I am 3 rd
is one piece of the overall recreation ministries at Centenary Church. I am 3 rd
is based on a simple belief: Christ is first, Others are second, and I am 3 rd
. Through Soccer, basketball, dance, equine, tennis, and a variety of other sports, camps, and recreation activities, I am 3 rd
works to foster the athletic and spiritual development of all involved.
At the heart of our ministry are several key convictions including a belief that sports and recreation activities can:
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Improve physical health in a God honoring way.
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Enable a more holistic way of serving God with our lives
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Supply opportunities to build life-giving relationships
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Provide an excellent atmosphere for growth in faith
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Reflect and teach biblical values
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Teach participants that winning and losing is part of life. The key is developing good sportsmanship
I am 3rd Basketball is a Christ-centered basketball league for children and youth throughout the Lexington area. We emphasize the development of beginner and intermediate players both athletically and spiritually. I am 3rd Basketball was one of the first recreation programs begun at Centenary Church in 1997. During the 2011-2012 I am 3 rd
Basketball Season we had around 600 participants led by approximately 100 coaches during our winter season. We also offer an annual summer camp. Incorporated into the game and practice times are devotionals designed to nurture the faith of each child and coach. Games and practices are held in the gyms of Centenary United
Methodist Church at 2800 Tates Creek Rd. Please check out the other links on this page for the start of our next season and additional information about I am 3rd Basketball.
League
 Established in 1997
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A ministry of Centenary United Methodist Church
 Age K-12 th
(Boys) K-7 th
(Girls)
Boys and girls are on separate teams

 Coaching is done on a volunteer basis
 Fall 2007 was the beginning of online registration.
 Participation Avg. - 600 kids
 All Games and practices will be held at Centenary
What is provided?
Team Jersey and T-shirt
11 weeks of practices
7 games + Playoff Bowl Game for K-8 th
Divisions/Tourney for High School (Weather permitting; we will try and makeup all games)
Referee for each game (Kindergarten games are refereed by coaches)
Awards Celebration at the end of the season (Trophy/Medal/Plaque for kids)
What do I need to purchase?
Black Shorts (for games) and Basketball Shoes
Practices
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All practices are held at Centenary United Methodist Church
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One practice per week
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Practices are one hour long (K Practices are 45 min. long)
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No practices on Wednesdays or Saturdays
Games
 All games are held at Centenary United Methodist Church
 Length of game varies upon the division (about 1 hour)
 Make-up games could take place another day of the week.
Team Creation
When teams are put together for I am Third, three main considerations come into play.
First, we try to honor friend requests. Second, we try to honor practice day requests. And third, we keep the teams in each division balanced. In our league, competition is an important goal, but recreation and enjoyment are even higher goals. As a result, in order to foster greater equity throughout the league we will at times have to break up teams that have been consistently dominant in past seasons.