Fathers Day, Beer and the Church of England

Seen on Curt Jester Catholic blog, a story about a Fathers' Day service in St. Stephen's CofE Church:

[The Rt Rev John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester] argued that the free beer was intended to be symbolic of "the generosity of God".

Men at St Stephen's church in Barbourne, Worcester, will be handed bottles of beer by children during the service. A prayer will be said for the fathers before the gifts are distributed.

The Ven Roger Morris, archdeacon of Worcester, who will be leading the service at St Stephen's today, said that it was a practical way of sending a message to fathers.

"I don't see any other time that we can stop and remember fathers, and this is a gesture saying 'Here's something that will bless you,'" he said.[reference]

Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use beer.

The story illicited the following response:

By John V on June 23, 2009 10:39 PM

Blessing of Beer
P. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All. Who made heaven and earth.

P. The Lord be with you.

All. May he also be with you.

Let us pray.

Lord, bless + this creature, beer, which by Your kindness and power has been produced from kernels of grain, and let it be a healthful drink for mankind. Grant that whoever drinks it with thanksgiving to your holy name may find it a help in body and in soul; through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The beer is sprinkled with holy water.

--From the 1964 Roman Ritual, VIII:5
Seen a few years ago at Shrine of the Holy Whapping