Congregational Life Centre
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Hillhurst United, Calgary
Spirituality on tap
By Carolyn Pogue
At Molly Malone's Irish Pub, there's more on tap than the usual tonight. At 7:30 p.m., eight people sit in the fireside alcove. Soon there are 20. "Is this the church group?" they ask. Yes, it's Generation Nouveaux from Hillhurst United in Calgary's trendy Kensington district. The pub is a block from the red brick church where a banner proclaims, "Whoever you are, wherever you're at, join us on the journey."
"Gen Nou," as it's nicknamed, is for "18- to 33-year-olds to meet others in fun and meaningful conversation." It attracts professionals, new parents, seekers, singles and couples. "On Sunday, I was surprised to see coffee in the pews, people in jeans and real bread for communion," remarks Ricardo Garcia, here for the first time. "It is very relaxed. I like it."
Above the roar of television hockey and loud music in the next room, Lisa MacBeth offers an icebreaker. MacBeth is founder of Gen Nou and, by day, a mental health outreach worker. The earlier conversations about the U.S. election, video games and California's vote against gay marriage end - for the moment. The icebreaker helps people connect and makes everyone laugh. Two participants make the startling discovery that they have both worked in Mexican orphanages.
The server takes orders for beer, soft drinks, fish and chips; a candy jar travels up and down the long wooden table. Rev. John Pentland distributes paper, invites people to imagine their lives as a river, and to map on it meaningful moments and important people. Once done, 10 conversations erupt. Life stories emerge, celebrations are shared, stumbling blocks examined. The energy is high.
MacBeth is passionate about Gen Nou. "I'm like a used car salesman," she laughs. "I think this is the best thing going. It's important for young adults to have a place to talk about things that matter - relationships, work issues, travelling," she says. "If other congregations value 20- and 30-year-olds, they need to find out what young people are looking for. We want to do meaningful, powerful things. We have powerful things to contribute to the church community, but it takes a lot to hold our attention."
Brent Bazinet, a senior account manager, was recently married at Hillhurst United. "The best thing about this group is that we become more than a face in the crowd with each other. There are plenty of people at church, but it's harder to get to know them well." In addition to pub nights, the group holds yoga nights and potluck dinners and goes skiing. Last summer, they participated in a community festival and raised money for Inn from the Cold by running a dunk tank.
Pentland is excited by Gen Nou's energy. "We try to welcome people to join us, but not become us," he says. Life coach Kathryn Wytsma, who heads up Inn from the Cold, confirms this. "It allows people from the congregation to connect on a different level, and really make church community continue throughout the week."
Greg Powell, a researcher and technical analyst, chairs the church outreach committee. He recently returned from accompanying youth on an exposure visit to Zambia. "The difference between this and other social groups is the understood permission given by the group to discuss faith and spirituality. Anything is on the table. In other groups, you don't know where people are coming from."
Gen Nou has been meeting now for two years. The core of the group is the same, but every month there are new faces. This age group is a busy one, so travel, work and the pressures of parenting mean that people can't always attend.
"There is a sense that the church is trying to evolve. It has a unique vibe," Kate Ing, an oil company employee, reflects. "It's not overly structured, but seeks to bring God into our lives. The messages are understandable, inspiring and practical. I was raised in the Catholic Church where there's more routine. Then I attended an evangelical church. Hillhurst is different. It's open-minded. You are asked to use your skills, find your own niche, but come as you are."
There is no formal closing to the evening, but by 10:30 p.m., MacBeth has bid farewell to everyone, and steps out into the quiet chill of a November night.
Carolyn Pogue is a Calgary writer. Reprinted from the United Church Observer with permission of the author.
"Leadership Ventures" Congregational Life Newsletter. October 2010. Volume 17 No. 2.