a message from a former bartender

Churchers,

This week, we have a very special message from a former Bartender at our Castle Church Brewing location, Sarah Finn. Sarah served our community cold beer with a warm heart for almost two years and was especially loved by our Wednesday night Churchers. What is so very special and unique about The Hearth ministry is that we have the opportunity to bring Christ to those who may not ever step foot in a traditional church building. This is a blessing and a privilege that never ceases to amaze me. Know that any financial support you provide to The hearth is continuing this ministry as we worship in non-traditional spaces open to all, even those who are just there to serve or drink a beer. ~Kaylee

Hello everyone! 

My name is Sarah and I came to know the community of The Hearth back when they were known as Castle Church Brewing Community. A church and a brewery under the same roof was a unique and never-before-seen concept for most, and that was what we all loved about it. I came to be intertwined with the church community by my involvement with the brewery - I was a bartender there for almost two years. Like many people who were raised in religious households, I found my way away from religion by my late teens. It's no secret that there are a lot of things about organized religion that are divisive; some religions more than others. 

However, even though I still do not consider myself a religious person, being adjacent to a church community like The Hearth really opened my eyes to the reality that not all churches are divisive, judgemental, and "set in their ways." I was honestly so proud to work there and to be a part of this whole brewery-church puzzle. Many people who came to the brewery were not religious; they were just there for a beer and didn't realize it was also an active church on some days. I loved getting the chance to tell them, "Hey listen, I know what you're thinking. But it's totally different. It's not your average church. They're incredibly accepting and open-minded, and it's a really progressive community...it's cool."

Bartending on Wednesday nights was always a favorite of mine, because that was church night. Getting to know the community was truly a joy and they were all just the kindest people. I loved listening in on some of the sermons, and hearing how different they were from what I had grown up with. One of my favorite things about The Hearth is that they make space for and normalize the questioning of religion. They respect that people go through phases in life, wherein your commitment to or involvement with your faith can ebb and flow. We are constantly evolving beings who grow & change every day, and I think it's only logical to belong to and support a church that understands and encourages that.

Cheers,
Sarah