NEW HERE CONNECTIONS SERIES

Sundays in September | 10 - 10:45 a.m. | The Commons

It is our great hope that everyone who steps inside the doors of ESUMC finds connection with God and other people as we know, love, and serve God together. The Connections Team is beginning a new series of Connections events for people who are new to the church, considering membership at ESUMC, or who simply want to learn more and connect in new ways. These classes will be held in the Commons during the Discipleship Hour (10:00-10:45 a.m.) and will be co-hosted by a pastor or staff member and a member of the Connections Team. We will hold this series of events on rotation, quarterly. Interested people can choose to come to one or all of the events. Participating in all four events is not a prerequisite for joining the church, but we recommend that those considering membership or those who have recently joined ESUMC attend all four events at some point as they are able. Descriptions of the four Connection events and the dates for the first series offerings are as follows:

Connecting with the Church - Sept. 28

Come on a guided tour of the church building to learn what happens where, and how to get there!

RSVP here!

SEPTEMBER STEWARDSHIP SERIES: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Sundays in September during worship

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Since everything belongs to God, we’re called to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This September, we’re exploring four key areas: how we care for creation (Trees), manage our schedules (Time), handle our resources (Treasure), and how we use our gifts and abilities (Talents). It’s about living with the recognition that we’re stewards, not owners, of God’s good gifts.

Sept. 7 - Trees | Genesis 21:22-34; Luke 13:6-9, 18-19

Sept. 14 - Time | Ephesians 5:15-20; Matthew 6:24-34

Sept. 21 - Talents | 1 Peter 4:7-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Sept. 28 - Treasure | Deuteronomy 8:10-20; Matthew 6:19-29

REFRESH RETREATS AT ST. FRANCIS SPRINGS

October 10, November 14 | 7:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Join us for a spiritual refresh day retreat at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center to renew your soul with connection, prayer, worship, and intentional silence. September 12th, October 10th, November 14th 7:30 AM - 5:15 PM

$15 Per Person, Transportation Provided & Lunch Included

Register here!

Email arigby@esumc.org with questions.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL: RALEIGH CLEANUP DAY

Saturday, September 27 | 10:30 AM

Join us as we roll up our sleeves for a hands-on morning of caring for the earth and our community. This event for all ages is part of our September celebration of All Things Bright & Beautiful. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener Raleigh—one piece of litter at a time!

Let us know you're coming so we know how big of a cleanup area we can tackle.

WOMEN OF FAITH BOOK STUDY

Monday, September 29 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | Room 251

The United Women of Faith Book Group meets Monday, September 29, in room 251 to discuss Time of the Child by Niall Williams. Niall Williams is a much-acclaimed Irish author. The story of the novel is lovely, and the writing is beautiful. Rev. Joe Mann will introduce the book and lead the group in a discussion. All are invited to attend.

AN INVITATION FROM ST. PAUL AME

Monday, September 29 | 11:00 AM | 402 W Edenton St.

St. Paul AME has invited our church to join them on Monday, Sept. 29, for a sign relocation ceremony commemorating the Freedmen’s Convention, which took place Sept. 29 - Oct. 3, 1865.  The sign is being moved from its current location at Hillsborough and N. Harrington to in front of St. Paul AME - the exact location of the 1865 convention and 160 years to the date of the convention kick-off.

The ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM, outdoors of St. Paul (402 W. Edenton St)., and will then move into St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall at 11:30 AM.  Pastor Kevin has been asked to share a few remarks as part of the program.

The congregation which formed St. Paul was originally the enslaved membership of our church, and we are honored by the invitation to join them for this special occasion.  You can learn more about St. Paul AME’s history here. We’d love to see you there!

DOWNTOWN HISTORICAL CHURCH WALK

Saturday, October 4 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Edenton St. UMC will be one of eight churches participating in the annual Downtown Historic Church Walk! All are invited to participate in the walk, which also includes Church of the Good Shepherd, First Baptist Church (Salisbury St.), First Baptist Church (Wilmington St.), First Presbyterian Church, Sacred Heart Church, and St. Paul AME Church.

We are in need of volunteers to serve as hosts for any guests who come to visit ESUMC! There will be two volunteer shifts, from 8:30 - 10:30 AM and from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Sign up here!

To learn more about the Downtown Historical Church Walk, click here.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Sunday, October 5 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM | Corner of McDowell St. and Edenton St.

Come one, come all all—come big and small! Edenton Street will be holding a Blessing of the Animals. Bring your furry, scaled, or feathered friends to the ESUMC parking lot to receive a blessing from one of our pastors and pick up a sweet treat for both you AND them!  Please keep your pets on leashes and under control for everyone’s safety.

PRAYER SHAWL GUILD

2nd Wednesdays, 2:00 - 3:00 pm @ Room 168

The Congregational Care Ministry is excited to announce the re-launching of the ESUMC Prayer Shawl Guild! The Guild knits and crochets shawls, lap robes, baby blankets, neck scarves, and hats to be given to those facing long-term illness, experiencing grief, being baptized, or to those who are a part of the White Flag Ministry. 

Most of the knitting and crocheting will take place at home, but members will gather for an hour beginning at 2:00 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in Room 168. 

The first meeting will be held on April 9. All are welcome! A scarf or a shawl can be a very basic project, crafted with one simple stitch. Even if you have never picked up a needle or a hook, we can teach you the basics in less than an hour. To indicate your interest or for questions, please reach out to Fran Preston at preston.fran@gmail.com

CONNECT WITH OUR PICKLEBALL COMMUNITY

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM @ Bulla Gym

Looking for a new way to connect at Edenton Street? Come and join us every Tuesday evening for Pickleball. Experienced player or never played before? All are welcome and invited to join this exciting sport and enjoy some fellowship with new friends. Bring a family member, a friend or maybe a coworker. Come and join us!