SPEARFISH - The band is playing, the candles are glowing and young adults are sitting on comfortable couches, mingling and sipping coffee.

It's 'Brews 132, a new coffee shop ministry hosted by Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 722 N. Main St. in Spearfish. Since September, the group has met at 6:30 p.m. every Sunday for a casual worship time of Christian music, conversation and prayer.

'Brews 132 comes from Hebrews 13:2, and speaks of Christian hospitality: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

The name suits the welcoming space that Our Savior's has created on the second floor of the old city hall building.

"A lot of the younger generation is semi-hesitant to come to a church building; maybe they've had a bad experience or they're just intimidated. So we wanted to create a space that's very welcoming and comfortable for them," said the Rev. Ken Fouty, associate pastor. "We can start a conversation about God, religion and spirituality and start building their relationship so they may want to attend church."

About five or six years ago, the congregation went through a visioning process and identified a need for an off-site ministry that would be an alternative Christian experience, said Fouty.

They found the space, signed a lease and went to work. The building's owner refinished the hardwood floors in the 1,300-square-foot space. Then a team of volunteers took over, painting, installing a sink, building a coffee bar -complete with granite counter top - and rounding up donated tables, chairs, window coverings, couches and an espresso machine.

A local restaurant offered an antique door, which was turned into a bar-height table. A casino in Deadwood donated bar stools.

"Everything that we did was all outside of our budget; we got almost everything donated," said Fouty.

The rent is paid by members of the congregation who contribute to the new Main Street Ministries, which encompasses 'Brews 132.

Other Main Street Ministries programs include a Tuesday night college study time and a Thursday open-mike night. The church's high school youth group meets at the coffeehouse on Wednesdays. On Fridays, local high school youths can hang out or play board games after football or basketball games.

"It's a safe place that's drug and alcohol-free," said Fouty.

Every other Saturday, a couples Bible study meets in the space.

On a recent Sunday, the band Exit Strategy warmed up the 'Brews 132 group of 18- to 30-year-olds with several Christian songs. Band members include Adam Roosa, Tessa Krog, Casey Hibbert and Rob Stenson. Espresso, latte, smoothies, Italian sodas, chips and snacks were offered for free, with donations accepted.

Then the group gathered in a circle for a guest speaker and conversation. Dane Goetz, a member of Our Savior's, told of his past relationship with money and how his spiritual life now influences his business decisions. Other topics have included the Iraq war, stem cell research and healthy relationships. This was followed by questions, prayer requests and more songs.

Fouty and the Rev. Kent Stillson, senior pastor, take turns hosting the evening and are available to bring a spiritual side to the discussion and to answer any questions.

A core group of eight to 20 people has been attending. Although advertising on the campus at Black Hills State University has helped spread the word, Fouty and Stillson acknowledge that getting young adults to commit to a ministry can be a challenge.

"They're sporadic and stretched," said Fouty.

"They're loosely connected with everything," said Stillson. "In theory, they want to be part of it, but they're busy. So we plant seeds, pray and hope."

Once they get in the door, they feel welcome.

"I just like it because it's a laid-back environment. It's really open and unstructured," said Michele Koski, 18, a BHSU freshman from Spearfish. "It's more like young adults getting together and getting away from our crazy lives."

"There's no pressure or judgment here," said Stenson, 20, a BHSU student from Thief River Falls, Minn.

The ultimate goal for 'Brews 132 is to offer connections to young people as well as a place to meet and worship together in a genuine way.

"It's real, where you don't have to check your brain at the door," said Fouty.

For more information about Main Street Ministries and 'Brews 132, call 642-3715 or e-mail mainstreetministries@rushmore.com or go to www.myspace.com/mainstreetministries.

Contact Deanna Darr at 394-8416 or deanna.darr@rapidcityjournal.com.