Tired of doing the same thing weekend after weekend? Looking for somewhere to meet old friends and maybe make some new ones? Then you need to check out the Unplugged Cafe in the Youth Hall-New Life Chapel at Christ the King Church.
Unplugged Cafe is the newest teen hangout in Oxford geared towards providing high school-aged youth with a place to spend time with friends, play some games, shoot some pool and enjoy some great coffees and treats.
“We’re kind of hoping people will find a new place to hang out other than Meijer,” said junior Carrie Townley from Oxford High School. “We want them to come here and see that they can be comfortable and have fun.”
The idea for a coffee house-style hangout was born when a group of students in the youth ministry discussed with Kathy Cook, Pastor Kevin Cook’s wife, different ways of reaching out to their friends.
“We were just brainstorming different ideas for great ways to reach out to our friends,” said Kathy Cook.
After deciding a coffee house would make the perfect hangout, the teens began planning the image they wanted to project, the entertainment they wanted to feature and the treats they wanted to offer.
Working with an interior decorator, who donated time and supplies, the high school students created an image that features plenty of earthtones and unique lighting. The hangout is scattered with comfy sofas, love seats, chairs and raised table seating.
“The idea was to give it that warm, comfy, cozy feeling,” Pastor Kevin Cook.
Live entertainment will form the background for the evening. The Unplugged Cafe will host an open mic night where anyone can come in and perform readings or acoustic music; however, all those wishing to participate will be screened.
As for the drinks and snacks, the Unplugged Cafe has plenty of tasty options: a wide-range of coffees, cappuccinos and expressos with over 15 difall this together,” said junior Katie Carroll, from Oxford High School. “It’s a way for the team to work and spend time together, while sending out our message to our friends.”
“I think we’re really excited because this is a learning experience for all of us,” added her sister Laura Carroll, a senior at Oxford.
Pastor Cook said that the Unplugged Cafe will not be making a profit. All drinks and goodies will be sold at an affordable cost and all proceeds will be used to keep the hangout running.
“It’s not about the money,” he explained. “It’s about getting the kids somewhere to hangout with each other and helping them realize that they don’t need to fee uncomfortable being here.”
The Unplugged Cafe will be open for the first time on Dec. 6 from 6-11 p.m. Featured live performances for the evening will include poetry readings from the Writer’s Club; Ashley Dasuqi, from Clarkston High School, on guitar; and Tiffany Caron performing on both guitar and keyboard.
“We just want a safe place for people to come and hang out with their friends,” explained Oxford High School senior Sarah McLean. “You don’t have to come for the whole five hours or anything like that. Just come and have some fun.”
The Unplugged Cafe will be open again on Dec. 20, Jan. 3, Jan. 17 and Jan. 31. If all goes well, Pastor Cook said the group will open up the hangout every Saturday. “We just want to give everyone a chance to come, hang out and have a good time,” said Katie Cunningham, a senior at Rochester Adams High School. “That’s all there is to it.”