Church On Tap

Canalside Pub & Eatery

8:00 - 9:30 pm (approx)
last Sunday of each month

Who says you have to do church in a church?   On Sunday, October 28 th , the Parish of St. James & St. Brendan Church in Port Colborne held its inaugural "Church On Tap" in association with the Canalside Pub and Eatery on West Street.   The worship committee under the leadership of Rev. Robert Hurkmans had worked hard to plan and promote the event, but leading up to the event we weren't sure what to expect.   Some people who had heard about the event phoned to find out more, while others who had seen our advertising had voiced their displeasure, complaining that the idea of holding church in a pub was "offensive" and "disgusting".   We would soon discover the outcome.

Upon entering the pub, we were met by Tim who cordially welcomed us to an evening billed as "Faith, Friends and Froth".   He handed us a bulletin and we found an unclaimed table.   The establishment had a capacity crowd and was electric with chatter and laughter as people, some from other parishes in town, some from no organized church, and a few "out of towners", mingled on their way to and from the bar area to get their refreshment in preparation for the "service".    Some chose to have a bite to eat as well and the wait staff were inconspicuous as they delivered orders to tables.

The tables were decorated with candles, the room was dim, and on the bar stood a brass cross and two lit candles.   On the large screen above the bar was a quote by Benjamin Franklin, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."   Linda and Alfredo were playing jazz and contemporary music such as "All You Need Is Love" and "Stand By Me", that had surprising spiritual messages for those with ears to hear.  

The service opened with a prayer, a toast and a visual of a billboard showing a picture of Jesus holding a bottle of Budweiser and the caption read, "King of Jews, King of Beers."   Rob pointed out that it was a billboard that had been altered by graffiti artists in Houston in 2006.   Of course the billboard was quickly removed as there was much anger and offence taken by the commuters that our Lord would be associated with beer drinking.   However, Rob used the picture to remind us that Jesus had been called many names, glutton and drunkard being but two, and that he had been judged because he hung out with the "wrong people" and in the "wrong places".   He also reminded us that this type of gathering was entirely consistent with the life and ministry of Jesus.

We watched a short video about a gentleman who daily and persistently was using a bullhorn / megaphone to preach a "turn or burn" gospel message.   However, it didn't seem to be working for him or the people on the street who he was trying to reach with his message.   The speakers commented that, "How you love others is how you love God."   Following this there was a short break for re-fills, and music before table-discussion ensued.   Rob led us through the questions being displayed on the screen and everyone was encouraged to share their thoughts with the table, and then with the whole pub.   There were many comments about God, love and organized religion and no one seemed anxious for the discussion to finish.

The service was brought to a close after about one hour, with a prayer and a thank you to all who came out for the event.   Many stayed on to mix and mingle with friends.   We left with a feeling not only of having grown spiritually, but also with a feeling of community that evening.   Since that evening there has been a bit of a buzz around town since one of the attendees was a local journalist who wrote an article for newspaper and promoted the event.

This event is not for everyone, but then again, it isn't meant for everyone.   It is a fresh way of doing church for our Anglican parish, as well as an opportunity to reach out to those in our community who have a longing for God, but not for the organized church, people who enjoy discussing their faith and beliefs in a more relaxed setting with a pint in their hand.    All that is required is a loving heart and an interest in sharing thoughts and listening to others.

Read an article re:  Church on Tap