2020 and 2021 have been difficult for college sports teams — seasons postponed, games canceled, college recruiting stopped, scholarships extended, and more. During such times, as coaches and athletes alike struggle with the every shifting, ever adapting changes it can be a vital space for a chaplain to step into and serve, and love, and speak truth.
Well today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Chaplain Miss Kim joins me on the podcast to share a bit about her life story and to talk about her work with the Trinity International University Men’s Soccer Team. Kim’s unique role wasn’t something she necessarily sought out, but God opened an amazing door and looking back over her life story, it’s easy to see how God was preparing her to not just be “Team Mom” but to be Team Chaplain.
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/2019/09/Kim.jpg200300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-02-24 00:00:002024-08-20 13:24:53Chaplain ‘Miss Kim’ from Trinity International University Joins the Podcast
I had a lot of fun this past week being in studio with Jared Haley, Pastor of Innovation, and Ministry Intern, Reagan Ritchey, at Crossroads Church in Thornton, Colorado. Just after starting, Jared had a bit of a gaffe with my last name, but all in good fun. During the interview we talk a bit about how I came to be the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids, favorite sports moments, and a riveting (or not so riveting) game of Would You Rather?
Jared and I go back a number of years to a church where I once came and spoke, and as the podcast goes on, you will see, we learn that we have some other things in common, too.
Hoy es Miércoles de Ceniza y el momento en que la iglesia y los cristianos de todo el mundo marcan el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma y los 40 días previos al Domingo de Pascua.
Hoy, en el podcast From the Touchline, en lugar de hacer un podcast separado, simplemente tomé el audio (tanto en inglés como en español y lo puse en nuestro formato típico). Te animo a que consultes el servicio grabado en nuestra página de YouTube; tendremos enlaces en el sitio web, nuestras redes sociales y nuestra aplicación, pero si no puedes ver el servicio de video por alguna razón, pensé que el audio estaría en menos mejor que nada.
Doy una breve introducción en el podcast, así que perdonen mi mal español; sin embargo, mi capellán asociado Rubèn Rodríguez y su esposa proporcionan la traducción de audio al español para el servicio (y son mucho mejores).
Puedes mirar en nuestro sitio web, en la aplicación: SoccrChapUtd (iOS) (android), o enlazando a través de nuestras páginas de redes sociales: Facebook and LinkedIn.
From the Touchline es un podcast breve (generalmente de 10 a 15 minutos) con el reverendo Brad Kenney, fundador y director ejecutivo de Soccer Chaplains United y Volunteer Chaplain de los Rapids de Colorado de la Major League Soccer.
El reverendo Brad y los invitados ocasionales tocan varios temas relacionados con la fe, la familia y el fútbol (soccer).
Además, no olvide que puede escuchar en nuestra aplicación, SoccrChapUtd, en la tienda de Apple y Google.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art-en-Espanol.png375375Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-02-17 00:00:002021-03-08 14:45:53Soccer Chaplains United Servicio Virtual Miércoles de Ceniza (audio en español)
Today is Ash Wednesday and the time that the church and Christians around the world mark the beginning of the season of Lent and the 40 days or so leading up to Easter Sunday.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, instead of doing a separate podcast, I have simply taken the audio (both English and Spanish and put it into our typical format). I encourage you to check out the recorded service on our YouTube page — we will have linked on the website, our social media outlets and on our app, but if you cannot watch the video service for some reason, I thought the audio would be at least better than nothing.
You can watch on our website, on the app SoccrChapUtd (iOS) (android) , or by linking through our social media pages: Facebook and LinkedIn.
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 Kenney2021-02-17 00:00:002024-08-20 13:26:17Soccer Chaplains United Ash Wednesday Virtual Service (English Audio)
Today marks Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. This 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter is a time to prepare one’s heart, mind, and soul for the redemptive truths and joy that comes with Jesus’ death and resurrection.
This year, with the global pandemic still impacting many in the soccer community, Soccer Chaplains United chaplains have come together to offer their talents, insight, prayer, and encouragement through this video-recorded Ash Wednesday Service.
You can watch on our website, on the app SoccrChapUtd (iOS) (android) , or by linking through our social media pages: Facebook and LinkedIn.
Join with Colorado Rapids chaplain Rev Brad Kenney, Portland Timbers co-chaplain Ben Dudley, Nashville SC chaplain Billy Cerveny, Portland Thorns chaplain Christina Garber, Memphis 901 FC chaplain Greg Aydt, Rio Grande Valley Toros FC chaplain Isidro Piña, Tacoma Defiance chaplain Jubal McDaniel, and Valor Christian High School chaplain Greg Navitsky as they share scripture, prayer, music, teaching, and the application of ashes for any willing to consider their frailty and need for God.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/eunvjfet3q0-scaled.jpg13711920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-02-17 00:00:002021-02-16 18:14:36Ash Wednesday Virtual Service of Ashes 2021
Please join us tomorrow for our video-recorded, Ash Wednesday Service. Several chaplains serving all different levels of the soccer community — from high school soccer to Major League Soccer and National Women’s Soccer League, will be reading, praying, teaching, singing and leading a heart-filled time of preparation at the beginning of the season of Lent.
The service will be available starting at 12:00 am Eastern and will have an English version and Spanish version (mostly translated audio dub).
