The Rhondda's first café church met for the second time on Sunday 16th November. This time the theme was The Kingdoms of the World and the Kingdom of God and those who attended - aged from 11 to 80 - took part in a quiz on the flags of Europe, wrote to Gordon Brown about climate change and about the situation in the Congo, saw and discussed part of the film The Waterfront about corrupt union bosses in 1950s America, and watched images of how Jesus is seen as a king. Finally, in the story of the pearl of great price, we were reminded of a story of Jesus in which he said that the kingdom of God is worth more than anything else, and everyone was given a prayer card depicting the story to take home as a reminder. In addition, plenty of coffee, tea and juice was drunk and cake and snacks consumed!

 

The café church meets next on the Sunday before Christmas, 21st December, at 7.30pm in Porth Plaza. Everyone is welcome - whether or not you attend a more conventional church.

The first café church in the Rhondda opened its doors at Porth Plaza on Sunday evening. Sponsored by the Porth Newydd parish and Porth United Reformed Church, the service entitled Aspects of Love attracted worshippers of all ages, who together watched film clips and listened to music about love in all its forms, tasted two Bible verses (involving horseradish and honey!), wrote prayers and penned letters and postcards to prisoners of conscience adopted by Christians Against Torture.  An additional activity was to be interviewed by Katie from BBC Radio Wales, reporting on behalf of Good Morning, Wales! There was plenty of cake, coffee and juice thanks to members of local churches.

 

Revd Chris Coles summed up the evening saying that “Love is wonderful when we experience it but even better when we share it”, and there was a lively but worshipful atmosphere throughout the evening. Revd Gethin Rhys said, “This was a very encouraging start to café church, and I hope those who came to this first one will now feel confident to invite others to join us for the next service.” The second café church evening will be entitled The Kingdom of God and the Kingdoms of the World and will be held on Sunday 19^th November at 7.30pm in Porth Plaza, Pontypridd Road, Porth. All are welcome, whether or not you normally attend a place of worship.