Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Cafe
Young Tess and her husband moved to the D.C. area and sought out friendships and community ties. As they settled in, they discovered many kindred souls.They shared in play readings, music nights, book discussions. In their circles there were families offering various services: one taught how to make victory gardens; another operated a nonprofit daycare for children with disabilities; one developed a listserv for babysitting swaps, meal trains, last minute grocery trips; a highschooler and a college student in the neighborhood organized an all-girl cast for The Taming of the Shrew performed on their front porch.
Into this rich mix, Tess suggested they should have a neighborhood folk dance night. Guess what? There already was one! Postman Pledge was already “in full swing” so to speak. This group had been formed in response to the proliferation of cell phones for children. “The families of the Postman Pledge commit to building community bonds while also intentionally limiting their families’ use of digital technology – in particular, children don’t have smartphones or access to social media. And the whole family is expected to practice thoughtful limits for the sake of cultivating ‘habits of presence and attention’ in order to grow in the love of God and others,” enjoying the many aspects of life available outside of technology. (Plough Quarterly, April 7, 2025, “Dancing With Neighbors”)
As I have prepared for surgery, I am so very aware of community, of all the people who have offered encouragement, support. I feel tearful even as I am writing this, knowing how valuable this is for Terry’s and my wellbeing in the coming weeks. What is life about if not to be there for one another, celebrating the good times, working through the hard times in a network of love?
The invitation is open to share two cups of tea anytime at Hope’s Café or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.
May we bearers of hope, the “wait staff” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter. Shalom, Kate
Hope's Cafe 