Posted on 06/21/2009 7:43:42 AM PDT by Daffynition
Bottles of beer will be given to fathers who attend church, in an alternative "blessing" for Father's Day.
A senior bishop has backed the move, which is part of a Church of England initiative to put a Christian emphasis on the annual celebration of fatherhood.
Concerns over the lack of men attending services year-round has led clergy to offer a range of incentives today, including free beer, bacon rolls and chocolate bars.
It is the first time that the Church has attempted to treat Fathers' Day in the same way as Mothering Sunday, which has traditionally formed part of its calendar.
The plan to distribute ale has upset groups working to tackle alchohol abuse, but the Rt Rev John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester, said that it could help churches to attract more men.
He argued that the free beer was intended to be symbolic of "the generosity of God".
Men at St Stephen's church in Barbourne, Worcester, will be handed bottles of beer by children during the service. A prayer will be said for the fathers before the gifts are distributed.
The Ven Roger Morris, archdeacon of Worcester, who will be leading the service at St Stephen's today, said that it was a practical way of sending a message to fathers.
"I don't see any other time that we can stop and remember fathers, and this is a gesture saying 'Here's something that will bless you,'" he said.
"Posies of flowers are given to mums on Mothering Sunday and we wanted to give a laddish, blokeish gift to the men. A bottle of beer hits the mark. The whole of life is to be celebrated in church."
However, Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, criticised the Church, claiming that it was acting irresponsibly.
[snip]
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Chocolate covered bacon - ewww disgusting yet somehow intriguing and possibly delicious.
God to fathers: Hold muh beer and do as I say.
Cheers!
Better watch out.
Drango will complain that you’re pimping alcohol addiction, and cheer any tax hike on the substance.
Wish that I were the Church of England.
BAWAHAHAHA! ;D
Beer is God’s proof that He wants us to be happy.
So you're saying Moose-limbs *DON'T* celebrate Father's Day...
Cheers!
Benjamin Franklin - “Beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy”.
“24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence?
I think not!”
Stephen Wright
That’s exactly why I prefer the 30 pack!!!
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