Minister Brews Up Bible Coffee Klatch

Grab a latte and learn about Leviticus or sit down with a cup of java and debate the writings of John. One Watertown church is holding a weekly Bible study at a nearby coffeehouse to help defray utility costs and create a comfortable atmosphere for parishioners.
The Rev. Timothy R. LaBouf, pastor of First Baptist Church, said he's been holding the study at the Starbucks off Arsenal Street for about five months. On average, 15 people attend the sessions, that are held either on the outdoor patio or inside in oversized chairs.
"I see it as a win-win for both the church and the business," he said. "We buy their coffee and we're given a nice place to talk about the Lord."
The Rev. Mr. LaBouf said he has been experimenting with ways to reach out to parishioners - potential and existing - in settings they are already familiar with. One of these "doorways" is through Starbucks.
"It's designed to be a very casual thing," he said. "I find that people are more likely to come to church if they already know someone there, like a friend."
Conversing over a cup of coffee can help initiate that friendship, he said.
"We have people at the study who attend our church regularly, and some who I haven't seen yet on Sundays," the Rev. Mr. LaBouf said.
Another reason to hold the studies away from the 107-year-old downtown church are rising utility costs.
The Rev. Mr. LaBouf said utility bills can reach $3,000 per month during the dead of winter.
"Now, we're not turning up the heat, or the air conditioner, and we're keeping the lights off and things unplugged," he said. "You have to be creative when it comes to looking for off-site venues. Utility costs are one of the driving forces."
The church underwent an energy audit by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in the spring. Energy-saving lights have replaced regular bulbs in the sanctuary and thermostats that can be programmed to adjust the building's temperature just prior to events were installed.
"It helps clean up things we really needed to address," the minister said. "We've made projections about where we think we need to be, but we won't know the full extent of how things will help until winter."
Starbucks isn't the only off-site retreat the Rev. Mr. LaBouf is considering.
He plans to reach out to other churches in the area to gather support for a large nondenominational service to be held later this month at Thompson Park.
"We have such a beautiful location to hold this and limited months to do it," he said. "It can be a casual setting, then after the service we can have a picnic or barbecue."
The Rev. Mr. LaBouf said the service will be held Aug. 24 and can be pushed back a week in case of inclement weather.
"Let's take advantage of this gem we have right in our backyards," he said.