I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. And now a prize is waiting for me… – 1 Timothy 4:7-8

It’s another busy weekend here in Wake Forest. But it got under way with the perfect combination of autumn’s first cool day and the Church Mission Golf Tournament.

As the New Testament writer put it, “We fought the good fight and we finished the course. And we (almost) won the prize.”

The temps Saturday afternoon didn’t quite reach 70-degrees. But things certainly heated up around the Wendell Country Club, where we used the “Captain’s Choice” format, played some amazingly entertaining golf, and raised a ton of money for all kinds of mission and outreach initiatives through the church.

I landed in a great group where the other guys were playing so well it made it easy to look good. Howard Dudley (left) came six inches from holing the first hit of the day to give us all a boost of confidence. Of course I hit my first ball in the water, so there was that.

But mostly it was just great fun. The combination of playing a game we love, being around good people who are great company, enjoying a church event, and raising money that goes to help fight hunger and homelessness – all in the name of Jesus – well, it was blessing multiplied by blessing.

Don’t forget to attend worship Sunday morning – especially if you are close enough to come to Wake Forest Presbyterian Church (at 9:00 or 11:15). This is a vibrant, authentic, beautiful community of faith that is passionate about following Jesus.

And don’t forget that everyone is welcome at the communion table. Remember, Jesus is God’s wide open invitation.

– DEREK