21 February 2013 London, United Kingdom [Kirsten Øster-Lundqvist, BUC News] Valentine’s stretched out for an extra day at the Central London church. Last Friday evening it was sympathetically decorated adding a romantic feel fitting the theme of love for the monthly ‘Dialogue café’.
An average of 125 people come to the café, an initiative of Pastor Geert Tap. He saw a need to create a space other than Sabbath morning for church people to bring their friends and colleagues to church.
“If we want to connect with the city we find ourselves in,” explains Pastor Tap, “we need to open our doors in the evening when people stroll the streets of London in search of a great place to relax, have some good food, and meaningful conversations.”
Gathering around decorated tables rather than pews, church members brought friends and colleagues to an evening of music, inspiration, and interaction ? not forgetting the cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries. With interactive puzzles to solve, each table got to know each other better both with tasks and later in the programme through dialogue.
“We have run it since October 2012, and every time we see new people, and half of the church is filled with non-members”, enthuses Pastor Tap.
“I simply love it,” said Amanda Van Der Schyff, “I come every time.”
Tiago Torre visiting from Portugal found the evening different. “The music provided a more mixed atmosphere. Where I come from we only use a piano”, he said.
Pastor Dejan Stojkovic, South England Conference Teens director, spoke about free refills, drawing from the story of the Samarian woman at the well, to whom Jesus offered eternal water and eternal love.
“The evening was simply amazing”, reflected Robert Coltheart. “I was inspired by the music and by Pastor Dejan, who really knows how to add humour, and still make a point.”
To find out more about the activities in Central London Church, please click here. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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