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We made it through what seems like the longest month of the year! Now on to the shortest month with one of the most watched events on TV all year, The Super Bowl. When I was younger, I didn’t have much interest in the Super Bowl but now I get it. It’s only a little about the game, commercials, and halftime entertainment. I think the real reason everyone gets so excited is because of the food and company! We usually invite friends over to watch the game, but it seems like we do more eating and visiting than anything else. It seems like most of the time our favorite teams are not even in it. These big games can be a catalysis for adding some extra celebration, pride, and richness to our everyday lives.

I have always found it so wonderful how these athletes when questioned after the game thank God first and foremost for their talents, their teammates, and family. As some of you know, Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed after being hit during a play. He suffered from cardiac arrest and nearly died. He has been released and continues to recover. His gift, that got him to this place were not his only gift from God. Damar also gives back to his community, he created The Chasing M’s Foundation which supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more. The foundation’s first initiative was to positively impact children who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. Like in 1 Peter 4:10 “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” Yes, these men have many means in which to serve others, but my hope is that it is for the glory of God.

My hope for all of you this upcoming Super Bowl Sunday is to reflect on the gifts that you have been given. What makes you unique? What do you enjoy? In what ways can you use your gifts as you live out your role of a Christ-follower? Whether you gather around the TV this Sunday or just gather with your friends and family, I think you will enjoy some of my favorite appetizers and finger foods. 

 Crockpot Little Weenies  

  • 1 pkg of Little Weenies
  • 1 bottle of BBQ Sauce
  • 1 - 1 ½ Cups Grape Jelly (depends on your tanginess)

Place all ingredients in crockpot and cook until hot    

Quick & Easy Fruit Pizza  

  • 1 pouch sugar cookie mix
  • ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)
  • 1 egg
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 7 oz marshmallow crème
  • 2-3 cups fruit of your choice, chopped into small pieces  

1.  Preheat oven to 350.

2.  Combine sugar cookie mix with butter and egg, mix well.

3.  Using your hands, spread the dough evenly on a large baking sheet. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.

4.  Beat together cream cheese and marshmallow crème until smooth and frost the cookie dough “crust.” Cover the pizza with fruit.

5.  Refrigerate until serving. Slice into squares.    

Buffalo Chicken Dip  

  • 16oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • ¾-1 cup hot sauce (depending on how spicy you like it)
  • 2(10oz) cans chunk chicken, drained, OR
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  

1.  Preheat oven to 350

2.  Spray 9x13 pan with nonstick spray

3.  Mix cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce together, then stir in chicken.

4.  Pour into pan and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

5.  Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or chicken flavored crackers. 

Ministries
Food Ministry