Winnetka Presbyterian Church Launches "Tavern Talks"

WINNETKA (May 19, 2014) -- Rev. Adam Walker Cleaveland, Associate Pastor at Winnetka Presbyterian Church, believes there are a lot of thirsty people in Chicago’s North Shore community. Thirsty in the traditional sense, as well as a thirsty for good conversation about spirituality and life’s big questions -- in the comforts of a neighborhood pub.

Walker Cleaveland, a newcomer to the North Shore who began his associate pastor position in fall of 2013, will host the first “Tavern Talks: Drinks & Conversation About Spirituality and Life” on June 16 at 8:00pm at Meier’s Tavern in Glenview. This first conversation will be about pluralism and how people of faith, of all faiths, live together well with others who share very different core beliefs than they do. Tavern Talks will be held monthly at varying locations around the North Shore.

“I often meet people in the community who are eager to talk about spirituality, but don’t feel comfortable doing so within the walls of a church,” says Walker Cleaveland. “Tavern Talks gives people a safe, public space to talk about the big questions they have, without feeling obligated to a particular faith or organization. Tavern Talks is open to people of all faiths and no faith. I have no agenda, other than creating a space for conversation.”

He has led similar events in California and Oregon. Past topics have included: Social Justice, Doubt & Faith, Faith & Sexuality, Politics & Religion, Interfaith Dialogue, The Bible, Living with Anxiety, Faith and Suffering, and Hell & Heaven. Walker Cleaveland says each Tavern Talk gathering will focus on a set topic, and conversation will be fueled both by a facilitator and through a discussion guide that is handed out each month. However, the tone of the discussion is very casual and free-flowing, where all ideas and contributions are valued. If an attendee just wants to sit and listen, that is welcomed as well.

For more information about Tavern Talks, or to learn of future events, please visit www.winnpres.org, fb.com/TavernTalks or contact Walker Cleaveland at adam@winnpres.org.

Winnetka Presbyterian Church, established in 1956 and located at 1255 Willow Rd at the corner of Willow and Hibbard, is a remarkable faith-based community that welcomes warmly, worships deeply, thinks critically, serves others devotedly, and gathers together joyfully. WPC is inspired by Jesus Christ to welcome all with open hearts, grow in faith centered on God’s Word, and share God’s love with the world. Reverend David Lower has been the Senior Pastor since 2008. For more information, visit: www.winnpres.org.