So sometime around the big game on Sunday we'll probably see a public display of faith...after a touchdown, waiting for a game-winning fieldgoal, kneeling down on the 50 yardline after the game.  And maybe a victorious player or coach will be interviewed following the game and say something to the effect of thanking Jesus for the victory. Once again, faith and sport will mix.

It seems to me that this type of thing tends to be pretty dominated by Christians.  Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Scientologist and atheist football players tend to stay pretty quiet about God's role, or non-role in their victory.  But Arizona Cardinal quarterback Kurt Warner shouts his gratitude to Jesus into whatever microphone is presented to him.  Florida Gator Tim Tebow plays in the college football national championship game with eyeblack stickers marked "3:16" (which was the number one Google search that night, by the way.  People apparently didn't know it was short for the New Testament passage 'John 3:16'). 

Every other month at Vine, an ancient and living sacrament is observed in the worship gathering called communion. 

What's up with that?  Can I participate?  What's it all mean?  Why not every week?  What can I expect?

I grew up going to a church with my family where communion was a part of the worship service about 4-5 times a year.  My first remembrance was the teeny the little cup of juice and hard wafer of bread the size of a tictac, and thinking, "that's it?" (I've always been a big eater).  But through the years, as my faith grew, as I learned more about Jesus and what it means to be in his community, and I experienced lots of different ways this sacrament is observed in different traditions (even participating in places like Egypt and Africa), the spiritual experience has become more and more precious and vital for me.

Vine invites everyone to participate in communion in their own way.  Here's some basic info to help you get ready...

Vine might have a different feel than other types of worship gatherings you've attended in the past - like some of the multi-sensory and interactive elements, music, worship space, whatever - but just like all other forms of Christian worship it has 3 essential ingredients always present and made the priority. 

If you have kids, are you doing the 'Santa' thing this Christmas?  When you had kids, how did you handle Santa Claus? If you are planning on having kids someday, are you going to do Santa?

At Vine, we've been centering more on the Advent season, which we are in right now, than Christmas. 

Don't get me wrong...Christmas parades aren't usually a time for deep thinking.  I just sit back, watch, and wave back at all the people on the floats.  But last night at the Lakeland Christmas Parade I had a thought.

Japanese for "thank you very much" by the way. So, here's what I'm thankful for right now...

• A paycheck.  Seriously.
• Really strong coffee in the morning
• The Eaton Park kids who hung out with me at the moon-bounce on Saturday
• Fantasy football...but only because I'm winning lately
• My new big, warm, red plaid wool shirt.  Love that thing.
• Hugs whenever I get home.
• DVR for recording the Godfather marathon last weekend
• Timothy, Buzzy, Loretta, Jodie & Tracy making me feel so welcome in their lives on Sundays.
• Ryan, Mickey, HL & Kenny for speaking their hearts.
• Lynn for saying 'I do.'  I still can't believe it, but I'll take it.
• My kids can babysit themselves now.
• Eddie Van Halen chasing tone.
• Mike for being so trusting.
• Primo's pizzas and the warm welcome I get whenever I pick them up.
• You in Vine, for helping me see what it can look like every Sunday.  Have a happy Thanksgiving!