By Denise Sherman

Guys and girls may have very different views on “romance” – but one thing is for sure, male or female, we all love free stuff and eating (and if you don’t – you should check your pulse).

Combine free popcorn, coffee, movies and students and you have a recipe for success. Passers by at Grove were certainly interested when they tried to buy popcorn, only to be told it was free. Their smiles got even bigger when we told them we’d be screening two movies – also for “mahala”. Personally I think the free coffee was also a big draw card. Caffeine is its own food group in the diet of a student.

I know the Uptown guys were a little…um… bitter about having to endure a “Romantic Comedy” movie night, but it really worked out well. People gathered as the evening progressed, watching the movies, mingling and munching on popcorn. I had to chuckle at the animated audience response to particular characters. They were very supportive of the “underdog”.

In between movies and even after, people stuck around – enjoying themselves, and getting to know new people.

A big thank you to all the tireless workers, popcorn makers (27kg’s!), coffee pourers (1000 cups) and general friendly faces. These events are a great way for us to develop relationships and build our profile as a community focussed church in the city.