Coffee shops are all the rage these days.  I dare say that every town has at least one…if not multiple brick walled and wooden tabled coffee serving establishments. Lancaster, PA is not unique in this way. It boasts well over ten shops in the city alone with others scattered across the county.

So what makes Square One Café rise above the rest? -their “passion for coffee and a belief that people matter.”  This simple yet succinct motto motivates the high quality and innovative experience that Square One gives to each customer.  It is not simply a coffee shop but a space that encourages discussion and cultivates community.  It provides both indoor and outdoor seating (the back patio is a vision from a storybook) and rotating local artwork.

Each barista is trained through the Specialty Coffee Association of America and is happy to answer any questions regarding their work, coffee, roasting, etc.  Square One also offers certification through SCAA for those interested in taking classes.

They currently have two locations (Lancaster & Philadelphia) and serve/sell “high-end specialty coffee that is sourced ethically and sustainably.”  The shop also writes a blog, post videos, and has recently participated in a film entitled A Film About Coffee.

What inspires me about this little nook on Duke Street is its ability to reach beyond its four walls and into the hearts of its customers.  Whether it is their consistent and contagious joy, stellar interactive web design, or social media presence, Square One strives to achieve excellence in all areas.

They continually pivot and innovate through their shop design, merchandise, courses, training, expansion, etc.  They have become more than a coffee shop and instead, an experience – one that transcends a ceramic mug.  So if you happen to visit Lancaster in the near future, please stop by Square One Coffee; you are certainly in for a treat!

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

Living and active.  Aaron House, twenty-nine year old actor, had a vison.   He saw a need to reignite passion for the Word of God in the heart of the Church.  As one who learns script lines and performs them day in and day out, he begun to invest his talent in scripture memorization.  Soon he rallied a team of actors/actresses to memorized passages and dramatically perform them for churches, events, camps, etc.

In 2007, the wheels begun to turn for the formation of a small non-profit theater ministry called Piercing Word.

“All we do it take the scripture, divide it into lines, and put it on the stage.  We don’t add anything to it.  We speak the Word and the Word alone.”  -Aaron House.

(click here to see the Daniel trailer)

Piercing Word holds a special place in my heart as I was able to team up with them this past summer as their Media and Marketing Intern.  It was a joy to see the immense growth of the ministry and genuine love for the Lord displayed by all those involved.

Their position is not one of groundbreaking innovation, but rather a dire need in today’s culture.   Scripture is cross-denominational and, therefore, Piercing Word can deeply impact all walks of faith.  In addition to their performances, PW hosts summer theatre camps for middle/high school students and encourages everyone to begin committing scripture to memory as well.

As the ministry expands, they have been able to hire new staff in order to increase the number and quality of their performances.  I continue to be inspired by their passion, vision, and love for God’s children.  The Word of God is indeed living and Piercing Word strives to demonstrate that truth to all.

www.piercingword.org