A priest, a pastor, and a business owner walk into a restaurant. It sounds like the start of a good joke, right? Well it is no joke, but rather something quite interesting. Three of the most respected men in the greater Fishers community have teamed up to create a weekly event that is turning some heads.
Father Phil Bowers, Pastor Joe Freeman, and local restaurant owner Ed Sahm are hosting an event called “In Good Spirits.” This event allows individuals who have an interest in having a personal life & spiritual dialogue, raise a glass, and even grab a light bite to eat—all while engaging in conversation that they may never have had elsewhere. These three founding fathers have a combined community contribution of over 75 years. They have engaged in countless spirited conversations independent of one another. Their impact on the area is difficult to quantify, but undeniable. This is one more example of they give they have given.
“Our goal is to create a place where anyone can feel comfortable to ask life-size questions in a welcoming and interactive way,” says Pastor Joe. “This event is not about recruitment to some church, it is about honest dialogue.” He will goes on to share enthusiasm for an idea formed over a dinner conversation about bringing people freedom for knowledge within their own comfort zone.
For many, this standing Tuesday evening option from 8-9:30 PM at the Roost may fit into schedules better than traditional offerings. Ironically, there is no required affiliation, sign up sheets, or offering taken; it is a complete give back. Even the snacks are modestly priced and plentiful. It is simply a means for those with some spiritual curiosity to meet with other Fishers/Geist residence in a way that works well for them and allow them to ask the things they have always quietly pondered. Father Phil states, “If everybody is created in the Image of God, we all learn so much just looking around.”
For many who attended the inaugural event from across the community, the dialogue was a pleasant surprise. The staff kept busy as the kick off was well attended with over 70 people enjoying the evening. Not a seat in the place went empty, yet it was still conducive to this type of conversation. Discussion ranged from the personal to philosophical. There were no sports conflicts, no cell phones, or agendas; just a beer, soda, or snack and some good company that will no doubt grow “In Good Spirits” weekly.
