Anyone for coffee?

Emma Nebout reports on NPCC’s coffee bar outreach at the Elm Centre (near Asda). It is open each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm

It’s been almost a year now since I was introduced to the Coffee shop. Like many of us I did hear about its activity but never had the chance to see it for myself. My first day there made a good impression on me, so much so that I wanted to be a part of what was happening there. I came in one morning a week to assist Carol to start with. After a few months the Lord allowed me to have more time for the Coffee shop. God knew Carol would find a similar job at Derry’s and would need to give the leadership of the Coffee shop to someone else. In October 2006 I had the privilege to take over her role. It’s been a good challenge to me as regard to planning for staffing, food and equipments. With the staff we never start the day without a time of corporate prayer: we want to commit the whole thing again and again to God and remember that it’s first and foremost about Him. We want His will to be done in the place.

I really thank the Lord for the overflow of staff: I do thank everyone who is or has been helping at the Coffee shop so far. God has blessed us with people who have dedicated their time to serve God in this way. Currently those who work with me are Marilyn, Tony Willoughby, Elaine Cooper, Jane, Sarah Allen, Lisa and Barbarann. And it’s always great fun!
At the Coffee shop, you learn to know more than people’s name. I have come to know the personality and stories of those I’m working with, and I feel very close to them.
God is working in this place. We see God influencing people’s lives as we talk with them and serve them. Many open up to us and some of them even accept that we pray with them. God’s love is really flowing in the place and lots of friendships are being made, and relationships built, that will hopefully result in the salvation of many.

This is what some of the customers think of the Coffee Shop:
“I love the company, the friendship, the staff… and they love me. They make you feel wanted. I am 70 and getting on. I have emphysema.” John.
“I come here because it is cheap, friendly, relaxing, warm and inviting” Faye
“They always have a smile when you enter, always willing to have a friendly chat” Taz
“You don’t have to wait ages for your food. The staff put themselves out to help and cater for customers; nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff. The other café in the area is not a patch on the Elm café” John & Sylvia.
Their comments speak for themselves. Please remember to keep holding us in prayer. If you want some fellowship outside of the Church building, you know where we are; so see you there!

Emma





Multi-map - online map