Beer, Bonding, and Karaoke?

This weekend was another New Belgium night for the PUB Ministry. After trying their traditional Fat Tire Ale last weekend we moved on to a bright and fairly hoppy pilsener. The Blue Paddle was recommended to be paired with grilled summer corn. But because it is neither summer, nor any weather in which we wanted to grill, we did not have this pairing, and were actually pairingless this weekend. This beer was highly favored by the group for its light body and smooth texture.
There was much discussion regarding a variety of subjects, ranging from job searches, to relationships, school, video games, and of course our reading of Praise Habit, by David Crowder.
One member of the group, affectionately known as "Tank" (his real name is Zach, but since there are two Zach's and he has such a cool nickname, we let the other Zach pictured in the Big Foot Ale post be mentioned by his name.) felt that the book was a modern recapturing of "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. The fresh new approach combined with a certain light-hearted and humorous language helps by giving us insight into how busy our modern day lives are, and how often we simply neglect by forgetting to worship God in our common every day lives. Crowder highlights the aspect of how Praise is the most natural thing in the world, until we grow up, and then when embarrassment comes into play, we get a bit apprehensive about being excited about the things God does and the world he created.
On a larger note, the group took baby steps towards really connecting as a family. Members shared fears, anxieties, deep personal issues regarding how hard life can be at times. These were retained to the group, so that we can begin to bond and connect on a more personal level through prayer and and actual love and concern for our brothers and sisters.

Of course, after so much deep discussion, these 20 somethings needed their outlet and it came in the form of Karaoke via Playstation 2. There was much singing, and dancing, and a lot of laughing. Next Week we are continuing through Praise Habit covering the chapter of "Habit."

Tune in next week for more of the PUB Ministry happenings.

Preach it and Pour it!
The Six Pack

Salmon and New Belgium's Fat Tire Ale

Another week, another beer, another pairing, and the launch of the new books! This was an action packed Sunday for the PUB Ministry. First off we had a classic favorite for many fans of the amber ale genre. From the Colorado based New Belgium Brewery we satisfied our palates with their staple "Fat Tire Ale". This was a very balanced ale that we paired up with the slightly richer flavors connected to Salmon and aged cheeses.












The salmon created a zesty aftertaste when it was followed by taking a drink to wash it down. It was definitely a complimenting paring rather than a contrasting pairing. The cheeses brought out the body a bit, and when both salmon and cheeses were eaten together the flavors were exquisite.

The new books we introduced were once again David Crowder's, "Praise Habit" and then a collection of essays by various artists, "The Relevant Church". For next week we are reading The Two-Part Introduction of "Praise Habit" as well as the chapter "Praise".

See us next week to hear the discussion on the reading and findotu about another great beer.

Till then,
Preach it and Pour it!
The Six Pack

Big Foot Ale and Grubbin

So this past Sunday we experienced one of the seasonal ales by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. This was a great brew called "Big Foot Ale" and was a nice malty barleywine style of beer.The whole bodied maltiness was balanced by its bittersweet hops flavor. A little too dark for some with barley sediments floating about this beer is for those with more advanced palates.

We paired this beer with sharp cheddar and apple wedges. The group was divided on which was favored more for pairing. The apple wedges tended to complement the brighter flavor notes while the cheddar smoothed out the dark boldness.

Preach it and Pour It!
The Six Pack


Zach, one of the infamous "Six Pack" demonstrates his love for the Big Foot Ale by sporting its sweatshirt apparel.

Grolsch and New Books!

This past Sunday as a celebration to the Colts beating the Bears the PUB group met once again! Ok it wasn't really a celebration but it was after the big game. This week we sampled a beer from Holland called 'Grolsch' named after the town in which it has been brewed since 1615. The cool thing is that it was a pop-top! Meaning it had a plastic and rubber top held in with some metal brackets that allow for reseal! See picture to see what I am talking about. This week we had no reading to discuss because we have finally finished 'Blue Like Jazz' we spent the evening reflecting on our lives, fellowshipping and even making some plans for the future of our ministry. Nothing profound, but it was a good night of fellowship, and drinking. No eating so the saying "eat, drink and be merry" did not apply to us. We are going to be starting two books soon one called 'Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi" by David Crowder, and the second, 'Relevant Church' who has multiple contributors. That's all for this week.

Preach it and 'Pop' it?

The Six Pack

Update on "The Journey"

In the post "We are not alone!" we mentioned about The Journey, a church in St. Louis, Missouri. This is a church that has a portion of their ministry that meets at a local bar to discuss theology, and some of the participants do purchase and imbibe alcohol while participating in the group. This is to say though, that is not mandatory for their group, nor does the church prohibit, it simply leaves it as a hands off issue.

Journey Pastor Darrin Patrick said, "The Journey's policy on alcohol is that we do not personally encourage nor do we corporately promote alcohol as a church."

A safe enough answer, and this is just making sure that if we misquoted or misled anyone regarding this church. Hope all is well!

Preach it and Pour it!

The Six Pack