Two of my visits were to cafe's. Both took place in the evening and advertised themselves as Cafe Church. They were very different from one another - and were different from the way I've heard others talk about cafe church - particularly those who use Sunday morning.

I'm not sure that Clitheroe’s was really cafe church, in the normally understood way of such things. It was more like a housegroup taking place in a cafe - and whilst amongst the aims of the group was a wish that people could drop in - the sign on the door said closed, and there were just enough seats for those who said they were coming. On the occasion of my visit, they were looking at the story of Jacob and Esau  (Genesis 27) - a new venture for them, they had previously worked on themes but having looked at Vision4Life  they had decided to concentrate on the bible. As we began to discuss themes of family tensions, the nature of blessing, the timeline of these events - the waitress came to take our order - the discussion stuttered to a restart and then everything stopped for tea. Some discussion carried on over food - but in little groups around the table but to my mind the exploration didn't really get anywhere. We finished with a brief act of worship, people paid for their meals and went home. Yet, despite my own reservations, this is a good brave thing these people are doing. It would be too easy to engage in such an activity locked away in the church, or in someone's home - but here they are in the shop window (literally), open to the possibility that God will speak ... At the moment they are encouraging one another, learning something of God's word, creating a space to which an inquisitive friend could be invited. perhaps in time it can grow into something that is missional in character as well as aspiration. However in re-checking the website I see that Cafe Church is no longer mentioned, although the morning prayers in the Cafe that I didn't manage to get along to, are still advertised - I hope that is a failure of communication rather than a ceasing of activity.

My second visit was far more experiential. Cafe Spirit  is place to explore God's creativity through crafts and image and chat and quiet. the location was the cafe part of a children's indoor play-area, it was a good space, although the organisers know it is in the wrong place (A trading estate tucked in behind the main road). This had a pick n' mix menu - cakes, soup and drink provided (donation if you want) and activity areas with suggested prayer/discussion/reflection. People came in groups and there was a good mix of ages as people took time to socialise and engage in the various activities. It could certainly be a good safe place to take someone on a spiritual journey who isn't comfortable with the inherited church experience. Inevitably, perhaps, most of the chat I heard was social chat - but then isn't that where faith chat so often starts. There was no act of corporate worship and no formal teaching - so whether it really fits into my exploration of worship I'm not sure - but for the people there it is clearly becoming a valuable space and I for one wish them well in the future (although an up to date website would help!)