Winston-Salem-Day 2

March 18th: Saturday

For those that are keeping up on the daily trivia, the answer was B. Mr. and Mrs. Wuf. 

Our first stop for the day was in Winston-Salem to visit the wonderful church, The Dwelling where we were able to offer assistance with moving chairs and tables for the Grand Opening of their new space tomorrow that will directly be able to support the those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. 

While talking to the pastors there, Pastor Emily Norris, and Intern Michael Schulete we got the opportunity to learn that 60% of the community faces food insecurity.  The Dwelling focuses on being the atypical church, having breakfast and lunch for the members in the church. They, along with a related social service agency called City with Dwellings, offer showers, a foot clinic, housing, a mail room, and soon, a pay-as-you-are-able food truck, among many other resources for those experiencing homelessness. They also partner with several churches around them, even offering social work services in the church for those that may need it. Accepting of all walks of life, their motto is “Where God and God’s People Meet,” they intend to blur the line between those being served and those serving- since we all have something to give and all need to receive the gifts of others.

Pastor Laura: The Dwelling was an outgrowth of City with Dwellings. The community of folks experiencing homelessness asked for a church where they could come just as they were so Pastor Emily went to the North Carolina Synod, ELCA to ask them to support a church that already existed among the community, but just needed recognition and support. They now support them in connection with the Moravian Church, a significant presence in the Winston-Salem community.

The Dwelling centers the needs of those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, but welcomes all to worship on Sundays, which always begins with breakfast. Their worship is deeply rooted in Jesus, but non-traditional in form. They speak the gospel in the words and ways that best communicate grace to those who come.

She said she especially appreciates being able to concentrate specifically on the spiritual needs of her community. When a church is also the place for receiving social services, it’s hard for there not to be hurt feelings and feelings of favoritism when some receive certain benefits and others don’t, or don’t receive them as quickly.

Pastor Emily’s love for Jesus and her community were so deeply evident. As she told the story of The Dwelling, it was the story of noticing God’s movement in front of her and then taking a step in that direction- and then continuing to do that over and over again, while looking for opportunities and inviting others into the mission at every turn.

Later in the day we visited Old Salem, an early settlement of the Moravian Church.  We learned about their culture- centered in community and pointed toward Jesus. And we talked to the reenactors and tried Moravian cookies. 

The Moravian Church began in the Czech Republic, then moved Germany after facing persecution. Their community later became defined by a significant experience of the Holy Spirit in 1727 that renewed their zeal and brought them together in community. Their cherished motto is “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love.” Jesus, love and community are central- nothing else should get in the way.

Getting back on the road to Asheville, N.C, we looked at the mountain scenery as we traveled up in the state. In the evening we arrived to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Asheville, N.C, which focuses on creating space for everyone to feel accepted in. At St. Mark’s we were able to get a tour of the church, by Deacon Katie Rivers. While looking around we learned that they work to serve breakfast before church, house offices for the council, have showers for those that may need them, work on several different service projects, create space for people that need a space to meet at, and daycare for 3 to 4-year-olds. 

For dinner, we made pasta with students having their hand at the cooking working together to put a meal on the table for everyone. Following a reflection of our day, and prayer. After group time, we had students clean the kitchen while others watched the Maryland vs Alabama basketball game. 

When was Salem, North Carolina founded?

A: 1576

B: 1766

C: 1728