wfn.org | Who wudda thunk it?

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Aug. 7, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally*(615)742-5470*Nashville,
Tenn.    10-71B{467}

By Bettie W. Story*

When Fairview Heights, Ill., became the site of this summer's Class AA
World Baseball Championships for 15- and 16-year-old youth, Christ
United Methodist Church there decided to join the action.  It became the
only church, along with the usual corporate organizations, to sponsor a
team.

The week-long event in St. Louis kept members of the congregation busy
with the Venezuelan team they sponsored. 

"Some members picked them up at the airport, washed their laundry each
day, and rooted for them at each game," said Christ Church pastor Shane
Bishop.  "They even made 'rootin' rags' in Venezuelan national colors."

A Sunday School class hosted a cookout; United Methodist Women hosted a
luncheon; United Methodist Men hosted a breakfast; and two couples
helped with such problems as van licensing and ripped luggage.  Bishop
served as chaplain with a devotional time at one of the team meetings.

"The team seemed overwhelmed by each act of hospitality and, despite
language barriers, a bond began to grow; new friends were made," he
said.

Christ Church's adopted team won a bronze metal and a third-place
trophy.  But they kept the trophy for only a few minutes.

During the awards ceremonies, the team manager invited all Christ Church
members present to come before the assembly to "receive thanks for their
hospitality friendship and love."  The coach then awarded the
third-place trophy to the church.

In the words of Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, "Who wudda thunk it?"

# # #

*Story is editor of The Current, biweekly newspaper of the Illinois
Great River Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/