PROVO, Utah - BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, his wife, Holly, and members of the BYU football team will participate in an hour-long devotional prior to seven football games this season.
These devotionals will be conducted the evening prior to all road games as well as home games against Utah and San Jose State. They are referred to as "firesides" and are intended to help players, coaches, and those who attend strengthen or gain a knowledge of our purpose here on earth.
"The firesides have been a way for us to make a very clear statement of what our priorities are, or should be," Mendenhall says. "Football is simply the vehicle we use to help others come to a knowledge of what really brings joy and happiness to our lives. Football is not the priority. Some people don't understand that. These firesides are a way for all of us to help consider our priorities through understanding the purpose of life.
"Through the messages, as well as the musical numbers that are performed, it's a way to bring peace and happiness to our lives -- it's a way for us to give back by sharing with others the real meaning, or purpose of life."
The BYU football team has been holding weekly firesides throughout the football season since the Cougars' trip to New Mexico during the 2005 season.
"Prior to holding these firesides, I never felt settled about our regular Friday-night routine," Mendenhall says. "I always felt like we should be doing something more -- something that would allow us to give back to the community. It was an unsettled feeling that didn't ever go away until I came to a clear knowledge of what it was that we were supposed to be doing. It has been rewarding to see how the players, as well as others have embraced it."
Speakers at the weekly firesides talk about the meaning of discipleship, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Messages will focus on how we should seek to follow the Savior's example in all aspects of our life, and as we do so, we can come to a clear understanding of our purpose here on earth.
"Discipleship is a lifelong journey," Mendenhall explains. "Being a disciple of Christ should influence every aspect of our life, every day, month and year of our life."
Following is a list of fireside dates and the locations for each fireside during the 2011 season. All firesides are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. local time.
2011 Fireside Schedule
Friday, Sept. 2 (Ole Miss)
Tupelo Stake Center
1085 South Thomas St.
Tupelo, MS 38801
Friday, Sept. 9 (Texas)
Austin Stake Center
1000 East Rutherford Lane
Austin, TX 78753
Friday, Sept. 16 (Utah)
Orem Windsor Stake
60 E 1600 N
Orem, UT 84057
Friday, Oct. 7 (San Jose State)
Springville West Stake
996 W Center St.
Springville, UT 84663
Friday, Oct. 14 (Oregon State)
Keizer Oregon Stake Center
1375 Lockhaven Drive
Keizer, OR 97303
Thursday, Oct. 27 (TCU)
Colleyville Stake Center
500 West McDonwell School Road
Colleyville, TX 76034
Friday, Dec. 2 (Hawai'i)
Makakilo Stake Center
92-900 Makakilo Drive
Makakilo, HI 96707