From the Touchline

The Coronavirus pandemic has thrown much of life into an uproar — amongst the many things that are no longer normal, school and education around the world looks very different. Children are now full-time at home with their families. Learning and education that once happened in traditional school settings is now taking place online and at home with the willing or, maybe, not so willing work of the parent or guardian. Of course, this is effecting the football world, too. Athletes and their families, at all levels of the game, are now together and education is striving to go on. For some in football, this is a massive and somewhat daunting undertaking.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, I am joined by a special guest, my own wife, Adriana Kenney. Adriana has been educating our children at home for the past 12 years and while our oldest is now a thriving student in traditional high school, Adriana and I share some of our experience and reflections on the journey and work of homeschooling that many around the world are now faced with in light of COVID-19.

I hope that this podcast will be an encouragement for the listener faced with this new, and seemingly difficult challenge.

Below, I link to the scriptures mentioned in today’s episode and a link to a number of books and resources Adriana references that can be helpful tools for someone exploring or wanting to really take on this season of school at home, well.

• Deuteronomy 6:4-9
• Proverbs 22:6

• 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum, by Cathy Duffy
• The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart of Eternity, by Sally Clarkson
• The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ’s Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children, by Sally Clarkson
• Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace, by Sarah Mackenzie

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

The first of April is usually a day wrought with jokes and pranks around the world. But during these times of global pandemic, there likely won’t be a lot of practical jokes going on and, in fact, some have made comments about the “foolishness” of certain things like sports and football, or soccer. Times like these do bring different introspection and perspective, but is football just a fool’s game?

In today’s From the Touchline episode, I take a look at what C.S. Lewis distinguished as first and second things. While there are some generalized sentiments around the global game of football and other sports during this time, I argue that there is an “importance” to an unimportant thing such as football, that ought not be ignored. In fact, we do well to realize the deep reaching impact of losing things like football.

Below is the link to the scripture I mention in today’s episode and a link to the book I reference and to the CS Lewis essay that offers some further reflection and insight into first and second things.

• Micah 6:8
• A Brief Theology of Sport, by Lincoln Harvey
• First and Second Things, by C.S. Lewis

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

Defender is a descriptor used at several different points throughout the Bible to describe God. He is there for the weak, the vulnerable, the oppressed — for His people — as the ultimate refuge, as a shelter, as shield, as protector. During these difficult times, when the world is struggling with fear from the coronavirus and its tremendous impact, perhaps more than ever, we need to remember and call upon God to be our Defender.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, special guest and friend, Jared Watts joins me to share some different defensive points of view for the beautiful game and to help illustrate ways that God is our Defender. Jared shares memories from his own story and journey through soccer and we walk and talk through some of the characteristics of God as Defender as found in the Bible verse of Deuteronomy 32:4.

Below is the link to the scripture for today’s episode and a link to the book referenced at the end, as well as the webpage for Jared’s goal :

• Deuteronomy 32:4 (GNT)
• Celtic Blessings, Prayers for Everyday Life, by Ray Simpson
• Jared Watt’s First Professional Goal

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

One of my favorite days and favorite historical persons is Saint Patrick and his feast day is March 17. I feel that I connect with Patrick on many levels — from the way he lived life, to some of the ways that he, by faith, came to understand and know and believe in God. My Scot-Irish background also plays a big part of of why I have enjoyed studying and reading Patrick a bit more closely — whether his legacy or his legend.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, I look at a couple stories from Patrick’s life and share one or two of my own. At the close, is a reading of the Breastplate of Saint Patrick, also known as the Lorica of Patrick. It is a long prayer, but one in which a person prays for the power and protection of Jesus to be with them no matter what may be faced. It is a good prayer for us to know today — much of scripture is woven into the prayer.

Here are some helpful links for today’s episode:

• Ephesians 6:13
• Breastplate of Saint Patrick (trans. CF Alexander)
• Lorica of Saint Patrick
• More on Saint Patrick and Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

The Coronavirus is making headlines locally and around the world. The virus is having an even greater impact on economies and supply chains and is even effecting the beautiful game in a negative way. The virus is certainly on the radar as football (soccer) governing bodies are discussing suspending league play in certain countries to avert a greater crisis. And talk of suspending the Olympic games and more show how the virus is impacting even the sports that many love.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad looks at what the Bible says about a Christian believers response during times like these. Building off of descriptions of the events of the last days found in the book of Revelation, a person might feel a great sense of fear or panic. But is that how Christian delivers are to live?

