It’s a happy tradition at First Pres: enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee and a snack before the 8:25 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. worship services — or before going to an Adult Christian Ed class at 9:40. Surprisingly, our Fellowship Café dates back only about five years, but in that short time it’s become a cornerstone of our fellowship efforts: a great way to schmooze with church members, friends, and visitors.
The Café is currently located in the Session House — which can be problematic, because service has to stop when Adult Christian Ed classes begin. When our new building opens, there will be a dedicated area for the Café.
The Fellowship Café is a true ministry, because five volunteers each put in several hours of work to make it happen. There’s a “coffee person” who brews 18-20 glass pots of coffee, boils hot water for tea, and sets out the necessary paraphernalia. Then there are two “baked goods people” who provide fresh baked goods. And, of course, Billy Smith delivers “Billy’s Famous Banana Bread” virtually every Sunday. The church provides fresh fruit, cheese, and other goodies. The volunteers are also responsible for setting up the tables, and doing the clean up. All of this is overseen by Janelle Haggard, who is responsible for growing the ministry to include a delightful assortment of other food items — which she buys and carts to the Café.