Theology on Tap
Churches are trying to reach young adults and college students where they already are; the local bars
Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: News
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"Theology On Tap" Fabian explains, "...is designed to find young adults where they are...bars." With an open forum for discussion, the program hopes to utilize a social atmosphere while intermingling a religious focus. East Stroudsburg University's Campus Ministry Department co-sponsored the first "Theology On Tap" meeting, and hopes to raise awareness of the event, and reach students throughout the campus.
"Theology On Tap", originated by the Diocese of Chicago, in 1981, has since become a national program reaching young adults across the country. Adopted by many different dioceses across the US, "Theology On Tap" now offers its unique program to local residents and students of East Stroudsburg, as well as its surrounding areas.
During the first discussion, Fabian explored the deeper meanings behind Psalm 139, then branched the reading into a discussion about finding God in everyday places. Fabian encouraged guests at the event to discuss their own feelings and views, express stories of their lives relevant to the reading, as well as reflect on their past day or week and look for instances of the presence of God.
Fabian then related a story, which indicates the search for God by a young boy. He explains that the young boy sets off one day with much determination to find God. He packs a cooler filled with Twinkie's and root beer, and heads off on his journey. After hours of searching to no avail, he begins to grow tired. The young boy stops at a bench for a snack. When an older lady sits next to him, he offers her some of his food. She accepts, and all day long, the two share Twinkie's and root beer, conversation and laughter. As the sun begins to set, the boy leaves for home. Once he returns, his mother asks if he found God. A huge smile covers his face and he answers, "Yes, yes I did find God today." Similarly, the older woman returns home that evening, and tells her husband that the strangest thing happened in the park today, she found God.
Each "Theology On Tap" meeting concerns itself with a different focus, and new discussion. Fabian scheduled the next "Theology On Tap" meeting for Tuesday, November 30, and invites all interested students and community members to attend. Along with the religious discussion, Fabian invites guests for complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Interested students may contact East Stroudsburg University's Campus Ministry Department at 422-3525, for more information on the location of the next meeting.
Along with "Theology on Tap" the Campus Ministry will also be hosting a soup kitchen on November 7, and a "Busy Person's Retreat" scheduled for November 15-17, titled "How to Find Your Spiritual Meaning". All interested students should contact the Campus Ministry office for more information regarding these, and other future events.