December 28, 2012

The Church that Plays Soccer

El Iglesia Episcopal Buen Pastor is a Latino mission in Durham, North Carolina. As the mission grew, many of the young people were looking for a place to play soccer. The front lawn of the church was very small and dangerously close to the road and the playground area was steeply sloped, but soccer balls were always in abundance.

The church is built in a flood plain and while researching the site to correct the recurring flooding issues the leaders discovered that the over-grown wooded property adjoining the church site was also owned by the church. The dream of a soccer field was becoming more than a dream.

With a strong desire and not much else, church members proceeded to build the dream . Despite the daunting task and many doubts they began to organize work crews and fund raising groups. Many individuals and groups from other churches donated to the cause, including youth groups from other churches in the convocation. Several church members were experienced in earth moving and grading and were able to borrow earth moving equipment from employers at little cost. Working together to turn the dream into reality helped build the community into a family. The young men were especially touched that the church took their needs to heart. Another advantage is that when a special service, such as confirmation , draws more people than the sanctuary can hold the field can be used to hold the service.

The field is not “regulation” and takes a lot of on-going maintenance, but has been a real blessing to the church. A small covered picnic area overlooks the field and families gather weekends and evenings to watch the activities. Most of the community building has centered around practices and pick up games. The mission attracts people from many different countries. Cultural barriers disappear fairly quickly when folks are able to share casual conversation and water watching the game. Several church leaders regularly make a commitment to show up and just be available for supervision or run a more formal special training or tournament program.

The soccer field and the community formed around it have been quite an attraction. People stop to check out what is happening and become drawn into the community. Parents who are uncomfortable navigating US culture appreciate a safe place to bring their children for exercise. While there they meet other parents who are also struggling with finding their place in this new country and make new friends. The field is also a great place to host youth group get-togethers with other churches, though some kids want to switch their membership to “the church that plays soccer.”