BY DANI TIETZ
dani@mahometnews.com
Mahomet, Ill. – What can you do with an open room?
Mahomet is about to find out.
The Open Room is a project sparked by Christine Henrichs, who gathered seven of her closest friends to renovate the office space located at 404 Main St.
Henrichs’ idea began a few years ago when Grafted Fellowship, a church she attends, was looking for space to hold services. The concept continued to pop up in her thoughts, while the church settled on a different location.
When Wicked Rascals left Mahomet, Henrichs and her husband, Jeremy, decided to sign a lease.
With two full-time jobs, the couple knew they could not undertake the project by themselves, and so they have relied on friends to help carry out their vision.
Henrichs’ idea was to have a Christian coffee shop. But unlike traditional coffee shops, Henrichs does not plan to sell coffee.
On the backs of donations, The Open Room will supply coffee pods, mugs, tables and chairs, games and books from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
“People can use the space just like a coffee shop,” Henrichs said. “They just come in, make coffee and sit down. You can spend time by yourself, with a friend, get on the wifi, get some work done.”
The Open Room will also include book space for donations and for people to take. Henrichs’ crew has also created a prayer wall where people can leave their prayer request and a space to pray.
“Basically, I wanted this to be a space, that’s why we named it The Open Room, so that people have a space where they can just get out of the busyness of life and be quiet and be open to themselves or open to one another, open to what God might have to say to them and speak to them,” Henrichs said.
During the evening hours, The Open Room can be reserved for book club, small groups, Bible studies or live performances.
“I have no expectations and no specific plans, “Henrichs said. “Any ideas that people have, we’re open to them.”
Henrichs has already fielded one idea. A friend who lost her son recently wants to start a grief group. A fellow church member also reached out about talking about dating, so one of the first groups slated to meet at The Open Room is a study on dating during marriage.
“It’s open to whoever wants to come to it,” Henrichs said.
With ideas on how to give back popping up in her head consistently, Henrichs also envisions The Open Room as a place where people can donate to a particular need, such as supplying backpacks for students who need them, and a pick-up point for those families.
“I want it to be a place of generosity, where we are just generous with our time and with our resources,” she said.
With a July 8 open date, The Open Room will be a place where people can gather during the Mahomet Auto Show or Mahomet Music Festival to cool off or grab free water.
“I just think there’s so many different potentials and possibilities, that who knows, just kind of letting it organically happen,” Henrichs said.
There is one staple Henrichs has in mind, though. On the second Tuesday of every month, the owners will host a Community Prayer.
“We really want it to be a place that not only is open for everybody, but also brings the churches in the community together,” Henrichs said.
Henrichs expects that The Open Room’s calendar will change from month-to-month to meet the interests of the Mahomet community.
But it won’t be just another item on the to-do list. Henrichs wants The Open Room to be a space where people can connect.
“We’re all so busy,” she said. “I think busyness is the thing that distracts us the most from being able to connect with God.
“You have to create the space and time to hear from God or to be ministered to by God or to grow in your walk with God. I think just creating that place, which encourages time and space for people is important.
“I think also, there is a need for a place for people to gather in the community, we don’t have a lot of places.
“I think it can meet that need; I think it can meet a need of bringing people in the community together and in a more unified space.”
Community members have already come together in renovating the space. Someone replanted the planters outside the building, a friend built a wall and someone else installed new lights.
“So already this is fostering people coming together and saying, ‘You know, what do you need, how can I help?’ ” Henrichs said.
“That’s fantastic to have; just that kind of that organic community, like, let’s strap it all together,” Henrichs added.
The vision for The Open Room is that it remains free for everyone to use. People have donated furniture and fixtures, the rent is taken care of and Henrichs never want anyone to feel like they have to do more than just show up to be welcome. That is not to say that filling known needs and talents are not welcome to contribute to the space.
With a few finishing touches to put on the space, Henrichs said the doors will open daily beginning July 8, but the group will host an open house with live music and refreshments from 3 to 5 p.m. on July 7.
Upcoming Events:
Open House: Sunday, July 7th 3:00-5:00
Jr. High Girls Bible Study: Monday, July 29 – Friday, Aug 2 6:00-7:00 p.m. (email theopenroom.mahomet@gmail.com to sign up)
Marriage and Dating Study: (for ages 15-25), July 14, 16, 21, 23, Aug 4, 6. 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (email theopenroom.mahomet@gmail.com to sign up)
Community Prayer: Monday, August 12 7:00-8:00 p.m. (Community prayer will always be the second Monday of the month)
Where can Zuzu’s Fresh Roast Coffee donate?
We loved The Open Room atmosphere for our 50th Anniversary party. Children could play and dance and they used the games that were available. We were all in the same space, but great corners for conversation and eating. Thsnk you.