LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Coffee and Discovery Group
by Lorna Gordon
For 25 years, a warm cup of coffee, friendly faces, and engaging conversation have been a cherished tradition at St Matthews Baulkham Hills Uniting Church. The Coffee and Discovery Group, was started by Dulcie Duncum, has been a welcoming haven for seniors in the church and the wider community, a place where people can connect, share, and be uplifted.
The idea began back in August 2000, when the minister of the church at the time, Rev. Nicholas Fried, suggested starting a social group for older members of the congregation. Dulcie took up the idea, and what began as a small gathering has since grown into a much loved monthly event that has touched hundreds of lives over the decades.
Each meeting begins in the church itself with a friendly welcome and a short devotional segment led by one of three regular contributors, Rev. John Humphries, Warren Arthur, or Michael Strong. Then it’ s time for what everyone looks forward to, a sit down morning tea in the church hall with delicious home-cooked food. Dulcie and her team work hard to have only home baked goods and freshly made sandwiches on offer, ensuring the tables are set up with table cloths, making it an event to look forward to, something of which she is quite proud.
“ We’ ve never bought food for the morning tea, everything is freshly made, sandwiches, cakes, slices and we set it out beautifully with tablecloths. People
really enjoy the atmosphere.”
Guests only need to bring a gold coin donation, there is no need to bring a plate, and they spend a relaxing 45 minutes chatting over tea before gathering again in the church to hear the day’ s guest speaker. Over the years, speakers have covered an incredible range of topics from the history of Sydney ferries to missionary work in Uganda, where donations from the group even helped fund access to clean water.
There’ s also a special highlight each December, when David Short, one of the church’ s talented organists and pianists, performs a full hour of music. Dulcie had high praise for David’ s events.
“ He is brilliant, he plays a great variety of music, and his event is always very popular, we often have more people than usual come along.”
While the group was once held more frequently before COVID, it now meets on the first Thursday of each month, usually drawing around 30 men and women.
“ It’ s something nice for people to come to,” Dulcie explains.
“ There’ s a friendly atmosphere, a
The Coffee and Discovery Group celebrated 25 years in August this year!( L-R) Mary Ross, Dulcie Duncum, Norma Miller.
social and spiritual aspect, good food, and always something interesting to listen to. It’ s a safe, welcoming space, not just for church members but for anyone in the community.”
Dulcie is quick to point out that it’ s very much a team effort. Faithful helpers like Sandra Gordon, Lynn Booth, Ann Cotterill, Margaret Bell, Beverley Chivers and Margaret Benoit, who assisted for 20 years before having to step down, have all played important roles over the decades. Her husband, Peter, has been a constant source of support, even driving a 94-yearold attendee to and from the gatherings each month.
This November marks not only the group’ s 357th meeting, but in August, the group celebrated an incredible milestone, 25 years of community, conversation, and care.
For Dulcie, who has been part of St Matthews for over 40 years, the greatest reward is simple,
“ I love being among the people,” she says.“ Many are dear friends now, and it’ s lovely to see the satisfaction and enjoyment they get out of it.”
After 25 years, it’ s clear that Dulcie’ s dedication and her community’ s warmth have made Coffee and Discovery far more than just a morning gathering. It’ s a celebration of friendship, faith, and the simple joy of sharing life together.
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