We had a good time doing the panel thing yesterday at the leadership seminar that Len Hjalmarson dragged us out to. A number of us (Bill, Gerry, me, Jamie, Jamie) have sat together on similar panels two or three times now, so there’s a bit of familiarity and an at-ease-ness about the whole thing. We were joined this time out by Doug Koop and Greg Glatz. Hopefully the assembled leaders found something helpful from the conversation.
So rumour has it that Len was so impressed with The King’s Head Pub when we introduced it to him (or him to it) during his last visit that a bit of a gathering is set for 6:30 tonight, for those who need a Guinness poured and served right. The photo above is one that I snapped on my Treo 650 a few weeks back in person at the King’s Head… showing (as well as could be expected) a near-perfect shamrock shaped in the foamy goodness that is the head on a pint of Guinness.
Why is it that my church cultural background sees the above picture as evil incarnate? How can I really respond to such an attitude at all? I wish I could have joined you!
Oddly enough, we were actually talking about that, in the context of the changes the church has seen over the past 20 years… one of which is that it’s okay to drink now! In the context, we decided that in the US, perhaps the South in particular, this is still a taboo for Christians. But things do change.
Wish you could have joined us indeed! btw, did you get the CD yet?
Definitely in SBC circles, whether in the South or not, it is still very much taboo. However, I am a part of a bible study group that goes to a very evangelical UMC church and every study includes the availability of beer and wine (or margaritas) and those who want to drink such and those who do not drink other drinks. And, we nevertheless are still able to be filled with the Spirit.
I have not, or, if I have it happened since we left home for a few days. We will be back this weekend, and I am sure it will be waiting for me then.
Here is a sample of a comment I just found on SBC Outpost, a great blog to find a range of SBC opinions. It is true that these are facts relating to alcohol, although someone is missing an underlying cause and stopping at alcohol. If only it were that simple.
also, teens are ramming thier cars into trees and dying due to alcohol.
babies are born with fetal alcohol syndrone due to the mother drinking alcohol…even one glass.
some husband is beating his wife tonite due to alcohol.
a man is losing his business and going bankrupt due to alcohol.
some teen girl is getting gang banged tonite at some party due to her drinking alcohol.
people will be checking into rehab tomorrow due to alcohol.
we ought to be high on Jesus…..filled with the Holy Spirit…..not filled with unholy spirits.
david