Who would have thought that 15th Century theologian Martin Luther’s work during the reformation would have relevance in today’s world? But that’s exactly what is happening in downtown Renton as the new café and pub, called Luther’s Table, is taking shape next door to the new Compass Veterans Center.
Luther’s Table’s motto is: “Good Food and Generous People” I like it already! The back story is that Luther’s Table gets its name from Martin Luther’s table talks that he conducted with young people – after his sermons — when the real work was really done at a more personal and authentic level. Luther’s Table is being birthed in the spot where Renton Lutheran Church used to be. As that church realized it needed to close its doors, they knew that they wanted to still leave behind a legacy of what they used to be. The Veteran’s Center and Luther’s Table are now that reality.
I had a chance to sit down for coffee recently, with Pastor Gretchen Mertes, the Luther’s Table mission developer to learn more about this exciting new venture. Luther’s Table will be managed under the auspices of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and the Northwest Synod. It is designed to be meet a niche, where friends can gather together, listen to music, share stories and humor, and hey, if you want to talk about the gospel, that’s cool, too. What it is NOT, Mertes said, “is a bait-and-switch ministry. Come on in and have a beer and now we’re going to serve some Jesus to you.”
There are some pieces of the old Renton Lutheran Church in the space, in the way of pews, bricks and stained glass. Mertes considers Luther’s Table a place where the people are going to demonstrate faith through action. They see providing three key services: providing intentional community, authentic service and real conversation.
Wait did you hear me correctly? Did you say coffeehouse by day, pub by night? A church-based organization serving alcohol you ask? Because they believe in moderation of all things, serving light spirits seemed perfectly natural. That’s the way people gather in their homes and when they get together — we want to be where the people are. Moderation is one of Luther’s Table’s guiding principles, along with humor, humility, authenticity and story.
Luther’s Table will showcase local music acts, have an open mic, host speakers, and a theology pub. Luther’s Table is a new model, for a new time. Mertes explained that gone are the days where the church was the social center of the community; we are just “rethinking” how the church can be a different social circle for a new time. As the new menu is being developed, Luther’s Table plans some soft openings for November and December and will open its doors in January! I look forward to hearing and seeing more as it unfolds.
Susan Bressler is an active member of a number of Renton organizations, including Piazza Renton. E-mail her at scbressler@comcast.net.
