Church in a cafe concept set for Norwich debut

Cafechurch is an exciting new venture springing up across the UK. The idea, led by Rev Cid Latty and the Cafechurch Network, originated in Christchurch Baptist, Welwyn Garden City two years ago. Currently there are over 50 cafechurches in towns and cities across the UK. Norwich could be next!

 

Once a month, cafechurch take over the local coffee shop and host an event for the local community. Costa Coffee are keen to build links with the local community and are encouraging churches to set up a cafechurch in their UK stores, although alternative venues can be used.

 

All are welcome at cafechurch – it’s an opportunity for the church to engage with the local community. To invite friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues – anyone wanting to talk about issues that matter to them, but who would not necessarily go to a ‘normal’ church service.

 

Cafechurch gives people an opportunity to meet in a relaxed atmosphere to look at issues, such as the environment, debt, stress and relationships, from a Christian perspective.

 

Each event is relaxed and informal with quizzes, interviews, discussion, live music, great coffee and good conversation! What an exciting way of bringing people together, to discover more about God. Often church is seen as being out of touch and boring. Cafechurch seeks to change all that.

 

The Cafechurch Network has a responsibility to train and resource churches nationwide. They hold regular training days and once churches have attended a cafechurch training day, the Cafechurch Network will link them to their local store and resource them to begin cafechurch events. The vision of the Cafechurch Network is a big one, 'One day we will see a cafechurch on every high street in every town, village and city.'

 

How exciting is that? We are keen to work with other churches and/or individuals to make cafechurch a reality and would love to hear from you. We are also looking at the possibility of hosting a training day in Norwich.