Letter To The Editor – Kudos To Hoosick Falls Youth Football And Cheerleading Board

To the Editor:
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Board of the Hoosick Falls Youth Football and Cheerleading Program for being open to change. When challenged to consider rescheduling youth football games from Sunday morning to another time so families could attend Sunday School and church together, the Board agreed to take this suggestion to the league our youth play in. Unfortunately, all of the communities in the league did not agree, but Hoosick Falls felt strongly enough about it that they did what they could to try to make this change happen here.
The Board went to each team that Hoosick Falls was scheduled to play at home and asked if they would be willing to play on Saturday evening under the lights at HFCS instead of Sunday morning (thank you Mr. Facin for your generous offer). Initially, I was disappointed to hear that only Granville’s team agreed. It was just one game and we had prayed for much more, but God immediately showed me that it is indeed ONE GAME and that change rarely comes quickly or easily. This ONE game is the beginning of something very positive in Hoosick Falls. It is ONE step closer to taking back Sundays for God and family, and for that I am very grateful.
Surveys show that youth who attend even one “religious” activity a week are less likely to become involved in drugs and alcohol. God knows the hearts of the individuals on this Board to do what they could to try to affect change here in Hoosick Falls so we can begin to reclaim the ground that’s been lost by not putting God first. I applaud you – President Ken Marbot, Charlie Costantino, Jeannie Gilson, Jim Hurlburt, Bobby Pine, Rob Richards and Heather Stevens – and believe with all my heart that though this is only ONE game, God will honor your courage to take this step of faith – for recognizing that He is important, especially in the lives of our children. If you see one of these Board members, please make a point to thank them for stepping out and taking a risk on behalf of our youth.
I see God doing something in Hoosick Falls that is very exciting. As I am out about having conversations with people, I see an openness to spiritual things that I’ve never seen before, a drawing of God’s people to Himself in these days of uncertainty and a willingness to take tangible steps to move closer to Him. Through some of these conversations, I’ve learned there are many people who agree with the context of this letter. I challenge you, moms and dads, grandparents and others, please don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. Take a stand for what you believe is right, whatever the issue is. God is challenging us to be bolder in our faith. Your voice may be one He wants to use as a catalyst to change. Trust Him to go before you.
I want to thank all who have prayed specifically for this change. Continue to pray, as other communities and organizations see how God honors Hoosick Falls’ and Granville’s decision to put Him first, that they too will be willing to make concessions in their schedules so families will not have to make a choice between God and football (or other activities) on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Gail M. Smith
North Petersburgh
dos To Hoosick Falls Youth Football And Cheerleading Board
To the Editor:
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Board of the Hoosick Falls Youth Football and Cheerleading Program for being open to change. When challenged to consider rescheduling youth football games from Sunday morning to another time so families could attend Sunday School and church together, the Board agreed to take this suggestion to the league our youth play in. Unfortunately, all of the communities in the league did not agree, but Hoosick Falls felt strongly enough about it that they did what they could to try to make this change happen here.
The Board went to each team that Hoosick Falls was scheduled to play at home and asked if they would be willing to play on Saturday evening under the lights at HFCS instead of Sunday morning (thank you Mr. Facin for your generous offer). Initially, I was disappointed to hear that only Granville’s team agreed. It was just one game and we had prayed for much more, but God immediately showed me that it is indeed ONE GAME and that change rarely comes quickly or easily. This ONE game is the beginning of something very positive in Hoosick Falls. It is ONE step closer to taking back Sundays for God and family, and for that I am very grateful.
Surveys show that youth who attend even one “religious” activity a week are less likely to become involved in drugs and alcohol. God knows the hearts of the individuals on this Board to do what they could to try to affect change here in Hoosick Falls so we can begin to reclaim the ground that’s been lost by not putting God first. I applaud you – President Ken Marbot, Charlie Costantino, Jeannie Gilson, Jim Hurlburt, Bobby Pine, Rob Richards and Heather Stevens – and believe with all my heart that though this is only ONE game, God will honor your courage to take this step of faith – for recognizing that He is important, especially in the lives of our children. If you see one of these Board members, please make a point to thank them for stepping out and taking a risk on behalf of our youth.
I see God doing something in Hoosick Falls that is very exciting. As I am out about having conversations with people, I see an openness to spiritual things that I’ve never seen before, a drawing of God’s people to Himself in these days of uncertainty and a willingness to take tangible steps to move closer to Him. Through some of these conversations, I’ve learned there are many people who agree with the context of this letter. I challenge you, moms and dads, grandparents and others, please don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. Take a stand for what you believe is right, whatever the issue is. God is challenging us to be bolder in our faith. Your voice may be one He wants to use as a catalyst to change. Trust Him to go before you.
I want to thank all who have prayed specifically for this change. Continue to pray, as other communities and organizations see how God honors Hoosick Falls’ and Granville’s decision to put Him first, that they too will be willing to make concessions in their schedules so families will not have to make a choice between God and football (or other activities) on Sunday morning. God bless you.
Gail M. Smith
North Petersburgh