By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Every TV and projector in The Connection church in Pelham displayed welcoming messages for the high school football players, coaches and sideline cheerleaders Sept. 24 when the church campus held a dinner to support Pelham football.

Campus pastors Kenny and Mary Gray made sure the sanctuary was well-decorated with green and gold balloons and stage lights as the students and coaches filled dozens of tables throughout the room.

“It’s the high school, it’s our community and they represent our city, (and) so do we,” Kenny said. “So what better way to bridge that together? We want to be a light in our community. In Christian faith we believe Jesus was a light to the world, and that’s what we want to be.”

For about a year now, Kenny said they’ve been trying to get in touch with the high school to host an event like this. When new head coach Tom Causey was hired, his wife Tammy got in touch with The Connection.

It came together pretty quickly, according to Kenny, and the church’s staff and volunteers were excited to have the team with them.

“We wanted to just have them in, welcome them, treat them like family, show them we care and that we are here for them and just bond with them,” Kenny said. “When I played ball, I wish someone had cared enough about us to do something like that.”

After a short speech from Kenny, dinner was served. The Connection prepared hamburger steaks and gravy, potatoes and green beans for the team, being careful to stay away from caffeine and sweets, and Kenny said they seemed to enjoy the evening.

“They were very excited about it,” Kenny said. “I think coach Causey, no matter where he’s been in his coaching career, has always wanted to get his players into the community.”

Kenny invited the team to come back to the church anytime for a pre-game meal, for a movie or even just to hang out before a game. He and Mary said the whole point it just to reach out and be a part of the community.

“We are very pleased,” Kenny said. “We just had a good time with them. It’s just about reaching out.”