METHODIST CHURCH COFFEE CLUB

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31409, 30 June 1967, Page 12

METHODIST CHURCH COFFEE CLUB

A discotheque which shows fast-moving films simultaneously with the playing of a teen-age band will be introduced by the Methodist Central Mission’s Friendship House coffee club on the afternoon of Sunday, July 9. The idea had been popular at the Wayside Chapel, King’s Cross, Sydney, said Rev. A. R. Bowden, of the Central Mission staff, who recently visited there. The fast-moving films created a mood that merged with the teen-age music of

the day. There would be no sound with the films as the aim was only to provide a visual effect that caught the attention of those dancing. A quieter programme of folk singing would be provided for those who did not wish to dance in the Coffee Tree rooms behind the Central Mission church adjacent to Friendship House. The Coffee Tree was originally used for a Friday night club, but Friendship House was now being opened on that night and provided facilities for table tennis, darts, and snooker, Mr Bowden said. The hours of the coffee club were being extended to include Sunday afternoons because the Sunday evening programme was becoming so popular, Mr Bowden said. Last Sunday 140 attended the club and it was felt that its work would be more effective spread over longer hours.

The discussion held midway through the evening was to provide a bridge between the church and those who were disturbed about problems in their own lives and in the community in general. Among recent subjects have been free love, venereal disease, drug abuse, was Christ God or man, the miracles of Christ, and extended drinking hours.