Coffee Shop Sunday #8

The numbers at the 15th March gathering were understandably down due to the Coronavirus, but it was a joyful fellowship. We were blessed that 29 people came along.

As usual, there was a 5-minute ‘getting to know you’ chat. Thinking about Lent, the question this week was “what would you find difficult to give up?”

We had, as our theme, Jesus as Teacher and the interview with Andy Pinks gave us insight about what it's like being a teacher in 2020, as well as hearing about Andy's role as Senior Circuit Steward and something of his faith journey.

Our very special prayer time - led by Bill focused largely on the Coronavirus.

Songs:

Bless the Lord O my Soul (10,000 Reasons) by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God by Karen Lafferty
Meekness and Majesty by Graham Kendrick
Jesus put this song into our hearts by Graham Kendrick

Due to the Coronavirus, meetings have been cancelled until further notice

Jean wished us all a warm welcome 😉

 Ah, that's better! 😉

Our Music Director, Marcus P  😏

Coffee Shop Sunday #7

It was another wonderful gathering at Coffee Shop Sunday on 1^st March.

Our theme was ‘creative arts’ (such as poetry, drama, music art, etc.) and whether they can enhance the worship experience. The overwhelming opinion was: 'YES they do.'

We were blessed to have, as our guest, a local Christian Poet, Christine Tench.

Chris talked about God giving her inspiration for her work. We heard two of her poems recited by Annie and Chris. A third poem was performed by all members of the gathering, directed by Annie, with lines allocated to the four quarters of the room. It was a very effective way of sharing the experience.

We had 11 Costa customers with us for our time of worship and a total of 38 people today spent time with God in an ordinary place.☺

The Songs:
‘Bless the Lord O My Soul (10,000 Reasons)’ by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman

‘More than Words on a Sunday (Be Glorified)’ by Pete & Nicki Sims

‘Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord’ by Paul Baloche

‘My Jesus, my Saviour’ by Darlene Zschech



Christine Tench, Poet

 

 The hand of friendship: Marcus Torchon, Superintendent Minister, and Trevor

 

Coffee Shop Sunday #6

We had 54 people with us on 16th February including 9 Costa customers!

Our guest speaker was Revd Paul Wood, a former minister at Coventry Central Hall; he led us in prayer and talked about his current role in the Methodist Church at 'Head Office' in London. The theme was very much about 'vision'. Paul is very warm and charismatic and we were blessed that he was present at this joyful gathering.

The Songs:

 

'In Christ Alone' by Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

'Bless the Lord O My Soul (10,000 Reasons)' by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman

'More than words on a Sunday (Be Glorified)' by Pete & Nicki Sims

'Beyond these walls of worship' by Ian Worsfold & Paul Wood

 

It was encouraging to see a large number of young people with us including three in their early teens who came in for a coffee, decided to stay and said they will come along next time

 

At each gathering now, we make activities available on the tables, such as colouring and word searches. Adults and children alike enjoy these, particularly the colouring. This week there were chocolates too, because Revd Paul Wood loves them!  He provided materials for us to make pairs of glasses, in line with his 'vision' theme.

 

Credit is given to our Welcome and Music teams.

 

NEXT GATHERING: 1ST MARCH, WITH GUEST CHRISTINE TENCH, CHRISTIAN POET



Revd Paul Wood chats about his work at the Methodist HO in London

 

Andy shows us his new glasses!

…. Jackie too

…. and Joan & Esther



 

 

We had another brilliant planning meeting yesterday morning, with Trevor, Annie, Marcus and Sue. At our next gathering on 16th February, we are looking forward to welcoming guest speaker, Reverend Paul Wood, former Minister of Coventry Central Hall Methodist Church. Our theme for the session will be 'Vision' and how we achieve visions, with God's help.
 

Marcus, Annie & Sue enjoy the sunshine after the Planning Meeting

Coffee Shop Sunday #5

FORTY-SIX people attended the gathering on Sunday 2nd February - including eight Costa customers (who stayed for the gathering) and three members of staff.
 
Marcus improvised beautifully on the keyboard 4.30 - 5 pm, and played for our four songs - three at the beginning of the gathering and one at the end:
 
'Blesséd be Your Name' by Beth & Matt Redman
'Kings of Kings, Majesty' by Jarrod Cooper
'Bless the Lord O my Soul' by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman
'The Splendour of the King' by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves & Ed Cash

There was a 'getting to know you' chat time for a few minutes, followed by prayer time, the theme being 'Three - the Holy Trinity - God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit'. 2nd February marked the 33rd day of the year, with 333 days left of the year (Leap Year). With '3' being a significant number, it felt appropriate to do the Trinity.

Word Search and Colouring sheets were put on the tables - also with the Trinity theme.

Prayer time, led by Bill Holdforth, was followed by a dramatic poem about the Trinity, performed by John, Christine and Annie. Time was allowed for discussion about the Holy Trinity.

NEXT GATHERING: 16TH FEBRUARY - 4.30 PM WITH GUEST SPEAKER,  REVD PAUL WOOD - FORMER MINISTER OF COVENTRY CENTRAL HALL METHODIST CHURCH.

 

  

 





Establishing God's Plans

We had a good de-brief and planning meeting this morning. We discussed all the things that went well at Coffee Shop Sunday on 19th January, and made plans for the next gathering on 2^nd February at 4.30 pm. We’re looking forward to good songs, prayers, table-top activities and drama. ALL WELCOME! 
Prayer requests may be emailed to us:

coffeeshopsunday@gmail.com

Coffee Shop Sunday #4

Twenty-one people attended our very first Coffee Shop gathering on 1st December. At our fourth session last Sunday 19th January, there were FIFTY-SEVEN in the room - it was amazing! This number includes fourteen Costa customers and three members of staff.

Our talented Music Director, Marcus Patterson, led us in songs:

Light of the World (So Here I am to Worship) by Tim Hughes
Seek ye First the Kingdom of God by Karen Lafferty
Bless the Lord, O my Soul by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman

Marcus played other background music and sang - he told us that one of the Costa customers asked him if he knew any Tom Jones! (Trevor said "It's not Unusual") 😊

There was an interview with Lynne, who gave an honest account of the challenges she has faced and has at times, felt that God is far away. Lynne said that she feels, however, that when we need Him most, that is when God is carrying us.

We prayed for the fantastic staff of Costa Coffee who we see very much as a part of our new church. Short prayers were written on a piece of paper by members. All those prayers were blessed and then handed over - in three paper Costa Coffee cups - to the staff for them to see how much they are valued by us and loved by Jesus.

Next gathering: Sunday 2nd February



A busy Coffee Shop Sunday!

 



An interview with Lynne
 

 Trevor & John