Christian Coffee Shop's Future Is Uncertain

Teenagers fill the room, talking teen talk, listening to music and sipping soft drinks.

To Mona Giordano, this represents the work of the Lord.

"It's a church cleverly disguised as a coffee shop," she said of the Coffee Spot House of Praise on U.S. 19. "It's church unusual."

She and husband Peter fulfilled their long-held dream of having a different kind of church when they opened the Coffee Spot in December 2006. They envisioned working with other churches in providing safe, informal settings for teens and adults, both believers and nonbelievers.

These days, the Giordanos are still offering those activities, but they don't know how much longer they can. The love is abundant at the Coffee Spot, but money is not.

Mona Giordano recently tearfully announced to regulars that the Coffee Spot would have to close because of funding problems.

"There have been times there wasn't a dry eye in the house," said Coffee Spot regular Patti Yurick. "Everyone just wants them to be there."

Regulars are both church-goers and nonchurch-affiliated people who stop in for coffee and like the ambience. Since Giordano's announcement, they have pledged about half the money needed to keep it open.

"It was their dream," Yurick said.

Mona wanted to have a church. Peter wanted a place to exercise his gourmet cooking skills.

The couple owns Pest Control General Store. When a vacancy opened next door, the Giordanos decided to go for it and opened the Coffee Spot.

They wanted to help churches by filling in with Christian-based activities.

"We're here to add to what pastors do, not take away from it," Mona said.

Mona is a licensed minister under the Spectrum Network of Ministries International.

Worship takes on a contemporary spin at the Coffee Spot. In addition to providing a religious service on Saturdays, the Giordanos get their message out to both teenagers and adults through live music, open mic nights and music lessons taught by their son Christopher, 16.

Regulars seem to appreciate the Coffee Spot's range of activities and the warmth.

Matthew Kondilas, 13, said the Coffee Spot is different from a traditional hangout.

"Here, everyone's nice. In a coffee house, it depends on the person."

The Giordanos just hope they can keep the doors open.

"We're taking a step of faith," Mona said.

The Coffee Spot is at 2632 U.S. 19, Holiday. For information, call (727) 942-7412 or visit www.thecoffeespothop .com.