Once, when I was an adolescent, a college-aged youth minister came and spoke at our school’s Monday morning devotional (it was a private school). He told us that you can do anything for Jesus, and in his name. I’m sure there were certain guidelines, like don’t go raping for Jesus, or don’t go thieving for Jesus, but my memory is fuzzy.

Anyway, I do remember the minister asking for suggestions, and someone asking if mud-riding for Jesus was an option. The youth minister replied with an emphatic endorsement of mud-riding for Jesus, as if Jesus himself had oversized tires and a homemade lift-kit on a 10-year old truck, and often trespassed onto private property with said truck after a summer rain.

I was thrilled that Jesus approved of such behavior!

Lord, forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Anyway, I reacted similarly when I found out it’s possible to play Ultimate Frisbee for the Cahaba River, in an event sponsored by the Cahaba River Society (CRS). Ultimate is a delightful team sport, and playing it in support of the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program is just a delightful idea.

You see, the CRS has teamed up with the Birmingham Ultimate Disc Association (better known as BUDA) to host the Cahaba River Huckraiser, an Ultimate Frisbee Hat Tournament for amateurs and experienced ultimaters alike.

A hat tournament is one in which players are randomly assigned to teams, so if you’re not familiar with Ultimate you will probably not be the only one (long-time Ultimate players will be on hand before the event to explain the rules to amateurs). If you’re not much for flying discs, you can enjoy the food, drinks, live music and raffle and still have a great time.

It’s $25 to participate or attend, and for $35 you get a CRS membership as well. If you’re interested head down to George Ward Park on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event lasts from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., or thereabouts.

For more information call (205) 322-5326 or visit www.cahabariversociety.org.

Mud-ride for Jesus!