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For second-year, volunteer Memphis 901 FC chaplain, Rev Greg Aydt, it has been a year of challenge. From COVID-19 forcing shutdown and distancing from athletes and coaches, to a late-season firing of the head coach, to supporting many players and staff struggling with the emotional and spiritual toll of social distancing and electronic communication replacing the typical face-to-face support that a chaplain offers. More recently, Memphis 901 FC ended their season out of playoff contention — with a bottom finish (Group G) for their revised USL Championship bracket for 2020.

In addition to the extra difficulties with doing chaplaincy ministry from afar, Greg’s church (Advent Presbyterian) has been without a pastor since late 2019 — so added preaching and church duties — have been par for the course, in addition to Greg’s ministry of pastoring the youth of Advent amidst their own struggles during a time of global pandemic and much national unrest and turmoil.

I was fortunate to get to spend some time with Greg during our latest presbytery meetings, earlier this month. And we were able to get a round of disc golf in (I won, of course) while he was in town.

Greg is unique in his work with Soccer Chaplains United — he is one of the few chaplains currently working to raise funds for ministry expenditures for the work with Memphis 901 FC through Soccer Chaplains United. Suffice it to say, there just isn’t enough time in the day for the fundraising aspect, as well. In honor of October being pastoral appreciation month, if you would like to make a financial contribution to help Greg and offset his chaplaincy ministry costs for 2020 and ahead for 2021, we encourage you to hit the PushPay button below and select MEMPHIS from the drop-down selectable funds list.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our individual donors and church partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to support Greg and to help us continue growing our work.