In 2024, Rising Star Baptist Church received an invitation to attend a session at Samford University as part of Samford’s Center for Congregational Resources, a program that received a grant from the Eli Lilly Foundation. Rising Star Baptist Church received a $2,000 award for community development, education, and religion. The purpose of the Thriving Congregation initiative was to assist congregations in strengthening their ministries and to help parishioners deepen their relationships with God, enhance their connections with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of their local communities and the world. The Thriving Congregation initiative sought to accomplish this mission in three ways: (a) explore and understand the rapidly changing social and cultural context facing congregations, (b) gain greater clarity about our mission and values, and (c) draw on Christian practices from our theological and ecclesiastical traditions. Rising Star Baptist Church hosted educational seminars before Bible Study, with up to 40 people in attendance at one of the sessions.

After completing the first grant, we were chosen for the second cohort of awardees with additional detailed criteria. We received $20,000 for the second award. We planned to host weekly activities on Wednesdays from 10 am until 6 pm. We would invite members of the church, the community, and nearby neighborhood residents to attend. Each Wednesday, we planned to provide coffee, Danish, hot chocolate, and a light lunch. Health education, Bible study, games, and networking opportunities were also scheduled.

On the first Wednesday, we opened our Rising Café on January 8, 2025 at 10 am. We provided coffee, hot chocolate, and breakfast bars on the first morning. We conducted devotional readings and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The next week we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Rising Cafe. There were more than 30 people in attendance at our grand celebration.

We are well on our way to bringing new members into the church and in visiting the community. The Rising Café has served visitors from as far away as Walker County in Jasper. We owe the publicity to being interviewed at the Grand Opening by WBRC-6, posting the Rising Café on our Facebook page, and sending flyers and letters to all churches in the community.

Speakers that have presented at the Rising Café are Birmingham City Councilor Carol Clarke of District 8, Percy Jones from Archwell Health, Dr. Lindsey Harris of the Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Mrs. Natasha Bennett from Regions Bank, Mrs. Arkaya King-Pace of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and LaTanya Millhouse from Oak Street Health.  Rising Star Baptist Church Deacon Sylvester Hawkins and Pastor Anthony Sims lead enjoyable and educational Bible studies. Some of the games played during the Rising Café include Bible Bingo, word search, and Bible Trivia. Door prizes are awarded to participants.

Monthly surveys are distributed to attendees; responses have resulted in very positive comments from those who completed the satisfaction surveys. We will continue to host the Rising Café to provide a service to the community and to grow our congregation.