[Magdalen] National TEC policy on Alchol in the Church

[Marion Thompson]

Wonderful news.  I wish the happy couple every blessing in their life 
together.

Marion, a pilgrim
On 2/4/2015 9:59 PM, Ginga Wilder wrote:
> Ginny+ Wilder hosts Beer and Bible Study on Mondays in the loft of a Pub in
> Wilmington, DE.  Mostly they eat supper and do lectio divina. It's
> definitely not about the beer or wine.  She has celebrated Eucharist around
> the table there, too.  I think 21 people attended this past Monday.
>
> On another subject, Ginny and Barbie will be married on Sunday, February
> 15, during the 10:30 am Eucharist service.  They will be chalice bearers
> and the coffee hour will be their reception.  John and I are furnishing the
> Proseco.  Please pray for them at this wonderful time.
>
> Ginga
>
> On Wed, Feb 4, 2015 at 8:36 PM, Grace Cangialosi <gracecan at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Theology on Tap has some local following in this area, as well, though I'm
>> not aware of any Episcopal churches sponsoring it. I first heard of it when
>> I was living in Richmond. A local pastor was holding it at a pub in the
>> Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. Free pizza was provided, participants bought
>> their own beverages. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
>>
>>> On Feb 4, 2015, at 2:14 PM, Marion Thompson <marionwhitevale at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>> I host a monthly Theology on Tap session at a pub.  I guess this pub
>> will throw me out for abberant behaviour. :-)
>>> Marion, a pilgrim   ... today my sail I lift ....
>>>
>>>> On 2/4/2015 11:56 AM, Lynn Ronkainen wrote:
>>>> Here is the info in the post that was on the HoB/D list, all public
>> knowledge.  I found it quite telling in light of the extensive experiential
>> discussion in the pub and what we know in general about the church... and
>> all of these 'outreach' evangelism  events or bible studies at bars....
>> hmmmm.
>>>> I am reminded of thinking over the years that TEC is much like the
>> original 13 colonies in their attitude toward rule breaking <gdr>
>>>> Lynn
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> In 1985 the G.C. (1985-A083) adopted a "Church Policy on Alcohol and
>> Drug Abuse" In the section on "Alcoholic Beverages in the Local Parish", it
>> states. "-- The service of alcoholic beverages at church events should not
>> be publicized as an attraction of the event."
>>>> Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 68th General
>> Convention adopt the following policy statement:
>>>> AN EPISCOPAL NATIONAL POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE
>>>>
>>>> The Episcopal Church acknowledges the need for exercising a healing
>> ministry and for offering guidance to problem drinkers or chemically
>> dependent persons and to members of their families.
>>>> Alcoholism and other drug abuse are recognized as treatable human
>> disorders which are manifested by a three-fold impairment of the body, mind
>> and spirit. The Church concurs with health authorities that alcohol and
>> other substance abuse is a major health concern of our society. It affects
>> not only the alcoholic or abuser's health and self-concept, but also
>> interpersonal relationships with family, co-workers, friends and
>> counselors. It may affect any individual, regardless of financial
>> situation, education, employment, race or creed.
>>>> The Church calls on all clergy and lay people to take to heart the
>> seriousness of the illness of alcohol and drug abuse and its manifestations
>> as a disrupter of family, economic and social life; and urges all
>> churchpeople to do everything in their power to offer forth the love of
>> Christ in his healing ministry to those afflicted persons and families.
>>>> Diocesan Committees on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
>>>>
>>>> The General Convention of 1979 encouraged each diocese to appoint a
>> Diocesan Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency to implement a program
>> on alcohol and drug abuse. Such committees are responsible for developing a
>> diocesan policy and planning a diocesan resource center for education,
>> information, counseling and training. Clergy and lay counselors are
>> encouraged to pursue continuing education in these fields. Congregations
>> are encouraged to provide members with educational opportunities to learn
>> more about the nature, prevention, techniques of treatment and pastoral
>> care of alcoholics and drug abusers and their families. Trained consultants
>> should be made available to interested clergy and congregations to
>> facilitate this education process. Through education and usage of
>> appropriate resources, intervention is made possible to stop the progress
>> of the disorder before it runs its full destructive course.
>>>> The Church commends and encourages the many programs offering treatment
>> and support to persons suffering from the illnesses of alcoholism and drug
>> addiction. Clergy and vestries are encouraged to further their assistance
>> to the National Episcopal Coalition on Alcohol (NECA), Alcoholics
>> Anonymous, Al-Anon, AlaTeen Groups, Adult Children of Alcoholics Groups,
>> Narcotics Anonymous and to chemical dependency programs and halfway houses
>> as well as becoming knowledgeable concerning all local resources offering
>> intervention, treatment and continuing care for these persons.
>>>> Employees of the Church
>>>>
>>>> Alcoholic or drug dependent employees of the Church should be treated
>> with pastoral love and concern. Church health insurance policies should
>> include provision for the treatment and care of persons afflicted with
>> these illnesses. Treatment intervention for the person and family along
>> with counseling and continuing support during recovery should be
>> coordinated by the clergy and other support groups in the parish. Every
>> effort should be made to offer job protection and re-employment, with
>> salaried sick leave during hospitalization, to alcoholics and drug abusers
>> accepting treatment. Those refusing treatment will not be offered this
>> protection.
>>>> Alcoholic Beverages in the Local Parish
>>>>
>>>> The Episcopal Church has never endorsed prohibiting the use of
>> beverages containing alcohol among adult members. Scripture offers Jesus'
>> example of the use and serving of wine in his first miracle at Cana and in
>> the institution of the Holy Eucharist. If an adult member elects to use
>> alcohol, however, moderate usage is expected. Church members should be
>> educated regarding those conditions that might consequently compromise the
>> health and safety of oneself or others. The Church also supports and has a
>> responsibility to those people who abstain from the use of alcoholic
>> beverages for whatever reason. Many churches do not serve alcoholic
>> beverages at social functions, but, for those which do, the following
>> guidelines are given:
>>>> -- All applicable federal, state and local laws should be obeyed,
>> including those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
>>>> -- Alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol must be clearly
>> labeled as such.
>>>> -- Whenever alcohol is served, non-alcoholic alternatives must always
>> be offered with equal attractiveness and accessibility.
>>>> -- The service of alcoholic beverages at church events should not be
>> publicized as an attraction of the event.
>>>> -- The group or organization sponsoring the activity or event at which
>> alcoholic beverages are served must have permission from the parish for
>> this plan. Such groups or organizations must also assume responsibility for
>> those persons who might become intoxicated and must provide alternative
>> transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may thus be impaired.
>>>> -- Recognizing the effect of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, it would
>> be advisable to consider the nature of the function at which alcoholic
>> beverages are proposed to be served.
>>>> -- Chemical usage other than alcohol is clearly controlled under
>> federal, state and local laws and, as such, should be forbidden at any
>> function.
>>>> Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention
>> of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention,
>> 1986), p. 135.
>>>> My email has changed to: houstonKLR at gmail.com
>>>>
>>>> website: www.ichthysdesigns.com
>>>>
>>>> When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I have
>> not a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything You gave
>> me." attributed to Erma Bombeck