With respect for the ministry and those serving it, I must state plainly that raffles, lottery trees, and games of chance are not fitting instruments for the work of Christ’s church.
Gambling is rooted in covetous desire, reliance on chance rather than divine providence, and the pursuit of unearned gain. Scripture consistently condemns dishonest or speculative profit and calls God’s people to contentment, honest labor, and cheerful generosity. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV)
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11, ESV)
Our Reformed confessions speak directly to this moral and spiritual concern. The Heidelberg Catechism teaches that the Eighth Commandment forbids not only outright theft but also “all scheming and swindling in order to get our neighbor’s goods for ourselves,” and it calls us to “work faithfully so that we may share with those in need” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 110–111). Fundraising methods are never morally neutral; they catechize the congregation in what we believe about God’s sufficiency and how His work is to be sustained.
Moreover, the Belgic Confession reminds us that one of the marks of the true church is that it “practices church discipline for correcting faults” and orders its life according to the Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it (Belgic Confession, Article 29). When the church adopts methods shaped by worldly vice rather than biblical wisdom, it undermines both its holiness and its witness.
To raise money through gambling communicates that God’s work depends upon luck rather than the faithful generosity of His people and the sovereign provision of the Lord who owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
The church must not borrow the tools of the world to accomplish the work of the kingdom. We are called to walk in holiness, to model trust in God’s providence, and to fund ministry in ways that are consistent with the character of Christ and the witness of His church.
Ronald Hunt
Nicest coffee shop in Canajoharie.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tonya Lohnes
Friendly people. They have a lovely Knit and Stitch group. They help out the community with donations they get.
Kay Kay Alaimo
I was shoved around and treated like trash and got attitude from the workers who shoved me into boxes everyone seen it but the moment I said something and started to cry from how I was treated they treated me like trash even more and made me feel unwelcome and they turned a blind eye and all said they didn't see or do anything to me when several people even themselves said they seen it as well
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Selena Reyes
My autistic sister got shoved by one of the toothless old ladies and was called a liar with multiple witnesses. I went in to confront them and they called her a liar and “this stuff is free anyway” I said idc if it’s free or has a price tag on it you still don’t shove people how would you feel if I did that to you?” Calling an autistic woman a liar is beyond me. They’re assaulting people and giving the excuse that the stuff is free so it’s not an issue that she got shoved.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cliff Lee
Wonderful place we just dropped in on as we were cycling on a cold blustery April morning. Very welcoming folks. Pay by donation, run by members of the local Reformed Church. A must stop!!
Miskao Kurata
very nice people here, There is always food there, Very nice
Cathy Anderson
I love the Berean Bean! It’s not Your typical coffee shop that has all types of flavored coffee, teas, drinks.
Always have hot regular and decafe coffee, hot cocoa and tea bags. Or if You like iced coffee just ask. No take outs.
Wonderful place to sit and get to know people. Or just sit and drink Your beverage in no rush. It’s a place to gather. If You want to learn to knit, crochet or needle point, etc… come in on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings talk to the group by the front door tables. They would love to teach someone.
No purchase necessary.
Donation welcome.
Heather Willow
Sweetest people around 🥰
Angela Sun
I just wandered in one morning and the place is packed- with old people! Feisty, quiet, sweet and happy old people. The BEST generation of America! Pay by donation (not a register)- regular coffee, baked goods, food and sandwiches. There's a food bank in the back and posted adverts for community and faith nurturing. An extention of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie.
This place is a no-charge food service run by a church. It’s not a cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Daniella Palito
Not very friendly, my experience twice was not welcoming and I did not even make a purchase. They do not serve teas or flavored coffees. Just a very strange vibe.
Dani Palm
Not very friendly, my experience twice was not welcoming and I did not even make a purchase. They do not serve teas or flavored coffees. Just a very strange vibe.
Gregg Tidd
I have never been to a place like this the people are friendly the food is awesome very clean organized I highly recommend it
Robert Thompson
great and friendly place to get a cup of coffee and meet with new people
With respect for the ministry and those serving it, I must state plainly that raffles, lottery trees, and games of chance are not fitting instruments for the work of Christ’s church.
Gambling is rooted in covetous desire, reliance on chance rather than divine providence, and the pursuit of unearned gain. Scripture consistently condemns dishonest or speculative profit and calls God’s people to contentment, honest labor, and cheerful generosity.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV)
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11, ESV)
Our Reformed confessions speak directly to this moral and spiritual concern. The Heidelberg Catechism teaches that the Eighth Commandment forbids not only outright theft but also “all scheming and swindling in order to get our neighbor’s goods for ourselves,” and it calls us to “work faithfully so that we may share with those in need” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 110–111). Fundraising methods are never morally neutral; they catechize the congregation in what we believe about God’s sufficiency and how His work is to be sustained.
Moreover, the Belgic Confession reminds us that one of the marks of the true church is that it “practices church discipline for correcting faults” and orders its life according to the Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it (Belgic Confession, Article 29). When the church adopts methods shaped by worldly vice rather than biblical wisdom, it undermines both its holiness and its witness.
To raise money through gambling communicates that God’s work depends upon luck rather than the faithful generosity of His people and the sovereign provision of the Lord who owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
The church must not borrow the tools of the world to accomplish the work of the kingdom. We are called to walk in holiness, to model trust in God’s providence, and to fund ministry in ways that are consistent with the character of Christ and the witness of His church.
Nicest coffee shop in Canajoharie.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly people. They have a lovely Knit and Stitch group. They help out the community with donations they get.
I was shoved around and treated like trash and got attitude from the workers who shoved me into boxes everyone seen it but the moment I said something and started to cry from how I was treated they treated me like trash even more and made me feel unwelcome and they turned a blind eye and all said they didn't see or do anything to me when several people even themselves said they seen it as well
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
My autistic sister got shoved by one of the toothless old ladies and was called a liar with multiple witnesses. I went in to confront them and they called her a liar and “this stuff is free anyway” I said idc if it’s free or has a price tag on it you still don’t shove people how would you feel if I did that to you?” Calling an autistic woman a liar is beyond me. They’re assaulting people and giving the excuse that the stuff is free so it’s not an issue that she got shoved.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Wonderful place we just dropped in on as we were cycling on a cold blustery April morning. Very welcoming folks. Pay by donation, run by members of the local Reformed Church. A must stop!!
very nice people here, There is always food there, Very nice
I love the Berean Bean! It’s not Your typical coffee shop that has all types of flavored coffee, teas, drinks. Always have hot regular and decafe coffee, hot cocoa and tea bags. Or if You like iced coffee just ask. No take outs. Wonderful place to sit and get to know people. Or just sit and drink Your beverage in no rush. It’s a place to gather. If You want to learn to knit, crochet or needle point, etc… come in on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings talk to the group by the front door tables. They would love to teach someone. No purchase necessary. Donation welcome.
Sweetest people around 🥰
I just wandered in one morning and the place is packed- with old people! Feisty, quiet, sweet and happy old people. The BEST generation of America! Pay by donation (not a register)- regular coffee, baked goods, food and sandwiches. There's a food bank in the back and posted adverts for community and faith nurturing. An extention of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is a no-charge food service run by a church. It’s not a cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Not very friendly, my experience twice was not welcoming and I did not even make a purchase. They do not serve teas or flavored coffees. Just a very strange vibe.
Not very friendly, my experience twice was not welcoming and I did not even make a purchase. They do not serve teas or flavored coffees. Just a very strange vibe.
I have never been to a place like this the people are friendly the food is awesome very clean organized I highly recommend it
great and friendly place to get a cup of coffee and meet with new people
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