St. Paddy's Day Fundraiser

In order to raise funds for Shiloh's chancel renovation project, the fundraising team scheduled Shiloh members to serve at Boston's Bistro and Pub throughout this past weekend's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. On behalf of those who planned the event, I want to thank everyone who took part. While profits did not quite meet expectations, more than $1,300 was raised toward the renovation project.

I was on site for 15 of the 18 hours. The people who represented Shiloh Church did a fabulous job. Many had a good time, as well.

Judging from the comments that some of us heard throughout the weekend, it must be unusual for a church to serve at a bar. The clientele commented repeatedly on how pleased they were to help out a church while having fun. A few even caught onto the church motto, saying that Shiloh is "Living the Word by Serving the World.....Beer." Beer? Yes, even beer.

Can a church serve beer at a bar without judgment or criticism? Can a church be part of the fun and remain a faithful gathering of persons? Can a church alter the public image of religious organizations enough that we can make an impression on a population that we might not otherwise ever even see?

Shiloh can. Shiloh may. Shiloh did. Judging by the wealth of conversation and interaction that I witnessed, Shiloh brought church presence to an alternative community. We did not preach or judge or proselytize. We were just part of the community. We were part of the fun. Hundreds of people, some of whom have never had a positive experience with religious organizations, saw something in the Shiloh group that they may not have expected. We joined them. We did not stand apart or above. We did not look down our superior noses. We were there, with them.

I want to thanks those who underwrote the expenses of the weekend, those who gave up their time to be there, and those who planned the event. Special thanks go to Tia Smith, who coordinated the event, to Dave Boston, who bent over backward to shape the event to our benefit, and to the remarkable members of the Boston's staff, who made our efforts enjoyable.

This was the second year that Shiloh served at Boston's St. Paddy's Day celebration. Perhaps the hundreds who were there, both last year and this year, learned something about Shiloh Church. Maybe we are teaching people about the radical welcome and acceptance of progressive church organizations. Maybe we are teaching something unusual, unexpected and unfamiliar about Christ Jesus.

I have to add that there was not a single problem with the clientele. No one got too far out of hand. There were no fights, no destructive behavior, no huge arguments. People simply had fun. In my opinion, it was good for Shiloh, and for the community, for Shiloh to be a part of it all.

See You Sunday!