Move over Mickleover

This year my pastor is introducing a program called The Alpha Course (http://www.alphausa.org/) to our church and community. The Alpha motto is to explore the meaning of life, not a small goal. As the brochure states, “Alpha provides an opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed atmosphere over eight thought-provoking sessions, plus a Saturday away.” The program is centered on food and fellowship, a meal followed by a talk given by a British chap on the topic of the week, followed by some small group discussion. I’m on team, and with the starting of any new program, we were looking at ways to advertise. That’s why tonight’s night out was interesting.

I know several of the engineers in the UK field office, and we decided to get together for dinner at their local pub, The Masons (http://www.picturesofderby.co.uk/area_mickleover%20page%201.htm) in Mickleover. Mickleover is a quaint town just west of Derby where a lot of the engineers live. There are several pubs in town (surprise, surprise in England), but our friend Leon had recommended The Masons. The place was nice, and I was able to enjoy a pint of Castle Rock’s Harvest Ale with my friends Len, Andy, Doug and Hal. And I had my best meal there this trip, a beef roast that was cooked with wine in a crock pot. Outstanding! But what caught my attention was the leaflets on the bar that advertised The Alpha Course for the All Saints church across the street. The meals were being held at The Masons’ function hall. That’s what I need to do, try to find a way to combine my love of beer with church ministry. I’ll have to noodle on that, a Bible and Beer study? Preaching about Porters? How many Ale Mary’s are necessary when you pray?

Tomorrow was the first day of the final meeting, so we turned in early. And we had plans for tomorrow evening, so we needed our rest. - 5205

"We old folks have to find our cushions and pillows in our tankards. Strong beer is the milk of the old." - Martin Luther