2012 Craft Brewery Pilgrimage is on the Move!

Benedict’s Rule tells us that “Always, we begin again.” Today, my Craft Brewery Pilgrimage begins again.

I start with several intentions in mind.

First, I know that something very important happens when people come together around a table. Who I am and what I do are reflected in the community of leadership, monasticism, and revelry that is created around a table. The more opportunities I take to build and expand that community, the better.

I also recognize the long historic connection between monks and brewing. Monks have been brewing beer for their own consumption, and to support their communities financially, for hundreds of years. Some of the best brews in the world are still produced by monastic communities. Each stop on my Craft Brewery Pilgrimage teaches me something about monks and their approach to life.

I also know that there is a rapidly growing craft brewing community in Southern California. People who began brewing at home are offering their creativity and hard work to the world, and I want to help them. There is something contemplative about the way people produce great craft brews, and I want to meet as many of those people as I can.

Another factor for me is that I know quite a few people online who I have not met in real life, and a Craft Brewery Pilgrimage was a great way to meet them. Quite a few of the people I know are connected to nonprofit organizations, so each month I give at least one nonprofit the opportunity to share their story.

Starting today, I will visit one craft brewery each month. The schedule for this year is on the Events page. Please join me, either in person or in spirit, and spend some time with us around the table.

I look forward to seeing you on the pilgrimage.

[Image by emdot]