In 2015, Hope Lutheran Church in St. Ignace, Mich. began meeting at the local Quality Inn. When they decided to look for a new church home, they also had the idea of a coffee shop ministry. Upon talking with locals, the congregation saw that this was something the community needed. At that point, they attended a FiveTwo Network Boot Camp and developed their plan.
Today, August 16, marks the second anniversary of Hope, St. Ignace and the grand opening of its non-profit ministry, Harbor Hope Coffee, serving premium coffee and giving back to the community. Harbor Hope’s motto is “Bringing the light and love of Christ into the community, one cup at a time.” Rev. Rick Wolfram, Michigan District CMMF who oversaw the development of the project, says: “This is how a congregation integrates into a community. They are already using their tip jar to directly assist those in need. God is blessing them all along the way.”
Harbor Hope’s hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Cross the Mighty Mac and stop in when you are in the Upper Peninsula. Worship is on Sundays at 1:15 p.m. For more information, check out the ministry on Facebook and on their blog. Harbor Hope Coffee is supported by Bethlehem, Engadine; Hope, Saint Ignace; and in part by the Michigan District, LCMS. It is a member of FiveTwo Network’s StartNew Incubator (michigandistrict.org/startnew).
Watch the story of this ministry:
Photos by Seth Hinz/Michigan District, LCMS.
