The Rural Voice, 2019-01, Page 32It’s a great place to sit and chat. The walls are full of
interesting photos and paraphernalia, cozy red
benches flanking homey, old-fashioned formica
tables and the rich smell of coffee lingers in the air.
So sit and chat is what owner Shawn Ankenmann
and I do at Highland Grounds, his coffee shop in
downtown Flesherton.
We’re here to discuss why an ordained United
Church minister has opened a coffee shop in a rural
community. Is this his new pulpit?
Absolutely not, says Shawn, though he admits “I’ve
had more conversations about church and spirituality
here than I ever had in a church office.”
Which sparks a whole discussion on what church is
and is a coffee shop any different than a church?
To understand where Shawn’s transition from
minister to barista began, we go back to 1993 when he
was ordained a United Church minister. He pastored in
British Columbia and then, curious about the church
connection to rural issues, he started his Masters of
Rural Development.
28 The Rural Voice
Living the welcome at Highland Grounds
Flesherton’s coffee shop is owned by a reverend who
says church is about creating community
Shawn Ankermann , with partner Renee, owns Highland Grounds in Flesherton, a coffeeship that sells
fair trade coffee and serves as a place where all are welcome to drink coffee, work, laugh and chat. He
says he’s had more spiritual conversations here than he ever did in his church office.
• By Lisa B. Pot. •
Community