REFRESH RETREATS AT ST. FRANCIS SPRINGS

Fridays, March 14th, April 11th, and May 9th, 2025, 7:30 AM - 5:15 PM @ St. Francis Springs

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.

$15 Per Person, Transportation Provided & Lunch Included

Click here to sign up!

Email arigby@esumc.org with questions.

MEN’S SPRING READING GROUP

Mondays, Starting February 17, 8:00 - 9:00 PM

The Men's Book Study is taking a deep dive into our Methodist Roots with Rueben P. Job's Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living and Steve Harper's Five Marks of a Methodist: The Fruit of a Living Faith. Explore two of our core values, curiosity and connection, as we journey together for this nine week study. This study is a great chance to get plugged in at ESUMC and a wonderful opportunity to invite friends! Invite a College Student, bring an older adult that has been part of this church for 25 years, or bring your own curious search for knowledge!

For more information, email jpatricklongest@gmail.com

WOMEN’S RETREAT 2025

February 28 - March 2 @ Beaufort, NC

Our retreat planning team is so excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Women's Retreat is now OPEN!

Join us as we grow in faith through scripture, worship, prayer, music, friendship, and fellowship. Rev. Anna Rainey Dickson will lead us as we study Habits of the Heart and learn practices for a New Season.

We will gather February 28 - March 2, 2025 at The Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort, NC.

Sign up here

FAT TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 - 7:30 PM @ Kerr Hall

It's that time of year! Join your eStreet Family for Angela's famous pancake dinner, benefitting Edenton Street's mission partners. There will be music, crafts, fairy hair, balloons, and more.

Sign up here

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

Wednesday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. @ Sanctuary

Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a season of reflection before Easter. We gather for worship to receive ashes, symbols of repentance and mortality. Through scripture, prayer, and music, we acknowledge our humanity, seek forgiveness, and renew our commitment to God. The service allows contemplation on our journey, call to repentance, and hope for transformation. Amidst the ashes, we find the promise of new life in Christ. Join us in this sacred season of deeper faith and community service.

*Drive-thru ashes available 7:00-8:00 am & 11:30 am-12:00 pm

LENTEN FOOD DRIVE CHALLENGE

March 9 - April 13 @ Churchwide

For every meal you and your family eat Monday - Saturday, place one non-perishable food item in a grocery bag and bring your bag to church each week.

MIDLIFE AGING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: A COMMUNITY CLASS

Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 - 8:30 PM @ Zoom

Join us for Mid-Life Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Community Class at The Well taught by spiritual director, Rev. Joyce Coffman. This class explores bringing the spiritual life and work life together. It is intended for those who feel they have moved past the "striving and competitive" nature of the workplace and who want to experience a different definition of success. This course is designed for mid-lifers currently working or soon to be retirees who are exploring the integration of spiritual practices in their work-life.

This virtual course will be hosted on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM on Zoom from March 4th to April 15th, 2025. The cost of the class is $200 per person and covers all materials - including Richmond's book and a class workbook developed by Rev. Joyce Coffman. Registration is due no later than January 31, 2025.

To register, go to: www.thewellmentalandspiritualcare.org/midlifeclass

PRACTICES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH & FORMATION: A WELL CLASS

Thursday, March 6, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ The Well

Join us for Practices of Spiritual Growth & Formation, a class where you will explore the meaning of spiritual growth and formation alongside others who are seeking spiritual depth. Rev. Joyce Coffman will teach this class with the intention of meeting participants exactly where they are on their spiritual journey. Various practices and disciplines will be introduced and discussed, along with some in-class experiential learning. This course is designed for anyone interested in deepening their spiritual growth and seeking to learn more.

This class will meet at The Well on Thursdays, 10 AM - 12 PM, from March 6, 2025 - April 17, 2025 (7 sessions total). The total cost of the course is $225. To learn more and register, go to: www.thewellmentalandspiritualcare.org/practicesclass

DISCOVER THE JOURNEY

Sundays, March 9 - April 30, 4:00 - 6:00 PM @ Kerr Hall

Join this five-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 Sunday evenings from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and will focus on key aspects of our church life, including worship, connection, service, and giving. There will be no meeting on March 30th due to Spring Break. Register here!

SPEND A WEEK SERVING IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

March 9 - 14 @ Western NC

Are you interested in helping to rebuild homes, communities, and lives in Western NC? If so, we'd love for you to join our Disaster Response Team. We will be joining other UMC churches serving in Western NC March 9-14. From mucking out mud to building relationships, there are many roles to fill with varying skill sets, and we'd love for you to join us! To learn about this and other opportunities, please contact Suzanne Botts. We have two church members - Johanna and Grant - who are helping with disaster response in Columbus County this week. Please keep them in your prayers!

MIDWEEK LENTEN STUDY

Wednesday, March 12, 12:00 - 1:00 PM @ Sanctuary & Kerr Hall

Join us each week as we worship, pray, and hear a word from a guest preacher. We'll then enjoy a simple lunch in Kerr Hall for a time of connection and companionship as we commit to Walking with Hope during this Lenten season.

