‘Scripture and Sips’ shares faith and fellowship

by Macie Capote

By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald

When Aline Harbison became director of the Cenacle on the Lake in 2021, she introduced “Scripture and Sips,” an event designed for Catholic adults who wanted to explore Scripture but felt unsure or intimidated by traditional Bible studies.

Held three times a year, the event blends learning and relaxation in a casual atmosphere where guests can enjoy light snacks, sip wine or beer and engage in discussions about Bible passages.

A no-pressure approach

Harbison, who was a college-level teacher for many years, saw this as an opportunity to make Scripture more accessible and less daunting for people.

“Some people want to dive into Scripture but don’t want to do it in a formal Bible study setting,” she said. “So, I wanted to create a way for people to have those conversations, but without all the pressure.”

A lot of preparation goes into each Scripture and Sips, and Harbison spends countless hours preparing her teaching on the Scripture reading for each event.

“It takes a lot of research into Scripture, along with exegesis and in-depth study, to ensure I can be a credible witness to what the Scripture is saying,” she said. “But it pays off. One woman told me that her husband won't attend Mass, but he'll come to Scripture and Sips. I pray that it can help be a doorway for people not only to reconnect with the Church but also with the Lord.”

The program quickly gained popularity, drawing a diverse group of Catholic men and women from across the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Scripture and Sips typically sells out, attracting up to 80 participants per event.

“It’s very encouraging,” Harbison said. “It tells you that’s probably what the Lord wants you to be doing right now.”

Growing the community

On Oct. 23, Harbison expanded her outreach beyond the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

During a summer retreat at the Cenacle on the Lake, she shared her vision for Scripture and Sips with a group of women from Fairhope, Alabama. After discussing the program, plans were quickly made to bring the event to their community southeast of Mobile.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce the Cenacle on the Lake to a new group and expand our community,” Harbison explained.

The response exceeded Harbison’s expectations, with 70 women from Fairhope signing up for the event – a strong turnout considering the size of the community. The evening featured a raffle, wine tasting and a retreat-style Scripture reflection that left attendees eager to learn more about what the Cenacle on the Lake has to offer.

“Some of the women have already signed up for our ‘S’More Time with Jesus’ event in January,” Harbison said, explaining that the one-night retreat, set for Jan. 31, provides women with an evening filled with activities designed to foster faith and community, including crafts, prayer and music. “It’s exciting to be able to go and get that kind of reception.”

Plans for the future

Looking ahead, Harbison plans to bring similar events to other areas in the Gulf South, including Pensacola, Florida, and possibly Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

“The goal is to start going into different communities nearby and bring the spirit of the Cenacle to people outside the center,” Harbison said. “People are hungry for Scripture, and they want things that help their faith while still incorporating fun, community building and fellowship.”

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