“That was insanely fun!”

Annual church gatherings, like Synod Assembly of our ELCA siblings and the recent Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal family in Southern California, are highlights of the year, especially the moments after business concludes on the first night.  The family reunion that follows offers a time to catch up and greet each other in an informal setting.  This is the spirit with which we brought the Campus Ministry Mocktail Bar to provide fun and flavorful alcoholic-free drinks to the party.

“Our line was empty all night while yours was ten deep for an hour,” reflected one of the wine and beer bartenders during the clean up.

Nonalcoholic drinks hold special importance in church events, where the focus is often on fellowship, reflection, and community rather than indulgence. Offering a thoughtful range of nonalcoholic beverages helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees—children, recovering individuals, and those who choose to abstain from alcohol. Churchwide events offer a myriad of opportunities for hospitality.  This is an expression of care.  We offered The Nave, The Chancel, and The Narthex each a combination of herbal infusions, fruit juices, and more to provide elegant mocktails, mixed by students, to demonstrate respect for member values and sensitivity to their needs.

With a resoundingly positive response, we’re proud to have offered this alternative; particularly meaningful in light of the historical struggles some clergy and church members have faced with alcohol abuse. By intentionally providing alcohol-free options, we supported a healthy alternative and demonstrated a compassionate awareness of addiction and recovery. Moving forward, we look forward to offering this at social gatherings to support those in recovery but also helps prevent potential harm. In doing so, we’re excited to help our partners in faith to reclaim hospitality as an inclusive act of service that nurtures both body and spirit.