It was such a blessing to see our community growing deeper in relationships and faith.  This past week, the men enjoyed some time of prayer & bball on Saturday morning.  I stopped by briefly and saw a very tired, sweaty group of guys just hanging out and having a devotion time.  Some guys came who weren't even part of Mission Vineyard to join in, and it struck me that that is exactly the kind of church we hope to be -- a gathering place, a real community that is not exclusive or pretentious.  We just happen to be living out our faith in community together.  I think the guys had a great time and hope to get together again soon. 

On Sunday, Scott shared a message with the church about the power of the Lord's prayer and praying collectively together in unison.  We learned about the root meanings of each of the words, and got together in groups to practice together.  This week, each of us were tasked with praying that prayer as often as we can remember--as a way of bringing God's kingdom to the here and now amidst the craziness of our weeks.  Everytime we think about places in our lives where the world might be broken (injustice, materialism, sickness, etc.), we pray this prayer to help "set things right."  I hope you'll join us in praying:

Our Father, who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our sins,

As He forgives those who sin against us.

And lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever

Amen.