15 Jun 2009

Java Train as Learning Lab

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Posted in: worship

There is an amazing coffee shop in the Como Park area of this fine city. It’s called Java Train. Every time I am there, I wish I owned it–or at least lived in the neighborhood so that I could pretend I did. It has that cool independent neighborhood thing going on. Great coffee. Friendly staff who remember you from week to week. Izzy’s ice cream (on site). Ample space. Free wifi. Gorgeous colors on the wall. Could there be more? Yes, dog parking and complimentary dog treats.

Indoor play area at Java Train

Indoor play area at Java Train

They also understand how to move beyond “kid friendly” to “this place is for every age.” Church and faith communities could learn a few things from this shop. There are places for both adults and kids to sit at appropriate sized tables/chairs. There are two play areas…one on the huge outdoor patio and one inside. The best part is that these spaces are integrated into the rest of the place. Kids are not put into a sealed-off room (McD’s) or put into a youngsters ghetto. They are part of the whole scene without becoming the whole scene.patiofallthumb

We continually work at this “all ages” approach at Humble Walk. If Christ meets us where we are at–then that means Christ meets all of us. So, we can’t really expect two-year-olds to be anything but two-year-olds in worship. Admittedly, we don’t always get it right. Actually, we fail quite a bit. But, every once in a while–we hit this sweet spot and say, “Hey! That was it. Look!” Even in our failing attempts, it’s an excellent challenge.

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  • I consider last week a win in the child department. Complete with the new child size chairs.

    Brie 15.Jun.2009 11:22 pm

  • that places sounds great… your point is also well made…

    but in terms of java train, is there any chance you could post a couple of pictures? especially the kid-centric stuff?

    thanks jodi

    joshua price 15.Jun.2009 11:25 pm

  • You have me thinking about a song that was popular a while back. It was by Toby Keith and was called (I think) “I love this bar.” I remember going to seminary and hearing that song. The words were [something like--I'll admit to a creative memory] “We got lookers, we’ve got hookers..” bikers, strait-laced fellows, etc. The point was, there was quite an assortment of people.

    Now, admittedly, I didn’t hear about any kids. But in all of this, I thought this song is talking about where all are welcome and finding community together. What stops us, the church, from taking the place of the bar and forming healthy community? How do we get out of the sealed off rooms we put around certain adults and kiddos?

    Hmmm, Jodster, you have me thinking. And if you are quote unquote failing, you are failing in the most beautiful and marvelous of ways. Thanks for post you bloggster!

    Renita 16.Jun.2009 6:55 am

  • Renita, I love that you are quoting Toby Keith. Keep up the good work.

    jodihouge 16.Jun.2009 5:52 pm

  • Photo’s added!

    jodihouge 16.Jun.2009 5:53 pm

  • Message:Hey, Jodi! Anything I can pray for for you? I call this a ‘reverse prayer request’…Talk to you soon.
    Brant
    p.s. I don’t think I’ve ever posted in a blog before….

    Brant 30.Jul.2009 4:01 pm

  • Hi Brant! I think I saw you a couple weeks ago…on your unicycle at Midway Target. (I was unfortunately trapped inside a vehicle). Of course you can pray for us. For direction as a community–that we keep pushing ourselves to be on the fringe.

    jodihouge 30.Jul.2009 10:54 pm

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