By Masha Yurkevich
There is nothing better than getting together with family and friends on a warm Friday evening to enjoy coffee, live music, creative talents and spend time together in a casual setting. The First Friday Coffee House, located at 31 Main St. at the South Windham Community Church and Center, offers just that, and more.
Held on the first Friday of each new
month, it is a welcoming place for the community to come and enjoy a relaxing
evening with live music from local musicians, poetry readings and coffee. 
South Windham Community Church and Center, 31 Main St.,
has reopened its monthly Coffee House on the first Friday of
each month. This free family event is open to everyone who
enjoys music, poetry and other uplifting and creative
performances. Coffee and pastries are also available.
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The Coffee House is intended to be an outreach ministry of South Windham Community Church and Center, which is pastored by Ken and Mary Stimson. This outreach was the brainchild of church members, Charlie and Sharon Bickford after attending a couple of similar events at other nearby churches.
The Coffee House was introduced in 2019, right before the pandemic hit. After only four monthly events, it was brought to a halt as it was unsafe to gather in large numbers in a closed area.
“When it seemed safe and after installing an air purification system like the hospitals use, we decided to start up again just this month in May,” said Sharon Bickford. “We are planning on continuing the first Friday of every month from 6 and 8 p.m. Our mission is to become engaged with our community and to be available as people who are willing to help others. “We transformed the basement into a Coffee House with cabaret seating and subdued lighting.”
Bickford said that everything at the event is free. However, donations are accepted to provide the local talent to offer live music and other creative performers; anything from poetry to other artistic talents.
“So far this year, we have not had any poetry but are open to anything uplifting,” Bickford said.
Some delicacies and refreshments are
offered for guests and visitors.
“We serve coffee, of course, tea, cocoa, some cold drinks, and dessert,” she said. “We only ask that whatever is shared be positive and uplifting.”
In the past, The Coffee House has had guests performing like Bob Halperin, Peter Heimlich, Bob Moore and Tom Richter.
“The music that we have had so far has been eclectic ranging from acoustic guitar, sing-alongs, autoharp, ukulele, and kazoo,” said Bickford.
In this world that is often negative and dark, it is good to see a group of people who are so focused on shining a light on positivity and togetherness, she said.
The Coffee House does not have an organizing committee, so volunteers are always welcome, and Bickford said that there is always a need for more hands.
The next First Friday Coffee House event will be held on June 3 and all are welcome to come and join as part of the audience or be a part of the event.
To stay on track with all the upcoming events and information, you can join their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/events/south-windham-community-church-center/first-friday-coffee-house/241169356916027/ <
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