“Rigmarole” is a long complicated procedure, which is not easy to understand. It is indeed how many people view their life! Over 700 years ago the original phrase, ‘rigmarole’, was ‘Rag man roll’. The Ragman, in his poverty, pledged his allegiance to the King (Edward 1) who then undertook to care for the Ragman and recognise him as a citizen of the Kingdom. The King recorded his name on a piece of paper –which was joined to others and made into a roll. The ragman roll extended to more than 40 feet and is on exhibition in the Public records office in London!

We, by nature are spiritual Ragmen. We have nothing to offer God that is of worth. Therefore in our spiritual poverty, we pledge our allegiance to the King of kings, and in so doing He takes care of us, makes us a citizen of his kingdom, and records our name in heaven. Knowing this makes sense of the Rigmarole of life.

Café Rigmarole is an outreach of Waringstown Presbyterian Church. In days of increasing church decline the vision to create Rigmarole was one way of proactively putting church at the heart of the community, and a means to fulfilling the congregation’s mission statement “To know Jesus Christ and make Him Known.” The church is more than a Sunday service, and Café Rigmarole is one manifestation of that reality.

It was envisaged that we would create a place that would consolidate a sense of community for people of all ages. A place where folk can gather informally on any weekday for meaningful interaction which is not always possible on a Sunday at our church meetings. It would be a place where those who go through life alone could quickly find a warm and welcoming community that is the Church.

It would also provide opportunity to engage people in non-threatening evangelism, by virtue of the Christian literature available and the Christian Music played and by providing an environment where there is a sense of presence of Christ in our ministry to others.

A Weekend Street ministry and the work of the Friday evening Outer Orbit youth ministry all serve to reach people and provide an alternative meeting place to some of the other public gathering places in the village.

Café Rigmarole was officially opened in January 2001 by the Reverend Trevor Morrow and since this time it’s ministry to our church family and to the wider community has been a tremendous encouragement and of great spiritual blessing to many -both volunteers and customers alike. It is run by a committed staff and by numerous volunteers who give sacrificially of their time.

When visiting Rigmarole you can be sure of a warm welcome, quality food (not forgetting the especially created coffees!) at affordable prices and there’s always time for a bit of “craic” and the opportunity to make a difference, bringing a little light to someone’s perhaps darker day.

A sincere invitation is extended to you to visit and enjoy our Café. We would love to meet you there.

There is always a need for more volunteers and if you feel that you would like to help us in this valuable outreach ministry, we would be very pleased to hear from you, so speak to the Rev. McConnell or make yourself known at the Café.