The World Mission Society Church of God in Naperville hosted the Coffee and Canvas event on March 5th, 2023. The event was very lively with over 100 participants, consisting of family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and even the community. Many people came out to the event and shared an afternoon together, painting and laughing while having coffee and various favorable drinks: brown sugar and matcha boba tea.
Coffee & Canvas: Theme of the Night
This event was held in the Naperville church a second time as it was continuously mentioned by many members as well as their friends and families who came the last time. Despite differences in age, gender, and culture, those attending the event made new friends, built relationships and got to know one another. This event allowed the guests to take a break from their busy lives and enjoy their time painting an image that went along with the night’s theme, “signature.” The participants expressed their amazement at how everyone was very thoughtful and kind throughout the event.
Laughter and Happiness
To ensure the attendees comfortability, the venue was presentably decorated with blank canvases placed along the tables beside well-arranged paintbrushes and paint trays ready for the guests. This way, they could enjoy their time without any hassle and de-stress as they participated. As the guests began to arrive, they were guided to open seats where a server would take their drink order. The event offered many drink options, including different coffee flavors like vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon, and pistachio. If the guest preferred a specific type of coffee, such as an espresso, macchiato, or a latte, they could receive it as they wished. Not only was coffee served at the event,—because only some are coffee advocates—but even specialty drinks were made for those who wanted a taste of something other than coffee. Bubble tea, , such as brown sugar and matcha, as well as a strawberry-passion fruit lemonade that had fresh fruit served in the drink.
Along with the refreshments, guests could also enjoy various snacks, such as cucumber sandwich sliders, a wide array of charcuterie trays, cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and brownies. The room was filled with bright smiling faces and the sound of laughter as the event continued. Many guests used their imagination and God-given talents to portray the theme of the night in their portraits. Looking around the room, beautiful paintings of trees, planets, families, nature, and pets could be seen.
Touching the Hearts of Many
Towards the end of Coffee & Canvas, when the guests began to finish, a few were selected to give background on what their painting meant to them. Many people thought this event was a great way to spend their afternoon and spend time with the one who invited them. Afterward, the members and guests could watch a specially prepared video describing how the creation we see around us every day is God’s signature. This made people very curious and led some to even want to study the Bible.
Many of those who came promised to come to another Church of God event. They were moved by the love and environment of all of the members who contributed to the event. Whether it had been the one who invited them, the one who made conversation, to those who prepared and served delicious foods and drinks. If you haven’t come to a Church of God event, we would like to invite you to share in God’s love and happiness that radiates throughout every event given by God’s grace.