Find the service on the website, in our app (SoccrChapUtd), and linked through our other social media outlets.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/52eezwbkdz4-scaled.jpg12721920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-02-16 06:00:002021-02-15 22:32:14Join Soccer Chaplains United Tomorrow for Virtual Ash Wednesday Service
For the past few years, Highline Community Church has been a faithful, supporting church partner for Soccer Chaplains United. I still remember the August brunch with the mission committee that I had been invited to come and share our story. It was our Timothy Project program (now called out Community Program) that really grabbed the attention of several members of the committee. I shared a story of some soccer gear and how it had changed a church’s out-of-country ministry and local people’s lives. A few weeks later, the pastor called me, “Brad, we’d like to help support some Timothy Projects for this next year.”
Brad, we’d like to support some Timothy Projects…
Pastor Dave Meserve, then pastor of Highline Community Church
That conversation and initial support led to myself and Soccer Chaplains United developing a partnership with Highline Community Church and they have been a great part of our support team the past couple years.
Unfortunately, a reduced missions and church budget and a shift of church emphasis has led Highline to re-prioritize mission initiatives and partnerships. Thankfully, though, the church decided to see through their commitments to missionaries and partners, like us, even as the budget year ended last August.
On behalf of the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors and the entire team of chaplains, I want to personally say thank you to Evan Eakin (our Highline missions committee liaison), Dave Meserve (former pastor of Highline who introduced us) and the entire body of believers that are part of the Highline church for your generosity and support for the past number of years. We could not have done the work God has called us to without you!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/highline.jpg235300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-02-12 09:30:002021-02-15 20:20:14Highline Community Church Moves on as Partner
Caedmon had an interesting start to life — his desire and passion didn’t match his skill and ability. He wanted to sing. He wanted to recite poetry. He wanted to share in the communal musical and lyrical moments of his day. But he couldn’t. Couldn’t sing, he was off key. He couldn’t play the harp. To his shame he would run and avoid those moments which had become a heavy embarrassment for him.
What do you do when confronted with something you love, but aren’t very good at it? Can God somehow transform it? Can God use you to carry His song, His message to the world, even if you’re tone deaf and can’t remember the words?
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the life of Caedmon of Whitby. The man who couldn’t hum or sing a tune, but became one of the first poets in English history and beloved of the people because he learned the scriptures and sang them in their own native tongue.
What’s interesting about Caedmon’s life is how closely it mirrors a story from the life of Moses — tune in to hear more.
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.
In many places around the world, football season has already begun, but here in the U.S. and in a few other nations, the new season is yet to begin. Just last week Major League Soccer joined the other professional leagues in the U.S., announcing a tentative start date for the 2021 season.
For years, prior to the beginning of a season, as a chaplain, I have stepped forward to bless — athletes, coaches, staff, and those who are part of the game prior to the season start and to share with each of them a critical message — not just for the season ahead, but for life.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at a passage in Deuteronomy 20 where the priests of Israel come forward to bless those who would battle during the spring to try to retain and recover the farmlands for the year to plant and harvest. Taking a lead from this passage, I encourage reflection and lessons for those in football as one’s season is about to begin.
Special thanks to Dennis Castillo for permission to use his Instagram photo for today’s podcast artwork.
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.
I’m pleased to announce that Rod Underwood has joined the Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors. Rod brings a wealth of soccer experience, both as a professional player and as a coach across all levels of the game. And his passion to see coaches in the game feel supported in the difficulties that they face is part of the wonderful drive and passion that Rod will bring to the group.
Much of Rod’s coaching, playing, and life experience can be found at his website. But to highlight a few things — Rod has coached at MLS, USL, international, and youth levels for many years. A professional player coming out of NCAA Division 1 Furman University, Rod played primarily as a forward and midfielder for several professional teams, most notably in New Mexico before beginning his coaching career.
Married to Alyssa, Rod has four children — including twins, just like me and my wife! The Underwoods currently reside in Tacoma, WA and Rod works as a soccer coach and soccer consultant.
Rod from his time coaching Montego Bay United (Jamaica)
Rod and I came to know each other through mutual friend and Soccer Chaplains United chaplain, Ben Dudley. Ben is co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers and he and Rod came to know each other during one of Rod’s coaching stints with the team. I remember briefly meeting Rod several years ago at a Timbers game when I was in town with the Rapids and to spend time with Ben and Troy (Ready).
It was Ben Dudley’s recent comment to me, “Have you thought about Rod?” that spurred our beginning dialogue to gauge Rod’s interest in serving on the board. Last night, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Rod to the board.
Rod shared a bit of his faith background with the board,
I was raised in the church as a kid I spent as much time at church as I did playing soccer. Life changed once I was out on my own — the real walk started as I like to say it was no longer just the faith of my family but my own personal faith. This is when my faith really began to grow and fast forward to today everthing I do revolves around my walk with God.
Rod Underwood, on his faith journey and story
Rod shared some of his hope and vision in joining Soccer Chaplains United,
To have this opportunity, to come on to the board and work with Soccer Chaplains United, and connect with other coaches in soccer is really important to me because I have experienced the highs and lows of being a professional coach and the overwhelming feelings of being lonely and isolated and needing and wanting support.
I want to come alongside of them and minister and care for them and help them through their process and journey of coaching.
Rod Underwood, on joining Soccer Chaplains United’s Board of Directors
Welcome Rod, to Soccer Chaplains United!
If you would like to learn more about Soccer Chaplains United and opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.
Soccer Chaplains United is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individual donors and church partners to carry out its work of chaplaincy and counseling in soccer.
You can give a safe, secure, electronic, tax-deductible gift via PushPay by clicking the button below or by texting soccerchaplains to 77977. You can also mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/RodUnderwoodhighres-e1611864035846.jpg8031100Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-01-28 13:00:002021-01-28 13:01:59Rod Underwood Added to Soccer Chaplains United Board of Directors
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