Article June 21, 1999 Issue

KEEPING THE SABBATH ON THE PLAYING FIELD

Donna E. Schaper

In more and more communities both in the United States and in other countries, parents, religious workers, and students are trying to find solutions when religious services on Sunday mornings and children's sports events are scheduled for the same time. It isn't always easy to reach a decision that satisfies everyone. Donna E. Schaper is a minister with the United Church of Christ, and in this article she tells how she has retained a spiritual focus on Sundays while dealing with her own children's desire to participate in sports.

In my family, a conflict between a sports event and a worship service means an extra prayer before or after, family devotions at the meal before or after, and conversation about what we are grateful for, what we are worried about, and how God might help us.

We don't usually cut church for the children's sports events, but when we have, we've made sure that our children understand the omnipresence of God. During our private family devotional time, we share what matters to us, and then we share what matters to God. Sports are not demonized on behalf of God. Instead I feel there can be holiness in sports as in any activity. It comes from welcoming God. Instead of being only in a specific time or place, I see Sabbath as a time away from self and for God. Sabbath can come to people wearing cleats.

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