What We Did
Our church participated in the 100 Tables project by setting up a canopy and a table on the lawn outside our church, facing the main road, to offer free hot coffee to community members. The outreach took place on six Friday afternoons from 3:00–5:00 p.m. during April and May 2026.
The goal was to create a welcoming space where people could stop by for a warm drink and a friendly conversation, especially during the colder spring weather. Since our church is located in a relatively quiet neighbourhood with limited pedestrian traffic, we welcomed an average of five visitors each week. Most of them were high school students from the nearby secondary school.
Rather than simply serving coffee, we focused on building relationships. We engaged visitors in casual conversations, got to know them, and introduced them to our church and its community programs. We also shared information about upcoming events, including volunteer opportunities, and invited those who were interested to stay connected by exchanging contact information.
Why We Did It
We wanted to create a welcoming and approachable space where members of the community could pause, enjoy a free cup of hot coffee, and engage in meaningful conversation. Since our church is located in an area with relatively little pedestrian traffic, we saw this as an opportunity to spend more time with each visitor and build genuine one-on-one relationships rather than simply serving large numbers of people.
Offering coffee during the colder spring months provided a simple act of hospitality that encouraged people to stop, sit, and connect. Through these conversations, we hoped to get to know our neighbours, listen to their stories, and better understand the needs and interests of our local community.
The project also gave us an opportunity to introduce our church in a friendly, non-intrusive way. We shared information about church activities, including volunteer opportunities, and invited people to stay connected if they were interested. More importantly, we wanted our church to be seen as a welcoming presence in the neighbourhood, one that cares for people, values relationships, and seeks to serve the community with warmth and hospitality.