“And on the 8th day, God created the Dallas Cowboys.”

Ok, that’s a stretch. It’s nowhere to be found in Genesis. But there are plenty of Texans who might quote that as the only verse of the Bible they’ve ever actually committed to memory.

While I personally have my doubts that God actually participates in football, many players will attribute victories and successes to their faith in Jesus. My wife was intrigued by the fact that during the BCS Championship* between Oklahoma and Florida, earlier this month, a number of the Florida players - including superstar Tim Tebow - had scripture references on the anti-glare eye-black stickers which they wore on their faces.

This week, as the hype around the Super Bowl reaches its peak, there have been more and more soundbites from players giving “glory to God” for the privilege of being in the big game. Again, while I have my doubts that God is actually responsible for them getting to the Super Bowl, it is encouraging to hear these men (stars, millionaires) talk about things that matter more than the good ol’ game of football.

I stumbled on this AP article this morning that shines a brighter light onto the notion of “faith in football.” What do you think?

[*sidebar: Florida did win the BCS title game. Maybe God was watching!]

Cynthia and Josh Phillips are excited to announce the arrival of their new baby girl!

Her name is Hannah Grace Phillips

Born: Sunday Jan 25/09 at 11:58am - 2 weeks early

Weight: 7lbs, 2oz

Cynthia says Hannah is healthy, happy & feeding like a champ!!!!

Here’s the schedule and a list of work items for tomorrow:

Start: 9:30am
End: 4:30pm

• Hang new dry erase boards (Rob Wood & team)
• Patch walls where old dry erase boards hung
• Fill the dumpster (empty the building of all garbage and furniture cartons
• Painting high walls (use of lift required)
• Finish carpet base trim
• Office painting touch-ups (Nathan’s office, MJ’s work area)
• Move Nathan’s & MJ’s office furniture into their areas
• Replace dead light bulbs
• Replace damaged or painted ceiling tiles
• Prepare food for the workers (contact Irene Brasil for details)

Saturday, January 3 will be the last big work day of the holidays.  We’ll begin the day at 9:30am and will conclude at about 3:30pm.  The work we’ll be doing on Saturday will consist of painting and cleaning.  Please join us!

The Grace Centre work day for Friday will be 9:30am - 3:30pm.

The primary work we’ll be doing on Friday will be a small amount of painting, cleaning, and furniture set-up in the classrooms.