The 80th Minute
A committed Portland Timbers fan knows: In the 80th minute of every Timbers game at Providence Park, a melody emerges from the raucous crowd: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
Vocal chords at the ready, a collective breath rising as the clock reaches the appointed time, fans embedded in the Portland Timbers community lead the tradition. They carry it forward for each new Timbers fan who enters the stadium. They are committed.
The longstanding and evolved tradition was originally led by now-retired mascot, Timber Jim. There are those who have followed Timber Jim’s mascot antics since the beginning, those who have joined the singing for the first time, and many onlookers who are soon to catch the spirit of the song.
Timber Jim’s teenage daughter, Hannah, loved the song. “You Are My Sunshine” was a favorite of hers, alongside her favorite sunflower. In 2004 during a match against Minnesota, Jim was called home mid-game.
Hannah had died in a car accident.
When Jim returned as the Timbers Mascot, the community honored his loss. He sang Hannah’s favorite song holding a bouquet of sunflowers. After the second time, it was tradition. 20 years later the Timbers Army continues to sing in honor of Hannah and Timber Jim’s family.
Their family’s tragedy is well known and continues to instill a tenderness amidst what is typically a wild fan section. What many do not know is Timber Jim is United Methodist.
After Hannah’s death and a journey through cancer, he took solace in service to his community- including cultivation of a community garden at Tualatin United Methodist Church. His role as the original mascot, log cutter, chainsaw holding pole climber, and fan leader has more in common with his belonging in the United Methodist Church than at first blush.
As United Methodists, we also have caretakers of our tradition. Those who are embedded in the community, who carry it forward for each new face that enters the church. Those who are committed.
These are not die-hard fans or part of the Timbers Army, but members in the body of Christ.
There are those who have participated in the Spirit’s sacred antics since they were little, those who have joined the singing for the first time, and many onlookers who are soon to catch the spirit of the song.
Holding fast to longstanding tradition and living into new ones are important parts of being both a soccer fan and part of a church.
This fall we’ll use a sports lens to study what it means to be a member of the church. This kicks off on October 6 with a family-friendly tailgate potluck and group outing to the Timbers Game against FC Dallas. We have a private seating area (max capacity 53) that we can offer at a reduced price, so be sure to register soon to be able to sit with the First Church crowd!
For 5 weeks we’ll dive into each of our membership vows to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, exploring what it means for us to be committed.
We’ll put those membership vows to practice by participating in Stewardship Sunday on October 20. With sports and stewardship in the same season, you can expect a lot of mixed sports metaphors and frequent references to reaching our GOOOOOOOOOOAL.
Can’t wait to learn with you!
With gratitude,
Pastor Karyn
