South Biscayne debuts coffee shop

NORTH PORT — Still have no plans to ring in the new year?

South Biscayne Baptist Church is welcoming the modern rock band By The Tree and Warren Barfield to the stage beginning 10:30 p.m. tonight.

But before the concert, java lovers can check out the newly opened coffee shop at the church.

Members such as Dan Logan and a team of workers are proud of the new coffee shop that features lattes, cappuccinos, frappuchinos, hot teas and hot chocolate. The cafe also offers a menu of bakery items to complement the drinks.

Inside the cafe, visitors can watch the countdown to 2006 with a live feed of the New York City ball drop on two large screens.

“We are really excited about this because it’s an area where visitors can come in and have a cup of coffee before going to one of our worship services,” Logan said. “It will close during services. We believe this will be an area that’s both welcoming to new visitors and relaxing for members.”

Inside the church guests can see the band out of Texas, which originally formed in 1997. By The Tree members recently felt the calling to get back to their beginnings with their first nationally released modern worship album.

A worship set has always been important to Chuck, Aaron, and Ben at By The Tree shows. After numerous requests from fans, the guys said it was time to make an album that would inspire fans to seek the throne of God on a daily basis.

Produced by Chuck Dennie and Tony Palacios (Audio Adrenaline, TobyMac), Hold You High features popular praise and worship songs such as “God Of Wonders” and “Beautiful One” in addition to a new version of “Reveal” from their debut album, Invade My Soul.

Warren Barfield, creator of Creative Trust Workshops, engaged in a 16-city Christmas tour visiting radio stations and performing at churches such as South Biscayne Baptist. He has helped radio stations and stores conducting Christmas charity events or programs.

Barfield, whose debut self-titled album was one of the top selling new artist projects of 2003, began his Christmas visits on Nov. 28 in Columbia, South Carolina.

Barfield’s newest single, “Mistaken,” is currently climbing the charts. The song is inspired by a story from “Messy Spirituality,” written by the late Mike Yaconelli.

Barfield said Christian radio and retailers have been good to him this year. This is why he wanted to give back to some of the communities in which his songs are heard.

Barfield helped with the “Bears for Caring,” a program which gives stuffed animals to the local police and fire departments for them to give to kids in crisis. In Sarasota, he worked with the WJIS radio station with their “Fill a Freezer Bag” promotion that donated freezer bags with gifts to needy kids through Tampa Christian Supply.

The concert begins at 10:30 p.m. at South Biscayne’s main auditorium, 13000
Tamiami Trail, North Port. Tickets are $10 per person.

You can e-mail Elaine Allen-Emrich at eallen@sun-herald.com.

By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH

North Port Editor