The Wesley Foundation, NIU’s United Methodist student ministry, will begin their weekly coffee house program, presenting a different musical band each Friday, said Dave Schmidt, foundation director.

“These coffee houses provide a good alternative source of entertainment for students not interested in parties or not old enough to go to the bars,” Schmidt said.

“The Big Picture,” a rock band composed of NIU students, will be the feature group for Friday’s coffee house. Schmidt said refreshments are provided by the foundation while the bands play. Bands begin performing at 8:30 p.m. and continue until about midnight.

“We set up card tables with candles on them to create a good atmosphere for people to visit and listen to music in,” Schmidt said. One coffee house was held earlier this semester, with about 75 students attending. “We’re pretty well taking off, but if bands are looking for a place to play, they’re welcome to play here if we have a Friday night open.”

Besides the Friday night coffee houses, the Wesley Foundation holds a Sunday night discussion group. This Sunday, the group will be talking about the movie “The Last Temptation of Christ,” a newly released controversial movie about Jesus.

The foundation also sponsors the Wesley Tour Choir, which goes on tour every spring break. In the past two years, the choir has gone to Niagra Falls and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. This year they will go to Atlanta.

“The choir provides an opportunity for people to sing contemporary Christian music,” Schmidt said.

On Oct. 30, the Christian rock group “Damascus” will perform in the Ball Room at the Holmes Student Center. The free event, sponsored by the Wesley Foundation and funded by the Campus Activities Board, will begin at 7 p.m.