RUN/WALK/VOLUNTEER TO FIGHT PEDIATRIC BRAIN CANCER

Saturday, March 15 @ North Ridge Neighborhood

Join our ESUMC team and run, walk or volunteer at Ella's Race on March 15. This family-friendly 5K, 10K, and 1 mile fun run is held in memory of ESUMC member Ella Newmiller, who lost her life to a pediatric brain tumor. Proceeds go to finding a cure for pediatric brain cancer and fighting for children like Ella. Register here today!

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, March 19, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM @ Bulla Gym

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. We can help! On March 19, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., in our Bulla building gym, 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 here to save a life today!

DISABILITY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Friday, March 21, 1:00 pm @ Courtyard

Move through the Stations of the Cross with Tatum Tricarico, meditating and praying Jesus’ journey to the cross through the lens of disability justice.

GATHERING WORSHIP LED BY L’ARCHE FRIENDS

Sunday, March 23, 9:00 am, Kerr Hall

Celebrate community and belonging with L’Arche NC as they lead us in worship in The Gathering.

WELCOMING THE STRANGER BOOK DISCUSSION

Sunday, April 7 | 10:10 - 10:50 am | Chapel/Chapel Annex

PALM SUNDAY

Sunday, April 13 @ Sanctuary & Kerr Hall

Come begin Holy Week at a special joint service at 10:00 on Palm Sunday. We will begin outside the doors of the sanctuary, and then the children will lead us into the sanctuary waving palm branches and singing “Hosanna.” Throughout the service of worship we will experience a dramatic retelling of the last week of Jesus’ life, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the crowds crying “Crucify him” to the cross. Come at 9:00 am for a time of connection and fellowship. We will have coffee and refreshments and an optional prayer walk that will take you outside the church’s walls to pray for our neighbors.

• 9:00 am - Prayer Walk @ Garden Gallery

• 10:00 am - Joint Worship @ Sanctuary

• 11:30 am - ‘A Place at The Table’ Lunch @ 300 W Hargett St.

MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNITY DINNER & WORSHIP

Thursday, April 17, 7:00 pm @ Kerr Hall

On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ Last Supper with the disciples and the new mandate he gave, “Love one another.” Come to a special joint service in Kerr Hall on Maundy Thursday. We’ll begin with a light supper of soup and bread at 6:30 followed by service of worship that will include Holy Communion, the preached word, music, and hand washing. All ages are encouraged to attend, and Wiggler Worship will be provided for children ages 3 through first grade. We’ll conclude our worship in Garden Gallery Courtyard with a time of silent prayer as we remember Jesus’ who prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP

Friday, April 18, 7:00 pm @ Sanctuary

Join us for a meaningful Good Friday service as we reflect on Christ's sacrifice. This solemn gathering will include scripture readings, contemplative music, and time for quiet prayer. Together, we will journey through the crucifixion, embracing themes of love, redemption, and hope. All are welcome as we prepare our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection and experience God's love and grace in our shared worship.

HOLY SATURDAY PRAYER VIGIL

Saturday, April 19 @ Online

Since the earliest days, Christians have marked the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday with prayer, fasting, and contemplation. “Holy Saturday” became the culmination of the season of Lent, one last day to leave behind the ways of death as we wait at the tomb and anticipate God raising us to new life with Jesus on Easter. We will offer a prayer vigil liturgy that can be engaged from wherever you are.

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 12, 10:30 - 11:30 AM @ Fred Fletcher Amphitheater

Join families from Learning Together, ESUMC Early Childcare Program, and Door Step Ministries for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt. Bring an Easter Basket and a dozen cookies to share with our Community friends.

EASTER WORSHIP

Sunday, April 20 @ Sanctuary & Kerr Hall

This Easter, we celebrate that Hope Rises. With Christ, our hope for the future is resurrected and given new life again. We are excited to worship together to celebrate and embody this renewed hope. Join us for Easter morning sunrise worship at 6:15 AM at the Capitol, at 9 AM in The Gathering, and at 11 AM in The Sanctuary. At 10 AM, there will be chances to celebrate Easter with photos and treats to share with your whole family.

6:25 am - Sunrise Service @ Capitol Square

9:00 am - Contemporary Service @ Kerr Hall

10:00 am - Churchwide Celebration @ Commons

11:00 am - Sanctuary Service @ Sanctuary

VBS 2025 - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

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

SIGN UP FOR A FREEDOM RIDE

Inspired by the historic Freedom Rides of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Dumas Harshaw will lead St. Francis Springs Prayer Center's (SFSPC) first Freedom Ride on August 10 - 15. This retreat is intended to be spiritually moving and reflective. Retreat leader Dr. Harshaw is a Howard Thurman scholar and retired pastor 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. This 5-day, 4-night experience will take participants from SFSPC in Stoneville, NC to various iconic Civil Rights locations including the King Center in Atlanta, Dexter Ave. Baptist Church where Rosa Parks trained peaceful sit-ins, and then to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, before returning back to SFSPC for a time to debrief and reflect on the experience. Learn more & sign up here.

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH BOOK STUDY SCHEDULE

Date                            Title/Author                                    Presenter

3/24/25                       Rap and Redemption on                Ellen Zaytoun
                                    Death Row by Alim Braxton
                                    and Mark Katz

4/28/25                        The Covenant of Water                Ann Mann
                                     by Abraham Verghesele

Each study is from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Click here to watch a recording of each presentation as they become available.