Cafe Church plan brewed up with Nero

Holy orders have taken on a new meaning in Kidderminster where members of the clergy have created a Cafe Church with the help of Agatha Rutkowska, the manager of Cafe Nero in the town centre.

The congregation meets at the end of the normal working day, outside shop and office hours.

The project will see meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month.

Canon Owain Bell, vicar of St Mary's, said: "Nero's is already the focus of a cafe culture that brings in people from the shops and offices around the town as well as shoppers.

"Local clergy also frequently go into the cafe and members of the public are used to meeting them there.

"It is, therefore, an ideal venue for what is hoped will attract these same people.

"We do hope that people will want to come and try out the idea. They will have the opportunity to discuss contemporary issues that affect their daily lives.

"The approach will be informal and low-key but specifically Christian.

"Each session will include discussion on the topic for the day, introduced by someone experienced in that subject, a rendition of a Bible story and a time for quiet reflection, which for some may enable prayer."

Mary Astin, who is the Superintendent Minister of the Kidderminster and Stourport Circuit, said: "Cafe Church is an opportunity to explore a whole new concept of taking the church out to where the people are.

"Anyone who thinks this might be for them is asked to join us at 7pm on November 5 for the meeting."