More than meets the eye

Written By Sara Lauterbach

       I’ve known about Uncommon Grounds Café for a few years.  It has always been something I wanted to be a part of, but... life was busy.  Kids, husband, stuff, and things.  A year ago, I took the plunge, no excuses.  I made room in my schedule and just showed up.  Just six hours a week, it’s not much, but there are weeks where those six hours are a struggle to carve out. Confession, some weeks I only come down one day, and others I don’t make it at all.  However, most weeks, I’m here. That’s all it takes, just be here.  For six hours a week, I have gained so much more than money can buy.  The people encountered at Uncommon Grounds Café have challenged me to grow in my thoughts, my beliefs and my actions.  Each day at the café I smile, take orders, and serve coffee, but so much more happens too.
 
        The people I work with are amazing works in progress.  They struggle with challenges in life just like we all do, but they don’t do it alone.  They are family where family has been absent or failed. They challenge each other to grow and keep searching.  They pray for each other, they cry together, they grieve together, and they celebrate together.  Grace abounds at Uncommon Grounds.  We all fail and fall short, but in this community failure is not an end, it’s a place to grow and learn.  While working on Tuesdays I get to overhear the weekly Bible study discussion, more often than not those overheard discussions challenge my thoughts and tie in with what God is doing in my life.  I love that I GET TO be a part of this family.
 
       The customers, the people of Aliquippa and Beaver County, are the other people I meet at Uncommon Grounds Café. So many people come to Uncommon Grounds for a cup of coffee, or a hot breakfast, but there is more here. They are greeted with a community.  If all a customer gets is a cup of coffee, they haven’t stayed long enough. Conversations I’ve had with customers range from politics, religion, health concerns, recipe exchanges, and prayer requests.  Those prayer requests are prayed for right away and stick with me throughout the week.  I GET TO be a part of true community. The regulars at the café make my heart happy, they just do.
 
       There are many ways you can be a part of all that is going on at Uncommon Grounds Café.  First off, come down for a cup of coffee, any of us would love to make you a latte.  Come enjoy a hot breakfast, no better food or deal in town.  Next, come get connected.  You don’t have to be behind the counter to be a part of the community.  There are all kinds of activities going on in and around the community of Uncommon Grounds Café.  Finally, give.  If you can’t give time, like I can, the Café could use financial donations to help them provide for their community and expand their resources to meet more needs in the community of Aliquippa and Beaver County.  Changes are happening, the community is growing and you can be a part of it. I’m so excite that I took the plunge and today I GET TO be a part of Uncommon Grounds.