Jonesville coffee shop Grounded in Grace will move from Grace Episcopal Church to Jonesville First Presbyterian Church due to financial reasons. It will celebrate the new location with a kick-off event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
“We’re excited to see what new things will come from it being here,” said Cathy Johnson, the interim pastor at Jonesville First Presbyterian Church, who runs the shop. “Although not part of our initial plan, it does seem like the right time for the move.”
At its new location, the shop will not have to pay rent, so profit margins are expected to increase. Every month, Grounded in Grace Coffeehouse designates a local charity to be the recipient of 10 percent of its earnings, so increased revenue means more money will go to charity. Some of these recipients include various pantries and Domestic Harmony.
“Our real aim is to provide a place for people to come and gather, and the charities are another bonus for us,” volunteer Kathi Boyle said.
February’s charity is the Community Action Agency, and volunteers write on a chalkboard how much the shop earns each month so visitors can see how their money is helping the community.
“The atmosphere is casual. We try to be sure it’s a safe place for everybody to come and feel welcome,” Johnson said. “You don’t have to be a person of faith to come and partake. And it’s by donation, so if someone can’t afford to pay, then they’re still welcome to come. That’s part of the hospitality that we offer.”
Between a donation of several espresso machines from community members and other equipment volunteers hope to obtain soon, like a blender for frappes and smoothies, the shop hopes to continue offering a greater variety of items.
Another customer favorite is the shop’s crepes, which have different flavors based on fresh fruit options available in local grocery stores. Boyle said she mostly stocks pineapple, strawberries, and bananas.
“Because I don’t work on Mondays and Wednesdays, it turns out that making these crepes has become my baby,” Boyle said chuckling. “I really enjoy being at Grounded in Grace. It has such a different flavor from anything else. We have free Wi-Fi, neat tables and chairs, an area where you can do homework, and an area where you can sit and talk. It’s a place to gather and be comfortable, and if you want a crepe and a cup of coffee, then we’ve got that too.”
“This whole effort is by God’s grace — that’s why it’s called Grounded in Grace,” Executive Board Member Sharon Dow said. “That’s what it’s all about. Changing and blossoming and going in the path that it should. We have spent a lot of time working toward this point and it finally feels like we’re here. We encourage anyone in the community to come and participate. It’s a happy spot to be.”
Coffee is served from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Crepes and coffee are served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m on Wednesdays and Fridays.
