Growing in Faith, One Conversation at a Time

Note: The Missioner for Youth and Children, Wendy Schumacher and Canon Cathy are aware that the name of this event has upset some people. Please read the article below to see what these gatherings mean to the young adults in our midst and let’s work together to understand that this is not an alcohol focused event…after all, as the math teacher Wendy notes: pint is a unit of measurement….

Our first EpiscoPints gathering was a wonderful success and highlighted something the Church has been needing for a long time: intentional space for young adults to ask questions, build community, and grow in faith without pressure or judgment.

At our gathering, ten people attended, seven of whom were under the age of forty. Many do not regularly attend worship. That alone speaks volumes. EpiscoPints creates a welcoming, low-pressure environment where people can show up as they are, wherever they are on their faith journey.

I am a cradle Episcopalian. I grew up in Sunday School, learned the Bible stories, memorized the prayers, and followed the rhythms of the liturgical year. Yet even after all of that, I realized how many questions I still had. EpiscoPints gave me permission to ask not just what we do in the Episcopal Church, but why we do it. Why do we worship the way we do? Why do these traditions matter? What do they mean for my life today? That deeper understanding has helped me appreciate the richness of our theology and liturgy in a new way.

As a teenager, I was deeply involved in the Church through summer camps, Happening, youth commission, and more. After I turned eighteen, there was a noticeable drop-off in opportunities to stay connected. Being a young adult in the Church can be challenging. You are often no longer seen as a youth, but not always trusted or invited into deeper leadership or learning. Sometimes you are ignored simply because people do not feel like explaining things. At EpiscoPints, none of that exists. It is a safe space to ask questions I might otherwise be afraid sound silly and to be met with curiosity, patience, and respect.

One of the most meaningful conversations we had during our December gathering was when we talked about what makes the Episcopal Church distinct from other Christian traditions. As someone who has spent my whole life in this Church, I realized how little I actually knew about other denominations and even about my own. We talked about worship practices, theology, the Book of Common Prayer, the Bible, saints, the creeds, and apostolic succession. These were questions I had never really stopped to ask myself before. That conversation not only helped confirm that I am in the right place, but also equipped me to explain my faith to others.

Since attending EpiscoPints, I have found myself asking more questions in my parish. I am grateful that those questions have been met with kindness and thoughtful answers. It has helped me feel like my voice matters. This is something eighteen-year-old me could have really used. While it is easy to wonder what might have been if something like this had existed sooner, I am incredibly thankful that we are opening space for younger adults now. If we want the Episcopal Church to grow, we must invest in formation for all ages, listen to diverse perspectives, and create pathways for younger adults to step into leadership. We cannot do that if people do not know our Church or feel confident engaging with it.

There is a running joke that Episcopalians are opposed to change, but when you take a step back and look at our history, change is actually woven into who we are. The Episcopal Church itself was founded out of a desire for change. Over the years, we have shifted our stance on slavery, ordained women, confronted racial injustice, affirmed LGBTQ+ inclusion, adopted more inclusive language in our liturgies, expanded access to theological education, and committed ourselves to environmental stewardship. I did not learn all of this at EpiscoPints itself. Instead, being inspired by those conversations and wanting to write this article motivated me to research and learn more on my own. In that sense, EpiscoPints has already sparked deeper learning beyond the gatherings themselves.

This year, I have also been on a journey of self-discovery as I try to understand my identity and how my faith shapes it. For most of my life, I went to church because that is what we did as a family. Now I am learning why I want to go. I want to reconnect with God, ground myself in something bigger, and carry my faith with me as life changes. EpiscoPints has helped rekindle that sense of purpose and connection.

These gatherings also have the potential to reach beyond those already inside the Church. Young adults might invite friends who are curious, searching, or unsure. EpiscoPints offers a welcoming introduction to the Episcopal Church. It can also serve as a re-entry point for those who have drifted away but are longing to reconnect and do not quite know how.

So whether you are a young adult or a young adult at heart, I invite you to join us. The next EpiscoPints gathering will be on Thursday, January 15th at Fattey Beer Co. in Kenmore, with the Rev. Bonnie Morris+ leading the conversation. Each month, we will rotate Fattey’s locations, the day of the week, and the conversation leader. Fattey Beer Co. is a welcoming, family-friendly neighborhood spot with a wide variety of beverages and some excellent food options. I highly recommend the chicken sandwich.

EpiscoPints is more than just a night out. It is a space where faith, curiosity, and community come together.

by Katelyn Nicoloff