What does tailgate party have to do with church?

I was asked two weeks ago about our banner out in front of the church on Wolf’s crossing. An acquaintance wearing a Green Bay jersey asked, “What’s with the tailgating sign? Are you going to show the game?” I replied, “We won’t be showing the game but we will be tailgating after worship and before the Bears kick-off.” My friend look perplexed. I continued to explain. “Wheatland Salem church re-starts all its children, student and adult groups the second Sunday of September. Like football, we get excited about what God is doing and will be doing at our church. We share stories of real Hail Mary passes that didn’t score just six points. They are the stories of lives changed by prayer or of friends who enjoyed full summers but who are back to lead a team of people to Haiti or India. We honestly celebrate what God has been up to this past summer and what He will be doing in and through us in the next few months. We hold the tailgate party so we can spend some real time getting to know each other, catching up, playing some games and eating some great food. It’s a time to recognize the best game to watch is the one where you know the players.” My friend asked, “Sounds like fun, can I come?” “Yes.” I replied. ”All are welcome at 10 am on September 7th, even Packer fans. After all, God loves all his children.”