Letters

Theology on Tap is becoming ‘Topics on Tap’

April 21, 2016

For the last two years folks have been gathering around some beverages and a spirit of openness to discuss a variety of topics.
Many of them have had a spiritual nature. But starting this month, the scope of the conversation is expanding to include any topic that matters to the community – like poverty, health care, jobs, politics, and the environment.
Of course, matters of faith are always welcome.
Part of the reason for doing this is to attract more non-religious folks, but also to invite greater participation when it comes to leadership.
Personally, I don’t see the difference!
I can turn a conversation about the Leafs not making the playoffs into a spiritual conversation. I believe that faith isn’t just something we do on Sunday in church, but faith shapes every aspect of our lives.
I grew up in Bancroft and have many fond memories of the neighbourhood, the school, the park on the river and the old arena that stood where the Chateau now stands.
I will admit to being overly nostalgic at times, but I will also own that those were different times, where things like forgiveness, hospitality, sharing, and play were core values.
We have sold those core values to the highest bidder and have made the bottom line, our bottom line.
Instead of asking “What does this decision say about who we are and who we want to be?” we ask “How much will it cost?” and “Who’s going to pay?”
There is more at stake than money here. What’s at stake is the soul of community.
April’s Topics on Tap will be: “What are the core values of North Hastings?”
If we can reclaim and/or name these values, we can make better decisions.
We will meet on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Playhouse. This is a licensed event.

Submitted by Rev. Lynn Watson