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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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.
Nov. 5 & 12: Theology of Howard Thurman
Dr. Harshaw is a Howard Thurman scholar and Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Raleigh, where he served for over 20 years. He has specialized his ministry to use the power of prayer and non-violent engagement to set our hopes on the “Beloved Community”, where everybody is somebody. In August, he will be leading the St. Francis Springs 'Freedom Ride' which includes a group from ESUMC. This two part teaching will focus on Thurman and rhythms of contemplation.
Dec. 3 & 10 Mental Health First Aid Workshop
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.
Circle of Security: Parenting
6-8pm September 10 - October 29
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.
Wednesday Night Dinners: Tacos
Weekly from 5:30-7pm
September 10 - December 10
This semester, Angela will be serving her famous taco bar for dinner on Wednesday evenings. 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.
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 speacial worship times!)
Where do I enter?
We know it’s a big campus of almost a city block! We’re here to help! Members of our hospitality team are available to greet you at multiple entrances:
8:00 am-11:30 am: Edenton Street (enter through large glass doors or adjacent Garden Gallery or Dawson Street doors).
8:45 am-11:30 am Curtis Center Lobby (enter under the portico located in our main parking lot).