It’s the working title for a social gathering I’ve started at Hiatus Brewing Company,
6230 SW Highway 200, Ocala. It’s not just about the beer. Have a Diet Coke if you wish. One of
the three new attendees asked what the theme, purpose or objective was. Honestly, I
confessed to them that I hadn’t figured it out yet.

My hope is to engage the other patrons in holy conversation – “God-talk”. I haven’t been courageous enough to invite them in for fear of being intrusive. Maybe I’m hoping they’ll overhear our discussion and join in, even if their words are anti-church. We should always be ready to render a defense for the hope that is in us, but also to NOT get defensive or judgmental.

The four of us had good deliberations about the Bible, other religions, and yes, scars borne from unpleasant church experiences. I welcome these opportunities and invite you and those you know who are local to our congregation and Hiatus, which are only a mile or so apart. Or any other place where we can engage in holy dialogue. Fermenting not only describes the brewing process, but also
thoughts, words, and dreams that bubble up to the surface. To talk about anything that the
Holy Spirit places upon us. To ask open-ended questions of each other, and of people we just
met.

I always go into “First Friday Fermenting” with a touch of trepidation, that fear of the
unknown and unexpected. It pushes me out of my comfort zone somewhat. I hope to convey
a bit of what our God shows us – unconditional love. Toward the end of our conversation last
night, that’s the word we came up with – LOVE. The equality and unity that is ours in Christ
Jesus. Like church or not, may that be the feeling that carries the day and maybe even bring
the “done-ers” back to worship. More of that, and less “doom scrolling”. For me as well.

Pastor Art