishop in the church. He is a leader and has a certain place and power that has been given to him (although he is reportedly reluctant to receive it). Again, Martin covers someone who is in need with the clothes off his own back.
In this story of Martin, I look at three different principles that I think chaplains/pastors can take with them into ministry, especially in chaplaincy in sport. People of Christian faith might also adopt these principles — whether a footballer, manager, or connected to the game in another way.
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, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Thomas Fahn, founder and director of Sadaya International and Sadaya Soccer, a few months ago, wrote and requested soccer gear and equipment as they get prepared to travel to Liberia. Their hope is to ship a container mid-November and have the container filled with soccer gear arrive prior to their own return.
A box of gear will be headed to Liberia for Thomas Fahn and Sadaya United.
The Fahn family have been investing heavily in ministry amongst the youth population of Thomas’ native Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world. Their original request included the following:
20 size 4 balls
30 size 5 soccer balls
50 adult soccer cleats (sizes 7 – 10.5)
32 youth soccer cleats (sizes 5 – 7)
Soccer Chaplains United was able to fulfill the following:
20 (new) size 5 soccer balls
1 size 5 One World Play ball
1 size 4 One Wold Play ball
2 (new) goalkeeper gloves
6 used soccer balls
1 used futsal ball
30+ soccer cones
Unfortunately, we were not able to provide any soccer cleats for Thomas and Sadaya. Most of our remaining sizes are too big to service Sadaya and their needs.
We look forward to seeing the wonderful pictures and a report from Thomas as they get back to Liberia.
When you financially 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 Project from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals projects and 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/2019/03/Sadaya-Logo.jpg640638Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-05 08:00:012020-11-04 14:11:21Leaving for Liberia
Today is a pivotal time in the history of the United States, with a polarized and divisive time politically and socially, there are different attitudes and approaches toward governmental and other types of authority. Even in the sport of football, submitting to authority can be a struggle — whether as an athlete submitting to a manager, a coach at odds with a technical director, or, even, new ownership at a club. Of course, there is corruption and abuse of power at the lowest and highest and levels of the game and replete throughout all authoritative places, but how are we to live and respond?
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the crucial text of Romans 13:1-5 and what submission to authority looks like for Christian persons. There are three principles that I draw out of these 5 verses, that merit consideration for one who follows Jesus and the way that we ought to react and respond to the different people and positions of authority that we find ourselves placed into and also underneath.
A hero of the faith who lived out the tension of submitting to authority is Dietrich Bonhoeffer. You can read more of his fascinating journey in this fantastic book:
A paraphrased version of I Corinthians 13 which I read as our prayer on today’s podcast
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, SoccrChapUtd,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 Kenney2020-11-04 00:00:352024-08-20 13:38:34Submitting to Authority
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