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Great Things Ahead

Over 20 years ago, as the Stafford area began to grow, Ebenezer UMC was at a crossroads. After much prayer, church leaders made the courageous decision to relocate to a larger parcel of land to reach more people for Christ. At that time Eustace Road was a dead end street that didn't even connect to what is now Embrey Mill Road, and the only neighbors near the church were deer and wild turkeys. Now, in 2012, we are at another crossroad. With over 150 homes being built next to Colonial Forge High School and another 1800 homes being built in the development on Courthouse Road, Ebenezer is in the very epicenter of growth of the county. We are in the middle of a mission field! Our church leaders have once again made a decision to reach more people for Christ.

Beginning September 9, 2012, we will adjust our schedule to add an additional worship service on Sundays.

8:00 AM Traditional Service (45 minutes)
9:00 AM Contemporary Service (60 minutes)
10:15 AM Contemporary Service (60 minutes)
11:30 AM Traditional Service (60 minutes)
6:00 PM Contemporary Service (60 minutes)

We will be sharing more about these changes throughout the summer.  In the meantime, you will find a list of frequently asked questions that we hope will help you better understand the changes.

Why are we adding another worship service?

Stafford County is a fast growing county. Current construction of the housing areas next to Colonial Forge High School as well as the 1800 homes on Courthouse Road are underway. God calls us to reach to others and share the Good News of the Gospel. This biblical mandate is important to our church. Ebenezer remains committed to reaching those who do not know Christ, as well as those who are looking for a church home. We continue to strive to make room for more people and maximize the use of resources.

Did you consider expansion of our parking lot or Sanctuary, moving to a new location, planting a new church, or starting a satellite church? 

Yes. However, expansion on our current lot is not an option due to Stafford County zoning regulations. We cannot expand our sanctuary without adding parking spaces, and we cannot add parking spaces because of regulations regarding open green space requirements. Moving to a new location is costly, and our current location is in the "epicenter" for future growth in our community. Offering a satellite service requires considerable expense, a significant amount of preparation and lead time, as well as many committed volunteers who would opt to worship and serve in a different location. Adding an additional worship service on Sunday morning allows us to maximize our current facility and leverage our current planning and teams with minimal cost.

Why are we making the additional service a contemporary one? 

Based on our demographics and growth, the contemporary service seems to attract the most new guests to our worship services. The contemporary service is also the service that has the least room for new guests. By adding an additional contemporary service we are opening up the seating to accommodate those who already worship with us regularly, as well as provide room for new guests.

Will there still be a Sunday evening service? 

 Yes. The Sunday evening, 6:00 PM service will not change.

Will there be an infant and toddler nursery at all services? 

Yes. There will be an infant and toddler nursery at all services.

Will there still be fellowship time in the Gathering Room? 

Yes. There will be fellowship time in the Gathering room in between all the morning services.

Will the same Pastor be preaching at all services, or will the Pastors divide up services each week? 

The same pastor will preach at all services each week. The pastors are excited about the new opportunity and are prepared for the additional morning service.

Will we have enough parking? 

We anticipate that the worship attendance spread across four Sunday morning services will help alleviate the crowding in the parking lot.

What opportunities will there be for children? 

Kidz Rock Sunday School (for ages 3 year through 5th grade) will meet on Sundays at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM. In addition, STEP (our Preteen Ministry) will continue to meet on the 4th Saturday of each month.

What opportunities will there be for youth? 

TNT, our Middle School Ministry, will meet on Sunday mornings each week at 10:15 AM. This will include large group teaching and fun as well small group study time. In addition, every first Sunday of the month from 4 PM-5:30 PM we will have a high energy, focused event for middle school students. This is a great time for middle school students to come out, invite their friends, have a great time and learn something along the way! We will also be going on the Ocean City Alive Retreat and other special events throughout the year.  Please visit our TNT (Middle School) page for updates and more information.

Axis, our High School Ministry, will have three opportunities throughout the week.  First, Axis will continue to meet on Wednesday nights from 7:00-9:00 PM. This will be a time for worship, teaching, and small group discipleship and Bible Study. Second, on September 9, we will begin a serving initiative program on Sunday mornings to get high school students plugged into serving in various ministries of the church. Starting in August, information regarding serviing opportunities will be available. Third, in October, we will begin offering periodic Sunday morning studies at 10:15 AM. Additionally, we will also have our Fall and Winter Retreats and other special events and service projects throughout the year.  We feel these opportunities will set the stage for continued growth and connection to God as a student moves through high school and prepares for the future. Our desire is to move from gathering teenagers to sending out disciples.  Please visit our Axis (High School) page for updates and more information.

What opportunities will there be for adults? 

In addition to our regular weekday groups that meet on and off campus, adult groups will meet on campus Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM.