Get your brackets ready! It's that time of the year again. The NCAA Basketball Tournaments are just around the corner. 

Wayne Yanchek and I enjoy competing against each other.

March Madness, as the NCAA Basketball Tournament is colloquially called, is a competition between the best teams in the NCAA Division 1 level. Played in a single-elimination bracket form, the competition of ten spurs friends or co-workers trying their best to predict who will make it to the Final Four and win the championship.

There are countless examples of teams playing to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and beat teams they have no business beating. Working with others is also a great strategy when you are Playing For Eternity, or playing for God's Glory. Here's an example of having the wrong intentions as a team member or church member.

"What?!" Anthony exclaimed when Coach Phillips chose Mateo as team captain. "I'm at every practice. I work hard, and I never disrespect you. I should be captain!"

"That's all true," Coach said. "But your teammates don't like how you think you're better than them. A captain should want what's best for the team, not what's best for himself. Mateo may make mistakes, but he always makes things right for the good of the team. That inspires the other players to do the same thing." It's true, there is no "I" in the word team.

In reverse, we're never jealous when someone else gets all the attention, especially when we remember the words of Jesus:

The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 13:11-12 NAB

Please enjoy the March Madness Tournament and the March Gladness of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 

Free Concert Open To All!

Dear Church Family,

As the Executive Director of our school, I’m reaching out with an opportunity to make a

meaningful impact in the lives of our students. We are looking for kind-hearted volunteers who are willing to step in as substitutes when a teacher is absent. This is a wonderful chance to support our school and be a positive presence in the classroom!

Don’t worry if you don’t have a background in education! Each classroom has a second teacher, so you won’t be alone. You’ll have the support you need, and the most important thing is your willingness to help. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just someone who loves to lend a hand, your contribution will make a difference.

Please note that this volunteer role will not be on a regular basis, but rather as needed when teachers are absent due to call-outs or vacations.

To make this process as easy as possible, we will cover the cost of fingerprinting through the clearinghouse, ensuring that everything is properly set up for you to volunteer.

Teachers shape the future one student at a time, and by volunteering, you’ll be helping create an environment where students can thrive, learn, and grow. Your presence, care, and support will have a lasting impact, not just on the classroom, but on our entire community.

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please email me at

june.oconnell@palmcoastumcs.org to let me know. I’ll be happy to guide you through the next steps.



Thank you for your love and support,

June O’connell