It was no ordinary service Sunday at the Estevan Church of God.
The church held its annual celebration of community sports on Sunday, drawing a big crowd in part due to star power.
Barrin Simpson and Keith Shologan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and TSN broadcasting legend Brian Williams were in the room to help the congregation celebrate.
Elecs head coach Marco Ricci, Regina Rams-bound defensive lineman Zach Rensby and atom Miners coach Garth Deitz also spoke about their experiences as part of Estevan's fledgling football programs.
The Rider appearances were made possible through team chaplain Barret Kropf, who is originally from Estevan and spoke about his experience sharing his faith in the sports world.
Williams was there for a feature being filmed about Simpson's Christian faith, which will air during the pre-game show on Friday night. Two TSN cameramen shot footage throughout the service.
At the last minute, Williams was asked to say a few words, and he focused on young athletes.
"Education and athletics are not mutually exclusive. Sport teaches value; religion teaches value. It teaches you decency, respect for your fellow man and women, it teaches you the good things in life," he said.
"It is inspiring for someone from Toronto to come and hear the speeches, to hear the young man, Zach, talk about what he's endured.
"I've covered 13 Olympics and I've never been asked to speak at a function like this and I'm truly honoured," Williams added.
Rensby's words seemed to connect with many in the congregation as he spoke about the trials of an injury-plagued final season with the Elecs last year.
He suffered a Grade 1 MCL tear during the second-last regular season, casting doubt over his future in football.
"It really showed me how to cope with adversity. I never knew if I'd be able to play again and I just prayed every single day to play one last game, maybe a playoff game, so I would be able to go out, knowing I did my very best," he said.
His doctor told him he would be able to play if the Elecs made the playoffs, although he didn't recommend it. His team pulled through with a win in the last game of the regular season.
"That was the best thing I ever heard," Rensby said.
After tweaking his knee in the second quarter, he sat out most of the second half but did go in for the final two minutes of his high school career.
Simpson, who is an ordained minister, gave the sermon. It lasted roughly 20 minutes, focusing on the gospel, what it is, and using one's platform in life to be an example of their faith.
"A child of God is who I am and a football player is just what I do," he said.
There was also some humour in his message.
"I get asked all the time, 'Barrin, explain this to me. How do you go out there and smash people as a man of God? How do you distinguish between them?' My first comment is, I hit them in a very Christian-like manner," he laughed.
Williams was in Weyburn in May for a story on Bombers lineman Brendon LaBatte and his connection to Estevan Motor Speedway. He said he was surprised to see that the flooding damage still lingers.
"I was absolutely stunned to see the extent of the flooding back in the spring, and I'm even more stunned to come here today and see the devastation. Anyone who has suffered loss, certainly our thoughts and prayers are with you," he said."
