Do I get loud like that too? Other observations from the fast.

I’m now most of the way through Lent.  By and large I’m doing fine.  Many nights I don’t miss alcohol, or lately, even think about it.  Even so, there continue to be moments of insight and occasionally, of struggle.  Here they are in no particular order:

• Weeknights are generally fine, except as noted last time, if it has been a long and stressful day.
• It is becoming clearer to me that another facet of why I drink is that it is simply something to keep me occupied- or for lack of a more eloquent way of putting it, it is simply something to do. Therefore, not being able to do it leaves me feeling itchy from time to time.  It’s not because I crave the alcohol but because I have to find something else to do with my down time.
• Friday and Saturday nights are still difficult. I suspect this is because this is when the habit is still most ingrained… to kick back and relax at the end of the week.  But this is also combined with the fact that this is when my wife will also tend to have a drink or two and, it is nice to join her in that.
• Being sober when others are drinking is still a fairly novel experience. I’ve done it before, even going so far as to attend a beer tasting at which I didn’t drink.  One recent Friday night I went out with friends.  While it was somewhat tempting to give in to the inky lusciousness of Celebrator on tap, I managed to do just fine with my seltzer and lime.  My companions indulged in tasty offerings from Greenman and Victory as well as a Bluecoat and tonic. As our conversation continued into the 2^nd round I couldn’t help but notice that they became a little more animated and excited.  Volumes rose accordingly and occasionally folks would even talk over one another.  Of course, it was all perfectly enjoyable not to mention in keeping with a bar on Friday night.  But as someone who is prone to being loud and animated anyway, it makes me wonder just how much more pronounced that must be when I get two drinks into a conversation?

I am glad to be in the final week and look forward to sharing some final observations with you next week

Keep those prayers coming

Half Time Report!

Thursday the 28th marked the halfway point of Lent so I thought I would bring you a report from the sidelines as to how the alcohol fast is going.

1) Most of the time my desire for a drink is more because it’s a habit than a craving. For example, after dinner I would do the dishes and clean the kitchen and, on my way back to the living room, would head to the bar for a bourbon to wind down the evening. For the first couple of weeks of Lent when heading out of the kitchen I often caught myself turning left into the dining room rather than right towards the living room.

2) When I have found myself wishing I could have drink it is at the end of a long and stressful day. Thankfully I have found that if I just push on, the craving passes.

3) The first two Sundays (which are not part of Lent and so offer a break from the fast) I drank more than I should have. In reflecting on this, I realized it stemmed not from a desire to get drunk but from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

I have struggled with FOMO in all areas of my life… food, buying stuff, figuring out exactly the right thing to order on the menu, etc and usually winding up overindulging because I was afraid I would miss something. It seems to be rooted two misbegotten ideas.  First, that such things can bring me spiritual fulfillment and second, that if I choose the best ones then the fulfillment will be even greater

At its best it’s an annoyance. At its worst, it can become compulsive. Knowing my family members and systems my best guess is it’s a manifestation of the OCD/anxiety disorder that plagued my mother and grandmother.

Getting back to those Sundays, I used this one day a week break to justify having more because I was afraid if I didn’t squeeze it in, I would miss out. Last week I took this experience to heart and kept things in moderation.

4) The longer I go the less pronounced the desire and even the interest in having a drink becomes. The challenge will be if I can take the insights that distance has allowed me and apply it back to life when I no longer have the prohibition of Lent to make the choice for me.

So, there you have it… nothing as dramatic as a torn ACL or concussion protocol but just taking the time to reflect and put it all in writing for you is rather helpful for me.
Thanks for reading, please keep me in your prayers and stay tuned for the next update!

“Hey Padre, gimme some of them ashes”

 

I just finished offering ashes as part of the “Ashes to Go” ministry and it got me to thinking about one of my all time favorite encounters on an Ash Wednesday.  It’s been a few years since I shared it so I hope you enjoy reading it.

A blessed Ash Wednesday and Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.

