I love coffee. I didn't always like it. I'm really a fairly new convert to the coffee drinking community. But that is why I do like it, it is a community. Cassandra got me started drinking those cheap gas station cappuccinos. Then when we moved to Atlanta we would go to Starbucks for a Mocca or latte. I started getting coffee at QT (Quick Trips) on my way into the church. Then I started meeting people @ Starbucks as a way of connecting. Jason Burns was a master at this. People go to Starbucks, Barnes and Noble cafe, Caribou coffee, Tullies, Seattle's Best, and others to be around people. If not why not go to the gas station or make it at home. When people go into these places on a regular basis the employees and regulars get to know each other. It is community. It is fun and refreshing. I love going to Starbucks because people genuinely like me there and I like them. I ask about their families and try to build relationships. I'm not trying to notch another salvation on my belt. I really like the people there. They make me feel good. I'd like to think I make their day brighter also. (I must because they give me a lot of free coffee) Our church is a Red Cross shelter and Starbucks Corporation sent cases of free coffee to give out to those displaced by Katrina. I'm sure it is a good gesture on their part to do so. But I like going to Starbucks because I like to be around people. People who really like to be around me. It is cool to get in spiritual converstaions with unchurched people. It is cool to pray in pubic with Todd, the new UMC church planter. I realize Starbucks and other coffee shops aren't Christian organizations, but I dare say there is more spiritual stuff going on there then in most churches!