Wednesdays at ESUMC
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Welcome to Edenton Street UMC
This weekly gathering will bring all ages and worship services together around shared meals and meaningful activities. We'll gather for dinner, then move into diverse offerings including adult studies like "Discover the Journey," engaging Bible and book studies, and Circle of Security parenting classes. Our Chancel Choir, Gathering Band, and children's Music & Worship Arts programs will call Wednesday nights home.
This is not just another program—it's a strategic step toward living our "Called for Connection" vision, strengthening bonds with God, each other, and our community. Midweek Connections will bridge our different worship services into one unified church family while creating the deep, intergenerational relationships our 2035 Vision calls us toward.
As you will see, there are a TON of offerings listed this semester on Wednesday nights. Some of these offerings last all semester, and some are only one, two, or a few weeks! Please email Ellen with any questions: epowell@esumc.org.
Choose a Study: SEpt 10-Oct 15
Discover the Journey in the chapel annex
Join us for Discover the Journey, a six-week interactive event that dives deep into the mission, vision, and core values of Edenton Street UMC. Whether you're a long-time member, a newcomer, or a recent attendee, this series is an opportunity to become more connected with ESUMC. We will learn how we worship, connect, serve, give, and grow together. Each session will be held on Wednesday evenings in room the Chapel Annex from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and will focus on key aspects of our church life, including worship, connection, service, and giving.
Widening of God’s Mercy in room 161
Conversations about the intersection of scripture and human sexuality have long dominated the culture wars in the Church. The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality within the Biblical Story by Richard and Christopher Hayes puts forward a thoughtful, powerful consideration that leads to a beautiful theological conclusion. Join us in room 161 for a 6-week study to engage, converse, and receive deeper understanding and greater biblical support of God’s wide mercy.
Events in October, November, December
Oct 22: Spiritual Gifts / Burning Bush in the chapel annex
God is constantly calling us to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven and in the Church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Join us on Wednesday, October 22nd in the Chapel Annex for a workshop on how to dive deeply into your own spiritual gifts. Learn more about how you might fulfill your calling from God by utilizing your many gifts.
Oct 29: Poverty Simulation in the bulla youth Building
Imagine having to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. By breaking down stereotypes and allowing participants to step into the real life situations of others, the Community Action Poverty Simulation is an experience that offers a glimpse into the realities and complexities of living on a low income - something more than 1.3 million North Carolina residents face daily. Poverty is often portrayed as a stand alone issue - but this Simulation allows individuals to walk a month in the shoes of someone who is facing poverty and realize how complex and interconnected issues of poverty really are. We hope you’ll join us in gaining a deeper understanding of poverty in our community, and how we can work together to address it. Click here to register for the Community Action Poverty Simulation in the Bulla Youth Building.
Nov. 5 & 12: Contemplative Rhythms of Howard Thurman in the brown chapel
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Dumas Harshaw for a special two-part teaching on the rhythms of prayer and reflection that shaped Howard Thurman’s life and legacy. Dr. Harshaw is a Howard Thurman scholar and Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Raleigh, where he served for more than 20 years. He has devoted his ministry to prayer, nonviolent engagement, and the hope of building the Beloved Community where “everybody is somebody.” In August, he led the St. Francis Springs “Freedom Ride,” which included a group from ESUMC. Come be inspired, slow down, and discover practices that can ground us in God’s peace and renew our life together. Click here to register for the Contemplative Rhythms of Howard Thurman sessions which will take place in the Brown Chapel.
Dec. 3 & 10 Mental Health First Aid Workshop in room 161
How can we support mental health - for ourselves and others? Join us for a two-week seminar co-hosted by The Well on the basics of mental health first aid, taught by mental health practitioner Elizabeth Danielian, LCSW. Elizabeth will share foundational knowledge, basic skills, and essential resources to support our efforts to care for the mental health of our community. Click here to register for the Mental Health First Aid Workshop which will take place in room 161.
Small Group Training with Rev. Ashley Griffith in the commons
One great way to connect with God and others is through a Small Group. If you’ve always wanted to be in a Small Group, or if your Small Group is in need of a revamp, come to a Small Group training. You can come alone or with members of your group. Pastor Ashley and lay leaders will help you get started or help you find some new direction for this new season in the life of your Small Group. These trainings will be held on the fourth Wednesdays during the Midweek Connection time (6:30-7:30), Sept.22 and Oct.24 in the Commons. Pastor Ashley will also offer these trainings during the Discipleship Hour on the fourth Sundays of the month in the Commons, from 10:10-10:45, 9/28, 10/26, 11/23. Click here to register for the Small Group Trainings.
