CRESTVIEW — A downtown coffeeshop that rapidly gained landmark status and a devoted following is closing its doors April 25 after three years on Main Street.
The Journey Java Connection is a community outreach program of Journey Church, a United Methodist Community led by the Rev. Sean Peters. His wife, Sandra Peters, runs the café.
The Journey Java filled a downtown niche through programs such as feeding underprivileged and homeless people, hosting adult and kids art and theatre lessons, hosting a backroom thrift store and serving as a downtown art gallery.
The establishment's eclectic combination of weekend open-mic nights and scheduled concerts by a variety of entertainers in multiple genres drew a steady crowd to Main Street.
In between, Sandra Peters served an endless variety of teas and coffees — often letting customers create their own concoctions — accompanied by fresh baked muffins, bagels and pastries.
Pastor reassignment
A decision by the regional Alabama/West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church to close the Crestview mission and transfer Sean Peters to a Panama City church came at a decisive time for the café.
The Journey Java's popularity and steady flow of regulars was not enough to make it profitable when faced with a rent that topped $1,500 a month, despite an often brisk lunchtime trade for Sandra Peters' creative sandwiches, soups and desserts.
Though the Peters' impending departure leaves a void on Main Street as well as in the hearts of devoted Journey Java fans and Journey Church members, the couple leaves behind a legacy supporters intend to continue.
View From the Stage, Crestview's community theatre troupe, which Sandra Peters helped establish, will continue and hopes to offer summer kids' acting courses again, as well as fall and spring stage productions, president Berit Faust said.
The North Okaloosa Artists art guild, which got its start at Journey Java, now meets twice monthly at the Crestview Senior Center in Old Spanish Trail Park.
Journey Church members have been welcomed into the First United Methodist Church and St. Mark United Methodist Church families, Sean Peters said.
The Peterses said leaving Crestview, the Journey Java and their many friends is bittersweet.
"We are amazed at what God has done and the wonderful people He has brought into our lives as we have committed to serving our community," they stated in a Facebook posting. "We pray that our being here has been a blessing to you."
Community farewells
Journey Java Connection customers have shared fond and heartfelt farewells on the coffee shop's Facebook page.
Here are some of their comments:
• "So sorry to hear you are closing. We enjoyed our visits there and the food. God bless you all!"— Jepye Paul Hendrix
• "I am sorry to hear The Journey Java Connection is closing. I have always enjoyed any time spent there, from drinking great coffee to attending art classes and having great conversations with … Sandra. I wish you and your family many blessings as you continue on your journey in God's path." — Julia Quintrell Phillips
• "Crestview is losing a treasure." — Julie Garrey Bywater
• "God never closes one door without opening another." — Jane Quintrell Chapman
• "We are so disappointed! You guys are such sweet people, doing wonderful things for the kids and community. You will be greatly missed! Wish we could do something to make you all stay!" — Dana Harvey Odom
• "I'm sad to see that it's closing but I know God did wonderful work through this coffee house ministry. Blessings to each and every one of you!" — Amanda Pickens
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Last cup of Java: Journey Java and Journey Church closing