A little bit of air-time this week has caused me to reflect upon the similarities between going to church and flying:

Welcome/announcements = "Thank you for choosing this airline..."
Scripture reading = safety video (both are usually ignored)
Sermon = in flight movie
Bread = pretzel/sesame puff bag (formerly peanut bag)
Wine = beverage of your choice
Offeratory = trash collection
Priest/pastor = flight attendant
Bishop = pilot
Elders/big donors = first class passengers
Benediciton = "Tray tables up for landing please"

And especially for Roman Catholics...

Purgatory = Standby
Indulgences = Frequent flier milage

Finally... both enterprises require faith that participating will actually get you somewhere.