Is there a resemblance between a shepherd's crook and golf clubs? The history of golf goes back at least 500 years because of an edict by James II of Scotland banning the game. And there is a legend that Scottish shepherds fought off the boredom of their job tending flocks by hitting stones into rabbit holes with their wooden crooks near St Andrews. They became adept at this and it led to the birth of golf on the greens of Scotland.
I suppose this means we can connect The Good Shepherd and church golf tournaments. Yesterday was our fifth annual golf tournament for St. Paul's. Ninety duffers went out and had a good time on the links, consumed yummy food, and won prizes. I'm not sure that everyone made the connection between golfing and Christian ministry but somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000 has been raised for Christ's work through these five tournaments. That is impressive.
We should be grateful for the organizers who put this all together, including the Golf Godfather, Rich. Lots of others are involved, including the UCW who create an excellent dinner, sponsors, prize donors, volunteers, office staff. I hear the orchestra beginning to play...
I feel that without this tournament we would have made some painful decisions along the way about cutting programs or choosing not to proceed with necessary projects. Instead participants have a lot of fun and support the life and work of the St. Paul's congregation. Nice going team!
Thoughts and comments?
Had this very discussion with my kids last night(not the shepherd-golf link,who knew?) but the "painful cuts" that have had to come to so many churches as finances become so tight. They had such fun helping out on this great day but did want them to realize how they benefit from the hard work by Rich and his team, and the UCW ladies, and all the volunteers who carry the load to make it a reality.(i.e. its not all fun and games)
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt without this event our church life would look very different. Bravo and deep thanks!!