Scripture passages mentioned in today’s podcast include (hyperlinks take you to BibleGateway):

• Revelation 6:8
• Matthew 24:1-14
• John 16:33
• Philippians 4:4-9

Remember when you purchase through SmileAmazon and designate Soccer Chaplains United, we get a small donation (.5%) of every eligible purchase.

Resources referenced in today’s podcast include:

• Celtic Daily Prayer

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

Defend Memphis, the motto of United Soccer League – Championship team, Memphis 901 FC, has an interesting history behind it. That motto not only helps characterize the city of Memphis, it can give inspiration to others, as well.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad hosts special guest Rev Greg Aydt, chaplain for Memphis 901 FC. Rev Brad and Rev Greg talk about Greg’s experience for the first year working with Memphis 901 FC, life in the USL- Championship, and how chaplains can offer support for athletes, coaches, and staff when they go through the ups and downs of the game.

Resources referenced in today’s podcast include:

• How Champions Think: In Sports and in Life, Dr. Bob Rotella

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

Today marks the beginning of the season of Lent. For the next 40 days (excluding Sundays) Christians around the world will “practice Lent” in this time leading up to Easter. Perhaps Lent is a familiar space for you – one in which you have grown up in. Or, maybe, Ash Wednesday is that one day a year where you wonder why people are walking about with black marks on their foreheads? Wherever you are in your experience, knowledge or understanding of Lent and its practice — there is an invitation to draw closer to God and to examine one’s faith and spiritual practice in an intentional way, during this season.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad briefly shares some of his own experience and about not-growing up with Lent and then introduces a potential guide for the season of Lent written by two pastors in the Denver, Coloardo area — Pastors Dave Meserve and Mike Sares. The guide, only available electronically, will be published each Wednesday throughout the season of Lent and may be accessed through the link below. Additionally, Rev Brad provides a couple links to other “favorite” guides for the season of Lent.

Remember when you purchase through SmileAmazon and designate Soccer Chaplains United, we get a small donation (.5%) of every eligible purchase.

Resources referenced in today’s podcast include:

• Introduction to Lent (as written by Mike and Dave)
• Continue the Journey (link to Mike’s blog featuring a new reflection each week)
• Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter (Rev Brad’s favorite)
• Seven Weeks for the Soul (another Lenten guide)

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

To what team do you ascribe allegiance to? What team/sport do you avidly follow or you might even say you, “bleed these colors?” Our allegiances to sports teams are not something that are lightly considered — and a plethora of reasons exist for the way that we follow and cheer on our sports teams. Maybe it was where we grew up, how we were raised or a special or significant person who shared their interest with us.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad looks at the topic of allegiances. While it is common to be a die hard fan for a sports team, our allegiance to God and spiritual things is often times something very different.

Referenced in today’s podcast is the following scripture verse from the Bible:

• Jeremiah 2:11 — Has a nation ever changed its gods?

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

Recently, Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and the volunteer chaplain for the Colorado Rapids returned from a month-long sabbatical. His time away during the month of January was filled with rest and learning to shut-down and say ‘no’ to several things.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad shares about his sabbatical and offers some reflections and encouragement from his time away from ministry. He shares four key learnings that he takes away from his time of rest that may be helpful (though challenging) for anyone in and around the game of football.

Referenced in today’s podcast are two key scriptures from the Bible:

• Mark 6:31 — …he [Jesus] said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
• Isaiah 30:15 — In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.

February 1 is Saint Brigid’s feast day (the day when the church recognizes and celebrates her life). Brigid (also known as Brigid of Kildare) was an Irish woman who lived from 450 – 523 AD. She was well-known and well-endeared to people for her generous and hospitable spirit.

In today’s From the Touchline episode, Rev Brad looks at the life of Brigid as an example for us today. Whether you are a footballer, a coach or manager, owner or team executive — Brigid’s example can serve as a great starting point for considering how we open our hearts and hands to people in need.

Referenced in today’s podcast and is the devotional book Celtic Daily Prayer — a favorite of Rev Brad’s and available for purchase through AmazonSmile. Remember that when you purchase through AmazonSmile and designate Soccer Chaplains United as your charity of choice, .5% of your purchase price is gifted to us!

From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).

Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccChaplain, in the Apple and Google store.