Lutheran Church of the Resurrection's Christian Coffeehouse, CAFÉ ABLAZE, will be brewing up a gala the evening of Saturday, November 20, 2010, to mark its two year anniversary. All are invited to savor what's percolating over the three hours after doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Featured entertainment will be the veteran Long Island-based band of contemporary Christian recording artists, EYEWITNESS. With their dynamic sound and praise experience, the band performed at CAFÉ ABLAZE's 2008 debut. Lead guitarist Frank Calilendo, drummer Larry Cozzolino, and John Silvio on electric rhythm guitar/vocals form the band's foundation. Visiting artists on keyboard and bass add to the fullness of their sound. A special treat will be lead vocalist and well known Long Island Christian singer and solo recording artist, SIENNA. Her wide-ranged and soulful soprano voice captivated CAFÉ ABLAZE attendees in March of 2009 with her rhythm and blues, as well as jazz and pop, Christian repertoire. Preceding EYEWITNESS with SIENNA at the Second Anniversary Gala will be returning "opener" and aspiring youth minister, singer/songwriter Tommy-Lee Sexton. Pastor Jeff Browning, as always, will be the emcee.
Resurrection's CAFÉ ABLAZE began in 2008 when about 20 volunteers met to discuss starting a Christian Coffeehouse. At that meeting, roles were discussed and assigned. The group voted to name the café after Resurrection's Ablaze movement, whose mission is Christian outreach. Twice in Spring and twice in Autumn on designated Saturdays, a lighted neon "Café Ablaze" sign outside the entrance to Resurrection's auditorium/gym has come to signal the metamorphosis taking place within. An atmosphere of Christian fellowship permeates each day's event from 2 p.m. setup to post- 10 p.m. cleanup. Thirty-three volunteers and numerous others, including bakers and buyers of donated desserts, now contribute their varied talents to make CAFÉ ABLAZE what it is today.
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Once doors open at 7:00 p.m., guests including singles, couples, and groups of friends are ushered by black tee-shirted volunteers into a beautifully decorated "café". Café regulars, some of whom bring their black and white ceramic Café Ablaze mugs, know they will be seated at a candlelit table in a friendly, casual atmosphere. They then sample a generous selection of self-service specialty coffees and teas as well as delectable desserts that include a healthy fruit salad. When the lights dim, they will be treated to a concert of contemporary Christian music by professional-quality musicians. Intermission at Resurrection's CAFÉ ABLAZE offers still more to enjoy with a choice of flavored gelatos preceding three door prize drawings for which every ticket holder is eligible.
With all that is brewing at the coffeehouse on any designated Saturday, and especially now for the Nov. 20th Second Anniversary Gala, why not plan on savoring a great night out at CAFÉ ABLAZE? Better yet, bring a friend and take advantage of the twofer.
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Reservations are suggested and can be made through Lori at cafeablaze@gmail.com or 516-739-1537. Tickets are $10 each, or two for $15, and are sold at the door. A separate "freewill" offering is collected for the talent.
Resurrection Lutheran Church is located at 420 Stewart Avenue in Garden City. Enter on the Emmet Place side of the church by the lighted Café Ablaze sign. Parking is available on side streets bordering the church or in the semi-circular parking area by the Fire House at the end of Emmet Place.
Resurrection Lutheran Church is a multi-site Christian community of faith with our main campus located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. All are invited to worship at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday mornings, with Christian Education at 9:45 a.m. Our second campus, THE LIFE Church, is located at 1 Old Westbury Rd., on Jericho Tpke., in Old Westbury. All are welcome Thursdays at THE LIFE, beginning with a free Family Style Dinner at 6 p.m., followed by Worship and Holy Communion at 7 p.m. For more information, call 516-746-4426 or visit resgc.org or thelifeny.org.
