Goodness Weekly 6.2.25
"Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh
WHAT’S GOOD
As we look to June, we’re excited about the Good Acres Summer Soirée, happening Thursday, June 12, from 6:00–8:00 PM in Charis Park.
There’s something sacred about gathering around a table—especially when it’s set with a meal made from ingredients grown right here in our community. At this upcoming event, neighbors will come together over a locally crafted menu to share meaningful conversation and dream about what’s possible. It’s a space to listen well, imagine boldly, and begin building the kind of neighborhoods where everyone can belong and thrive.
Proceeds from the evening support Good Acres, a program of The Impact Guild. Good Acres helps churches reimagine the 3,000+ acres of underused land they steward across San Antonio, turning it into something good—for food, housing, jobs, and creation care. With training, tools, and trusted relationships, congregations are empowered to say yes to the needs just outside their doors.
Celebrating Two Years of One Another Coffee
Che Ortiz, Program Manager, One Another Coffee
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Che, the Project Manager for One Another Coffee. I’m usually the one running around with a shag haircut, a mom tattoo, and most likely wearing boots, juggling boxes or double-fisting coffee in the main office.
This past weekend, we celebrated One Another Coffee’s second-year anniversary with a big birthday bash. In the weeks leading up, I poured so much time and energy into projects for the trailer. It was one of those head-down, go-go-go periods (if you know me, that’s very on-brand). But when we wrapped up our last project, just building a couple of small shelves, I finally paused, sat in the quiet trailer, and reflected on how much has changed.
I started two years ago, July 2023, which honestly feels like a lifetime ago. Somehow I found myself interviewing in this little neighborhood, nearly 40 minutes away from where I’d been living. I was interviewed by Alexis Novotny and Taylor Bates, and I remember it so vividly: after about 20 minutes of flexing my coffee proficiency and service experience, we walked out of church together. I felt the summer sun on my skin, looked at Taylor, and said, “I feel like I’m meant to be here.”
That summer, I was in a huge season of transition and healing. I was recovering from trauma, learning to find my voice again, and like many in our community, taking baby steps to rebuild myself. It was such a privilege to heal and grow while working alongside an incredible team and community. I was hired to work just one day a week. That one day turned into two, then three, then full-time, and now I find myself managing the entire trailer.
I say this with my whole heart: I would not be here without the amazing staff, collective, church, neighborhood, and community at Sunset Ridge.
Working full-time in the trailer, I’ve witnessed magic every single day. There are connections and relationships that people don’t always realize happen behind the bar. Being a barista isn’t just transactional. We’re sometimes the first to hear a customer’s pregnancy announcement, their excitement about buying a house, or their grief over losing a loved one.
At One Another Coffee, we serve more than drinks.
You’ll get Sam’s warm smile, Max making your drink just the way you like it, or Ireland’s sweet treats. There’s so much love and joy packed into that tiny trailer.
I remember the slow days, sitting inside, staring out at the park construction, doodling blueprints for things like a water system, new espresso machine, better order systems, and expanded food options — dreams I never imagined I’d help bring to life. I worked our first anniversary bash alone in the trailer, hitting our first $1,000 sales day with a line wrapped around the lot, using our old, single group espresso machine and no water system.
Now, even though I’m not behind the bar every day, I work hard to ensure my team doesn’t struggle with the growing pains I once did.
This weekend wasn’t just a party, it was a reflection on all the time, energy, creativity, and heart poured into this little trailer. Not to mention, the impact it’s had bringing people together over a cup of coffee (or a chagaccino). From Katie who helped us get started by selling us her trailer after launching her brick and mortar Rose Hip Market, to Alexis who initially stepped up to help create the coffee program and run the trailer in its beginnings, to Suz and Taylor who created the brand and swag, to Kelly who lovingly made the pastries, to Noëlle who managed the trailer, and all our former baristas. I’m so grateful we got to celebrate together — with Sam, Ireland, Max, and everyone who has supported One Another Coffee over these two beautiful years.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Happy Birthday One Another Coffee.
Calendar
We’re slowing things way down this summer.
Our core programming will remain the same, and we hope to see you around campus.
Every Saturday, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Every Sunday, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: May my cup wake me up
Exhale: to warmth of my community
