So, you like coffee and you consider yourself a coffee connoisseur?

Pastor Timothy Schmoyer of Whitehall also considers himself a fan of coffee. He's such a big fan he travels around the Lehigh Valley, giving coffee presentations.

Schmoyer recently treated the Woman's Club of Catasauqua to such a presentation at Salem United Church of Christ, Catasauqua.

Schmoyer, who is the lead pastor at Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, Whitehall, said his interest in coffee was spurred by late days and nights working and studying as a graduate student.

"Getting home at 1 a.m. Wednesday morning and turning around to go to a staff meeting at 8 a.m., I began joining the adult world, drinking coffee," he said.

Schmoyer said he conducted research on how to brew good coffee due to the quality of the coffee served at local diners.

"As I explored, I realized there really is more to coffee than a bitter brew followed by a little pick me up," he said. "Coffee can be bright and sweet and complex."

According to Schmoyer, there are tips people can follow to successfully brew their own coffee. He said individuals should use freshly roasted coffee, ground immediately before brewing, using quality equipment. A good grinder, Schmoyer said, runs anywhere from $20 to $35 and a French press can be as cheap as $15 to $20.

Schmoyer also noted that oxygen is detrimental to brewing good coffee.

"Oxygen is the enemy of coffee; it stales it the way it stales baked bread," he said. "Even vacuum-sealed bags will only keep coffee fresh until you open the bag. So buy smaller batches that you will use up in a few days."

He also recommends trying a variety of brewing devices, as each machine creates a specific taste on the spectrum of thick to thin.

"The kind of soul-searching, palate-developing work involved in discovering what kind of coffees you enjoy takes a lot of trial and error," he added.

Schmoyer said he enjoys giving coffee presentations because it allows him to share his interest with others.

"Maybe someone will run down this path of learning and open up a great quality-based cafe in the Lehigh Valley," he said.

Schmoyer said his church runs coffee houses throughout the year with live music and specialty coffee. Teenagers in the church assist him with running the coffee bar, he said. He usually serves two to three coffees from around the world during the events.

Although he loves coffee, Schmoyer said his first love is making a positive difference through his church ministry.

"I really love what I do, serving and helping people with life's choices and spiritual journey," he said. "Coffee is great, but I am making an impact for eternity with my real job."