Café Church is a big success

Eighty people including 19 children attended the first St Mary’s café church in the Lighthouse on 3 July. Initial feedback was very positive and we were thrilled by the response. 

People started arriving from about 10.10. Everyone was welcomed, encouraged to find a table and help themselves to coffee, tea, pastries, toast and fruit. The children immediately got stuck in with the play kitchen and food. The theme was Psalm 34: taste and see that the Lord is good. At about 10.30, Vicky Rushton encouraged us to think about whether this was true and a few minutes later, she and Jerry Marshall went round the tables with a microphone to invite anyone to comment.

After a worship song and introduction, Rev Stephen Wilson attempted to climb onto a bar stool (note to team: set it a little lower next time…) to be interviewed by Jerry about his experience of discovering God’s love at a time of tragedy. Some joined discussion groups afterwards to talk through their experiences. Other activities included printing a poster with vegetables, making ‘rocky road’ (yum) and colouring. The service ended with multisensory prayers led by Sue Marshall (the strawberries were delicious!), the hymn “Great is your faithfulness” and a blessing from our Curate Phil Bishop.

The takeaway – don’t just talk about it – dive in and see for yourself that God is good.

It was a pilot so there is lots to learn and improve but the team were really encouraged by the response. We will continue monthly from September until Easter. Don’t miss the next one on 4 September!