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Over the past couple of months, I have had
the privilege of serving others within the Café
Explore team. Right from the very outset, when
we first met together to plan and have a chat
about our vision/purpose, it was so clear how
eager and excited everyone was to see how
God was going to move over the coming weeks/
year. I must admit as a team we were rather
nervous on the first morning (even Willis – if
you can believe that!), really due to fear of the God is moving, without a shadow of a doubt
unknown! We wondered for instance, how within Café Explore, as we worship, pray and
many would turn up? Would the technology listen to Willis sharing scripture, and using
(sound/visuals) work properly? How well would ‘real’ stories/examples to explain how we can
people interact? Would everything flow/work apply the message practically, so as to
well together? positively impact our own/others’ lives. His
approach may be relatively simple, yet it is very
Prior to launching Café Explore on week one, as special, with some responding with ‘Amen’,
a team we spent quality time in prayer, inviting ‘Hallelujah’ or ‘Praise the Lord’! People are also
God to take ‘the reigns’, lead the way, to take encouraged to worship freely, and as they feel
total control and to be very present with us. led to, whether by closing their eyes, raising
We pray a similar prayer each week, and every their hands, clapping, or even dancing!
Sunday we experience an overwhelming sense
of God’s Holy Spirit filling the room, as we meet I have been extremely blessed, and deeply
together in ‘Our Church’ (Oasis). encouraged personally every single week, in
ways I could never have imagined. People never
This warm, safe, friendly, inviting atmosphere fail to comment on how they enjoy our ‘easy,
has helped folks to settle in very quickly as they relaxed’ atmosphere each week. I truly
enjoy a chat over tea/coffee and a wee scone! believe however that this hasn’t just come
Our primary mission as a team is to develop about through anything we have done or
meaningful relationships with people; we’re created. Instead we all affirm that this is due
interested in every individual, and how their ultimately to the presence of the Holy Spirit,
week has gone for example, (even if it’s been which is clearly tangible. He is right there in our
a rather hectic/challenging one!) Such open midst each and every Sunday morning, what an
and honest conversations have led to a few incredible blessing and honour! To Him be the
individuals feeling comfortable to share per- glory forever!
sonal stories with some of the team, which they
never felt able to do before. This in a nutshell is Laura McKeown
what church should be all about, helping and
supporting each other in life’s trials, as well as
celebrating in the good times.
