Pastor Keith from Downtown First UMC fields the ball.

Kickball is often considered a game that elementary and middle school students play. In Mitchell, South Dakota, several generations from Downtown First United Methodist Church and Fusion United Methodist Church played a game of kickball for a cause.

The two congregations were looking to end the summer with some fellowship, fun, and a way to serve the local community.

"I like to consider Fusion and Downtown First sister churches. We thought it would be fun to do a joint event for fellowship," said Rev. Taryn Ragels, Fusion UMC. "As we got to brainstorming, the idea to make it a way to do some good in our community came up. So we decided to have a little friendly competition with the joint cause to raise money for the Caring Closet. Since it was a family fun night, I liked the idea of doing something that helps families in our community, and the Caring Closet is a new flourishing organization doing a ton of good in our community."

Mitchell School District Caring Closet provides clothing, hygiene products, household items for students, appropriate attire and footwear for the changing seasons, job interviews, or graduation. There is also a collection of backpacks, food items, and instructional videos for cooking food. 

Rev. Keith Nelson, Downtown First United Methodist Church, visited with Pastor Taryn about doing a fun family night event together. "I thought it sounded like a good time. I visited with Becky, our Director of Family Ministries. She had wondered about doing something with Fusion," said Pastor Keith. "So, I suggested Taryn and Becky get together and plan something. We participated because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. It's great to do ministry and fun stuff together." 

Like any great United Methodist gathering, there was a potluck meal on the day of the kickball game. Then, the teams headed to a softball diamond for the kickball game that lasted several innings. The game ended with a close score of 23-24; no one remembers the exact score. 

Rev. Steve Trefz from Fusion UMC's kickball team pitches the ball.

"We had people as young as three and as old as sixties playing together," said Pastor Taryn. "For each run, the other church scored, the church donated $10 up to 20 runs. $400 was donated that day!"

Pastor Keith echoed the spirit of fellowship and fun across generations. "Unfortunately, I wasn't there for the potluck. Nancy and I were on the way home from vacation. But we got there just in time for kickball. When we arrived, teams were being formed. Downtown First UMC was down a player or two. So, I was immediately recruited. It was great fun. Both teams had young kids, high schoolers, and adults—even older ones like me."  

The actual winner was everyone who participated. "I love the spirit of this event because it reminds us of our larger connectional church family and that the kingdom of God is big," said Pastor Taryn. "We can do great things when we partner in ministry together!" 
 
Pastor Keith encourages churches to consider doing these kinds of things. "It is a chance to show the world the power of having fun and building connections. I believe God smiles when we, brothers and sisters in Christ, can laugh, visit, and have fun together. It's a witness to the world to celebrate life, faith, and togetherness," said Pastor Keith.