By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — ”The spirit is real.”

That was one of the first things I heard as I entered Sunday’s Coffee House at the St. Johns-St. Marks Lutheran Church, stated by attendee Elizabeth Tomlin, and no sooner did the words leave her mouth did I realize it was true. The event was a truly festive family gathering, featuring the music of Stone Soup, who kept the atmosphere light and upbeat, between songs telling humorous stories that had the packed room alternately rapt and in stitches.

“100 people graced our door that day,” said a thankful Linda Klump, event chair and co-president of WELCA, the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, noting that during the course of the event, over $1,000 was raised to donate to SALT, Schoharie Area Long Term recovery team, which uses the money to provide flood relief.

Planning for the event began last October, when WELCA saw the need in Schoharie. Two more Coffee House events are upcoming, planned for the fourth Sunday of February and March, with Bob Gould and the Bobcats playing “old time favorites, easy listening and light entertainment,” according to Klump, on Feb. 26, from 3-5 p.m.

One of the major parts of planning the monthly fundraisers was booking the bands, and Klump said of Stone Soup, “we knew Stone Soup would be a good kick off for this concert series. They have a large following, and they were willing to donate their services for the flood relief victims. They wanted to be on board with supporting the effort.”

Refreshments, including a vast array of baked goods stretching across numerous tables, were provided by the women of the church congregation, with about 15 chipping in.

“We got a lot of positive comments,” said Klump about Sunday’s Coffee House, continuing, “People thought it was a wonderful community event.” She noted that people from numerous local congregations, and also from areas as far as Gloversville, Johnstown, Fonda and Cobleskill travelled to see the show and share the spirit.

Klump explained that the concerts, including the upcoming two, are community outreach programs, and anybody can attend, even if you’re not affiliated with a church. “We invite everyone to come,” said Klump, noting that all one needs to have is a love for music, and a wish to support the cause.

“We’d like to thank all who supported this event in any way, from playing to participating, to coming to listen,” said Klump, continuing, “we hope that everyone will come and enjoy the next two, and if they go well, hopefully there will be more to come.”