Events

at Edenton St UMC

Welcome to the new newsletter page! You can find information organized below in two ways: Events and Announcements. Events include items with specific dates, organized with most forthcoming events at the top. Announcements include items not attached to specific dates.

Questions? Contact communications@esumc.org

Click to View the Announcements (Opportunities to Serve & Un-dated Updates)

📅 EVENTS

Organized by date



ESTREET KIDS DISCIPLESHIP HOUR

eStreet Kids Summer Discipleship Hour is a time for families to connect. All events are for your entire family!

  • June 1 - Donuts on the Playground (1st Floor off Curtis Center Welcome Desk)

  • June 8 - Pentecost - 10:00 AM (Joint Service in the Sanctuary)

  • June 15 - Father’s Day Family Social/Craft (Commons)

  • June 22 - Make Dental Bags for Alliance Medical (Commons)

  • June 29 - No Children’s Programs

  • July 6 - No Children’s Programs

  • July 13 - Second Sunday Serve (Commons)

  • July 20 - Social/Craft (Commons)

  • July 27 - Make Safe Child Snack Bags

  • August 3 - Donuts on the Playground

  • August 10 - Second Sunday Serve (Commons)

  • August 17 - Social/Craft (Commons)

  • August 24 - Back to School Sunday Pep Rally, Blessing of the Backpacks, & 2nd Grade Bible Presentation - 10:10 AM (Sanctuary)

ESUMC SUMMER BOOK CLUB

June 5, July 10, August 14 | 6-8 PM | Locations TBA

Edenton Street UMC invites you to our Summer Book Club - three evenings of meaningful discussion, delicious food, and fellowship in welcoming host homes. We'll gather once monthly to explore thought-provoking books that challenge us to grow in understanding ourselves and our world. We will meet at host homes (addresses provided upon registration) for a meal followed by book discussion. Check out the offerings below, and click the dates to register! Questions, email Pastor Amanda at arigby@esumc.org.

June 5: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Explore how digital technology has transformed childhood and what we can do to help today's young people build lives of meaning and purpose. Haidt offers practical wisdom for families navigating our increasingly connected world.

July 10: My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem
This groundbreaking book examines the damage caused by racism from the perspective of body-centered psychology. Menakem offers a path for healing intergenerational trauma through somatic practices and compassionate dialogue.

August 14: A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
This coming-of-age novel is acclaimed for digging into the "wilderness of the human heart." Dealing beautifully with the themes of love, loss, grief, and coming-of-age, this national best-selling fiction novel shows the power of surprising friendships which create a space for healing and the renewal of hope and faith.

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT W/ L’ARCHE NC & 321 COFFEE

Friday, June 6, 6:00 PM @ 615 Hillsborough St. (Courtyard of 321 Coffee)

L'Arche North Carolina and 321 Coffee are excited to host a fun-filled Summer Movie Night on Friday, June 6th, sponsored by The Gathering at ESUMC.

We'll be showing Moana 2 in the courtyard at 615 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh — the perfect way to kick off summer with friends, laughter, and a little island magic. The movie starts at 7:00 PM, but the courtyard opens at 6:00 PM, so come early to support local vendors, and hang out in community.

Beach-themed attire is encouraged — break out your tropical shirts, leis, and flip-flops! And don't forget to bring a folding chair or blanket so you can get comfy for the show.

Join us for a night of fun, connection, and summer vibes — we can't wait to see you there!

PENTECOST SUNDAY: A HISTORIC JOINT WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 8

This Pentecost Sunday, we’re breaking from our normal worship schedule to come together as one church family for an extraordinary celebration of the Holy Spirit. Join us at these special times:

9:00 AM | Kerr Hall

Experience the breathtaking St. John’s Bible—an exquisite work of sacred text and art that’s the first handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned in over 500 years. Duke Divinity School is the first institution in the Southeast to own a complete Heritage Edition of this masterpiece, joining prestigious institutions like the Vatican and the Library of Congress. Marvel at the intricate calligraphy, vibrant illustrations, and profound spiritual significance of this once-in-a-millennium project.

10:00 AM | Sanctuary

Our Joint Worship Service unites our congregation with: Inspiring music from both our Chancel Choir and The Gathering’s worship team:

- Scripture reading from the St. John’s Bible

- A powerful message from Dr. Edgardo Colón-Emeric, Dean of Duke Divinity School

- Celebrate Pentecost with eStreet friends on the sidewalk after the joint 10am worship service!

Dr. Colón-Emeric will guide us in celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit and our unity as the body of Christ. At this pivotal moment in our church year, we’ll experience the vibrant intersection of tradition and innovation that defines our faith community. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to join us for this historic Pentecost celebration!

Explore the St. John’s Bible volumes →

Learn about Dr. Colón-Emeric’s work →

What is Pentecost? →

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING & PANEL

Join us for a special event: Free "Caregiving" (by Bradley Cooper) Doc Screening & Panel Discussion Experience a thought-provoking documentary by Bradley Cooper on caregiving. After the screening, engage in a lively Panel Discussion with experts in the field. This in-person event will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired! Guests are also welcomed to tour and enjoy refreshments at the Ruth Sheets Adult Day Care Center after the screening. Sign up here

OUT! RALEIGH PRIDE CELEBRATION

Saturday, June 21, 12:00 - 7:00 PM @ Fayetteville Street (Downtown Raleigh)

Join your ESUMC friends as we celebrate our LGBTQ+ members, friends, and neighbors at Raleigh's OUT Pride Day. Come on out to our ESUMC table to show that "ALL are welcome and wanted by a God who loves without limits." The events goes from noon until 7pm. Stop by for a few minutes or volunteer for an hour or more. This is a joint event sponsored by ESUMC's Connections Team and LGBTQ+ Ministry. Click here to sign up for a shift at the table!

