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WonderCafe in Your Congregation

While the initial WonderCafe experience for most non-church members will be at the website, the WonderCafe experience can also be brought to life in actual congregations. As the ambassadors of the church and its welcoming message; WonderCafe is an important tool in helping you bring that message to life.

There are almost no limits to the opportunities presented by bringing the open-minded discussion and spiritual exploration of the WonderCafe website to life in your congregation.

WonderCafe provides an effective new way for people to discover what your church has to offer, and for them to see their neighbourhood United Church as a place that's a lot more relevant and contemporary than the old impressions may suggest.

In the actual physical space of your church, there are several things you can do to ensure that newcomers are greeted with the WonderCafe message. In addition to providing a great welcome, you may want to consider doing some or all of the following:

  • Have a coffee station at the entrance of the church and encourage members and newcomers to grab a coffee or tea to enjoy during the service. (Check out the Fair Trade WonderCafe coffee, tea, and other items to support your ministry.)

  • Host WonderCafe events that feature open dialogue and discussion. Some examples: a speaker about "Allowing your child to safely use the Internet"; a debate on Christianity and evolution; showing a film and inviting discussion on it afterward; an open mike night with coffee and time to get to know each other. All of these could be billed as a WonderCafe events.

  • Set up your Church Search page on WonderCafe. WonderCafe offers each United Church congregation a one-page microsite to let others know about your ministry.

  • Use the local advertising available to congregations on WonderCafe. We have developed flyers, newspaper ads, and postcards with provactive messaging for use by local congregations.

  • Preach and teach on it. There are many wonder examples in the Bible on welcoming others that can be used to illuminate WonderCafe and the Emerging Spirit campaign.

Has your congregation held an innovative WonderCafe event or engaged the Emerging Spirit campaign in a creative way? Please let us know! Share your experience to the WonderCafe Best Practices collection!