when we did it - we set up the coffee just outside of the sanctuary and people were allowed to bring it in with them.  we used styrofoam cups ( i know the trees are dying but really it can be disgusting any other way ).  we had teams who set up the tables for the coffee pots and brewed the coffee and did all that work ( i think each small group took a turn ).  treats was also the responsibility of the set up team.  i think we had like three coffee and one tea - that was our ratio.  as for spillage we had lysol wipes on hand and one of the team was in charge - the team picked who.  unfortunately not coffee cup holders as we still use the little communion cup things :P 

the truth is it doesnt matter what u do - someone will complain - if they do ban them from the coffee :P  it might tick them off more - but it'll make u feel better :P

we have coffee served in the hall after the service, not in the sanctuary, but we do openly welcome people to bring their coffee mugs, water bottles, and whatever else they want to bring from home into the sanctuary for the service.  i usually have my travel mug in hand.  the property management committee is not happy about it, but hey.

My church tried coffee in styrofoam cups with lids one Sunday last year.  As a coffee and caffeine junkie, I loved it, but I guess the rest of the congregation were not quite so thrilled as we haven't had it since.  I often take my travel mug into the sanctuary because I usually drink coffee on the walk to church.  I think I've seen a few disapproving glares, but whatever.

We didn't have treats, probably because it would be one more thing to clean up after, not to mention could leave sticky/sugary fingers which would lead to sticky hymn books and bibles.

We have done the one-offs,but are looking at putting a permanent station in the sanctuary.

Thoughts are:

a) encourage people to bring own distinct mugs or use their travel mugs.

b) do a wondercafe mug fundraiser & use china pens to mark with names, including some with guest

c) use biodegradable dispoable mugs but that has $$$

Anyhow, keep the feedback coming.  So far, I hear lots of "yeah!" and we've done it for a short time...

Greetings!

We don't "do" coffee at our church - no coffee before service, no coffee after service, unless there is a meeting and lunch is provided.  I don't think our congregation is prepared for coffee in the service . . . were still pretty much in the 20th century versus the 21st century in that regard.  Very few young people . . . those that come are involved in the Sunday School with their children . . . I'm in my 50's and there are about 10-15 in my age bracket, and we are the "young" ones.  Under 50, probably a handful.  I don't think someone drinking coffee in our sanctuary during the worship service would go over very well with the majority of our senior members - they are of the school that you worship in church and fellowship in the hall.  I don't think they would say something to someone who came in carrying a coffee mug and sipping on it during the service, but they would probably say something to one another.  I think we are going to be one of those churches that don't "make it" once our older generation (75+) is no longer with us

We seem to be "up" and "down" a lot during our service - lot of hymns - where/how do people find the time to actually drink their coffee?

Hope, peace, joy, love . . .

Sermon is great for enjoying a cup of coffee

This past year, our church has made coffee a routine at our church. One couple comes early every sunday to make the coffee and tea and turn on the heat. The coffee is set up in the alcove at the back of the church. We use real mugs, we have a dishwasher so it's pretty quick and easy to clean up. We also have sweets, several volunteers from the church are very willing to bake for us! No one seems to have any objection to drinking coffee in church. Pinga, I totally agree with you, sermon is great for enjoying coffee, its  reminds me of going out for a nice cup of coffee with a great friend with great, thoughtful conversation.

Heh countrygirl22, don't think we have met yet.  welcome to wc....

Thanks for your response.

Do you have coffee after church as well, and if so, do people use the same mugs, and just take them to the same place?

What of our logistic issues, is that we have the sanctuary over top of our hall.....

Nice volunteers btw, baking goods, etc. 

When our church was redesigned a few years ago, the wall between narthex & sanctuary was removed, and a small kitchenette was also installed on one side - complete with the nativity stained glass window!    So we now have after-church coffee time in the back of the sanctuary, rather than downstairs in the hall.  

Before church,  a small coffee pot is put on for the choir to enjoy after they have a brief rehearsal.   Often the minister's wife starts the coffee, since she's there early in the morning.  A few folks bring coffee to their chairs during service, but it is rare.