Questions? Contact Dennis Gibson at djg4901@gmail.com.

SUNDAY SERVE - LEND A HAND!

Sunday, June 22, 10:00-10:24 AM @ The Commons

Join us as we gather to help with some basic needs in our community.  We'll be putting together dental care kits for our neighbors who are patients at Alliance Medical Ministry.  It's a small act with a big impact  - we'd love to see you there! 

CAMP SHALOM CLEAN UP

June 28 @ Umstead Park

Camp Shalom does not run without our volunteers! At the end of the week, we need your help in cleaning up our campsite including picking up trash across campus, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping porches, and more! If you are available on June 28th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, please join us. Meet in the Bulla Youth Center parking lot (301 W. Jones St.) at 8:30 AM to ride out to Umstead Park together. We will be back at the church by 12:30 PM at the latest. If you cannot ride with us, feel free to meet us out at Camp Lapihio at 9:00 AM. Thank you for your willingness to serve. Register here

WILDERNESS TRAIL

July 7-12 @ Troutdale, Virginia

Join eStreet Youth on a backpacking adventure through the company Wilderness Trail (wtrail.org). Students will get into hiking groups and spend the week hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. Students must be able to hike about 35 miles over 4.5 days while carrying a full backpacking backpack. This is an incredible retreat that builds memories to last a lifetime. If you have questions before you register, simply reach out to Rush Beam.

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT W/ L’ARCHE NC & 321 COFFEE

Friday, July 11, 7:00 PM @ 615 Hillsborough St. (Courtyard of 321 Coffee)

L'Arche North Carolina and 321 Coffee are excited to host a fun-filled Summer Movie Night on Friday, July 11, sponsored by Edenton Street United Methodist Church!

Mufasa will be playing in the 321 courtyard. The movie starts at 7:00 PM, but the courtyard opens at 6:00 PM, so come early to support local vendors, and hang out in community. Join us for a night of fun, connection, and summer vibes — we can't wait to see you there!

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE - SAVE A LIFE

Wednesday, July 16, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM @ ESUMC Bulla Gym

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. We can help! On Wednesday, July 16, we're partnering with our neighbors at the Department for Environmental Quality to host a Red Cross Blood Drive. You must be at least 16 (with parental consent), and you must weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors should also be in good health and feeling well.  Sign up to save a life today!

ASHEVILLE YOUTH MISSION TRIP

July 20-25 @ Asheville, NC

Join eStreet Youth on a Mission Trip to Asheville! We will be joining Asheville Youth Mission for a week of service. Asheville Youth Mission is about mission, creativity, and transformation with young people. A lot of our work at AYM is planning and implementing youth mission trips for middle schoolers and high schoolers. We also use a lot of arts in our reflections on these mission experiences. We also are about partnerships. We have a lot of long term relationships with dozens of agencies in the greater Asheville area that work with our friends and neighbors who are homeless, living in poverty, food insecure, or in other ways marginalized in our society.

VBS 2025

July 21 - 25, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Join us this summer for TRUE NORTH: Point kids to Jesus, a faithful friend we can always trust!

True North VBS will guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they'll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what's true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows them that he is a faithful friend we can always trust. He's our True North!

All rising 5th graders will participate in Living Out Loud (LOL). LOL campers spend the week doing hands-on mission work and outreach, learning how to serve inside and outside of our church.

$40 per camper

Contact efunderburk@esumc.org if financial assistance is needed.

2025 VBS Co-Chairs Jenny Myers and Katherine Shiveler

Camper Registration

Youth and Adult Volunteer Registration

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT W/ L’ARCHE NC & 321 COFFEE

Friday, August 8, 7:00 PM @ 615 Hillsborough St. (Courtyard of 321 Coffee)

L'Arche North Carolina and 321 Coffee are excited to host a fun-filled Summer Movie Night on Friday, August 8, sponsored by Edenton Street United Methodist Church!

Minecraft Movie will be playing in the 321 courtyard. The movie starts at 7:00 PM, but the courtyard opens at 6:00 PM, so come early to support local vendors, and hang out in community. Join us for a night of fun, connection, and summer vibes — we can't wait to see you there!

BACK TO SCHOOL SUNDAY

Sunday, August 24

It's Back-to-School Sunday! We will start the morning off with a Pep Rally for eStreet Kids and their parents in the Sanctuary at 10am where we will celebrate the start of a new year and send the new 6th graders off as they bridge to eStreet Youth. Both worship services will be extra special, with Bible presentations for our 2nd graders, and blessings over each of you, your teachers, and your backpacks (so don't forget to bring your backpack!) After worship, stick around to grab a new backpack tag, a back to school goodie, and a tasty treat! (ICYMI, the pep rally will take the place of regular Sunday school). We can't wait to be with you!

ESUMC MEN’S RETREAT

October 10 - 12 @ Camp Don Lee

Join the men of Edenton Street United Methodist Church for a weekend of connection, worship, and renewal at the 2025 ESUMC Men's Retreat, hosted October 10-12, 2025 at Camp Don Lee in Arapahoe, NC. This retreat offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with God and one another. Highlights include inspiring messages, small group discussions, and worship services. There will also be plenty of time for rest and recreation—whether it's kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking, or diving into spiritual practices through workshops. Come ready to grow in your walk with Christ and build deeper relationships. Mark your calendars! Registration details to follow soon.

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 Esumc? 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!