Wondering what to do on a Friday night? Try River Cafe at Spanish River Presbyterian Church. The Sunset Room at the church is transformed into a Christian coffeehouse.

March 10 marks the cafe’s six-month anniversary. The concept came out of a previous weekly event, known as Friday Night Live. It attracted a younger crowd, and it was more religious in focus, said church member John Papetti of Boca Raton. He decided to come up with an alternative when the organizer of Friday Night Live left the church. His goal was to create an atmosphere that would attract a broader base of participants.

“Six months ago we started with about 20 people on our mailing list, and we’re now up to over 1,000,” he said. On the average, 100 people show up each Friday.

For next week’s anniversary celebration, there could be three times as many guests, said cafe committee member Terri Sullivan of Delray Beach.

The purpose of the cafe is to unite people and to spread the word of fellowship, said Sullivan, who has been a member of the church for the past five years. The cafe attracts married and single people ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 50s.

About 60 percent are not members of the church or, in some cases, any church, Papetti said.

Though the goal is not to get people to join the church, “it’s nice that we can let people know that we’re here,” Sullivan said.

The cafe is supported by donations. Admission, as well as the food and childcare, are free. People get to enjoy pizza and sandwiches and soft drinks or coffee on a typical Friday night beginning at 7. The program begins at 7:30.

The River Cafe Band performs a mix of Top 40 and Christian rock. Boca Raton resident Nicko McBrain, lead drummer from the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, will play with the group tonight.

The program ends with a special message, sometimes spiritual but not always, said Boca Raton resident Rick Iacona, the band’s bongo player. But the message is always inspiring.

Even when the band isn’t playing, Iacona and his wife, Joanne, are cafe regulars.

“My favorite part is the message at the end of program,” Iacona said. “After the message, I usually come away with a different perspective on an old topic.” Another one of his favorite programs is the open mike poetry nights.

The evening ends with desserts and coffee and more socializing. “This is a place where everyone knows your name, literally,” Papetti said.

Iacona added: “For me, it’s almost like being in a nightclub — but without the smoke and liquor.”

Spanish River Presbyterian Church is at 2400 NW 51st St., Boca Raton. Call 561-994-5000 for more information.