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Meeting, mingling and making new friends are the driving goals behind a new singles' social circle that will run every Sunday night at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church.
Called the Shepherd's Inn, this Christian singles' coffeehouse will offer likeminded single adults a chance to play games, watch movies, enjoy musical entertainment and get to know each other better.
"With half of our adult population now being single, there needs to be more options for single people," said Paul Pratt, a member of the organizing committee.
"We live in a couples' world; single people aren't really noticed," added Sheryll Donovan, another committee member.
Pratt and Donovan have been part of Solo, a ministry for single and single again men and women based out of the same church, for many years.
While the group sits at a healthy 40- to 50-person membership, Pratt and Donovan agreed it would be nice to see some new faces.
Offering a laid-back social setting may be the way to grow the group, they hope.
"We'd like to build it up to having 100 people out every week," Pratt said.
The group welcomes people from all denominations, as well as people with no church affiliation.
The only rule is that those who attend must be either single or single again adults.
Pratt sent out a letter to many area churches explaining the fellowship his group hopes to promote, and encouraging church leaders to tell their congregations about the weekly coffeehouse.
"We're not here to push religion on people," Pratt said. "But we are a Christian group, and our message is all inclusive."
One thing the group will be pushing, however, is fun, he said.
Each week, the meetings will offer musical or other artistic presentations; speakers on "singles" issues and other matters from a Christian perspective; and an opportunity to socialize.
But the committee doesn't want the weekly socials to be confused for a matchmaking service.
"We don't want to discourage people from making new friends, but we're not matchmaking," Pratt said.
"We also don't want people to think we're a pick-up joint; that's not what we're about at all.
"We do, however, want to be a nice place for people to meet new friends. But if people do meet, become friends and go on to get married, that's wonderful too."
Anna Chelmecki, another member of the social group, is looking forward to meeting new friends.
"There aren't that many options for meeting and interacting with other single people," she said. "Singles dances are usually loud; you can't talk.
"This is relaxed, and conducive to conversation and having fun."
Donovan said forming new friendships should be first and foremost to people attending the socials.
"This won't be a meat market," she said.
"Personally, I'm looking forward to meeting more people to socialize with -- go to dinners, the theatre, travel with -- and just feel a sense of camaraderie between us."
Plans for the first coffeehouse, which will take place this Sunday night starting at 6:30 p.m., include guest soloist and song leader Christine McGregor, as well as guest speaker Dean Sherk, a pastor at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church, who will talk about being raised in a "broken home."
Pratt said the organizing committee hopes to collect $2 per person each week, but added that no one will be turned away for not paying.
"It would just help with some of our expenses," he said.
"For some of the musical groups that have to come a distance, we may decide to pass around the hat."
Beverages will be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring snacks to share, Pratt added.
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