Jesus and joe

Amy Wagner
Published: March 21, 2008

Lattes, tea and biscotti - with a side of fellowship and Bible study - are what the Rev. Michael Gray and members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church now dish up every Saturday at 6 p.m.

"We are focusing on older teens and those in their 20s," said Gray, pastor at St. Stephen's.

This new, contemporary service is being offered because Gray understands that, "some folks don't do Sunday mornings, and it offers another option."

The evening is very casual and begins with a time of fellowship while sipping coffee and listening to contemporary Christian music. Bible study starts about 30 minutes later and lasts about an hour.

Gray encourages serious and open discussions about daily living, using the Bible as the text. The service concludes with communion, around the tables, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The group has been fairly small thus far, with about eight to 10 people attending. The church hopes to see these numbers grow, while maintaining the intimacy of the group.

The "coffee house" atmosphere is enticing and very relaxing, said Gray, adding that "we like to have fun."

This Saturday will be different, however, due to Easter. The meeting place will be in the historic church graveyard, followed by a walk into the sanctuary, where the service will be held. The coffee house service will resume after Easter.

In addition to the Saturday night get-togethers, St. Stephens also has a contemporary service for children and parents at 9 on Sunday mornings.

Amy Wagner covers church news for the Star-Exponent. Have a story idea- E-mail her at .