Mission/Vision

I envision God reaching three (kinda four) distinct people groups through His coffee shop, the surrounding community, the patrons/customers, and the staff (and business/church partners).

I envision touching the community first by being a quality business that has outstanding business practices. I also see opportunities for outreach through a bike ministry, opening up our retail space for functions such as small groups/bible studies and worship/open-mic nights, and generally providing open doors and arms for people in need. I also, having had huge heart growth for the homeless over the last several years, see real opportunities to reach out to the homeless in practical ways such as providing hot chocolate/coffee, meals, and other essentials.

I envision touching the patrons/customers by being a constant part of their lives. I envision a warm and inviting location where customers can come and enjoy quality coffee and conversation. I don't at all see customers as dollar signs, but as God's beautiful creation. I would want customers to leave thinking that our staff was "so stinking relational" (Pearl)

I envision a staff community that is about training Christian leaders and stirring up a passion for God's Holy Name. (After asking for Sonshine's permission, of course,) I envision a staff that is about befriending, encouraging, modeling, and challenging one another, the customers, and the community. I even envision something that resembles a Super Ultra Packet that teaches/instructs/hones things such as staff characteristics/special topics/living a balanced life/situational leadership as well as logistical/safety training. I envision potential outreach in staffing to include (but not be limited by) graduated foster youth, students studying abroad, and summer project workers.

I also see opportunities for outreach as we relate to the business world (i.e. growers & wholesalers) as a Christian business. I also see opportunities to partner with local/global churches in a symbiotic relationship (potentially sending out staff on missions?)



Most of all I envision this venture as an opportunity to put it at the foot of the Cross, acknowledging that ultimately this is not our business and that we are part of God's greater economy. I see it as a living, breathing, thing that exists outside of our involvement. It is bigger than us because it is not of us.

At the same time I recognize that unmet expectations lead to anger and frustration and that God cares more about and people are more affected by character and maturity than skill or ability. I expect God to glorify his Holy Name, bring His Kingdom, and have His perfect Will be done. And gosh darn it, I believe in a big God who can do Big things when people present themselves as living sacrifices for Him, not of their own doing so that no one may boast.