The Salvation Army Citadel in Corner Brook is trying something new to make church a more relaxing environment for everyone.
On Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., the Salvation Army will be serving up tea and coffee, soft drinks and snacks as it hosts its first ever Café Church at its citadel on Clarence Street.
The church will be doing away with pews for the occasion and will use dining tables to replicate the atmosphere of a café.
Capt. Darren Woods hopes the new style will create a more welcoming space for people who often don’t go to church because they find it uncomfortable.
“A lot of people don’t attend church but they still have spiritual questions and so we’re hoping to provide a safe space to ask these questions without feeling uncomfortable,” he told The Western Star.
He said many younger people, in particular, may enjoy something different from the traditional atmosphere of church.
For the time being, the Café Church is a one-off in Corner Brook. But Woods intends to continue it on a monthly basis in the new year.
If the monthly service goes over well, he said they may eventually expand it to a weekly service.
The service will still include Christian worship. There will be a short sermon and Christian worship music will be performed.
Woods said folks can sing along if they wish.
They’ll also be putting questions at each table for people to discuss amongst themselves.
At the conclusion, there will be a moment to reflect and have a conversation about the service.
People of all ages are welcome to attend.
