Church plans a spot of holy spirit at the pub

Nov 26 2009 The Journal

A CHURCH is hoping to put the holy spirit into its community with a “beer and hymns” night down the local pub.

The pint and a sing-along is being organised by St Mary’s Church in Monkseaton, North Tyneside and will take place at the Red Lion pub.

The Rev Eric Lewis, Curate at St Mary’s, said: “If, as we believe, God is everywhere, that must include the pubs as well as the churches.

“There are lots of respectful ways of worshipping God; singing hymns together in the sociable setting of the Red Lion is just one of them.

“There’s no need to be a good singer or instrumentalist, no rehearsals, just turn up. Song sheets will be available.”

Performing on the night will be the Salvation Army band and the Backworth Male Voice Choir.

This is not the first time that hymns have been given a modern twist.

Newcastle United fan the Rev Glyn Evans, of the city’s St Andrew’s Church penned a tongue-in-cheek hymn book for United supporters.

Red Lion manageress Lynn Downie said: “I’ve been in the pub trade for 32 years and I have never heard of a beer and hymns night before.

“I was surprised when the church asked me if they could use the pub. We are used to karaoke and turns, But I think it will be a good atmosphere.”