Greg Navitsky, served as chaplain for Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer from 2020-2022 and as a consultant for Soccer Chaplains United for the past couple of years, has shared that he is stepping down to more fully pursue different interests and ministry calling — including his growing family and continuing work with the church and local ministry group, Where Grace Abounds.
Greg has already begun writing a proposal for a doctors thesis and is keen to explore whether God might be calling him more into a PhD program or a professorship, with teaching being a key passion and burden for his heart.
Just a few months ago, Greg and his wife (Bekka) welcomed a new, baby boy (Isaiah) into their lives — so needless to say there are a few new things going on in the Navitsky home.
Soccer Chaplains United has been extremely blessed to have Greg as part of the team the past few years and to share his faith, his talents, and his wisdom in several different capacities. We pray that Greg and Bekka and Isaiah, will experience God’s grace and favor for the future calling and opportunities that they invest and involve in.
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 Kenney2024-04-29 00:00:002024-07-08 23:46:57Navitsky Moves on from Soccer Chaplains United
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
The Valor Christian High School team which recently (Dec 26, 2021) went down to Guatemala has some updates to share about how their trip, their community service work, and their times of witness are going. To read more, from the student’s perspective, follow this link.
Annika plays soccer with a brand new, pink soccer ball from Soccer Chaplains United’s Community Project and makes some new friends.
I played soccer with a lot of them and the kids were having a great time. I also got to jump rope and dance with a lot of the girls. I made a connection with a girl named Gracie. I had braids in my hair and most of the girls want us to braid their hair. I braided Gracie’s hair and she had such a big smile on her face. The girls kept asking a lot of us to be their “Madrina” (godmother) and most of us were able to make a big connection with one or two kids in the community. We also were able to paint the school in the community. There was a water line on the wall of the school from the floods.
Annika
The Valor team plays in the “las ganchas” with their new friends, handing out donated soccer gear from Soccer Chaplains United.
One of the students (Zac) shared about his experience playing soccer in a few different settings in Guatemala.
I loved playing soccer with the kids because I saw a joy that I don’t encounter often. We were playing on the side of a mountain/cemetery and there were lots of things that had the ability to damper the fun of soccer; however, the kids and some of the team members had a lot of fun laughing when we would trip on a rock and celebrating a goal made from two rocks. In the end, we gave the community a soccer ball from Soccer Chaplains United where they will be able to practice and play whenever they want.
After the few hours with the kids, we played soccer in what they call “las ganchas” which had synthetic turf and a few small-sided goals. We played with some of the people of our ministry partners’ church, and we played for a few hours and had a lot of fun. After a few hours of playing, we left exhausted, happy, and ready to sleep. After this trip, I will never take sleep for granted!
Zac
Not all soccer fields have grass and are flat and level. A picture from an earlier trip to Guatemala illustrates Zac’s experience of playing soccer on the side of a mountain.
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/2022/01/eea087a5535fd41b377bf5b8ae1f136e.png9811708Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-01-06 10:00:002022-01-06 10:56:46From Zacapa, With Love
This December 26th, a team of 19 high school students from Valor Christian High School will travel to Guatemala for 16 days. The team will spend a majority of ministry time working with the community that lives around the city dump in Zacapa, Guatemala.
Children in Guatemala play with a makeshift goal
Soccer will be a significant part of the team’s ministry as they hold soccer camps and outreach projects in the community. With all that has gone on in the pas couple of years, this community has great need and not only does the Valor team hope to provide ministry to them while there, but also leave behind some gear that would enrich their lives. Other projects include building a house, working on literacy projects, and distributing supplies in the community.
Danny Brooks will lead Valor students to Guatemala for service and soccer
Danny Brooks, Spanish Instructor at Valor and the team leader for the Discovery Trip, is familiar with the poverty and need in Guatemala having served as a missionary and pastor there for a number of years before coming to Valor.
Having lived in Zacapa, Guatemala for five years, I have seen the challenges that this community faces, both spiritually and economically. We are so privileged to bring a team of high school students who will minister cross culturally to leave a lasting impact on this community, while also confronting their own world views of living in a privileged society here in Denver. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with amazing ministry partners in Guatemala who has focused on this community and helped sustain them physically and spiritually during the continuing pandemic.
