General news and information about Soccer Chaplains United including newly formed partnerships, news on the different teams and communities being served, and upcoming events for donors, partners, and communities.
Friends, well, we are trying to get out and ahead of World Cup 2022 — I’m pleased to tell you that the Soccer Chaplains United 2022 World Cup Devotional | The Light is Coming is available in English ebook right now on Amazon and we expect to launch the print book tomorrow!
This 8-week, 80 page devotional with illustrations is set to begin with the FIFA roster release date (November 13) and will have readings that parallel World Cup, Advent, and Christmas — all the way until Epiphany (Jan. 7).
Amazon (better yet, AmazonSmile) is the place to purchase the ebook now! And we are working hard to finish up the Spanish and Portuguese language translation versions as well.
We’d love it if you take a minute to read the introduction and write us a kind but honest review! And then, jump in starting Nov 13 (or really any time is fine, too)!
Soccer coaches, executives, athletic directors and chaplains are all encouraged to email us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org for information on bulk rate discounts.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-10-24 16:00:002024-07-08 23:56:49The Light is Coming Ebook Devotional Now Available!
Partner church Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church made their way to Ethiopia this past summer. The team made a request for soccer gear from Soccer Chaplains United’s Community Project program. You can see what they received here. Recently, the team sent us a final update on how the trip went. We share it below.
Final Update
We returned to Ethiopia for our first mission trip since Covid to serve with Hope for the Fatherless (HFTF). HFTF is an orphan ministry in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that works to rescue children from institutional care, place them in forever families, and develop a culture of domestic adoption in Ethiopia.
Hope for the Fatherless currently cares for 28 children in its small, family-style homes, sponsors a number of other vulnerable children in single-parent homes who risk becoming orphaned themselves, and trains and equips adoptive families because children belong in families, not institutions.
Through the generosity of Soccer Chaplains United, we were able to gift each of HFTF’s homes (Hope House, Faith House, and Grace House) with their own indestructible soccer ball and jerseys for all the kids.
Soccer is definitely a favorite pastime for the children, and our team enjoyed playing many soccer games with them in the courtyard at Hope House.
When we brought out the soccer balls from SCU, the kids immediately started a game. And later in the week, when we gifted the jerseys to them, they were over the moon! Each kiddo immediately put on their jersey as soon as they got theirs—it was incredible to watch the joy that overcame them, simply because they got their own jersey.
This was such a highlight of the trip! Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church was very excited to partner with SCU once again to help bring so much happiness and fun to these incredible kids in Ethiopia. One of the boys has told us for five years now that he intends to be a professional soccer player when he is older. He received some goalie equipment from SCU and wanted to pass along a big THANK YOU!!
It is a joy to see how something as simple as a shirt or ball, which we often take for granted in America, can be such a gift of love and bring so much excitement to orphaned and vulnerable kids halfway around the world. Thank you, Soccer Chaplains United and Colorado Rapids! Your generosity not only impacted the kids, but the team as well. In seeing the joy the kids had, we couldn’t help but be joyful as well. We experienced the beautiful community that comes from generosity as we celebrated alongside our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia. Thank you SCU and Colorado Rapids for your generosity and support!
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!
In just a few days a small team from Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (CCPC) will look to make their way to Juárez, Mexico for what the 28th time in a nearly 34-year history. Save for a period of a few years when the church deemed it unsafe to travel to Juárez with the drug cartel violence and in 2020 with the boarder closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the church has sought to go down each year and make an impact in the neighborhood just a stone’s throw from the boarder fence.
La Iglesia Maranatha and Pastor Jorge Mata have been firmly planted in the Felipe Ángeles neighborhood and community for those many, many years and it’s through this relationship that the Gospel is shared and people are encouraged in their faith. The mission trip sees several church families combine to lead VBS (vacation bible school) for the children in the neighborhood and to work on several construction projects on the church grounds and in the surrounding neighborhood. The church, within sight of the UTEP (University of Texas – El Paso) campus across the boarder, lives in a shadow of poverty, but the neighborhood is slowly being transformed with jobs and homes being built and people being elevated socially and spiritually by the work of Pastor Jorge and the church.
A team member wrote to request the gear for this year’s trip:
Dear Rev. Kenney, Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church has been blessed with the opportunity to send another mission team to Juarez, Mexico this year to support La Iglesia Maranatha and Pastor Jorge. Our team of eighteen students and adults is looking for donations of any surplus soccer gear to benefit the local kids. As in the past, we will be serving around 80 children through our Vacation Bible School program, in addition to working on several projects in the community. Soccer Chaplains United’s generous donations in the past have made a positive impact and assisted teams to better show generosity and the love of Christ to these kids. We are so grateful for your continued partnership with our church. Thank you.
