The Importance of Coffee....

I have long been a proponent of having refreshments before and after worship.

Recently, I read an article in Rev Magazine by D. Michael Lindsay entitled "Why Coffee Hour Can Save Your Church." In it her says some interesting things. "...researchers reveal that regular, informal socializing before and after worship services plays a significant role in nurturing Christian community. In a recently released study, Chris Ellison, Neal Krause, Bryan Shepherd, and Mark Chaves found that these interactions created perceptions among churchgoers that they are part of a supportive community, on that convinces people that they can count on others for help when troubles arise."

"Also having a consistent time for informal fellowship allows newcomers to become integrated into the church gradually, yet steadily."

"A church that devotes time every week to unstructured fellowship invariably communicates that it values community. Visitors pick up on the message that this is a church that wants people to get to know one another."

Indeed Community of Joy wants to be a place where relationships matter! And having a coffee time before and after worship is part of setting the stage for that to happen.