Last year’s Vine Nights were so successful, we’re back for three Thursdays over three months this Fall! It’s just a great time for hanging out together with great food & drink, and celebrating the gift of being in community with one another.

Mark the dates on your calendar! All Vine Nights are Thursdays, 7—9 p.m.

• NEXT VINE NIGHT!!!  August 26 - Game night!
• September 16 - Art night!
• October 21 - Kids night - wear your costumes!

Scenes from the AfterVine Pizza on May 16.  Special welcome to all the recent Vine newcomers who came!

It was our very, very, very first mens retreat and it was awesome!  30 men came together for relaxation, friendship, fishing, golf, basketball, great food, great worship, great Bible study and small group time!  It was at the FFA Lodge on Lake Pierce near Haines City - a beautiful spot!  We can't wait till next year!

Vine was held at Lake Mirror Amphitheater this past Sunday!  The weather was beautiful, the music was awesome, we had a big crowd in attendance, and we had the opportunity to meet people who wandered in or responded to our invitation letter sent to the Lake Mirror neighborhoods.  Many stayed to enjoy the view and gather together for a picnic lunch.

A special thanks to all the Vine volunteers who woke up early to load the trucks, set up at the amphitheater, greet people, bring the food, play the music, and take it all down afterwards.  It wouldn’t have been possible without you!

See Carol P's Flickr Slideshow!

Meal Friends = Real Friends

8 or so people (or 4 couples), enjoying dinner, the beginning of great friendships!  These are low-impact groups for starting new relationships and building the support you need for your walk of faith.  Groups are formed around common life experiences and interests, and meet four times between April and June.

Register by using the card included in the Sunday handout at Vine or email Discipleship Lead Kenny Ellis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

The third and last Vine Night brought this successful Vine fellowship and outreach series of events at Black & Brew Coffeehouse and Bistro in downtown Lakeland to a great end.  Thanks to Jackie Hansen for bringing examples of her beautiful scripture artwork.  Thanks to Brett Blondell for a great set of live music!    (Also thanks to HL McConnell for the great iPhone pics!)

It was another great evening of good food, good friends, art and music.  Thanks to Richard Bond for bringing examples of his amazing work.  Thanks to Nikki, HL, and Jessica Stone for a great set of live music!  Join us for Vine Night 3 (last one) next Thursday, Oct. 22 at Black & Brew Coffeehouse and Bistro in Downtown Lakeland, 7-9 p.m.  featuring artist Jackie Hansen and live music with Brett Blondell!  (Also thanks to official Vine paparazzi Carol P. for the pics!)