The Blessing of the Maibock

Early in the Spring of 2006, shortly after my son Eliot was born, just shy of a year after I began my ministry at Gethsemane and before my daughter Naomi came punching into the world, I received a call from Town Hall Brewery asking if I would do the Blessing of the Maibock at the beginning of May.

Little did I know this day would become the greatest day of the year, every year, for the past 19 years.

A quick history lesson - although it may not be historical at all, and pure fiction. Springtime was always when the first beer of the brewing season was made. That first beer was called Maibock (May-Bock). It was a time of great celebration and of course, a powerful blessing.

I have no idea how long Episcopal priests have been blessing the Maibock at Town Hall, or how it started. Town Hall was founded in 1993. I am confident it began with the University Episcopal Center. Those of you who know Paul Allick, or Neil Elliott, or Janet Wheelock, might be able to secure some answers from them.

The blessing itself was written by the Rev. Neil Elliott, a former ECMN priest and creative genius. We usually gather on the first Saturday of May to bless the beer and celebrate with anywhere between 100 and 300 people. We have incense and we have sprinkles. In the past we have had tubas, drums, and cantors.

I won’t go into the details of the blessing itself, because you need to attend to experience the full power of it. Suffice it to say, the best part is having a bar full of people singing “Good Lord, deliver us!” at the top of their lungs. It’s a clear Spirit moment, rooted in playfulness and joy.

There are regulars, people who return year after year. I have come to know many people, and when they don’t show up, I ask about them. We connect on Facebook and other social media platforms, or we see each other when Erin and I occasionally have a date night at Town Hall. The servers and bartenders have huge smiles on their faces, and they wander through the packed crowd filling cups and celebrating the day.

This year, the Blessing of the Maibock will be on May 3rd at around 5pm at Town Hall Brewery. It is open to everyone. You will be high-fived, hugged, and welcomed as if you have been attending every year for the past twenty years. Get there early if you want to sit down, 4:30 at the latest. 4pm is your best bet.

I hope I get to see you!