By Jim Ploskonka, Ph.D.
For the past months, numerous hours of preparation have gone in planning the 66th YMS of R Bowling Tournament and thousands of dollars have been spent for just a few days. The answer to the question, why bowl?, is not in the food, the rules and regulations, the number in attendance or even the winners, but rather in the basis for Bishop Hodur establishing the YMS of R in 1914 – fellowship. Through the bowling tournament that was first organized during World War ll, thousands of members of the Polish National Catholic Church have gathered to share common interests, goals, experiences and views. The participants were a group of like-minded people seeking companionship via the medium of bowling. This companionship by tradition yields an atmosphere that is congenial and on equal terms. The 2011 tournament has not strayed from the basis of fellowship.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Since God commands us to meet with fellow believers, we do so to be obedient to His commands. Through events like the national bowling tournament we are able to comfort one another with God‘s comfort. Together we can share our victories as well as our defeats. Our church is a place where people can be loved and accepted unconditionally, just as Christ has accepted us just as we are.
On a personal note, my brother recently copied some old 16mm movies circa 1955, which had prior YMS of R Bowling events and other church traditions, which enabled me to see the excitement of those who laid the foundation for unconditional love and great fellowship that lasts forever. Our theme for the 2011 tournament is “Hot Lanes in Cleveland.” I encourage all of us to see beyond the strikes and gutters and get “Hot“ in the Spirit of sharing what Christ has done for us by enabling us to gather, have fun and share in His fellowship. lt is better to be “Hot” than lukewarm in our deeds, Revelation 3:16.