2022 Juarez Mission Team
The Cherry Creek Prebyterian Church Team of 2021 pauses from playing soccer in the park to take a photo.
In addition to the local work that La Iglesia Maranatha does, Pastor Jorge and the church members have also undertaken several trips into the poorer, and more rural parts of Mexico. Taking donations and other items, the church has traveled long distances to share the Gospel and encouragement with the poorest of the poor in some of the small villages deep within Mexico.
Assembly line for packing donations
Remember, 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 cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/K09A4384-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-10-13 06:00:002024-07-08 23:58:00Cherry Creek Jaunts to Juárez, Mexico for 28th Time
Today, I am super pleased to announce that Soccer Chaplains United is producing and publishing a devotional guide for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The devotional, a collaboration of several Soccer Chaplains United chaplains and friends, will look to be available on Amazon beginning November 1.
The 8-week, 80 page devotional with illustrations will begin with readings that mirror the different weeks of World Cup, Advent, and Christmas — all the way until Epiphany (Jan. 7). Interweaving themes of faith, family, and football each week will feature three distinct authors and writings based on a weekly theme.
Amazon (better yet, AmazonSmile) will be the place to purchase your print-on-demand copy and will also feature ebooks with Spanish and Portuguese language editions as well!
Soccer coaches and soccer chaplains are encouraged to reach out and email us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org for bulk rate discounts.
Hosting a World Cup watch party? Why not have a few copies to give to fans and friends?
Does your church or rec team have some World Cup fans? Why not get some copies to give away?
This is not the book! Just a stock image…but it will be cool we promise!
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/vfq0y6zvex0.jpg12001320Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-10-07 17:30:002024-07-08 23:58:05The Light is Coming: Soccer Chaplains United Producing Special Edition Devotional for World Cup 2022
From east coast to west coast, Michael Kell has seen and been in all parts of the US, but he now calls Southern California home. The father of two has recently seen his oldest off to college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA — his old alma mater. And his son, (Ethan) currently plays with Los Angeles Football Club’s Academy program, as a goalkeeper. From the countless hours spent on the sidelines, Michael was curiously stirred by the tremendous amount of need that he would come across as he would patiently sit and watch games with other parents. The felt needs prompted him to start exploring what chaplaincy at the academy level might look like. Enter in Soccer Chaplains United.
I was surprised to find Soccer Chaplains United a few years ago and to discover that there was work being done at the academy level. I thought this was a good thing — and as time has gone by, I started to think to myself, ‘Maybe I should go through this process…be ready…just in case the club has a need.’
Michael Kell, on his first impressions of Soccer Chaplains United and thought process on joining
A couple of years ago, Michael and I met at a Rapids First Team match while LAFC Academy was in to play a local tournament. We had spent a few hours on the phone already. I had been sharing the vision and work of Soccer Chaplains United — not to just be about the elite athletes in the First Team dressing room, but to have capacity to serve the whole club — from the front office, to the academy, to the pros. It’s been really exciting to consider someone like Michael joining the team to serve as chaplain because there are many opportunities to develop out in this space.
Michael’s son, Ethan, makes a save playing for LAFC against California Rush in a scrimmage late last month.
Michael brings his unique experience of being an academy parent for one of the elite teams in MLS. The challenges faced by the athletes, parents, and families with the potentiality of playing professional soccer are tremendous and Michael is poised to understand and serve those from his own experience.
At this time, Michael will serve as a regional chaplain for Soccer Chaplains United for the Southern California area. His relationships in and amongst the academy community and with local area teams will be a broader area of focus until Soccer Chaplains United can better understand the needs for a specific club or academy program and how best to situation Michael for service. Regardless, though, Michael has a heart to serve and compassionately come alongside of parents and athletes who are facing the possibilities of their child being a pro at an early age.
As clubs, and our nation, produce the next generation of superstars, there are families, players, academy coaches and staff along the way who have very real needs. My prayer is that Soccer Chaplains United can be a venue through which to serve and meet the spiritual needs of this unique community.
Michael Kell, on his hopes for his work with Soccer Chaplains United
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/M-Kell-Profile-Pic-2021-scaled-e1661545462291.jpg638945Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-09-12 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:15Kell New Appointment to Soccer Chaplains United
Billy Cerveny recently announced this will be his final season serving as the Chaplain for Nashville SC. Billy has served NSC since the fall of 2017, prior to their inaugural season, so this will be a big change for the club and for him. During this time he has cared for players, coaches, staff, families. He has lead Bible studies and chapels, prayed with players, officiated wedding, visited hospitals, welcomed new players and helped others say goodbye. We are thankful for his time with the team and know the Lord is in the midst of this transition.
