Social Justice by the Cupful
South Deerfield Congregational Church Transforms Church Hall into The Fair Trade Coffeehouse
 by L. & R. Rhinehart
Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." At South Deerfield Congregational Church (SDCC), this is a belief that has fueled the Peace and Justice Team into action.
Just over a year ago, Linda Rhinehart Neas, a member of the congregation, asked if she could begin a Peace and Justice Team at SDCC. Given the green light, she began by recruiting members for a Peace Sunday liturgy.
Seven people from the church volunteered to participate in the service. A sense of purpose and unity was shared by the seven who gave readings, spoke, played musical instruments and sang. This led a church member to suggest running a coffeehouse in the church hall to further peace and justice concerns at the church.
IN THE BEGINNING
Coffeehouses, traditionally, have been a place where one could have a cup of coffee or tea, always find conversation and sometimes listen to readings of local poets or hear music of local musicians and singer/songwriters. Usually, the conversation, poetry and songs in coffeehouses revolved around the social/political issues of the day. Peace and justice concerns have often been at the center of these issues and have become part of coffeehouse lore. The name Fair Trade was used to reflect the social justice roots of the coffeehouse.
Fair Trade is an organization which assures that the workers who farmed, harvested, created or designed goods receive equitable payment for their work. By offering the audience Fair Trade coffee and tea by the cup, locally roasted coffee by the pound and providing handouts listing other local and online fair trade providers, the Peace and Justice Team hoped to be a catalyst for change. To further their goals the Peace and Justice Team agreed that proceeds from the coffeehouses would be given to various organizations which work towards bringing peace, equity and justice to our world.
PUTTING THE COFFEEHOUSE TOGETHER
Fortunately for the Peace and Justice Team, SDCC has a large church hall. Small tables necessary for small coffeehouse style groupings were found in storage and the church kitchen was equipped with coffee urns ready to perk the Fair Trade Coffee. Therefore, the initial cost to start the coffeehouse was minimal (tablecloths, candles, printing), with most going to cover the purchase of 1 lb. bags of Pierce Brothers Coffee which was placed on sale for those in attendance. Pierce Brothers is a local gourmet coffee company that uses fair trade coffee beans.
Admission to the coffeehouse was set at $3. Coffee and tea by the cup would be free; however, free admission would be given to anyone who donated baked goods which would be sold at the coffeehouse for a minimal charge. The idea was to bring people together, not to make money, but for fellowship, a little learning, good music and poetry.
Through trial and error, the coffeehouse has evolved. When performers used the stage, mics and amplifiers were needed so that those in the back of the hall could hear them. In addition, in order for musicians to see their instruments, the bright overhead lights had to be on. The lighting and sound needed to be changed before the coffeehouse atmosphere hoped for could be realized. As Roger Rhinehart, team member, put it, "The first few times the ambience just wasn't there."
Wanting to find a balance for the audience as well as the performers, the team asked for feedback. Suggestions were abundant. After several brainstorming sessions, the idea to relocate the performance space was suggested. Instead of using the stage, performance space was placed on the floor against the wall in the middle of the hall. Seating was rearranged by turning the chairs away from the stage and toward the new performance area.
The team set up several free standing bi-fold doors and room screens. This blocked the entry area and created a path to the coffee, tea and baked goods which did not distract from the ongoing performance. The use of the small tables complete with harvest-colored tablecloths and candles, several small upholstered chairs and a couch helped to create a more intimate space.
Finally, the ambiance of a true coffeehouse was met when the amplifiers failed to work, leaving the performers to work without mics. The lack of microphones and amplifiers forced an all acoustic evening. However, since the change in seating had already brought the audience and those performing closer to each other, this only further deepened the intimacy of the room.
HONORING REV. WILL SENCABAUGH
By general consensus, this past coffeehouse was the team's best by far. The audience sipped Fair Trade Coffee and purchased tasty baked goods donated by church members. Proceeds reaching almost $90 were sent to Habitat for Humanity in honor of SDCC's pastor, Rev. Will Sencabaugh. Rev. Will, who regularly played at the coffeehouses, resigned from SDCC in August to accept a call at the Congregational Church in West Dartmouth. His original songs and off-beat humor were missed at our most recent coffeehouse.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
As with most coffeehouses, who plays on any particular night is not planned ahead of time; rather, the performers sign in as they arrive. At the October Fair Trade Coffeehouse, there were several new faces including: Piper Pichette, a young, talented Celtic harpist from the local community; Jim Hewitt (visiting in South Deerfield) on banjo and mandolin; Jay Stryker, a local musician on keyboard and poet Mike Mauri (also, visiting). Local guitarist, singer/songwriter, Terry McKeon returned with some new songs. Elementary student, Laura Franceschi, along with friend, Annabelle Mauri recited some favorite poems for the audience. Peace and Justice Team member, Lisa Middents ended the evening with poetry and song
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Linda Rhinehart Neas can be reached at the South Deerfield Congregational Church (located at 71 North Main Street, South Deerfield) at (413) 665-3130 or sdcc@verizon.net
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