Coffeehouse brings residents together musically, spiritually

CLOVIS — Local church members are getting the chance to praise and sing at the same time.

The Coffeehouse, which meets every second Saturday of the month with the exception of December, brings together members from various local churches for music and worship.

"We have a lot of talented musicians but a lot of them don't share that talent," said First United Methodist Church member Matt Carter. "Initially it was to offer people an opportunity to come and play."

Carter plays guitar with the worship band Offerings during the event, and said music ranges from contemporary Christian to gospel and bluegrass.

"We are definitely believers and we emphasize that with the music," said Carter.

But people can come even without a guitar in hand to discuss ideas and "what really motivates them spiritually," Carter said.

"We want them to participate in some way, even if it's not musically. They can still make a contribution," said Carter. "We have people coming to watch and I want to make sure they're not just there to sit and be quiet. It definitely feeds my soul to be doing this."

That is also true for those frequently attending the Coffeehouse, he said.

"I believe that I've seen people growing spiritually because of this," said Carter. "There's always something that ties the music together with what's being said."

One of the purposes of the event is to bring members from different churches.

"We don't look at what church we attend. We look at what we all have in common," said Carter. "It's made me realize there are many forms of ministry and there is something we can all do in ministry."

Living Word Church of God Music Minister Bonetta Hutson said the first gathering of the year brought in a "packed house," and agrees with the common purpose of the event as a way to network.

"The one thing we like to do is share and sing for the Lord," said Hutson. "We all have a great connection because it's so nice to see so many people from different churches all get together for the same thing. The word is definitely getting out that it's a great opportunity."

Hutson added the laid-back nature of the event can lend to some friendly competition with different performers planning the same songs.

"For me personally, it's an opportunity to sing, and I get to sing as many songs as I want to sing. There's not a time limit to what you can do and that's just really nice," said Hutson. "Everybody just has a good time because they're in a relaxed atmosphere. We all just have a good time."