The Coffee Shop started in October 2005 with the vision to serve our community and be available for interaction, friendship and ministry. The prices of our foods and drinks are significantly low, as we are not doing it for any profit. Every person working at the Coffee Shop is a volunteer: they just have a passion to serve their community.
The Coffee Shop runs weekdays, 4 days a week, from Tuesday to Friday. It opens from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. It is situated in the Elm Centre, by Asda, in Estover.
Feel free to come and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of the Coffee Shop.
A Bonus for the reader
Elaine Cooper is the leader of the place. It is impossible not to fall in love with her gentleness and her care. She kindly accepted to give us an interview some time ago. It’s our priviledge to hear Elaine sharing her heart about the place.
Obviously you work here down the Café because you like doing it, right?
I love it to bits!! Everything about the place and the job excites me! I really don’t have any area of work that I prefer. The cooking, the interaction, the fun… I like it all!! It is such a rewarding experience.
What are your best moments in the place?
I already told you: I like everything the same way!! Maybe there is nothing like seeing people opening up to you so you can pray and speak comfort and encouragement into their life.
What are some of your hobbies Elaine?
I like poetry, reading, walking, gardening, and I like playing Scrabble. Food wise, give me a roast chicken and I am over the moon. I have also been to Scotland with its amazing sceneries, and I think this is the best holiday place to go.
You mention reading… so what’s your favourite book?
The Bible!!! I don’t have any particular verse that stands out to me, but only the word “Assuredly” that you can read so many times in the Gospel. Each time Jesus says “Assuredly”, there is something I can’t describe that overwhelms me with security, joy and peace.
Have you always been a Christian?
No! I have come to know God very gradually. About 13 years ago there was the tune of a song that kept coming back to my mind. The song was “Onward Christian soldiers marching out to war”. It was God trying to get my attention. I then received a leaflet speaking about Jesus that spoke to me a lot, but I didn’t do anything about it. Still I was becoming more aware of God’s presence around me. It was my friend Nora who asked me if I did fancy going to church with her one Sunday morning. I am so glad I accepted the invitation. We went to North Plymouth Community Church that morning, and I never stopped going since. I made a real commitment to Jesus, and God has transformed my life!!
After 6 years working at the Coffee Shop, what are the things you’ve learnt?
To interact with people and handle them better. Working here taught me to be more patient, and it brought confidence out of me. We face many challenges, but each time we handle them the Jesus way, it does work for the best! I learnt to handle upsetting words from people with grace and to forgive quickly those who might want to hurt me by their comments.
How easy was it for you to take over the leadership?
I’ve been here from the beginning so I know the job very well. By working alongside Carol and Emma, I easily picked up the skills I needed to lead the café. With the support of all the other workers, I thank the Lord for the awesome opportunity to serve Him this way.
Tell us about your vision and your dream for the Café.
In a nutshell: Seeing people give their lives to God, that they find peace in their souls as they come here and that we will be a good witness of God’s love to them.