Wednesdays at Edenton Street
Midweek connections
Midweek At a glance
In Spring of 2026, there are opportunities to connect with Midweek offerings before and after dinner each Wednesday: from 5:00-6:15 PM (before dinner) and from 6:30-7:45 PM (after dinner) starting on January 14th and ending on April 29th. Remember that Midweek will not occur on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18th) or during Holy Week (April 1st). Sign up for Midweek offerings and dinner below! Be sure to scroll all the way down to see all the options.
5:00 - 6:15 PM
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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!
Location: Choir Room
Dates: All Midweek Dates
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A relaxed women’s Mahjong Meetup in the Commons—a fun way to build friendships.
Location: The Commons
Dates: Feb. 25, March 18, April 29
No registration required.
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A chance to build friendships, enjoy good conversation, and connect in community. You can walk from the church.
Location: State of Beer (401 Hillsborough St.)
Dates: Feb. 25, March 18, April 29
No registration required.
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Come as we listen together for God’s Spirit in the midst of grief, explore scripture connected to lament and grief, and grapple with the various ways grief visits in moments and seasons of loss. Come learn ways to recognize grief as it lingers and increase ways to find hope, even in the pain. Grief is rarely simple but our faith is always a refuge; come let’s explore together.
Location: Room 161
Dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 11
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Ever feel lost reading the Bible? Join us for a 5-week journey learning how to read Scripture for understanding and transformation, not just information. We'll explore passages from “The Bible in a Year” readings that our church is following while also learning multiple ways to engage Scripture deeply: praying the text, reading with all our senses, digging into context and meaning, and letting God's Word transform how we live. Whether you're joining our entire congregation in reading through the Bible in 2026 or just want better tools for Scripture engagement, this study is for you.
Location: Chapel Annex
Dates: Jan. 14-Feb. 11
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Come engage in a time of learning with Parent Coach (and mom of three littles), Clair Ashburn. Learn the “how’s” and “why’s” of growing as a respectful, calm, intentional, and connected parent.
Location: Chapel Annex
Date: March 4
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4 Sessions:
Understanding Resilience: Helping Kids Cope and Grow
The Friendship Journey: Social Growth Along the Developmental Cycle
Boundaries and Technology: Helping Support Parents in a Screen Saturated World
Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: Small Steps that Foster Growth and Confidence
Location: Chapel Annex
Dates: March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22
Register for 1, 2, 3, or all. Register Here!
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Join Rev. Ashley Griffith, Director of Children’s and Family Ministry Shannon Montague, and a panel of other empty nesters and other seasoned parents of “big kids.” These parents will share nuggets of wisdom and everyday practices that will strengthen your children’s walk with Jesus and help you grow in connection and faith as a family. Examples of topics: carpool connection: helping your children start their day with hearts and eyes open for Jesus; making messy mealtimes holy times of connection; parent fails and what to do when you blow it (grace, grace, grace, and it’s all about the Repair!); how to juggle children’s activities such as sports and a life of discipleship; bedtime routines that help your children see God’s presence in their day.
Location: Chapel Annex
Date: April 15
Midweek dinner
5:30-7:00 PM
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Join eStreet Youth staff after dinner for a time of connection and play in the Bulla Youth Center. Students will be walked over from Kerr Hall at 6:30 PM and will be returned to Kerr Hall at 7:45 PM. Activities will rotate and will include things like game nights, open gym, crafting and more! Check out our newsletter each week for more info.
Students 6th-12th grade are invited! Students 3rd-5th grade are invited with a parent. Any adults who want to join in on the fun are welcome too.
Location: Bulla Youth Center
Dates: Jan 14th - March 25th
No registration required
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Ever feel lost reading the Bible? Join us for a 5-week journey learning how to read Scripture for understanding and transformation, not just information. We'll explore passages from “The Bible in a Year” readings that our church is following while also learning multiple ways to engage Scripture deeply: praying the text, reading with all our senses, digging into context and meaning, and letting God's Word transform how we live. Whether you're joining our entire congregation in reading through the Bible in 2026 or just want better tools for Scripture engagement, this study is for you.
Location: Chapel Annex
Dates: Jan. 14-Feb. 11
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Parents of kids any age are invited to join us at The Well for a class on how to talk to your kids about sex. Our therapists will offer wisdom, advice, practices, and conversation starters to help equip you for this season of parenting. Join us to learn more skills, to receive tools for healthy conversations, and receive support and encouragement!
Location: Room 162
Dates: Jan. 21-Feb 4
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Are you wanting to dive deeper into your faith and how you live it out but you're not sure of the next step to take? Or, are you new(ish) to the church? Join us for Discover the Journey, a six week experience of friendship, learning, and getting back to the basics of "why church?" The pastors will lead you on a journey of why and how we worship, connect, serve, give, and grow together at ESUMC. Come discover how God is inviting you to go deeper in your connection with God and with others!
Location: Chapel Annex
Dates: Feb. 25-March 25
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Join us for a meaningful evening as we watch St. Paul and Smoky Hollow: A Community Story, a powerful film that shares the history, heritage, and resilience of the Smoky Hollow neighborhood—located just down the street from our church—and the people who called it home. St. Paul AME was formed by the enslaved members of our church, whose faith and determination helped shape a community that endured across generations. The film invites us to learn, remember, and honor a vital piece of Raleigh’s past. Following the screening, St. Paul Historian Melody Hunter-Pillion will lead us in a conversation about the film and its significance for understanding our city’s history, the impact of displacement, and the strength of community.
Location: Bulla Youth Center
Date: Feb. 25
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ESUMC is embarking on The Bible Year - A journey through Scripture in 365 days using daily readings and the devotional guide by Magrey R. deVega. This bible study will use excerpts from book to guide us through reading the bible.
Location:
Dates: March 4- March 25
Register Here!
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Join us monthly this spring for 3 sessions of Yoga Nidra, led by yoga practitioner, Precious Stepney. Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that focuses on rest and peace in order to calm the nervous system. You’ll be invited to practice a gentle, quiet time of reflection, meditation, and restoration to promote health and stress reduction.
Location: Room 162
Dates: Feb. 11, March 11, April 8
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Have you ever longed to pray in a more creative way, a way that reaches past the limits of words? Creative prayer moves beyond traditional words to connect with God through avenues such as painting and drawing, soul collage, prayer journaling, prayer walks and more. Come as we explore ways to open our hearts to God drawing from the rich spiritual expression of our unique creativity. You’ll be surprised by the joy it brings!
Location: Room 161
Dates: April 15-April 29
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A gentle space for those who worship without their partner. Quiet Strength is a place to be seen, supported, and reminded that you are not alone—designed for connection, not for venting or counseling. Many carry this sadness quietly; here, we share presence, compassion, and the quiet strength that comes from walking together in faith.
Location: The Chapel
Date: April 15
No registration needed.
6:30-7:45 PM
7:15-8:30 PM
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The Gathering Band is led by Lee Anderson, and practices on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. All instruments, (including voices!) and abilities welcome.
Location: Kerr Hall
Dates: All Midweek Dates
Contact Lee Anderson to get involved!
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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!
Location: Choir Room
Dates: All Midweek Dates
Contact Mark Hopper to get involved!
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!