The United Church of Auburn started a new program that is a combination of music and worship that they call the Sunday Worship Cafe. The events have been taking place on the last Sunday of the month since October. The guest performer for Feb. 22 was Dennis Shortslef.

Shortslef comes from a musical family in Hannibal. His father played steel guitar behind some of the top country and western performers who toured upstate New York, and young Dennis got to meet some of them. He picked up his first guitar when he was 6 years old, and by the time he was 16, he was playing lead guitar in local bands.

While attending college, Dennis became a Christian and has been playing Christian music ever since. He traveled with his brother, Don, and he developed a marriage ministry with his wife, Cece. Now he plays mostly in central New York on weekends.

For the Worship Cafe, tables and chairs are set up right in the sanctuary and coffee and refreshments are provided, explained Pastor Larry Bell.

The smell of fresh brewed coffee filled the sanctuary, and the variety of doughnuts, sweet breads and other treats contributed to the coffeehouse atmosphere. As Dennis played his first set before the morning service, some church members visited with each other, while some just listened to the music.

Dennis' music reflected a strong influence of country, but his influences range from James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Michael Card. The bright tone of Dennis' Takamine acoustic guitar blended smoothly with his tenor voice. He sang both original material and songs that were known to the congregation.

Sue Waby, the elder of communication, has been working to publicize and promote the Worship Cafes.

“We have been trying to keep everything casual,” she said. “The people enjoy them, but the musician's do, too. We've had Christopher Ames and Diana Jacobs perform.”

Waby said the church is looking for musicians who are interested in performing Christian themed music for future Worship Cafes. For more information, contact Waby through the church office at 252-4397.

“During the Sunday morning service, the musicians perform where the choir would normally be singing,” she said. “We have a lot of senior citizens who are church members. They enjoy this. It appeals to all ages.”