for those who imbibe...

[RachelKH]

A preacher was completing a temperance sermon; with great expression he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

And then finally, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and throw it into the river."

He sat down.

The song leader then stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn # 365: "Shall We Gather at the River."

[Brigid]

St. Brigid’s prayer   
I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.   
I'd love the Heavenly   
Host to be tippling there 
For all eternity.   

[Shin]

I love that one Brigid! Here's the version I keep!

The Heavenly Banquet
from a text attributed to St. Brigid of Ireland (10th century)

I would like to have the men of Heaven in my own house;
with vats of good cheer laid out for them.
I would like to have the three Mary's,
their fame is so great.
I would like people from every corner of Heaven.
I would like them to be cheerful in their drinking.
I would like to have Jesus sitting here among them.
I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings.
I would like to be watching Heaven's family
Drinking it through all eternity.

[Patricia]

Hmmmm