Building community through soup making: Coop's Soups

Soup is one of the most unassuming of meals. It is humble, comforting, and easy to share. For Cristin Cooper and her community-oriented soup ministry, the act of making soup goes far beyond culinary enjoyment. It is a spiritual exercise, an opportunity to create a sense of belonging and a means to foster empathy and compassion.

When soup is a spiritual practice

Cristin Cooper approaches soup making as a spiritual practice. Every ingredient she interacts with—tomatoes, cilantro, bay leaves—represents an encounter with grace. She eloquently describes the moment when all the ingredients are in the pot, transforming into soup as a beautiful metaphor for our relationship with God. "There are times when we're working in accordance, and then there are times when God is doing something, and we can kind of take a Sabbath rest," Cristin explains.

This act of creation is not just about the labor of cooking but also about the spiritual rest and trust in a higher power. The soup, in many ways, makes itself, echoing the notion that sometimes we simply need to allow space for the Holy Spirit to move in our lives.

Soup and the fight against loneliness

When Cristin started her Coop's Soups, it wasn’t just about making a delicious meal. It was a mission to combat loneliness and foster a sense of community. The simplicity and versatility of soup make it an ideal medium for community building. It's about creating spaces where people can feel a sense of belonging and connectedness.

Cristin emphasizes that the act of making and sharing soup naturally fosters deeper relationships. "In that process of making soup, it's just a really natural way to get to know one another and create a space of belonging." It is in these shared moments that people can connect on a more meaningful level, breaking the barriers that often divide us.

Local sourcing as a testimony

One important aspect of Coop's Soups is a commitment to local sourcing. Early in the business, they reached out to a local farm across the street that had just started around the same time. The farmers were delighted to offer their vegetables, and now the ministry collaborates with four local farms.

"For us, it's about building community and fighting off loneliness with acts of empathy and compassion," Cristin explains. Locally sourcing ingredients not only supports local farmers but also creates a direct connection with the land and those who cultivate it. This practice further enriches the community, reinforcing the ministry's mission to love their neighbors.

Cultivating sacred moments

A central part of the ministry happens at the farmer's market. Here, they practice loving God and loving their neighbor. "We believe that in that process of getting to know our neighbor face to face, that God is communicating to us," Cristin asserts. Being present at the farmer's market allows for genuine interactions and moments of grace. It's an embodiment of their belief that encounters with God's love can happen outside of traditional church settings.

The culmination of Coop's Soups' soup-making process is the shared meal. "Anytime I make soup with somebody, we always sit down and eat the soup," Cristin says. This act of sharing a meal is imperative for the ministry. It's about slowing down, reflecting on the week, and connecting with one another. There are "touch points" throughout this process—at the market, while cooking, and during the meal—that invite deeper intimacy with God's love.

Kristen’s approach underscores the idea that the sacred and the ordinary are intertwined. Whether in traditional church settings or elsewhere, God’s grace manifests in every aspect of life.