Big urn is put on for congregation & small pot for decaf.  Another urn for hot water for tea.  Near the end of the service, the usher team goes to the kitchenette, fills thermal jugs & puts them out on a table where cups, cream, milk, sugar, sugar subsitute have all been placed out prior to service.  We also service glasses of juice, put out a jug of water, and a tray of cookies (bought in bulk).   Usher team does clean up.  We use glass mugs & have a dishwasher in the kitchenette.

coffee in curch is cool, I uassally take a timmes with me, They serve coffee after, in styrofoam cups and there's a dontation thing to help out. I think havin a coffee table after encoureges disscusion and I've meet a few cool people round the pot. It's a good Idea I wouid sujest one big cafater and lots of cups probs go the whitener and cube rout and put out donation can or somthin. then anyone can have some even if there broke and better of peps can help with the caffination God bless!!

Hey Ramility - welcome!  Sounds like a really relaxed place.  My sweetheart would love that in our church.

Beloved - I laughed when you mentioned the standing up & sitting down - no kidding!  I'm always juggling stuff anyway and I can imagine tipping a few mugs.  A screen would help for not needing hymnbooks, and people love how it sounds when people sing out & forward rather than down. 

lol- maybe we could ahve a seventh-inning stretch before the sermon and people could fill up their mugs then :)

That is what I am thinking, birthstone.  Might be a great time for pass the peace!

Our church is very into coffee! Coffee before, during and after.  Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE our church.

Just outside the sanctuary there is a coffee station.  There is a large coffee urn.  I am not sure who makes the early coffee...some coffee fairy who I love dearly, I suppose!  There is a collection of china mugs and the appropriate milk and sugar.  People help themselves to coffee  and take it in to the sanctuary.  I am always grateful for long winded announcements so I can finish my coffee while it still hot.  We have also been encouraged by the minister to feel free to leave briefly during the service to get more coffee.  We joke about choosing hymns appropriately for coffee breaks.  Have I mentioned that I LOVE this church!

I am not aware of spillage but the sanctuary has a concrete floor so it isn't a big deal in terms of carpeting.  People take their mugs to the kitchen after service though my guess is someone also walks through the sanctuary later in the day to check for any strays.

There is also coffee, tea and juice after service and often cookies much to my children's delight!

We had a (5 year of amalgamating) Anniversary dinner last night, and the Service today - last night included a cash bar.  Judging by how popular it was, someone pointed out that maybe coffee is playing it too safe?  We could get the bar set up and serve all sorts of delights.  Maybe with the profits, we could all erase our deficit budgets?  Might make for more excitable singing and more interesting children's stories!

I think we have something like this on our website or at least some of our promotional materials:

Coffee in the sanctuary

We do not have a rule that says you can't bring your coffee into the sanctuary. We do, however, have a rule that says you can't spill it in there.

How do you handle spillage?

I drink the coffee before it gets spilled.

lol, thanks cf.

Yep and it might just keep some people awake too

We aren't. We have coffee afterwards in the gym. When we're in the sanctuary we're worshipping God, not sipping down Nabob.

Wait, you can't worship God and drink coffee?

hmmm...i didn't know that they couldn't cohabitate.

Can you breathe & worship God? Sing and worship God? hmm, laugh and worship God?

how about..suck on a cough drop & worship God?  hmmm...or maybe a lifesaver or humbug.  Can a little one eat cheerios & worshp God, or suck on their soother? 

aah I know, i bet that worshiping God is limited to sunday mornings, right?  shucks, too bad, as i have worshipped God while sitting on a rock overlooking Lake Superior supping on a coffee, as well

ps....we wouldn't serve Nabob....we tend to serve Planet Bean fair trade.

You know, I suppose you're right. Afterall, Jesus and his disciples often shared a meal together while he was teaching them. Thank you for the insight.

I'll try downing a drink tomorrow during service and report my findings.

And good on ya' for serving up fair trade.

heh match3..how did it go?

I was soo wishing that there was coffee at church, as once again I was running to Tim's to get my caffeine hit, and would so much have preferred a fair trade coffee being available at the back of the church.

soon....

ps...heard we may be having hot apple cider during advent...yum.

Hm... well... unfortunately Pinga old friend, I forgot to bring a beverage with me.

Sorry to disappoint.

Maybe next week.

match3frog wrote:

"When we're in the sanctuary we're worshipping God, not sipping down Nabob." (Pardon me please for not using those intimidating buttons to quote you)

Years ago, I read a book of E F Schumacher's and I'm afraid what has stuck most strongly in my memory is the story of the two monks, both devoted smokers, who want to squeeze a few more cigarettes into the day. They both agree they will ask their superior about smoking during prayer.

