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| This article is satire, but the one below about Grace, WELS, Milwaukee, is real. I consider the Grace information self-satire. |
Church transforms into coffee chain - LarkNews.com - A Good Source for Christian News:
DENVER — Connection Metro Church, which used its foyer coffee bars to attract visitors to its eight satellite churches in the Denver area, has decided to abandon ministry altogether to focus on coffee.
“People liked the coffee a lot better than the ministry, according to congregational surveys, so we’re practicing what we preached and focusing on our strengths,” says former teaching pastor and now chief marketing officer, Peter Brown.
Many in the congregation seem downright relieved.
“The sermons were okay, but the vanilla frappes were dynamite,” says one woman who regularly attended the church for two years so she could enjoy the special brews. “I even brought my Jewish neighbors and they loved them.”
The staff of Connection Metro Church began noticing last year that more money was coming in through the coffee bar than in the offering.
“People complimented us about the pastries and mochas but didn’t really mention the teaching,” says Brown. “After feeling disappointed, we got pragmatic about it and realized God was telling us where to put our efforts.”
The church renovated each of its locations into Connection Coffee Houses and removed most traces of its spiritual past. Now crowds are up and many former members are flourishing.
“Who knew I was so gifted at making foam?” says the former head usher, now the head barista, as he makes a heart-shaped design on a cappuccino.
'via Blog this'
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| Fuller-trained WELS VP Huebner, who replaced "There's no Church Growth Movement in WELS" Wayne Mueller. |
God’s grace welcomes you, no matter who you are or where you come from – and so do we. We invite you to enjoy life-related messages and inspiring music in the services, Milwaukee-roasted coffee in the Grace Place coffee shop, friendly people, and helpful information on this site.
Grace Place Coffee…
a place to congregate
Grace Place Coffee is located on the main floor of the Grace Center at the main entry on Juneau and is open to the public. This full service coffee shop proudly serves a variety of Stone Creek coffees, espresso drinks, teas and pastries. Free WiFi is available. Come relax and enjoy your drink while browsing the internet, watching TV, or studying with friends. Grace Place Coffee regularly hosts performances and fun events, so keep an eye on the what’s new page.
Grace Place Coffee welcomes you!
Grace Place Coffee is available for meetings, weddings, or for those renting the Grace Center great hall. The space seats up to 30 people and even more with overflow into the atrium. A large screen TV is available for presentations. View a virtual tour of Grace Place.
Pastor Daron Lindemann
dlindemann@gracedowntown.org
(414) 271-3006, ext. 104
In 1999, Pastor Lindemann became the first associate pastor in Grace's history. His ministry responsibilities include Grace Group supervision and shepherd coaching, new member nurture, leadership and staff development, evangelism, volunteer support, and counseling, along with regular preaching and teaching. He also preaches regularly for the Message from the Master radio broadcast and is a fully-trained barista for the Grace Place coffee shop.
