Cambridge Coffeehouse evenings at St. Mark’s began in 2014 as a means to increase the visibility of the congregation in the wider community and to support and raise awareness work done by other not-for profit agencies.
Coffeehouse evenings feature folk / popular music performed by local artists all of whom donate their time and talent. We are especially appreciative of our very own house band, House Blend, for headlining our events.
No admission fee is charged and sweet treats and fair-trade coffee are complimentary. Each coffeehouse includes a short presentation about that evening’s cause and the audience is invited to make a donation in support of a featured project carried out by that organization. To date, designated causes have included:
- equipping classrooms for school children in refugee camps overseas
- the resettling of Syrian refugees in Winnipeg,
- the Merchant’s Corner redevelopment project in Winnipeg’s North End
- West Central Women’s Resource Centre
- Food Matters Manitoba food security projects on northern First Nations reserves and our own community garden project here at St. Mark’s.
- Climate change adaptation projects supported by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
- Youth drop-in programs run by Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) and Spence Neighbourhood Association
- A pocket-suite housing program operating in inner-city Winnipeg.
- Rainbow Community Gardens
For coffeehouse evenings, we transform our sanctuary into a more relaxed, music-listening environment. The pews are temporarily moved out of the sanctuary and replaced by tables and chairs. We welcome approximately 80 guests to each event and have found that typically two-thirds are visitors to our church.
Coffeehouse Schedule
Coffeehouses are normally held on a Saturday evening in November, February and April. Events are promoted on Facebook, the MNO Synod E-news and the St. Mark’s E-news so watch any of those media for specific dates and times.
How can I help?
- Musicians interested in performing at a coffeehouse should contact our Director of Music.
- On coffeehouse weekends, help is always appreciated when it comes to setting up and tearing down of the venue (which also includes putting the pews back in the sanctuary) as well as with providing hospitality to our audience by brewing coffee and setting out the refreshments. If you call the church office, a member of our staff will be happy to put you in touch with the appropriate person. Appeals for volunteers also appear in the St. Mark’s E-News.
- Attend an event and support the designated cause. It’s always a great evening of entertainment.