Local readers of this blog may know this about me. That is, I love a good craft beer. I love most any beer, actually, as long as it’s robust. It’s fun to try new flavors. I especially enjoy a repast at Hiatus, which is less than a five-minute drive from Joy. I call the proprietor Lucas “The Mad Scientist” as he is always working on the next unique concoction. The most interesting conversations happen there. If I’m “collared up” in my clergy shirt, I love to break the ice by saying, “So – a Lutheran pastor walks into a bar,…”

A few Fridays ago, eleven members from our church gathered there for “Holy Hiatus”. It was – and still is – my hope that we can engage the patrons around us in conversations about God, the church, and where we can find them around us. I bet we will learn a lot, and the Holy Spirit might show up and lead us down an enlightening theological road. I feel that when we venture outside of church walls with their meeting rooms for the “club”, we will process differently; we will talk differently with more spiritual depth. Truth be told, it might be a more biblical approach. More like Jesus, albeit sans beer or alcohol.

Here’s the invite to you: meet me there this coming Friday, July 18^th at 7:00. They also have good edibles! The address is:

                   6230 SW S.R. 200, Unit 5,  Ocala  34476

We are loved by God unconditionally. You will not be judged for being seen at a brewery, especially if the object is to share the Good News here on earth as it is in heaven.

Pastor Art