It’s hard to overstate the blessing it has been to be a part of Nashville SC. The players, coaches, and staff are people I love deeply. I’m excited to finish out this season and to see what the Lord does next with the Chaplain role at NSC.
Billy, on his time as chaplain with Nashville SC
Billy and I have been working closely together in recent months meeting with potential candidates to fill this chaplaincy role. We believe God has brought us the right person and we are currently working through the process of onboarding, but will announce the new chaplain for the 2023-24 season, soon. In the meantime, Billy will focus on finishing strong this season as he prepares the way for the next chaplain.
Transition is never easy, but it is a reality of the Christian journey; especially if you are a chaplain. We are stewards of our roles and we must be ready to pass the baton of ministry, care, and leadership to others when the Lord leads us forward. This is where we are now and we are excited for what’s ahead.
As a chaplain, you see a lot of people come and go in professional sports. Now it’s my turn and it’s sad; but I’m thankful for the tears. It shows the time spent with Nashville SC has been meaningful and worthwhile.
Billy, on the emotion of leaving the team
Billy is moving to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to his parents to help offer care and support. He will continue his work with Redbird, the non-profit pastoral outreach and counseling ministry he founded in 2018. Billy will also continue working with Soccer Chaplains United and I am looking forward to utilizing him in a development role as we look to make more chaplaincy placements throughout the US in the years to come.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_8391-scaled.jpg14401920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-30 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:21Cerveny to see out 2022 and handoff chaplaincy
If you’re in the Mountain or Pacific timezone, than it’s likely that next Sunday you will be sleeping when I am presenting at the 3rd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport. At least from the initial schedule of speakers, the session time slot for my presentation will be 11:30 am Cambridge time (4:30 am for my wife and children), Sunday, August 21. My presentation? The Sports Chaplain as Captive: Issues of Pay and the Differences Between Preaching and Peddling the Gospel. What can I say, I like long titles…
It’s with some mixed feelings, if I am honest, that I look forward to next week’s session. It’s at the end of the congress (will people stick around or will they have been headed out to catch the flight home?) so that may mean a smaller group in the room. Part of my emotion also has to do with my daughter getting ready to leave for college and only having a few days remaining by the time I get back home before we pack the car and try to set her up for her next chapter in her life’s adventure.
But regardless of the number of people in the room, I think what excites me has been the work of preparing for this presentation and the study in the Bible to get to the point where I am landing. Sometimes in this moments you submit an abstract or a thought about where you are going to end up going — there’s a process of development, I’ve learned. And even after a presentation, you can often get people coming up and helping add meaning and value to the conversation because they heard or say or interpreted or experienced something different than you have — so you have to hold all of these things loosely and still handle the text (especially Scripture) really well.
I share my abstract with you here:
Tension exists for chaplains in sport — the majority are unpaid, volunteers (Paget & McCormack, 2006). This characteristic necessitates chaplains have other meaningful vocational work or fundraise support, both activities detracting from the chaplain’s work. Should sports chaplains be paid? Or, is there a conflict of interest in chaplains leveraging privileged positions or exciting experiences to earn an income or wage?
The apostle Paul, writing in 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:6, defends his work and ministry, self-identifying as a “captive” led by Christ and contrasting his work with “many” others who “peddle the word of God for profit.” Paul, previously (I Cor. 9), defends the right of pay for those who “preach the Gospel.” So, then, is there a balance to be struck? If so, what is that balance?
This presentation will reflect theologically on the Corinthian texts, Paul’s meanings and example — offering practical ramifications and considerations for sports chaplains.
I am keenly aware that this issue is a bit “niche” if you will — but it’s the space where I am working and developing (sports chaplaincy). Probably some of what I am learning and studying has applications and ramifications outside of such a narrow window, but I have been amazed at some of what I have been learning and growing in as I go.
Special thanks goes to Dave Schoeman for his help in getting to Cambridge. I’ve come to be blessed by Dave and his wife, Barbie, as they have encouraged me and pushed me to reflect well on this subject and what it might mean for chaplains in sport.
I look forward to seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones in a week’s time, even though you will probably be sleeping. 😉
Sincerely from the Rev,
Rev Brad Kenney
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/W8A1013-1024x682.jpg6821024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-14 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:27While You Are Sleeping (Probably)
Greg Navitsky, chaplain for the past few years to Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer, has announced that he is stepping back from the chaplaincy role which he has held since 2020. Despite Greg stepping back from the chaplaincy, he has expressed his desire to stay on with Soccer Chaplains United in a consultancy and writing role for the time being.
