EDITED: This event has been canceled.
By Sean Egmon
Sports! It’s a great way to bring people together. We grow up playing sports, we spend hours watching sports, we spend billions of dollars on sports each year. Last year America spent over $25 billion on professional sports alone. We also gave over $82 billon to churches last year. Churches often host golf leagues, softball leagues, bowling leagues and other sports opportunities as ways to fellowship together. But what about using sports to reach out to others?
Several years ago, I was looking for ways to get my children the experience of team sports but without the demand of something that would become all-consuming of our families life. I wanted to find a way for my kids to experience basketball and cheerleading but didn’t want to invest 4-5 days/week and didn’t want it grow to be something more than a fun game. What I found was Upward. A Christian based (non-denominational) team sport organization that was growing in Washtenaw county that met for about 2 hours each week, had low cost, provide a Christian message and ensured that everyone got the same chance to participate no matter their ability. Now, as my third child is involved in league play each winter and a week long summer camp, I’ve learned a lot more about this organization and those who support it in our area. Close to 1000 kids in our area participate in Upward Basketball each year. The week long camp (held at Washtenaw Christian Academy) is on the brink of being filled each year.
Many of our St Luke families have participated in Upward. We have several teams that practice at St. Luke and NOW we are going to host a one day basketball clinic at the St. Luke-Ann Arbor site. We have an opportunity to Reach Out to our community to offer kids a chance to come for a day and build their basketball skills as well as their connection with Jesus.
We need volunteers to help organize, plan, coach and support this event on September 13 from 8:30 a.m. – noon. Even if you’ve never played basketball, Upward provides everything you need, down to minute by minute instructions. Sign up, show up and help us Reach Out to our community. If you have children, sign them up to play. If you have a heart for children, sign up to help. If you have a heart for sports, sign up to help. If you can help provide scholarships to those who can’t afford them, sign up to help. If you have questions or are able to help, please see Scott Ghormley or Sean Egmon or leave your contact information with the front desk.
The cost is $10 for each members child and they can bring as many non St. Luke members as they want for free!
About Upward Sports
Established in 1995, Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports provider. Upward Sports is the only organization that offers the 360 Progression™, a uniquely designed total sports experience that adapts and expands as players grow in their personal athletic journeys. The 360 Progression develops total athletes mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially – producing players who excel both on and off the field.
Today, approximately half a million players at more than 2,000 churches in 47 states participate in camps, clinics, and leagues through Upward Sports’ Recreation Division.
In 2012, Upward Sports created its Performance Division – Upward Stars – aimed at young athletes wanting to further develop their skills and participate in a higher level of competition. Within the first year, approximately 900 athletes competed on Upward Stars teams.
Our Mission
Promoting the Discovery of Jesus Through Sports.
Our Values
The Expectation of God Moments
We believe that God is at work all around us.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10
The Life of Integrity
We believe that how we live is more important than what we say.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
The Opportunity to Serve
We believe that it is a privilege to serve others.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
The Discipline of Excellence
We believe in exceeding expectations.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed; do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
The Priority of Children
We believe that every child is a winner.
