Hamburg church hosts 'Coffee House' program

HAMBURG — Each month, Hamburg Baptist Church transforms its lower level fellowship hall into a space that hosts a “Coffee House” in a relaxed, informal atsmophere with candlelights on the tables.
The focus of these Coffee Houses is usually the variety of musical performances by individuals and bands from around the area. Mark Salamone, the leader of the church’s musical worship team, states that “The Coffee Houses are our way of reaching out to the youth in the area, plus those of all ages who may not be inclined to attend our regular Sunday morning worship services.”
In addition to the normal variety of musical talent, the church used its Jan. 13 Coffee House to focus on its observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday. The observance featured comments by Howard Burrell, former Sussex County Freeholder and a member of the church’s congeration, on “What would Dr. King think about the current state of human relations in America.”
Burrell stated that “As I pondered just how divided we presently appear to be as a nation, in spite of the fact that we label ourselves as the United States of America, I felt that this topic would be quite appropriate for our Dr. King related thought for the night”
Burrell praised the church’s pastor, the Rev. Richard Sharber, “for his leadership in the church’s never ceasing efforts to be a lighthouse of reason, civility, acceptance, inclusiveness, and love for the greater community.”