A local church is reaching out to a different audience as it launches its summer contemporary service.
Calvary United Methodist Church at 159 Chandler Ave. in Johnstown’s West End neighborhood will kick off a three-month series of morning contemporary services beginning June 6.
This will be the fifth year the 300-member church converts a large classroom into the Calvary Café to conduct a service at 8:30 a.m., said the Rev. Donald Brauer, pastor.
“Sometimes attendance drops during the summer months and this affords people the opportunity to attend an early, less formal service where they can attend and get out to do the things they have planned,” Brauer said.
“People can dress in shorts and be on their way after about a 45-minute service.”
The café setting, complete with round picnic tables and checkered tablecloths, can accommodate as many as 60 people.
Future contemporary Sunday services also will begin at 8:30 a.m. through Aug. 29.
In addition to the early-morning service, Brauer will continue the church’s usual 10:30 a.m. service.
Bob Barndt, Calvary’’s lay leader coordinator, said the early-morning service will incorporate different elements, including biblical dramas, comedy skits, special readings and videos.
“Being a café, we also will have snack sessions afterward, where we will serve baked goods and beverages,” said Barndt.
The café is open to the public and nonmembers are welcome to participate.
“We want to invite the unchurched and we want those looking for a different style contemporary service that we are the place to be,” Barndt said.
“While there is no main theme for the series, we will be celebrating God’s creations throughout.”
Music will feature recorded songs, praise music and contemporary music with an up-to-date sound.
“Children will play instruments like cymbals and drums, and we also will have various outside musicians taking part,” Barndt said.
“People of all ages are welcome to come in, sit where they want and dress in casual attire.”
The contemporary version also will have congregational participation to enhance the format.
Information: 535-1260.
For summer
What: Calvary Café contemporary service.
Where: Calvary United Methodist Church, 159 Chandler Ave., Johnstown.
When: 8:30 a.m. Sundays from June 6 through Aug. 29.
Information: 535-1260.
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