Daniel Brooks, Faculty, Valor Christian
Danny and the Valor team will be working with local missionaries. Below is an excerpt from Erin and Javier’s recent newsletter:
…
This week we started a new project that I am very excited about. Marcolfa is an elderly lady who we met at the garbage dump last year. We have visited her in her home and she has come to our meetings where we minister and feed children. Her home is made out of different found materials. She told us that her metal roof leaks, so she has sheets of nylon under that where she puts rags to soak up the rain. In these pictures you can see the inside and outside of her home. I am broken when I think of this little lady during one of the tropical storms we have here in Guatemala.
One of the difficult things about building a home for people is that their current dwelling must be torn down in order to build in exactly the same place. There is not an abundance of land in Guatemala and every square inch is taken advantage of when building. The family must make a temporary shelter in a tiny space or stay somewhere else while their home is being built. That is why we try to do most projects as quickly as possible, about 8-10 days.
We told Marcolfa that her home had to be torn down in order to build her a new one. What a huge step of faith, destroying all you have to make way for something new. Before even a bag of cement or metal beam or workers with tools showed up, she gladly did what needed to be done with the help of her grandchildren.
Marcolfa’s old house and land being cleared
Here is Marcolfa (above) in the space cleared to build her house. Every family that we help, every home that is built, we tell people that this is an earthly home, but it is nothing in comparison to what God is preparing for us, our eternal home.
…
Working primarily with children, both boys and girls, the team is requesting as many soccer balls as possible — 30 or more — size 4 and 5; as well as jerseys approximately 30 sizes child-small adult.
We can’t wait to join Erin, Javier, and their team to bless the people in Zacapa!
Danny Brooks
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/2018/08/Screen-Shot-2018-08-15-at-8.59.01-PM.png562614Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-11-18 00:00:002021-11-17 14:37:50Valor Returning to Zacapa, Guatemala For Service and Soccer
Soccer Chaplains United has three different offerings during Holy Week for 2021.
Spy Wednesday — Betrayal | This week’s From the Touchline podcast with Rev Brad Kenney looks at betrayal in football and in the life of Jesus. Click here to listen.
Maundy Thursday | Join Soccer Chaplains United with Rev Billy Cerveny, Rev Brad Kenney and and some special guests as we look at Jesus’ foot-washing example from a unique angle and also celebrate Communion, or The Lord’s Supper, virtually. This virtual experience (approx. 20 min) is on our YouTube channel or on our website.
Good Friday | Join Soccer Chaplains United with Chaplain Ben Dudley, Rev Brad Kenney and a special short-feature video designed to help you reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. This virtual experience (approx. 10 min) begins Friday at 12 am ET on our YouTube channel (Services playlist link) or on our website.
Don’t forget!
You can also download our app (SoccrChapUtd) in the App and Google Play stores to experience these offerings on your mobile device.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/icc4gi5xaj4-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-04-01 10:00:002021-04-01 10:08:50Holy Week Offerings — Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer starts their season next Monday night. Soccer Chaplains United Chaplain, Greg Navitsky, who serves the team voluntarily, joins the podcast today for part two — sharing his soccer and life journey as well as his hopes and prayers for the Valor Eagles team.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, listen as Chaplain Greg shares more about his Liverpool Academy experience and his journey that led him to Colorado and serving at Valor.
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/2020/06/navitsky.jpg500500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-03-10 00:00:002024-08-20 13:23:42Former Liverpool Academy and Valor Christian Chaplain Greg Navitsky, Part Two
Boys high school soccer in Colorado is just about to kickoff from a delayed started going back to last fall. Valor Christian High School chaplain, Greg Navitsky, joins the podcast today to share about his soccer and life story in this, part one of a two-episode podcast.
The From the Touchline podcast hosted by Rev Brad Kenney, features an interview with Chaplain Greg. Greg shares about how soccer was a huge part of his life growing up and how he reached a really high level, but was aware that maybe God was calling him to something different. Hear more about this former Liverpool Academy trialist who is a recent Denver Seminary graduate and addition to Soccer Chaplains United.
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/2020/06/navitsky.jpg500500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-03-03 00:00:002024-08-20 13:24:12Greg Navitsky, Chaplain and Former Liverpool Academy Trialist Joins Pod
Have you ever thought to put Jesus’ disciples into a starting 11? What formation would you use? Would you put Simon Peter as a 6 or as a 9? Well, that’s just a little bit of the fun that we have with our special guest, Coach Brian Shultz on the From the Touchline podcast. Brian is the Head Coach for Valor Christian High School’s Boys and Girls Soccer teams.
