The pastors of the Lincoln County Ministerial Association have once again challenged the faculty and staff of the Lincoln County School System to a friendly game of basketball – all in the name of charity.

Hopefully, the rematch will tip the scales one way or the other after last year’s score of 52-52.

The game will be held Saturday, March 20, at 7 p.m. in the LCHS Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Among the All-Stars taking the court for the ministerial association are Rev. James James, pastor of Martin’s Crossroads Congregational Holiness Church.

Rev. Dan Rosser, pastor of Lincolnton Baptist Church; Rev. Keith Etheridge, pastor of Double Branches Baptist Church; Rev. Tom Smalley, pastor of Jones Chapel; Rev. Dennis Quinn, pastor of First Baptist Church.

Rev. Dave Hinson, pastor of Lincolnton United Methodist Church; Rev. Steve Rayner, pastor of Rehoboth Baptist Church; and Caleb James and Rusty Scott, representing Martin’s Crossroads.

The team fielded by the school system includes Kevin Blizzard, P.E. teacher at LCES and football coach at LCHS; Shawn Davis, graduation coach at LCMS and football and JV baseball coach at LCHS.

Howie Gunby; assistant principal at LCMS; Dr. Becky Barden, LCHS principal and former P.E. teacher and basketball coach.

Chris Smalley, community tennis coach at LCHS; Billy Kirby, paraprofessional at LCMS and LCHS and football and JV baseball coach at LCHS; Kenn Barnett, teacher and football and soccer coach at LCHS.

Eddie Roberts, teacher and football and track coach at LCHS; and Christie Mattison, assistant principal at LCES and former basketball coach at LCHS.

In addition to a unique basketball game, the event will also feature creative halftime activities, under the direction of Rev. Chip Woodall, family ministries pastor at First Assembly of God Church; concessions; a few unexpected twists; and plenty of fun.

According to Rev. James James, president of the ministerial association, “Our goal is to raise funds to help people who are in need. The money will be placed in our benevolence fund, which is used to pay light bills, water bills, and rent; purchase clothing; cover the cost of temporary housing; buy food; and provide for other needs as they arise.

“The people of Lincoln County have always shown their willingness to help others who are less fortunate. Therefore, we are not charging admission to the game. Instead, we will receive donations at the door.”

Rev. James went on to say that he and the ministerial association have confidence in the people of the county. “They have big hearts; they will turn out; and they will give. They have always come through.”

In closing, he said, “I would like to thank the Lincoln County Board of Education for allowing us to use the gym as well as all those who have agreed to participate in this charity event. Their generosity of spirit is much appreciated.”

Last year, the association raised $1,500 to help the people of Lincoln County.

For more information about the “Big Game,” call Rev. James at 706- 359-3996.