Vonz Restaurant, located at the Tamaqua Train Station, exudes a serene atmosphere, from its stately windows to its gleaming floors. People from the Tamaqua community and beyond know it as a classy place to have a great meal.

Now, area clergy hope that the atmosphere there also lends itself to discussion on topics of a religious nature.In cooperation with Vonz's, owned by Richard and Yvonne Sidella, the Tamaqua Ministerium is launching a series of programs called Coffee 'n' Creed, with the first scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday."I believe there is a need for such conversations," said the Rev. Michael Frost, pastor of Zion's Stone Church in West Penn Township."Holding this outside of any church building might help us reach out to people who are not active, church-going folks, but might enjoy being part of a discussion, or even just listening."Frost said that he had learned of similar outreach programs in other towns, such as one called "Theology with a Twist," offered in the Kutztown area.Members of the Tamaqua Ministerium enthusiastically backed his idea, coming up with the title and suggested topics. They chose Vonz because of its central location and community-wide appeal.The programs will be offered as a three-part series, held at the same time, with the second and third programs scheduled for Oct. 28 and Nov. 25. The series will follow a logical progression of discussion, beginning with "Who is Jesus?" and continuing to "What does it mean to follow Jesus?" and "What does the Church have to do with following Jesus?"Frost will be joined by clergy from a number of different congregations."There is a rich variety of people in our communities, diverse groups of all ages, with different traditions and denominations, and everyone is welcome," Frost said."We hope to have an open discussion and hope it will be a time of growth for everyone."