Mosaic/Parent group move

I visited the Mosaic Coffeehouse this afternoon located at the First Church of the Nazarene in Wallingford. I rather thought I wouldn't like it, I somehow thought that a Nazarene Church might be unwelcoming environment, meaning evangelical Christian which I interpret as personally hostile.

I was wrong. Wish I had brought my camera. No picture, using their logo.

Parent Group has met in the basement of another Wallingford Church, Keystone Congregational since dirt. I've been there almost 9 years and we met there when I started. I like it, it has many positive connotations for me. Right size, kitchen facilities, nice location. I'm hesitant about moving.

But the issue is storage. We have a large cabinet full of supplies in a storage room along with a sign and a few easels. Apparently two congregations use the church and each of them thought the stuff belonged to other. Since all groups want storage, the pastor decide that none of them could have any and that meant us. They've increased and increased the rent on the room. Not such a problem as we have strong attendance and we pass a box around with the idea of throwing in $5 if you can afford it. The church didn't seem concerned about their Wednesday night tenant leaving.

The first Church of Nazarene also has several congregations using the building. Built in 1951, looks like it might have a lot of the original furnishings. The Mosaic Coffeehouse was inviting, had a nice atmosphere. A bit of a throwback, a communal atmosphere. They serve coffee and soup and baked goods, no prices, you pay what you choose and you can afford. Old comfortable chairs, plenty of space. They have a business sort of room you can use, they don't charge for your use. Only rule is that you can't have a fee-based event.

All about community.

The young pastor took us upstairs to the large room, it's big enough, no carpet but acoustic ceiling tiles. Big enough space, use of kitchen, plenty of tables and chairs. It might be a bit noisy and we would have to put orientation in the corner. Parking lot (!). And a storage room right nearby, we can put our stuff there. Available every Wednesday. He hopes to get some more business for the coffeehouse downstairs.

Apparently, the other weekdays are used by a bagpipe band, a mandolin orchestra and an electric vehicle society. Good company. I like the whole idea, I say yes.