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BlogHere are the thoughts and news of the people in our community. Leave a comment as you wish. If you want to join the blogging ask Mark.
Thursday, June 23, 2005Malt Cross   [this reminded me of the matrix]  [amazing glass roof] On Tuesday it suddenly came off for us to finally visit the Malt Cross in Nottingham. So Maddy, Asher, Rhoda, Michelle and I went on a mission to find out what this place was like and what it was all about. For a small entrance, the building is very tardis-like, concealing an amazing interior - a place with real character and interest. It is a fairly unique setup in many ways, not least in that the building is owned by a trust, and the 'business' is run by a team on the ground, but under the auspices of an ecumenical setup involving many churches in Nottingham. I guess the heart of it and the interest factor from our point of view is it's raison d'etre. It is not a cafe-bar ofr a cafe-bars sake but rather, i think, a place, or better a "space", for life. They talk about creating a safe place to create: relational space, creative space, thinking space, sacred space. I guess the foudnation of this is the 'community' that is created within the cafe that people can be part of place in the midst of that the opportunity for creativity, thinking, and spirituality. Those relationships are built within the staff and the staff's relationships to the 'guests'. Creativity is explored through the bands and acts they have on their stage and the art gallery they have in a back room. Thinking is encouraged through the relationships, and, they said, discussions events. Finally they have a 'sacred space' prayer room out the back as well. It sounds early days in their journey, but there is much to be inspried by and learn from. Things that struck me: - one of the main guys prayed for 5 years around nottingham for a place like this, before the Malt Cross became a possibility. - the heart and vision of the guys running it to see disciples being formed in the context of the cafe community - crushed maltesers and coffee beans sprinkled on the mochas - the similar ideas to what are in my head - great building, but even so they felt constrained by it Anyone else? All of my photos are here [you may have to register to view them, but it is a great service anyway. I recommend clicking slideshow] Labels: cafe church, mission Posted by: Mark | 3:34 pm |
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