It was Ash Wednesday and it also happened to be my sexton’s birthday.  So after the noonday service he and I walked two blocks down to my favorite local lunch spot, The Henry James Saloon.  Needless to say, I was still in my full clerical garb complete with a big smudge of ash on my own forehead from the service.  So we are sitting there me with my Yuengling Lager (a Philadelphia staple) and him with his Bud (may God forgive him).  Across from us are four women, obviously there on their lunch break as well.  Anyway, there we are, chatting and suddenly one of the women calls out, “Hey Padre… Padre.”  Needless to say I quickly knew she was talking to me (When one is wearing clerics it doesn’t take long to realize that you attract a lot more attention from strangers than if you were in civilian dress).  So I asked how I could be of service.  Her response was classic Philly, “Gimme some of them ashes.”  She explained that by the time she got home from work and picked up her son, took care of supper and homework, she would not have time to get the 7 o’clock service at her home church.  I apologized and told her that sadly, I did not bring my container of ashes (in this case a small metal box) with me so I could not oblige.  Yet she was not to be deterred… she thought for a moment and then pointed and said, “Well gimme some of your ashes then.”  Bold as brass she was and it knocked me for a loop.  I must have looked as confused as I felt because she felt that it was necessary not only to repeat herself, but to point straight at my forehead.  At last I understood, though I was still not exactly sure how I felt about the whole enterprise but I could see no reason to deny her request.  I stood and went over to her and asked her name.  I then licked my thumb, put it to my forehead and with the residue, made the sign of the cross on hers while saying, “Margie, remember that you are dust and to dust to shall return.”  Although the whole enterprise was a bit half-assed in my opinion it was clearly valid enough in hers.  It must have been because two of her three friends asked me to do the same.   Just goes to show that people are always looking for the sacred, even, or perhaps especially, in the alehouse.

Granddaddy’s Growler

We were cleaning out my grandmother’s house and figuring out which knickknacks we’d hold onto.  I’d set aside a few things when my wife held up this oddly shaped tin pail.  It was vague familiar.  She asked what it was.  My mother told us it was a  “cherry-picking pail.” Whatever it was, my wife liked it.

Flash forward a decade.  A colleague brought in a similar looking tin pail with a lid.  She brought it in because she had just discovered that it was her grandfather’s growler and she thought I’d like to see it.

My colleague’s growler

In the intervening years I had indeed learned that the mostly glass growlers that I used to bring draft beer home had stated out as simple galvanized or enameled metal pails.  As the realization dawned I ran next door to my house to pull the “cherry-picking pail” off the dusty shelf of its exile.

While the shape and size varied slightly from hers, the material and apparent age were the same.  This odd pail was not for cherries at all- it was for beer!

The “cherry picking pail” that turned out to a growler

Given the fact that mine narrows at the neck this makes much more sense.  For gathering cherries or anything else that you’d be tossing into a container, said container should have a wider, not narrower opening.  Moreover, my grandmother was decidedly anti-booze and a member of the WCTU, which gave her motive to disguise the boozy past of this heirloom.

While it’s safe to say I won’t be taking this to the local bar or brewery for a fill up, I am glad to had this piece of family history to my growler collection.

As to the full history of growlers there is much agreement but also some debate, particularly as to the origins of the name.  If you want to learn more you can do like the old after school specials would say and “Consult your local library” or just click on this link, or this one or this one.

So do you have any beer related heirlooms in your family?  Please share your stories and pics.

Beer Week, The Brew Off and other Successful Shenanigans

The last six weeks have been exceptionally busy.  I’m pleased to report that all our endeavors were successful both in terms of fun and funds raised.

All the brewers and brewsters at the end of the night

The 3^rd installment of the Biblical Brew Off saw our biggest crowd yet.  There is no doubt that the women of Team Eve helped to bring many of their own fans which swelled the crowd.  Those present got to sample the seven brews, dine on BBQ and bid on the silent auction while team of judges (Theresa Conroy, Danya Henninger, George Hummel and special guest Jay Brooks) ranked the offerings.

Team Jesus took back the crown but Team Eve took the People’s Choice with their Saison d’Eve.  But the real winners were the charities who split an all-time high of over $2700.

Beer Week was just as fruitful.  Sarah Weissiger joined Rabbi Eli and myself at Fergie’s for the latest iteration of A Priest, a Minister and a Rabbi Walk into a Bar.  Sarah’s knowledge and humor blended perfectly.  Together we shared our thoughts and mused theological.  The crowd was wonderful and posed heartfelt questions.

A few days later I took my first turn working behind the bar at the Old Eagle Tavern.  Lew Bryson and I poured beers for a big crowd some of whom were regulars but many of whom came out to support us and the good work of North Light Community Center.

Note which side of the bar Lew Bryson is on and which side I was on. Thanks Nancy Rigberg for the pic!

