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:

New Here Brunch - Sept. 7

Come meet the pastors and others in a casual setting, brunch is provided!

Connecting with the United Methodist Church - Sept. 14

Learn about what makes the United Methodist Church distinctive as a denomination.

Connecting with God and Others - Sept. 21

Learn about opportunities to grow in discipleship with God and in Christian community with others.

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

BRUNCH & BELONGING W/ L’ARCHE NC

Sat., Sept. 6 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Church of the Good Shepherd

Join L'Arche NC for Brunch & Belonging - a joyful celebration of inclusion, friendship, and community.  Tiffany Yu, founder of Diversability and a powerful voice in disability advocacy, will be their special guest speaker.  Come be inspired by her story and discover how your presence helps L’Arche North Carolina grow a community where everyone belongs.

Get your tickets today!   

Your support helps create a world where everyone has a seat at the table.

eStreet YOUTH reStart

Sun., Sept 7 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Bulla Youth Bldg.

Join us for reStart, a special night where parents and students come together to kick off the new season of eStreet Youth! This is your chance to hear about all the exciting opportunities, events, and programs we have planned, as well as connect with other families in our community. You’ll get time to hang out with your small group, meet new faces, and catch up with old friends. Whether you’re brand new to eStreet Youth or a longtime part of the family, reStart is the perfect way to get plugged in, inspired, and ready for what’s ahead.

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN: INTERACTIVE LGBTQ+ SEMINAR

Sat., Sept. 13 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Highland UMC - 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607

Highland United Methodist Church, Fairmont United Methodist Church, and Edenton Street United Methodist Church are excited to co-sponsor a free LGBTQ+ seminar on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Highland United Methodist Church.

This interactive seminar will be led by Angel Collie, Director of Duke’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. It will cover an array of topics, including:

• Welcoming the LBTQ+ community, family, allies, and friends

• LGBTQ+ historical background with key dates and events;

• Understanding key terms and pronouns used in the LGBTQ+ community;

• Current laws passed that impact the LGBTQ+ community;

• Resources that are currently available to support members of the LGBTQ+ community;

• How the church, groups, individuals and community can provide support to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Childcare is available and should be noted on the registration form for planning purposes.

Click here to register online!

GOING DEEPER BIBLE STUDY

Sundays beg. 9/14 | 2 - 4 p.m.

Join us this fall and spring for a deep dive into New Testament theology and understanding. Each Sunday afternoon from 2:30-4 PM, experienced leaders will guide participants through theologian N.T. Wright’s The New Testament in its World. This study will be a chance to truly “go deeper” in scripture with other disciples in the coming year.

Sign up here!

CIRCLE OF SECURITY PARENTING

Wednesdays | 6 - 8 p.m. | Sept. 9 - Oct. 29 | Room 163

Circle of Security Parenting is a 9-week, 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 and there are 15 slots available.

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.

Register online here!

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!

Register online by clicking here!

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!