During 2002, our Seeds of Hope group was studying the causes of the extreme poverty that exists in Latin America and around the world. Among the causes was, and remains, an extreme drop in the wholesale price of coffee beans, the 3rd most traded commodity on the world market. Small coffee growers were, and still are, being squeezed out of the coffee market by large, corporate growers and plantations. In an effort to assist small farmers, a number globally-conscious and conscientious people and small corporations have begun the practice of paying growers a fair price for coffee beans, even though it necessitates charging higher prices for what they call Fair Trade Coffee. The same is also occurring with tea and cocoa. As a result of their study, Seeds of Hope proposed to our Missions Committee that they present a proposal to our Church Council that our church purchase and use only fairly-traded coffee and other beverages during our Sunday coffee hours, in our Church Office and at other church functions. Though our cost would be higher, it would be an act of social justice and global consciousness. The proposal was made in January 2003 and our Church Council unanimously supported it. Since 4/19/03, our church has purchased only fairly-traded coffee. A number of our members have done the same at home. We encourage you to do it also. Think of each cup as a cup of justice! Fair Trade Coffee and other beverages can be purchased at quality grocery stores. You may have to ask for it. In addition, our church can provide you with order forms for Equal Exchange, the company through which we purchase fairly-traded coffee. TODAY at Coffee and Conversation, we invite you to try samples of a number of fairly traded coffees and other beverages. And please be sure to look on the tables for order forms, brochures and recipes.