Coffee – it has a way of bringing people together. Business deals are made; conflicts resolved; relationships reunited; and world events discussed over the hot brew. And at Cornelia United Methodist Church in Cornelia, Georgia, sometimes, lives are changed.
Even in the cold
Like the old adage about the mail carrier – “rain, sleet, snow, and hail, the mail must go through” – the coffee team persistently shows up to serve. This Friday morning was no different. As Mother Nature brought in freezing temperatures, Pastor Ben Wilcox, who has been with Cornelia United Methodist Church since 2020, stood in the church parking lot handing out steaming cups of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
“We just want to be out here with our community – show them that we love them and that we are here for them,” Wilcox explained.
Coffee has an impact
Shawn Parker and Paul Favreau enjoy the time and fellowship as part of the team. Wrapped in winter provisions, the three men waved signs, talked with people, prayed with some, and shared life. Shawn has been with the church a short time but says it was the coffee that caused him to notice the church.
“For me personally, I had no idea the United Methodist Church was here. I’ve worked down the road for ten years and until they started doing the coffee, I could’ve told you there were two churches here but I couldn’t have told you anything about it,” Parker spoke about the impact it has had on his life. “Seeing these guys out here definitely opened my eyes up to the church, and it’s gotten my wife and I going to the church.”
Paul Favreau has been a member of the Methodist church since the ’70s. His waves and smile cause many to honk their horns in support or simply to say thank you. Favreau says it is all about the community and letting people know they are welcome.
Food is common ground
For Cornelia Methodist, it doesn’t stop with coffee on Fridays, although that is a big part of the ministry. Every second Sunday of the month, they have a Community Meal after service with November 12th being the next one. The meals are open to the community. Friends are not required to attend the service necessarily but are certainly welcome to do so. The meal starts around 12:15 p.m.
Wilcox added, “It is another way that we use to support our community and let people come and be a part of who we are.”
December will be on a different Sunday because of the Christmas celebration. Christmas goodies will be added and the Community Meal will fall on the third Sunday in December.
Coffee is a Blessing
Despite the cold, this writer enjoyed experiencing a church in action. All of the warm smiles, honking horns, and steaming cups of coffee brought to reality what it is truly about – being present for each other. On an aside, the hot chocolate was a definite perk.
