Volley #1

A Volley from the Canon: Radicalizing Hospitality



Coffee Hour, that sacred mystery of the Episcopal Church, is the best shot we have at getting maximum familiarity with newcomers (and extracting from them maximum information for use in follow-up), and it is our final opportunity to make a positive impression on their first visit with the congregation. Therefore—we serve them the cheapest coffee available on sale at the discount store, stale from residing in the church pantry in that huge, bargain-size can, perked up in a 120-cup aluminum percolator, circa 1959. Then, we cap the offense with injury, for some, by offering that noxious non-dairy powder to “lighten” the brew.

Or that’s the way it USED to be. Now, more and more congregations are catching on to the higher standards for coffee service that are sweeping our nation, and especially our younger population. I’m not suggesting that we attempt a full-scale coffee bar. Regular and decaf are quite enough, if they are of good quality. That means avoiding anything too extreme, like a French or Italian Roast, but selecting a nice, bright, full-flavored roast that would appeal to most people. And while we’re at it, choosing a “fair trade” coffee (like “the Bishop’s Blend,” which benefits Episcopal Relief and Development,) [http://www.er-d.org/waystogive_63273_ENG_HTM.htm] and making that connection known, is a great idea.

But don’t forget the cream! People who don’t drink coffee (or who drink it black) have no idea how important dairy creamer is to those who lighten their coffee. It used to be “too much trouble” for most congregations to bring in a carton of half-and-half (or even milk) for coffee hour. Now, there is no excuse. Little individual servings of half-and-half with a long shelf-life and needing no refrigeration are available at a number of retail outlets, including Sam’s Club.

Still too much trouble? Are people just too darn picky? If we can ignore these important details, we should consider—the Holy Apostolic First Century Bible Full Gospel Community Temple down the street will be happy to respond, and probably already does.