In Our World – David Schripsema – October 2014

For some of our regulars, this is their first space. The only space they know as Home. For others, this is their second space. A place they can be as they are. Comfortable. Known. For others still, this is their work space. The space they come to earn the money that feeds them and puts a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs. And then there are the folks who come in to the Bean for the first time, not knowing it’s history or the significance it carries for so many in the Greenwood community.
For all of these people, it’s our job as Sanctuary to treat the Green Bean as a space of Great Importance. It’s a place where we can show God’s love to every single person who walks through the door. A small haven where we can exist just a little closer to the Shalom the world so desperately needs.As we’re getting in to the cooler season of year, we have seen a tremendous increase in people coming through the doors. Whether it’s the return of the Harvest Squash bread, the desire for a BPSL (Better Pumpkin Spice Latte) than that other coffee shop up the street can offer, or looking for a place to sit and read or study for a while, we’re happy to welcome them with open arms.

We’re also looking ahead to celebrating 1 year since the doors opened on The Green Bean v5.0. It’s been a crazy year in many ways, and at the end of it we’re really hitting our stride. By almost every measurable metric, we’re doing great. A new Point of Sale system has reduced our costs, increased our ability to report on sales, see what’s working, and given us some great customer feedback. Our 9am “Rush” has turned into a steady stream of customers from 7am on. Our bakers are getting back in to more baking, and there’s a positive energy about the space that’s infectious.

So what do we need from Sanctuary at this point?

Your prayers. We’ve a long way to go and some bills to pay. Prayers that business keeps increasing, that our Baristas feel the love and support we want them to feel, and that we can love on every single person – employee, customer, or neighbor – that walks through the door in the way they’re meant to be loved on.

Your time. Come in to the shop and have a cup of coffee. Have conversations with the people around you. Read a book and relax. Turn the Green Bean into one of your Third Spaces where you too can feel at home. Comfortable. Known. Help keep the Green Bean the life-giving space it’s become known to be.

Your business. Please come get your morning coffee. Buy beans from us to brew at home if that’s your preferred method. Grab a dozen cookies or scones or muffins to take in to your work meetings (give us some heads up on that though!) Bring a friend in to try our new quiches and muffins. We make some of the best coffee and baked goods you’ll find anywhere in Seattle – which is saying something – and we keep getting better.

The Green Bean doesn’t exist without the love and support of the Sanctuary community. Thank you for continuing to love and support it. The first year as v5.0 is coming to a close, and the many years to come are so full of potential. Live in to it. Show God’s love for the community. Love on people, and be loved on by the people already there.

In Him,

David Schripsema