One serves coffee, the other serves a congregation… and now they’ll be sharing the same space.
The downstairs area in the Cooper’s coffee shop at Castle Quay is to be leased by Lighthouse Church to create a hub it can use for evening social groups, youth gatherings and band practices as well as a work and meeting space during the day.
Lighthouse lead pastor Gregg Donaldson explained that the “fantastic opportunity” was secured while the church’s community continues to “flourish” beyond its Sunday services.
Cooper’s owner David Warr described the arrangement as “a natural progression” that “reflects the needs of our ever-changing community”.
“Coffee shops are a key community asset where people meet ‘in real life’,” he noted.
“In an increasingly atomised world where loneliness is quietly turning into a pandemic, this could be the only space in which some have human contact in their day.”
Mr Warr continued: “Today in our unstable world, people are increasingly looking for a sense of purpose, a more purposeful life, which is why faith communities are now attracting so much interest, particularly from our young.
“This is an exciting new era and we welcome with open arms the Lighthouse community.”
Lighthouse Church meets on Sundays at Hautlieu School.
Mr Donaldson said: “As a growing Church, without our own venue, we’re so
pleased to have a place to gather during the week.
“It’s a lovely, accessible area in the heart of town which works for all of our needs.”
Mr Donaldson added: “We’re excited to see our Church community flourish beyond our Sunday services.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and we’re grateful to the management team at Cooper’s for helping us make it happen.”