Circle of Security: Parenting
6-8pm September 10 - October 29 in Room 163
Circle of Security Parenting is a discussion-based curriculum anchored in attachment theory. This offers parents a safe place to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting. This program is being provided in a collaborative effort with ESUMC and Birch Therapy, PLLC. The program costs $100 per person and you will be billed by Birch Therapy directly. Registration is required.
Program Goals:
• To strengthen the parent/child bond.
• Sharpen a parent's awareness of their child's behavior as communication.
• Decipher a child's deepest emotional needs that underlie the behavior.
• Provide language to parents to guide how to show up for their children in the best of times and in the most challenging moments.
• Foster cooperation within a family system.
Click here to Register for the Circle of Security Parenting Classes which will take place in room 163.
Wednesday Night Dinners: Tacos
Weekly from 5:30-7pm in kerr Hall
September 10 - December 10
This semester, Angela will be serving her famous taco bar for dinner on Wednesday evenings in Kerr Hall. You will have an opportunity to register weekly (in advance), or pay up front for the entire 13 week series. If you choose to pay for the entire semester today, you will receive one week of meals free. The cost for the taco bar is $9 per adult, and $6.00 per kid (12 and under). Please choose the total quantity of adults and kids participating below to take advantage of the discounted rate.
Childcare Provided 6pm-8pm
We want Wednesdays to be easy for families.
The church will offer childcare during adult programming on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm. If you opt in, more details will be sent to you by members of our estreet kids team!
Kids Music & Worship ARts
4:30-5:05 Liturgical Dance
5:05-5:40 Choir
5:40-6:15 Handbells
All children pre-K through 6th grade are invited to join us on Wednesday evenings to move, ring, and sing together as we learn to praise our Maker through the arts! Liturgical Dance, Handbells, Handchimes, and Singing Choir groups all show us the beautiful and fun ways we can give our artistic gifts back to God. Your child may choose to be in all or only select groups, and each ensemble periodically leads worship on Sunday mornings. All are free-of-charge and church members and nonmembers alike are welcome!
eStreet Youth: Midweek Connections
6:30-7:30 in Kerr Hall
eStreet Youth Midweek Connections
Join eStreet Youth staff and small group leaders after dinner for a family friendly time of connection in Kerr Hall from 6:30-7:30! Students can find some space and time for homework, staff will lead a group game or activity, or simply relax with friends. This time will be open to all eStreet Youth, their families, or anyone in sixth grade and above who would like to connect through play and time together.
Music Rehearsals on WEdnesdays
The GAthering Band - 7pm
The Gathering Band is led by Lee Anderson, and practices on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. All instruments, (including voices!) and abilities welcome.
Chancel Choir - 7:15pm
The Chancel Choir (high-schoolers and above) meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:15 pm to lead hymnody, anthems, and major works in weekly worship at The Sanctuary service. No auditions are necessary. Director of Music, Mark Hopper, will help place you where you can serve in the Chancel Choir. There is a place for you here!
Where do I park?
Dedicated parking is available for first time visitors in our main parking lot accessible from Dawson Street and McDowell Street between Edenton Street and Jones Street:
If you are traveling south on Dawson Street, turn left into our main parking lot between Jones Street and Edenton Street. If you are traveling north on McDowell Street, turn left into our main parking lot between Edenton Street and Jones Street.
Parking is also available at no cost in the paved lot located directly west of our main campus on the corner of Dawson Street and Edenton Streets. (This lot is managed and enforced by My Power Parking outside of regular church operating hours, but free for church goers on Sunday and during special worship times, including during Midweek Connections on Wednesday afternoon and evenings!)
Where do I enter?
We know it’s a big campus of almost a city block! We’re here to help! On Wednesdays:
Enter through the Curtis Center Lobby (enter under the portico located in our main parking lot) behind the church (parking lot between Dawson and McDowell Streets.) Greeters will be available at the Curtis Center Doors to welcome you from 4:30-7 pm. (Our weekday receptionist will be there until 4:30 pm.) If you have a key fob, you may also enter through the Garden Gallery doors any time between 6 am-9:30 pm. To request a key fob, click here!