Leave it to doctors Dale and Linda Guse to hatch a plan for healthy, break-a-sweat physical activity with a healthy, no-sweat spiritual activity for their friends and fellow worshippers at Sandy Hook United Methodist in Columbus.
It all began last summer, with prayer and praise held inside the church at 1610 Taylor Road. This was followed by an hour of pickleball, the fairly modern game that — who knows? — may have improved some frustrated weekend athletes’ prayer lives in the process. The tennis-like game includes paddles and a wiffle-style ball, and, at Sandy Hook, mobile nets arranged in the ample parking lot.
Therein lay the simple beauty of Prayer, Praise and Pickleball, in which participants could, as the Bible admonishes, enter his courts with praise.
About 20 people turned out for that few weeks of sport and spirituality, including pickleball rookies.
“Participants enjoyed combining worship with a healthy outdoor activity,” said Dr. Dale Guse, a family physician.
Next up are four Wednesday sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 15 through July 6, open to anyone interested.
“Our focus this summer will be on Scripture and praying together, again followed by an hour of pickleball,” said Dr. Dale Guse. “We’d love to have more players of all levels join us. Beginners are welcome.”
That means even if you don’t know a dillball from a dill pickle, you can take a whack at fun and fellowship. This past spring, Pastor Paul Dazet taught six midweek sessions on Revelation followed by the revelation of pickleball.
Pastor Paul Dazet is a fan of the mix.
“At Sandy Hook United Methodist, we value wholeness of mind, body and spirit,” Dazet said. “Prayer, Praise and Pickleball is an evening of fun and connection, but it is also a step toward wholeness for individuals as well as our community.”
The idea has garnered enough interest that organizers aim for it to be a regular part of ministry for some time.
“We hope to possibly continue pickleball this upcoming winter in our activity center,” the doctor said. “We limited our indoor activities this past winter due to the pandemic.”
