Seeing a need for wholesome and "family friendly" entertainment in the Panther Valley area and acting on a calling from God, Patty Gledhill didn't just think "I can," she said, "I will!"

Gledhill, a homemaker, entrepreneur, DJ, inspirational speaker, wellness coach, translator and web designer, has answered the call and will launch the Christian Arts Night (or

C.A.N.) Coffee House beginning this Friday at 6 p.m. at the Summit Hill Heritage Center, located at the corner of Hazard and Chestnut streets.The

C.A.N. Coffee house will operate on the third Friday each month initially with the ultimate goal of having it as a weekly event and will feature Christian artists of all types to showcase their talents to others who want to enjoy a night out with family or friends without the "toxicity of foul language, smoke, drugs or alcohol present in clubs or pubs.""God impressed upon my heart that there might be quite a bit of Christians that are talented but that have not, for one reason or the other, been able to utilize those gifts in their own home church. It would be nice to give them an opportunity to exercise and hone their skills and be appreciated in a small and non-threatening setting," said Gledhill."We're looking for singers, rappers, Christian bands, musicians, comedians, spoken word artists/poets, painters, photographers, actors with drama skits and general entertainers who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that would like to be used in the master's hand to bless others with their God-given talent and bring him glory," she added.In addition to experiencing various local Christian artists, visitors to the coffee house will have the opportunity to unwind after a long week at school or work and listen to uplifting music, dance, receive encouragement, play board games and enjoy fellowship with others.Beverages and snacks will be provided.On nights that no performers are scheduled, Gledhill will have her DJ equipment set up along with an electric guitar, electronic drum set and keyboard in case anyone would like to start an impromptu praise and worship jamming session."I want the community to have lots of fun, but a life-altering, good-high, kind of fun that comes with purpose and divine appointment," said Gledhill.It is also her desire to bring together people from different denominations from Summit Hill and all of the surrounding communities as well as anyone who may not be attending a church regularly to come out and make new friends and "find inspiration and encouragement throughout the different offerings of the event."While admission to the monthly event is free, Gledhill is asking for donations to help cover the expenses of renting the facility for the evening along with the cost of refreshments.Additionally, she is asking that anyone coming to the event bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Summit Hill Food Pantry.If you are planning on attending a

C.A.N. event, Gledhill is asking people to sign up on their Facebook event page at

www.facebook.com/ChristianArtsNight so that they may plan for the appropriate amount of refreshments.Christian artists who are interested in performing at a

C.A.N. event may call 917-710-5542.