Cafe Agape 2
Esther Taufa, left, and Lesila Leger, right, pictured during a broadcast of Cafe Agape which connects young people across California-Nevada Conference. (Courtesy Photo)
California-Nevada Conference | March 23, 2023
California-Nevada Conference Editor’s note: People are making history every day in California-Nevada. Throughout 2023 we will be spotlighting clergy and laity who work to make life better for people down the street and across the country. Click here to see the video discussion.
Café Agape at Pittsburg United Methodist Church began as an online livestreaming discussion group for young adults on Facebook and Instagram led by Esther Taufa and Lesila Leger during the pandemic.
“It was amazing how it started,” states Leger. “Our pastor was talking in her sermon about connecting to people and letting God’s spirit direct you to the path where you are being called. Myself and Esther, we both had the same unction--the Spirit was moving!”
“A lot of our young people were struggling with that whole isolation,” states Leger. She along with Taufa and pastor Rev. Quentisa Davis Wiles prayed and fasted about what to do settling on using social media. “So, we started up this kind of [online] discussion where we’ll throw out a topic relating to young people and then we will chime in on it, and talk about it, and have it live--so other people can chime in.”
The ministry grew to include people from other UMC congregations and other denominations. Online discussions turned into online events such as a Lent 40 Day Scripture Challenge, Virtual Paint Night, and a round table discussion with Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño. Hybrid and in-person activities included Walking in Love (with masks and social distancing required), Worship nights, all church events such as Worship Under the Stars, Spread the Love and Messy Church. Last week, Café Agape kicked off their fourth year with a Popcorn & Pajama Movie Night.
The team promotes a holistic approach, creating opportunities include activities to improve the physical, emotional, social as well as spiritual wellbeing of the participants. Café Agape worship includes a variety of expressions. Discussions events are paired activities such as game night or movie night experiences. “It’s where we come together, bring topics that young people are facing,” explains Taufa, “and bring it to a place where we can come and sit and talk about it but also have fun together.”
In 2023, Café Agape is planning to go to a new level by going on-the-road to help model what other churches can do to begin their own ministries for young adults. “It’s time for us to take Café Agape to churches,” states Taufa. “Every other month we are going to take Café Agape on the road to churches who would like to see what Café Agape is all about.”
Other articles on Café Agape include: 200 Came Together to Spread the Love; Reviving Christmas; Café Agape Receives Grant; Lent 40 Day Lenten Challenge; Café Agape; Worship Under the Stars.
JB Brayfindley is a freelance journalist.