It's a curious thing, coffee shops. Hundreds of them are scattered around the Lower Mainland. They're a meeting place for family, friends, and colleagues. A quiet place to read a book or newspaper. Free internet so you can email, check Facebook, or do some homework. More often than not coffee shops are always full.
When I worked for Starbucks, I was trained to emphasize the "third place" environment. Some of you may know this concept. The "third place" is not home or work. It's simply that "third place." Ideally, a place where you can escape from the rest of life. That short moment where you can catch your breath and refocus. That place where all the noise calms so you can complete a task that has been weighing on you. Ideally, isn't this what the Church is supposed to be?
But I've noticed, much like our culture, there is little community here. Perhaps there are a group of friends who have gathered, but they're in their own world. Perhaps everyone today is just an introvert and don't want to talk to anyone. But how many people are drawn to coffee shops simply because they want to be around people? They don't necessarily need to have a conversation, but are still long to be around others.
Perhaps we want to be part of something larger? Or, to have that off chance that someone will notice us and we'll feel validated that we stand out?
I have to ask, what is the need here? How can the church respond? How can the PCC respond?
