Last Saturday, our SDBC Pickleball Ministry had the privilege of hosting our annual pickleball tournament. Spectators lined the walls to watch thirty players from our SDBC pickleball community compete in a round robin at three different levels of play. For most of these players, this was their very first tournament, so nerves were certainly a factor as they warmed up. But, once the games began, their competitive juices kicked in and ramped up their level of play. There was some smart playmaking happening and outstanding efforts made in making the shot. It was a competitive tournament, but there were many smiles and players could be heard applauding one another on both sides of the net when a good play was made. Teammates were encouraging one another as well, whether the shot was a good one or a bad one. Once the round robin games were completed, the top two players in each pool went into the finals for their level. We were once again entertained with some fine playing with games being hard fought. Each game was enjoyable to watch.
After the finals, spectators joined the fun. They, along with the tournament players, put their pickleball skills to the test with our Fun Skills Challenge. Three challenges were set up: serving, lobbing, and the "Third Shot Drop." The reward for their efforts was a variety of candies and lots was given out to all who participated.
As is our tradition, after all the games and skill challenges are finished, we head into the chapel to enjoy a delicious, complimentary lunch. At the tables there was a mix of spectators, guests, volunteers, and players contributing to the sense of community amongst our pickleballers. This sense of community is what brings us together. People of different ages and from different backgrounds all having something in common: the desire to get some exercise, have fun, and enjoy connections with others. It was gratifying to sit around and fellowship with our pickleball community while enjoying a delicious meal of chili, cornbread, and Greek salad prepared for us by Mario and Brenda and their hardworking kitchen crew. Dessert was a scrumptious Rolo ice cream pie. It is important that we acknowledge with gratitude our dedicated volunteers who shared the workload in putting on this event. Scorekeepers, registrars, referees, kitchen crew, setup and takedown crews all contributed to a great tournament.
You never know where a conversation will lead or what questions will come up about the church or faith. You also never know what connections strangers can make with one another. Our luncheon allows us to not only get to connect with our SDBC pickleballers a little better but it also offers us an opportunity for our speaker to share a gospel message. This year, Pastor Paul joined us and was able to talk about radical hospitality. He spoke clearly about why our church is so willing to invite our South Delta community to use our facility and for us to organize playing sessions. He reflected on his own experiences growing up and trying to fit in, in order to be accepted in his school community. He then wove the Good Samaritan passage into his talk as an example of how we, as Christians, can be used to welcome people into our church and do so without judgment. We don't have to earn our way to become a Christian but rather to simply accept the invitation based on Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This great time to gather together allowed our ministry to share our purpose with our pickleball community.
If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, or want to join us for our different sessions, please visit our website.
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