And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25

Last year, we had a member of our fellowship who saw a need. The local rural community around our church was hurting. These are hard working folk. Many who work multiple jobs just trying to put food on the table. So we started, what we call, our Harvest Boxes. They are a box with three meals, that can feed a family of four. As well as food, the boxes are filled with personal care items as well. We have provided family with 200 of these boxes so far, with 200 more on the way. These have provided people with meals and a little comfort, with some not know where their next meal would come from. The one thing we can pack in these boxes, are good conversation and fellowship. Sure, we can chat with folks who get the boxes, but it’s not the same as a good sit down meal or cup of coffee with some quality human connection. This is where the cafe comes in.

Again, the Lord had laid it on a few peoples heart for a place of dining together, with good food, music and good fellowship. Thus, the idea for the Barnwood Cafe was born.

This cafe, is not your normal cafe, but one where we carry the heart of our Harvest Boxes into realm of personal service and fellowship. This cafe will provide wonderful food, wonderful coffee and drinks…at it will all be free! All are welcome here! We want this to be a place that young and old and in between can come enjoy the peace and solitude or the joyous connection of great fellowship over a good meal and coffee.Our desire is to create a place for those who not only need a good meal, but a wonderful place to have it. Somewhere where they can get away, enjoy some wonderful coffee and food. And be in an environment that is warm, welcoming and full of good fellowship. We want people to get fed, but also to get to be heard and seen. To get to listen to others and be listened to. Jesus called us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. To invite the stranger in. As those who follow Jesus the Messiah, we can’t help but have compassion on those whom He has compassion on. To serve those in need.

Too often the church ( body of believers ) has lost site of being “ doers of the Word”, and have become hearers only. This cafe is just one of many ways, we as disciples of Jesus, can be obedient in serving, loving and sharing the gospel of the Messiah! And to help to fill their belly’s and their spiritual canteens.

We not only want to provide good food for people, but a place where they feel they belong. A place of peace, rest and quality fellowship…