Pickleball at Woodside Bible Church — Faith. Fellowship. Fun.

Tuesday and Thursdays — the sound of pickleballs — hard, perforated plastic “Wiffleballs”–  striking paddles reverberates throughout the Woodside gymnasium during most of the morning and early afternoon.  I typically arrive to play at about 12:00 PM — a strategy I employ to take advantage of any potential fatigue setting in for those who have been playing since 10AM. Well, perhaps it’s simply because I’m not yet retired and as a business owner I have other obligations.

Staying Healthy, Active  & Involved

Dave and Rachel, husband and wife team, are the “founders” of Pickleball at Woodside in Troy, Michigan.  Founded in November, 2012, it was their mission to begin a ministry that focused on keeping participants healthy, active and involved.  Displaying true servitude, they arrive at the church every Tuesday and Thursday at approximately 9AM to put the lines down in the gymnasium that ultimately comprises the four pickleball courts.  They also set up the nets so that when the masses arrive at 10AM, all is ready.

With a motto of “Faith. Fellowship. Fun” healthy “competition” ensues until approximately 1:30PM.  Throughout these 3.5 hours, it’s not unusual to have 30-40 people (sometimes up to 50) “pickling.”  It’s also not unusual to have the “picklers” bring in snacks and other goodies.

Pickleball — Fun for All Ages

The great thing about pickleball is that it’s fun for all ages and all are welcome — At 43, I’m one of the younger players.  However, I absolutely love playing with people of all ages — and all skill levels.  And it has kept me from frequenting the local gym to try and stay in shape by getting on the boring treadmills and elliptical machines.

Although I really enjoy the faith, fellowship and fun, I also thrive on the competition and Woodside Pickleball offers that as well.  In fact, several of the “regulars” will be participating in the Michigan Senior Olympics: Winter Games at the OPC in Rochester, Michigan February 10-13.  If you are in the Rochester, Michigan area check ’em out.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to play on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Woodside during my extended lunch hour.  Hope to see you on the courts!