Coffee Shop Sunday – Meeting God in an Ordinary Place

Coffee Shop Sunday (CSS) is an exciting initiative of the Coventry and Nuneaton Methodist Circuit, born out of a simple but adventurous vision: “Meeting God in an ordinary place.”

The story began in 2019 when Pastor Trevor was appointed to oversee the Circuit’s Evangelical Growth Action Plan. From this came an idea that was both simple and radical – what if church could happen in a coffee shop?

And so, in December 2019, Coffee Shop Sunday held its very first gathering in Costa at Gallagher Retail Park, just outside Coventry. It was informal, relaxed and intentionally different: a few songs, some prayer, a thought for the day – and, of course, coffee!

From the very beginning, Deacon Sue enthusiastically joined the project, bringing her wisdom, experience and insight alongside Trevor’s energy and enthusiasm. Together, they helped shape what CSS would become.

At the heart of Coffee Shop Sunday are five pillars: Collaboration, Accessibility, Fellowship, Inclusiveness and Encouragement. These values continue to shape everything we do.

From the Coffee Shop to the World

Then, in March 2020, everything changed. Lockdown forced CSS online – but what looked like a setback became an unexpected opportunity.

Our small Facebook group began to grow. Facebook Live and Zoom became our new meeting places, and suddenly people could join us from across the UK and around the world. What began with just 72 members has grown into a global online community of more than 1,100 people.

The coffee shop may have disappeared from the screen, but the vision remained the same: meeting God in ordinary places and creating space where people can connect, belong and encounter God.

Following lockdown, our onsite rhythm was disrupted when Costa changed its operating hours, so CSS found a new home at the Warwick Road Church Centre in central Coventry.

Open Doors

Our Open Doors outreach takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, from 3pm–4pm, at Warwick Road Church Centre.

The format is simple – and deliberately so. We share refreshments with those who drop in, alongside our regulars, creating a relaxed space for conversation, friendship and fellowship. We then finish with a time of worship.

This outreach is led by Revd Ian and Deacon Sue, supported by the wider CSS team.

Online and Going Deeper

Our online community continues throughout the week.

Monday – 9pm: Zoom Worship
Thursday – 9pm: Facebook Live

And throughout the year we also hold our Deep Dive Theology sessions on Zoom – opportunities to move beyond the surface and explore theological questions and issues in greater depth.

Whether you join us in person, online, or simply drop in for a coffee and a conversation, you are very welcome.

Coffee Shop Sunday continues to live out its original vision:

Meeting God in an Ordinary Place.