The work of our mission developers is supported by the Mission Fund of the NC Synod.
Check out more about this work at missionfundnc.org.
Arbol de Vida, North Durham
Led by Pastor German Santana, this community is a Spanish-speaking gathering of believers anchored in Word & Sacrament that began in early 2017 and is made up of as many children as adults. They currently find energy in their monthly women’s brunch and Saturday ESL classes and kids' activities. This community worships together on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. at 2109 N. Duke St., Durham, 27705.
Christ's Beloved Community, Winston-Salem
Christ’s Beloved Community (CBC) began as a ministry of streets in 2015. The ministry has grown and now meets at a permanent home at 3205 S. Main St. in South Winston-Salem. The community gathers at 1:30 p.m. for bilingual worship with a sermon in Spanish. CBC has a bilingual food pantry and provides distribution days three times a month. This community is fully bilingual and bi-denominational—ELCA and Episcopal.
The Dwelling, Winston-Salem
Begun in February 2020, this ministry walks alongside persons experiencing homelessness with two main foci: spiritual care and showers. Since then the ministry has grown to a community of more than 150 beloveds of God on Sunday mornings. This community meets each Sunday at 10 a.m. for coffee, 11 a.m. for worship, and 12 p.m. for lunch. This federated ELCA/Moravian ministry is led by Pastor Emily Norris and Pastor Tobi Fleck. The ministry moved to its permanent home at 502 N. Broad St, Winston-Salem. The Dwelling shares a building with City with Dwellings and other partners serving the people of Winston-Salem.
Emmaus, West Charlotte
In May 2017, Emmaus began in West Charlotte led by the Rev. Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson. This ministry is a Word & Sacrament community that meets at 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings. In 2022, Emmaus moved to its permanent home at 2309 N. Glendale Ave., Kannapolis, NC. Anchored in mentoring African-American students, using arts for expression, and Community Cares events, Emmaus also engages disciples in their faith through Tuesday night Bible study.
Living Waters, Cherokee
Begun in 1985, this community is on the Qualla Boundary and is an embodiment of the gospel with the people of the Eastern Band of Cherokee tribe. The signature ministry of Living Waters is their food pantry and resource center. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals a year through its feeding ministries, it addresses the immediate need that all might be fed. Additionally, Living Waters serves as a place for job placement, education connection, seniors support, and more. The community worships on Wednesdays and Sundays at 36 Locust Rd. Cherokee, blending Cherokee culture including beginning each Sunday with a morning song to greet the day sung in Cherokee. This ministry is led by Pastor Jack Russell and Lisa Russell.
South Durham Connections
Begun November 2018, South Durham Connections is a community committed to addressing all the ways that people are hungry: physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and intellectually. This community’s signature ministry is the Parktown Food Hub (the Hub) and the Word & Sacrament community will be developed as the food ministry grows. This community gathers for sacrament on the second Saturday of each month with a garden potluck. This community is led by Pastor Sharon Schulze and Deacon Nicole Garcia.