Staff photo / Bob Coupland Tim and Vicki DeTal have started the Red Door Ministry, 759 E. Liberty St., Hubbard, as a way not only to share the message of the Lord but also showcase the musical and artistic talents of Mahoning Valley residents. Red Door Ministry is open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

HUBBARD — Wanting to create a coffeehouse atmosphere and showcase local artists while also sharing the word of God, an area couple has started the Red Door Ministry, 759 E. Liberty St.

Tim and Vicki DeTal of Hermitage, Pa., started the outreach ministry last fall.

Tim said they were looking for a location in the Mahoning Valley and found a former picture framing business building on the east side of Hubbard that had been there since 1984.

“We wanted to create a coffee-

house gathering place for people to come to. There are people who have talents and gifts such as music and speaking publicly, which they can share with others here. It doesn’t have to be just music. It can be art, teaching and preaching. We are open to a lot of people sharing their gifts,” Tim said.

The Red Door Ministry is open 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

Tim said he and Vicki became Christians more than 40 years ago, and both always were involved in the arts and music.

“We felt people like us want to gather together to build friendships and enjoy the arts. We want to create a relaxing atmosphere,” he said.

The room contains many vintage decorations and items.

Tim said in addition to sharing the word of God, they have had guest singers, musicians and instrumentalists, bands, teachers and instructors in the arts.

On Saturdays, Vicki offers programs for children, including art instruction.

“It is an art history program with an infusion of faith. Our first class will be on ‘God is Love,’ ” Vicki said, noting it is important to share the message of love with families.

Tim said when the weather warms, they will have events outside, such as bonfires and cookouts.

Tim, a caseworker for a mental health program, said they have been in the Shenango and Mahoning valleys and felt Hubbard was a middle location between the two areas.

Tim and Vicki are members of Rust City Church in Niles.

He said Red Door presents a live sharing of faith in the evening and plans to get guest speakers and performers regularly.

“We want to reach out not only to the community, but the local churches as well. We are not affiliated with any specific church,” he said.

Tim said he also is a singer and will share his music. He has been a worship leader when Rust City had a location near Meadville, Pa.

“We are an ongoing evolving ministry here with different events planned. We are planning book studies, men’s and women’s groups, Bible studies and outdoor venues,” Vicki said.

Jenah Ross Shank of Austintown, who has released the song “No Greater Love,” said she liked being able to sing at the center, noting it is a Christian-themed coffeehouse outreach.

For information, call 814-336-9491.