We hope you will consider joining us for Worship. We know visiting a church for the first time isn’t always easy, so we have provided some information about our services and what to expect. Contact us with any additional questions or if you’d like to connect with someone before visiting for the first time! Having someone look out for you may make your visit a little less intimidating, especially if you’ve been away from Church for a while or are completely new to Church!
The Gathering
EBF is a laid back group, and this manifests from clothing, to attitude and structure. This means we have a worship style that is typical for us, but it isn’t unusual for us to stray from that. On a normal Sunday, you’ll walk into a warm and inviting atmosphere. We worship in the Gamecock Room at the Luther Lee Building (1314 Lincoln Street). Worship begins at 10AM, though the coffee is brewing at 9:30AM. You’re welcome to arrive as early as you like (& we won’t even ask for your help setting up)!
We start with prayer, we sing, read Scripture, and listen to a sermon by our Pastor, Rev. Judith L. Myers. We rely heavily on lay leadership and encourage any and every one to engage in worship.
The Welcome
We realize that a lot of churches say “all are welcome”, and that doesn’t necessarily mean what it should. We want to relay that if you would like us to be your community, we will be. We stand firm in our welcome statement:
Together, we explore the holy in a welcoming and affirming community of faith. We are a place of healing and rest for the weary. We provide a radically inclusive welcome to the LGBTQ+ community and those who have been spiritually or religiously abused or shamed. We strive to work for liberation for all- for we are all beloved children of God!
The Table
We receive Communion once a month. Typically, we receive Communion through intinction. You are invited to the front of the space to take a piece of bread (gluten-free available), dip it into the cup (grape juice), and eat immediately while receiving a blessing.
No matter your age, your membership (if there is one), the form of your baptism (if there is one), or where you are on the journey with God, a place has been prepared for you at the table. Come and be fed!
The Children
Children are always welcome in Worship. Even the loud ones. We are working hard and intentionally to create a children’s ministry that involves qualified, safe team members. For now, we have plenty of space in Worship for your children (babies included) to be involved or play softly.
Our community is small, so please know that we will love your children with everything we have even if it doesn’t look like a lot of other childrens’ programs.