I have to say that it’s a lot harder than it looks.  Thankfully Ryan (the regular barkeep) was a good teacher and the patrons were patient (although I was occasionally heckled for being too slow).  Between keeping orders straight in my head and dealing with foamy taps, I was ready for a beer myself by the time it was all over.  All told we raised $275 in tips and Erin kicked in another $200 from the house’s take which meant that North Light Community Center got $475!

I know- I on the wrong side of the bar yet again but trust me I really did work hard and pour a lot of beers.

The money we raised for charity is great but what is even more important about these events is that they bring people, who otherwise might never meet, together in a way that fosters conversation and helps build common bonds.  There is real power in coming together over a beer and I am truly grateful to have friends that help me harness that power in new and creative ways.

Look out! It’s Philly Beer Week!

Beer Week 2016 is just hours away.  As usual I won’t be able to make nearly as many events as I would like.  This is particularly true since this year we’ll be away at our 25^th college reunion for the latter half of PBW.

But of course one must have their priorities. You can find me at the following:

 

A Rabbi, a Priest and a Minister Walk into a Bar                                                            Sunday, June 5^th at Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St) starting at 8 pm.

Join Rabbi Eli, Pastor Sarah and yours truly as we talk about the surprising intersection of beer and faith. Bring your questions, sense of humor and a thirst to learn more about the ways in which God and beer interact to make our lives both more meaningful and enjoyable.  Event is PAYG

 

Extreme Homebrew Challenge                                                                              Monday, June 6^th starting at 7 pm Jose Pistolas (263 S. 15^th Street).

A staple of PBW this is the brainchild of George Hummel and Nancy Rigberg of Home Sweet Homebrew.  Some of the area’s best homebrewers put on their thinking caps and get a little crazy.  A few years ago someone thought it would be a good idea if I helped judge and I’m honored to continue to do so.  Tickets online or at the door.

 

Holy Beers with Father Kirk                                                                                         June 7th at the Old Eagle Tavern (177 Markle Street in Manayunk)

From 6 till 10 pm I’ll be guest bartending alongside my friend, fellow philanthropist and man of faith, Lew Bryson.

Erin from the Eagle has put together a very special list of beers guaranteed to give you a religious experience.  It includes the debut of “Old Fashion Gingerbread Jesus” which is a whiskey barrel aged version of the Christmastime favorite.

Other drafts include:
Mispilion Holy Crap
Mispilion Not Today Satan
Lost Abbey Devotion
Original Sin Cider
Avery Salvation

But best of all, all of our tips will stay in Manayunk and go to support  the important work of Northlight Community Center.  So come on out, let me pour you a beer and be a generous tipper!  Event is PAYG

So there you go.  Not a full week but a fun one.  Hope to see you out there and have a safe and happy PBW!

Help Wanted

So a priest, a minister and a rabbi walk into a bar….

It’s the start of many jokes and for the last three years has also been the title of our informal symposium on beer and faith.  We had every intention of bringing it back to Philly Beer Week this year but then we found  out that our compatriot and the minister in the equation, Bryan Berghoef, will be away on a pilgrimage to Iona.

Once Rabbi Eli Freedman and I got done calling him names behind his back, we set our minds to trying to find another person to take his place.  For a while it looked like we had someone lined up but unfortunately they will be away for Beer Week.

And so we turn to you, our friends and kindred spirits.  We’d love for one of you to join us this year at Fergie’s Pub as we wax poetic about beer, God and faith and the ways in which they all tie together.

Of course we have some standards.

To make sure we don’t wind up like the Mystery Men, here is what we are looking for.

The ideal candidate will:

#1 Be a person of faith

#2 Have extensive knowledge about their faith and its history

#3 Be comfortable talking to a crowd and taking questions

#4 Have a sense of humor

#5 Live in the Philly Metro area

#6 Be free on the afternoon of Sunday, June 5^th

#7 Love beer (duh)

In order to broaden our perspectives special consideration will be shown to those outside the Judeo-Christian tradition and to women.

If you’re interested in exploring this further please contact me through the blog or Facebook.  We hope to hear from you!

 

Introducing Team Eve!

We’re just two weeks out from the Biblical Brew Off. Team Moses and Team Jesus are all tied up going into this third year of competition. Just when things seemed set for the showdown a wildcard appeared.  Both Rodeph Shalom and St Tim’s count many women among the beer geeks at our congregations.  No longer content to leave the brewing to the guys, they joined forces to form Team Eve.