In today’s episode, we hear a bit about Brian and Rev Brad’s relationship and how Brian came to know the Lord. We also hear how Brian works to incorporate faith and football as a long-time club and high school soccer coach.
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/2020/12/Coach-Brian-Shultz-FTT.jpg6461158Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-30 00:00:002024-08-20 13:34:03Spiritual Formation with Coach Brian Shultz
Ahead of the vastly changed, fall 2020 season, Soccer Chaplains United is pleased to announce a new chaplain placement at Valor Christian High School. Greg Navitsky is the latest chaplain to join Soccer Chaplains United and will be working with the Valor Boys Varsity and JV soccer program. You can learn more about Greg on his bio page here.
Good friend and Valor Head Coach, Brian Shultz, commented on Greg joining the team.
I’m excited and looking forward to working with Greg and seeing what his experience will bring as he comes alongside our high school athletes. It’s great to see someone who is in seminary and training to be in ministry and I am excited to see what God has in store.
Brian Shultz, Valor Boys Soccer Head Coach
Not only did Greg play in high school and at the academy level, but he played collegiately at Loras College and also Trinity International University (where we have another chaplain, Kim Beach serving — although their times didn’t overlap). Additionally, Greg played overseas in England for a year and a half with the Liverpool FC Academy.
I first heard about Greg in 2018 when a mutual friend, Callae Dykstra, mentioned him to me in passing. However, it wasn’t until December of 2019 that Greg and I actually had the chance to get together. At the time, Greg was interested to learn about Soccer Chaplains United and the work that we were doing, but soon after our conversation God really began to impress chaplaincy on Greg’s heart.
Since January 2020, the word and the role of chaplain has continued to come up. After taking a course (at Denver Seminary) on crisis intervention, I read the book – The Work of a Chaplain – I was inspired to investigate what being a chaplain could mean.
Greg Navitsky, on the rising interest in chaplaincy
In late March, I was following up with Greg to see where God was leading and to just generally check-in. Greg shared how the work of a chaplain had been intriguing to him and he wanted to pursue it more. It was in early June, after praying about what God had been doing in Greg’s life and asking about how that connects in to Soccer Chaplains United, the idea of Valor dawned on me. I have had to step back a bit in my own work with Valor and when I called and spoke to Coach Shultz — he suggested that someone might be able to assist the chaplain that had started to fill in last year. Then, I reached out to Greg.
[Recently] I was passing Valor and wondering “I wonder if I’ll ever be a part of something there?” Then, within an hour, Brad Kenney calls my cell phone. The Gospel work is the hidden work, and it is the heart work. God doesn’t need me, but wants me. I long to love what He loves, hate what He hates. Step off when He says so, and step on when I sense Him leading. He is leading here, now, for this time. I don’t want to miss it.
Greg Navitsky, on the opportunity at Valor
Greg will have a challenge this season as the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has made some significant changes, but we look forward to seeing God use Greg’s experience and background across the young men involved in the soccer program.
Greg will be involved in the spiritual enrichment work at Valor in 2020
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, counseling, and community service across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/soccer_badge_2017_medium.png12951148Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-08-18 06:00:002020-08-17 14:16:22New Chaplain for Valor Christian High School
The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) on Tuesday announced a modified schedule for contact sports which will see boys soccer move to the spring and girls soccer move later into a spring-summer schedule. The news was difficult as it comes at a time which creates conflicts within the broader local soccer schedule, especially for boys soccer when players often play for their respective clubs during the spring season and will now be confronted with possibly having to choose whether to play high school or club soccer. On the girls side, the move of their season to a May-June timeframe means that elite level players may have to give up on playing in high-level tournaments that usually take place outside of the typical high school season — tournaments that gain players additional exposure to collegiate scouting and recruiting and the chance at scholarships in continuing their education.
Soccer Chaplains United has high school chaplains in both states and it is uncertain how the shift for Colorado will affect chaplaincy, while the chaplaincy work in Tennessee will likely need to adapt to the COVID-19 protocols in order to support the athletes and family members of Christ Presbyterian Academy’s soccer program.
Please pray for the chaplains that are supporting high school soccer athletes and programs as they navigate and minister through these difficult and changing times. Pray for the mental and spiritual health and protection for those involved in soccer during this time, especially.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_3183.png359640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-08-07 08:00:002021-05-11 13:02:48CHSAA and TSSAA Show Pandemic Differences
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