October 15, 2001

HOMECOMING SUNDAY 2001
"A PEP RALLY FOR THE ABC TEAM"

It's fall, and many of us, especially if we were raised back east, have distinctive memories associated with falling leaves, nippy air, and football!

I never played high school football, but I banged around a lot with other guys on sandlots playing tackle without pads. And my high school experience was dominated by football even though I was not an athlete. Hawthorne (NJ) was not a powerhouse. The first game I attended we lost 110 to 0. This is no lie. I still went faithfully to every game. I even switched from playing the cello to playing the sousaphone because the cello wouldn't get me into games free.

Now that UCLA is having a great season, I'm getting some of those old fall feelings all over again. My college alma mater, Rutgers, is having a lousy season, so I'm an adopted Bruin. Yay, Team!

So those of you who find this whole subject boring, please forgive my indulgence. I'm the one who decided the theme of this year's Homecoming Sunday—"A Pep Rally for the ABC Team"!

The idea of the church operating as a gifted and well-coached football team is clearly seen in Paul's analysis in 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 (This is slightly paraphrased):

"There are a variety of positions on the team, but we all have the same goal. Each player has a distinct role to play. Not all can be quarterback. There need to be guards and tackles to protect the quarterback so he can show his skills. Every player on offense, defense and special teams is essential to victory. If some players are weak, others need to cover for them, or we all lose.

"Every player on the team is motivated by the same team Spirit. And that makes us operate as a unit. We have certain leaders who call the signals, but they are no more essential than a player with a quiet job that will never attract the attention of sports reporters.

"So let's be one team, and let's roll on to victory."

In order to have a great Pep Rally on Homecoming Sunday, we need

everybody present;

everybody in top shape;

everybody ready to get turned on.

Here are some practical things you can do:

(1) In advance, bring to the church some memorabilia from your high school and/or college days. We'd love to have banners, varsity jackets, pom-poms, bumper-stickers, etc. These will provide our decor for the mealtime in Barinaga Hall.

(2) We're especially interested in yearbooks, both high school and college, showing you with more hair and less pounds.

(3) Volunteer to sing your alma mater or school fight song. Maybe you remember a distinctive cheer.

(4) Come up with a special cheer, slogan, or fight song for the ABC Team. You may want to deliver this to the church in advance.

What do you think? Is this going to be a great Pep Rally or what? I wouldn't miss it for anything!

–Pastor George Van Alstine