Morning Brew at Alexandria UMC
As a Fresh Expression, Alexandria UMC started Morning Brew. Morning Brew happens once a month. It's welcoming students from the nearby school and members of the community for coffee and treats. "We don't do a devotional because people come and go, we represent Jesus with our actions," said Rev. Amber Laffey. Morning Brew volunteer Barbara Borns added, "Some of them aren't from this church. And many, I don't know if they even go to church, but it doesn't matter. They're coming here for the friendship."
One of the members of the United Methodist Church in Alexandria, South Dakota, Kendra Mudder, drives to work in Salem, South Dakota, each day. She learned that Unite Church in Salem hosted a monthly coffee shop for students at the high school. She shared the idea with others at Alexandria UMC and launched Morning Brew.
"She said, 'Why can't we do it too?' Our church is right across the street from the school, and we're always trying to think of ways to bless the school staff and the kids," said Rev. Amber Laffey, Alexandria UMC. "We decided we would do it the first Wednesday of the month. We are trying to keep it at the same day and time so people can remember that it is time for Morning Brew."
A lot of people in the community commute out of town for work. There is only one place in town, the local convenience store and gas station, that serves coffee in the morning.
"We are hoping that school staff and school kids show up. We also want to catch people who might be on their way to Sioux Falls, Mitchell, or another town for work. They won't have to stop at the gas station on that morning. At Morning Brew, we can bless them with breakfast and coffee," said Pastor Amber.
There is no charge for breakfast and beverages—coffee, juice, and hot chocolate. A lot of the students like to drink hot chocolate instead of coffee.
