Some things naturally go together.
The question occasionally arises as to why Christians, especially those of an evangeical bent, are so fond of coffee houses.
The answer is quite simple.
We like coffee.
Okay, slightly simplistic there. We like getting together with each other over coffee.
In Castro Valley, it was widely lamented when Pryfogle's first moved to the location presently occupied by Trader Joe's and then closed. It was in its original location a perfect combination of Christian bookstore and coffee shop, a place where one could simultaneously relax in comfortable surroundings with fellow believers and be refueled.
Let's face it. It's not like we're going to be hanging out at bars. Even fern bars. If any still exist, that is. Still, we like to get together in a setting other than church. What better than a place conducive to conversation? What better to converse over than something demanding a certain amount of time to consume? And unless you're pounding down java at the office trying to survive the day -- you know, conducting yourself with honor -- one is best advised to sip your coffee.
The regrettably out of business Pryfogle's.
Believers need time with each other when it's not structured and formal and everyone is on their best behavior. In other words, not church. Church is good, church is great, church is vital in the life of a believer. But we don't all go to the same church.
We do all follow the same Christ.
If we all spent more time together over a cup of coffee, so many things would improve. We could get to know each other better. We could talk out and work out the differences that often divide believers. We could strengthen the common bond between believers. We could spend more time laughing together, crying together, caring and sharing together.
More time celebrating Christ's love together.
More time loving each other as fellow believers in Christ.
Now that would be a good thing.
Here's hoping for another Pryfogle's soon.
Comments
I'm just there for the caffeine! (Hahahaha...)
Excellent piece. Couldn't have said it better myself.
A good book, new friends, a cup of coffee and enlightened conversation, what more could we expect? Thanks for remembering a wonderful store! If we could, I would do it again!
I, on the other hand would not do it again. It nearly killed me. But, from the beginning to the end and for that time, I believe God ordained Pryfogle's Christian Books, Music and Espresso. I keep in touch with our former employees, great adults and great kids, for many of whom it was their first job. I was a hard person to work for. But, oh my, we also had fun. The concerts were awesome, the recitals were inspiring, the Jamaica Me Crazy Bagels and the Mocha Malts were just plain delicious. But the best experience of all was selling a Bible to a brand new believer. Heavenly.
Thank you for remembering us and thank you for writing about your memory.
It's nice to be remembered in such a positive way! Oh and I would do it again too!
Oh, how I remember Pryfogle's! This store was very instrumental to me as a brand new Christian...and going to the Billy Graham event at the Oakland Coliseum. I visited more often when they were on Castro Valley Blvd by the hot dog place. Memories...sigh...
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