Beer and Bible mats

After a fair bit of hassle the Beer and Bible beer mats have finally arrived and are ready for distribution to parishes sharing in this diocesan initiative. In the Diocese of Chelmsford we have a whole range of events to celebrate Bible Year 2011 and through Beer and Bible we are encouraging the public reading of scripture in pubs around the diocese. Any parish participating in Beer and Bible will receive a pack of free beer mats for distribution in their local pubs. Here’s what they look like front and back (the purple border denotes the actual shape of the mats). The Bible is open at Ephesians 3.





The local press have been very interested in Beer and Bible and are planning to run some stories in connection with the initiative. We are hoping that +Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, will be reading in various hostelries during Holy Week. One of the hardships of my job is that I had to meet a press photographer to set up a picture for an article on Beer and Bible. Here I am with Dave Chesney, curate of Holy Trinity Springfield in Chelmsford, and the pub is The Oddfellows Arms!



Someone commented: ‘I can see what version of the Bible you are reading but what is the ale?’ The answer is a very pleasant Adnams Broadside.

I have a dilemma, for I shall be giving up alcohol for Lent. Should I not be excused abstinence when my work demands I down a pint in the cause of Beer and Bible?