Worship Unplugged # 8 FOOD

Don't underestimate the role of fine food and good coffee in creating a vibrant expression of church or a worshipping community of people. Winter is a great time to offer hot soups, bread, dips, cheese platters and 'good' coffee. Nothing says pale imitation like International Roast or Nescafe.
There have been a number of news and magazine articles recently about the upsurge ib coffee culture [beyond the advent of Starbucks and Gloria Jeans]. Lots of Pubs have been refurbished and look increasingly like open plan coffee houses and less like the front Public Bar. Even the most ardent coffee drinkers will recognise that its as much about the quality of conversation as the beverages. So include Milo, juice, softdrinks [ban low brow brands] and bring the meal right into the middle of your activity/worship.
Of course its important to consider issues of justice and equity. Get your fair trade coffee and tea through Community Aid Abroad or other agencies. You might gran a Buy Australian Guide and go the 'in house brands at Coles Supermarket and then make the reasoning known [not just the cheaper dud brands vs coke].
www.ausbuy.com