In early April, under the expert guidance of Nancy Rigberg, they gathered at St. Tim’s to brew a saison, the name of which is so secret that even yours truly doesn’t know it yet.

 

Not only will their presence liven up the competition, it is fully in keeping with the ancient tradition that brewing was solely a feminine art.  Even today among some of the indigenous peoples, it is women along who brew the chicha since it is common knowledge even allowing a man to walk into the brew house will spoil the beer.

A big thank you to Nancy for her expertise and to Brian Biggs for creating the logo.

The only way to taste their beer is to join us at the Brew Off on May 7^th at Rodeph Shalom.  Advance tickets are just $25 ($35 at the door).  Click here to get yours now!

 

Band of Brewers

As most of you know I’m a beer lover from Philly.  That makes me pretty darn lucky because there are lots of great things about Philly… neighborhoods, museums and food, the Rocky statue, the Liberty Bell and the only place where you can enjoy a nice frosty serving of “wooder” ice.

There are also many great things about the local beer scene.  We have the nation’s first and best Beer Week, we were the first city in the USA to import and promote Belgians and by and large, even though we have a ton of great breweries and bars, there is a wonderful sense of camaraderie in the industry.

If you needed proof of why this is such an awesome place for a beer lover to live, you need look no further than the annual Band of Brewers.  The concept is simple.  A bunch of local breweries each put together a band and perform three songs. The performance is judged and at the end of the show a winner is crowned.  Better yet the whole thing is put together for charity.

So, even though this is the sixth year, it was my the first time I was able to make it (doesn’t Mat Falco know I work on Sunday?).  I was excited to say the least but by the time I got there two bands had already performed.  Fortunately there was still plenty of music to come.  I caught up with friends and sipped on local brews while listening to some surprisingly talented musicians.

When Stainless Maiden took the stage I had no idea what to expect, apart of course from presumably being an Iron Maiden tribute that is.  Heck, I had never even heard of Broken Goblet Brewing before.

It didn’t take them long to make an impression.  The moment the singer took the stage with his beer gut and faux six pack abs, I was amused.  The music didn’t disappoint either, pumping out solid covers of Number of the Beast, Run for the Hills and, get this, The Brewer, which as you will have surmised, was The Trooper with beer-centric lyrics.

By the time the giant Eddie took the stage for the finale, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands.  To no one’s surprise they were crowned the champs.  You can see a whole lot more pics taken by a whole lot better photographers here.

So move over Liberty Bell, you better make room for yet another reason why this not just a great city, but a great city to be a beer lover.

Saints of the Suds: Katharina von Bora

It’s been a long time since I wrote about one of the great holy women or men who had an association with beer.  Today a new one was brought to my attention and so I couldn’t wait to share her with you.         

Of course most of us know that the great reformer and theologian Martin Luther also had a great love of beer.  He once jokingly wrote that, “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!” But, did you know that his favorite beer was brewed not by some monastery or town brewery but by his wife, Katharina von Bora?

Lutheran friends may already be familiar with her since her “saint” day is December 20^th and thus is fast approaching.  A little quick research revealed that she was in fact an incredible woman who well deserves to be more broadly known and admired.  Katharina became a nun early.  After becoming enamored of the Reform movement and fleeing the  convent, she turned down a number of other suitors before surprising everyone and marrying the older Luther.

The Luthers lived in the Black Cloister, the former home of the Augustinian monks in Wittenberg. Katharina supported her family by gardening, making wine, raising livestock, and through use of the monastery’s right to brew, made some mean beer. She was a force to be reckoned with rising at 4 am in the summer and 5 am in the winter to oversee the workings of their large home and farm. Luther and Katharina had six children and adopted eleven more. At any given time, university students, refugees and homeless relatives lived with them.

Katharina’s prowess was not lost on Luther who showed her great respect.  He is reputed to have said, “In domestic affairs, I defer to Katie. Otherwise I am led by the Holy Ghost.” and, “At home I have good wine and beer and a beautiful wife, or (shall I say) lord.”             

Katharina’s importance has not been entirely overlooked.  She has graced a postage stamp and had Danish brewery name a beer in her honor.  So, please join me in raising a pint or, more appropriately, ein maß (mass), to Katharina von Bora.  Prost!