Sunday open mic 'Hymn for the Hymnless' builds community beyond the pulpit

A cafe in downtown Payson offers Utah County an alternative form of worship, replacing the pulpit with an open microphone.

Much of the Utah County community spends Sundays practicing religion and spirituality, but not everyone follows traditional forms of worship.

The Center of the Universe cafe hosts "Hymn for the Hymnless" on Sunday morning, a weekly open mic featuring music, poetry and spoken word.

Amber Jay, one of the cafes employees, said the Sunday open mic is one of the cafes most popular events.

Every single Sunday, it brings in a lot of amazing folks to do poetry, music and share stories. Its always just bustling in here, and its a really great time, Jay said.

The open mic is open to anyone who wants to perform.

Theres a microphone and some instruments that are available on stage that folks are able to just kind of read the room, and perform whatevers on their heart that day, Jay said.

The cafe began the event shortly after opening in 2024 to give people a place to gather and connect.

A lot of us are looking for an in-person community and connection, Jay said. The open mic provides an awesome space for folks ... thats a bit more vulnerable and emotionally connected.

Sundays are among the cafes busiest times, and many listeners and performers said they have found a sense of belonging through the open mic.

Poet Tiffani Alvaraz said the environment has been important to her.

I come most Sundays because of the open mic. I typically show up and share my poetry, Alvaraz said. I am able to share my art and heal my pain, and to me that means growth.

Even on weeks when she doesnt get on stage to perform, Alvarez said she still attends to be part of the gathering.

Listeners also describe the open mic as a meaningful part of their weekly routine. Anisa Edman, who has attended the event for more than a year, said the experience has helped her feel less isolated.

I felt so alone, not really having a place to go on Sundays, Anisa said. Here, you can just talk about anything and have a community there for you. This is like your own type of religion.

Garrett Sherwood, one of the cafe owners, said the origin was to provide a community and a place to be.

"We've been delighted that a lot of people have embraced it," Sherwood said.

He also touched on the intentions behind the name for the open mic.

"We called it 'Hymns for the Hymnless' just as a nod to the desire some hold to feel a part of a community, apart from, or in addition to, any religion," Sherwood said.