A look back and forward!

Looking back and forward.

With the end of 2009 here, I reflect on the season past and (Lord Willin') the season ahead.

As has been the case throughout my tenure, I have received many blessings serving this league and all those who participate in it. It has been exciting to see what God is doing both visibly and behind the scenes.

Visible to all, is the growth the league has experienced these last few years. Five years ago, the league was down to just 8 or 10 teams. It was also at what I believe was a low water mark on several fronts. The cause was not attributable to any one individual, it was something that just kind of crept up on us all.

The remedy was hard work, a renewed sense of understanding that this league represents the Christian church at large with Christ as Lord, a great leadership team comprised of the managers from EVERY team, newer forms of communication and a renewed focus on fostering fellowship among ourselves. Much work also went into our league specific rules page, badly needed since we ump ourselves.

Behind the scenes, God has worked in the hearts of His people. Among some of the behind the scenes things I witnessed were; New friendships. Relationships restored. The unchurched coming into the Christian faith. Soul searching that led to corrective self discipline. Barriers between Christians softening or breaking entirely. Youth encouraged. Yound and old adults refreshed. A growing camaraderie among the managers across the league. I am certain there was much more I was not privileged to see, but no matter, seen or unseen, to God be the Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!

2009 proved to be the best year yet for our league. Among its highlights;

* A new North and South Divisional alignment.

* The Shamrock Farms ball field complex.

* Four new teams (Willow Creek, Harvest Chapel, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran and Joyful Harvest Lutheran).

* Another successful league all-star game and picnic.

* Two tournaments.

* Good Guys vs. Good Guys game which raised $3000 for the F.I.S.H. of McHenry food pantry.

What does the Lord have in store for our league in 2010? What I can reveal already is this;

* We are again exploring expansion into the central part of the county. Steve Brown is investigating field availability in the LITH, Crystal Lake area. With four fields, we can truly launch a Southern Conference that could be seeded with some of the teams from the general area that played in the South Division of our league this year. This option of seeding a Southern Conference would be offered to Willow Creek, Harvest Chapel, Joy Community and Shepherd of the Prairie. These 4 teams would be given the option of remaining up North if they so chose.

* I am exploring expansion into Johnsburg and am investigating field availability at Hiller Park at Johnsburg High School. These are groomed fields with backstops and dugouts that are maintained by the city. The thought here would be if a South Conference does not work out, some of the North Division games (2) would be played at a Johnsburg satellite facility. Some of the South Division games (2) would be played at the Shamrock satellite facility. Alternativey, I will also explore McHenry West Campus Fields which underwent renovation within the last few years.

* Possible expansion with 3 new teams. A place holder is in effect for St. Peters of Richmond, St. Johns of Johnsburg, CrossPoint Team 2.

* Possible merger. There is a possibility that 2 teams will merge into a single team. More on that if it truly develops.

* I have received VERY strong encouragement to plan for a second annual Good Guys Vs. Good Guys Game.

Beyond that, I am excited to see what the Lord brings to fruition on Opening Night!

Specifics of the Winter Meeting are TBD. The meeting will be sometime in February. Look for the invite in mid to late January and mark your calendar!

For now, may the Lord Bless you with a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2010.

In Christ,
Doug P.