The following day, they meet. "How did it go?" asks the first.

"Quite badly," his friend replies. "He said I couldn't smoke while I prayed. But why are you so happy?"

"He said it was all right for me to pray while I smoked."

I'm usually the first one at church - 7:30 to 8:00am - so I make the 80 cupper (with fair trade coffee) and roll it into the front entry of the church.

Along side of it is: (wintertime) an electric kettle and hot chocolate powder; (summertime) a jug of fruit juice.

We've purchased about 60 travel mugs (the kinds with the closed lids). People pick up what they want as they head in to worship.

Last Sunday we had a new family with two young children head into church. When the dad saw the coffee perking away he said, "Seriously? I can take this in with me? Oh, man....! You knew exactly what I needed!"

We've only had one spill... and it was cleaned up with a cloth.

I just wish I drank coffee... everybody seems to enjoy the stuff so!

Christ's peace - r

Richard, that is a fabulous idea to have purchased travel mugs.  they can be washed out, they don't spill and best of all, ...... they hold two cups worth.

I'm going to suggest it.  good purchase for our UCW

Hi Richard....Did you find  a distributor & put your logo, or did you just go for some from "any store"

I once was invited to a Vineyard Church, and they did something which stuck with me - they stopped the service in the middle for social time and coffee. Then, after 10 minutes, the "last call" was made for everyone to fill up their coffee cups and scripture was read and then the sermon was delivered. I thought it was a great idea - that way, social time isn't an option!

Of all the churches I have attended in the past twenty years I have never been to one that allows coffee in the pews during service!  What a unique idea!

Most churches I have attended offer coffee and some sort of treat, some before service some after.  In the church I last attended coffee was never served.

I personally have no preferance before or after, just as long as there is coffee served, it is to me a sign of hospitality from the congregation and one I have always enjoyed.

I have been in churches where chewing gum is an offense and even un wrapping a cough drop is considered rude.  This was decades ago however, and not in a protestant denomination.

I was just wondering what kind of response a church would get if they advertised a coffee and donut service once a month.  I'm wondering if it would attract a different set of people or any at all?

Coffee in the pews is a delightful idea. What a great way to help people relax and enjoy the service. Of course, it'll help people wake up a bit too. There's no reason for church to be stiff.

A month or so ago my church began having a continental breakfast before the meeting begins. We go to an open brethren church so fellowship is not a problem. The idea is tow fold: to encourage deeper fellowship and to maybe bring a neighbour to the meeting. It's a way to try and connect to the community.

Sorry, Pinga... I forgot I had posted on this thread! :(

We got our travel mugs three ways - a) people donated the 'extras' in their closet; b) a car-enthusiast get-together that had purchased more than they needed donated more; and c) we bought some to top it off.

As these ones wear out, I will be suggesting we move to a "St. Andrew's" mug... now that we've got our new logo and advertising style-guide put together. 8grin*

Christ's peace - r

Scary thought but I mentioned the continental breakfast, and I survived.

There is hope after all.

IT

Russ

Scary thought but I mentioned the continental breakfast, and I survived.

There is hope after all.

IT

Russ

RB

St Andrew's came up in discussion after the Council meeting last night.  I almost get the impression that if you can do it, Emmanuel can certainly give it a shot.

IT

Russ

Russ...

BWA-hahahahah. *michevous grin*  (Today, Emmanuel... tomorrow.... the whole erf'!)

Christ's peace - r

RB

Christine Williams, our Yoot Minister, brought your church's name up.

Not erf, NERF.  We have a good vs evil battle in the Sanctuary with NERF guns.

Cool?

IT

Russ

In the church I attended before moving, they had coffee, sandwiches and cookies and donuts after the service in the lobby. Coffee would have never survived the worship service there, too much jumping and dancing, I sure do miss that church. I've yet to find one with comparable energy in the town where I live now

I had a Sunday off recently, and my sweetheart & I were out for breakfast.  How very fulfilling!

We got talking...

So what about a breakfast church - , just folks around the tables, with breakfast, and some music playing, but conversation.  At some point, someone stands up, welcomes everyone, talks for 5 min or so on a topic, invites discussion, answers discussion.  At the end of the hour, an informal prayer and off you go...

Maybe pay some caterers, or 'hire' a local diner, or a cafe that doesn't usually open until later on Sunday... or just some folks who like to cook.