During the last two years of soccer chaplaincy, it has been an immense and precious gift to hold space for students, coaches, and parents. If the last two years has taught us anything, it’s that being an incarnational presence in others lives is what our souls ache for. I believe the work we do is crucial and having Kingdom influence in more ways we can imagine. I’m thankful to stay connected to all you, albeit different ways, in the coming months. Cheering you all on!
Greg, on his time as Valor chaplain
Among some of the critical mass reasons for the change include a new role as pastor of students at Smoky Hill Vineyard Church; his pending wedding and marriage to fiancée, Bekka Weeks, in September; and, a new role with Where Grace Abounds.
I am excited that Greg will continue to stay connected and look to help and serve Soccer Chaplains United. We’ve really benefitted from his past experience in soccer and his passion for young people — in the midst of the brokenness and pain that we see, especially in this world of soccer. I hope that in a not-too-distant future Greg will have time and bandwidth to take on a direct chaplaincy role, again. For now, still feeling blessed that he will be part of our team.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Greg-e1659976892360.png414509Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-08 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:31Navitsky Steps Back from Valor Chaplaincy, Remains in Consultancy Role
It’s not often that I preach a Sunday morning message at church — it actually never has been. As a hospice chaplain for some four years, and a pastoral care pastor for six my main moments of speaking or preaching have tended to revolve around a funeral or memorial service. Well, hopefully, next Sunday morning’s opportunity to preach at partner church Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (located in Denver, Colorado) won’t feel like a funeral or memorial service!
A week ago, one of my daughters asked me how work was going.
“Well, there’s this sermon that I am trying to study and write and prepare for…” They could tell that it was weighing on me. I tried to explain that while it is a tremendous honor and privilege to be invited to preach at church, and especially at a church where you worship together as a family, that there is a weighty burden that often accompanies it (as it should) because we are handling and disseminating the very Word of God!
Add into this the very simple fact that I rarely preach (maybe x1 a year, every other year) and I have been telling people — you get what you pay for! There’s a pressure and a burden to deliver “your best sermon ever.” Think of the pressure, you went to seminary (even though it was 20 years ago) and you learned Hebrew and Greek and homiletics; you’re in ministry; you’re an ordained Teaching Elder in the denomination…should be a breeze right? Well, if I were crafting a podcast or writing up an article for the website or coming up with a 5-10 minute devotional for the team it’s a totally different story. But this sermon prep stuff is hard! It’s not what I am used to.
I shared some of this with Rev Kevin Hasenack (Rapids 2 chaplain) this past week when we met to discuss and debrief some of the Rapids chaplaincy needs. “I have a refreshed respect for you doing this week in and week out…” I told him. It was funny as he commiserated and even said — “Yeah, you probably feel like you have to hit not only a home run, but a grand slam!” What was funny was that as Kevin said these very words, a guy outside the coffee shop made a swing-for-the-fences motion that caught my eye. He did this a few more times as Kevin went on with his baseball metaphors, which made me laugh.
But for all of my complaining (and believe it’s likely to get worse as the week goes on and the moments approach), I am reminded of Paul’s charge to his young protégée, Timothy:
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul, 2nd Letter to Timothy 4:2
So I am readying myself — TBH, I probably wish it were more like a podcast or simple prayer and blessing — I’m much better at that it seems these days. But I pray that God is glorified and that for those listening and in attendance next week that the text of Acts 8 will come alive and that we will all be challenged by what God has to say — to me and to those I share with.
Sincerely from the Rev,
Rev Brad Kenney
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/W8A1013-1024x682.jpg6821024Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-07 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:33Rev Brad to Preach at Creek Next Week
Erick Jiménez, who served as chaplain for El Paso Locomotive FC, for the past couple of years has moved on from the chaplaincy to the team. Erick, a native of El Paso, Texas most recently served as Minister of Discipleship at First Baptist Church of El Paso but his move to a different church in Richland Hills, Texas has meant the end of his time as chaplain. Erick began serving as chaplain during 2020 and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. His ministry included meeting with athletes via zoom and encouraging them through an extremely difficult period of time. Erick shared with me some of his thoughts on his time serving as El Paso’s chaplain:
Getting to know you (Brad) was a real blessing to me. You ministered and encouraged me throughout COVID and especially when my mom passed away. It has been great to be a part of something (Soccer Chaplains United) that I never knew existed and seeing all the connections and network of people serving as chaplain to these teams.
Erick, on his time with El Paso
Soccer Chaplains United would like to thank Erick, Jordan, and their entire family for their time serving and investing into the USL-Championship team in El Paso. We will work now to try and find another candidate to serve as chaplain. If you are interested or know someone who might qualify, please send an email to info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FBC-Headshots-15-of-14-scaled.jpg14401920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-08-05 00:00:002024-07-08 23:58:36Jiménez Moves On From El Paso Chaplaincy
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