Scripture: Ephesians 3:17-18, John 3:16

Introduction

In the month of February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. What better time to share the love of God with others in a meaningful way through the gift of service? This service program will guide you in preparing a special coffee break for your local ARC beneficiaries, Advisory Board, or other groups to show them that God deeply loves them.

Create the Environment

Music

• Create your own coffee house vibe by playing soothing instrumental music in the background as the attendees enter. You can find suitable pieces online or enter “coffee shop instrumentals” on YouTube.

Decorations

• Set up a coffee bar with various flavor options. Using a Keurig machine will help to keep down on the equipment needed.
• Add a set of string lights over the coffee bar to bring warmth to the area.
• Hang a paper heart garland over the coffee bar.
• Use creams, browns, and earth-tone tablecloths and placemats on the tables.
• Use mini chalkboards as centerpieces to write the scripture references about love—“Grounded in Love” or a simple message such as “Welcome,” or “You Are Loved.”
• Sprinkle coffee beans and confetti hearts around the centerpieces; these can also be used for the “Coffee Bingo” activity.

Refreshments

• Make sure to offer decaffeinated options for those abstaining from caffeine and an assortment of creamers and sweeteners.
• Assortment Pastries—Invite the women to participate by bringing their favorite bite-sized pastry/cookies to share with others. Place an assortment on plates near each centerpiece.

Activities

Coffee Tasting

• Invite the group to participate in a mini coffee tasting experience with a few different flavors. For a video on how to professionally taste coffee, watch the following video: https://youtu.be/4MoAfw9vjLY

Coffee Bingo

• Use the coffee beans from the table to play coffee bingo. You could use ready-made bingo cards or create your own using coffee terms at: https://bingobaker.com/.

How Deep the Father’s Love

Read Ephesians 3:17, 18 (NIV).

Finish this famous jingle, “The best part of waking up is ____________________.” I remember as a child singing the jingle, and although I hadn’t experienced coffee yet, I could feel myself transform with the people on the television screen. I felt ready to take on the day. As an adult, I delight in the fragrance of freshly brewed coffee, which brings back the nostalgia of my mother’s morning cup permeating throughout my childhood home.

In one appointment, I had the privilege of serving coffee at a 3-day Stand Down for Veterans. A “Stand Down” is where veterans come to receive complementary care and services from community businesses and non–profits in honor of them serving our country. The percolators began at 5 am and remained in rotation till 10 pm. With each cup that the veterans received, we witnessed the warmth and comfort overcoming each face that came to our coffee stand. We watched as these once tired, downturned faces lit up as they shared coffee and stories.

What is it about coffee that makes it a staple in our day or a transformative moment? Is it the earthy aroma that awakens our mornings? Or is it the percolating sound that signals a break in the day? Or could it be the comfort of meeting with a friend at your favorite coffee shop? How can a simple bean elevate our senses and completely change our day?

In the same way that a “cuppa joe” can change your outlook, rising every morning and knowing God deeply loves you can be the reminder you need to start your day off right. And how much does God love us? Ephesians 3:17, 18 tells us God’s love is immeasurable. It goes with us to the highest moments of our lives and into our lowest, darkest valleys and all the places in between. God’s love is complete.

Yet unlike coffee that needs to be warmed up or refilled, God’s love never runs out. His Word is active and alive. And what’s more, God not only tells us of His love for us, but He has also already shown His love for us through Jesus.

John 3:16 reveals the extent of God’s love and master plan for us, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Not only did He make the greatest sacrifice of all for our sins, but He made a way that provided the path of restoration for humanity for all of eternity. He loves us that much. So much that He wants us to extend that same love and gospel hope to others.

Just as the smell of coffee can permeate the air, the aroma of God’s love can spread to the most hardened of hearts. Sometimes all it takes is a cup of coffee with a friend to turn your day around. Invite someone to join you and allow the Lord to use you at this moment to tell them how much He loves them too.

Closing Song: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townend, video available on YouTube.