"Love God. Love People," Jesus. (Luke 10:27)
What we BelieveLooking for a safe place to experience God and ask questions of faith and doubt? The folks who founded Ecclesia back in 2004 were too. Our goal is to follow Christ's example and we believe that means we must be
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Welcome Statement
Ecclesia is an inclusive congregation that welcomes everyone.
Yes, everyone.
You are welcome and affirmed at Ecclesia because we believe that every person is created in the image of God. Therefore, no matter your race, ethnicity, citizenship, economic status, gender expression, sexual orientation or religious background, you are welcome into full membership and leadership. We believe that God’s love is greater than any of our differences, and that you are loved and appreciated for who you are.
You are welcome, no matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation is. Worldwide, the LGBTQ+ community has been excluded from faith groups and subjected to ungodly judgment. Here at Ecclesia, we trust your story. We lament all the times you have been rejected in the name of Christ. We consider your presence among us as a gift of grace and we are humbled.
You are welcome, regardless of your religious background. Ecclesia includes folks from various traditions along with ones who are not sure what they believe. Whether you are a lifelong Baptist or a proclaimed agnostic, you’ll fit in at Ecclesia. Here, we welcome questions and recognize that doubt is a part of the faith journey. (See above for a more complete description of what we believe.)
You are welcome, no matter what your citizenship status is or your racial or ethnic identity. Whichever culture formed you, we are glad you’ve found Ecclesia. You will be safe here.
You are welcome, along with your differences. Disabilities, both visible and hidden, show us the beauty of diversity! Everyone has a range of gifts and challenges, and we encourage you to share both at Ecclesia. We are glad you are here, just as you are.
Your family is welcome, whoever that includes. Come on in and make yourself at home. We’re glad to have your family as part of the Ecclesia Family.
At Ecclesia, everybody is welcome. Wealthy, not-so-much, or unemployed. Addicted, conflicted, or recently released. Newborns, teens, and senior adults. Really: everyone.
So join us at Ecclesia where we know that, thanks be to God, in Christ each of you is dearly and deeply loved just as you are. And there is nothing you can do about it!
Yes, everyone.
You are welcome and affirmed at Ecclesia because we believe that every person is created in the image of God. Therefore, no matter your race, ethnicity, citizenship, economic status, gender expression, sexual orientation or religious background, you are welcome into full membership and leadership. We believe that God’s love is greater than any of our differences, and that you are loved and appreciated for who you are.
You are welcome, no matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation is. Worldwide, the LGBTQ+ community has been excluded from faith groups and subjected to ungodly judgment. Here at Ecclesia, we trust your story. We lament all the times you have been rejected in the name of Christ. We consider your presence among us as a gift of grace and we are humbled.
You are welcome, regardless of your religious background. Ecclesia includes folks from various traditions along with ones who are not sure what they believe. Whether you are a lifelong Baptist or a proclaimed agnostic, you’ll fit in at Ecclesia. Here, we welcome questions and recognize that doubt is a part of the faith journey. (See above for a more complete description of what we believe.)
You are welcome, no matter what your citizenship status is or your racial or ethnic identity. Whichever culture formed you, we are glad you’ve found Ecclesia. You will be safe here.
You are welcome, along with your differences. Disabilities, both visible and hidden, show us the beauty of diversity! Everyone has a range of gifts and challenges, and we encourage you to share both at Ecclesia. We are glad you are here, just as you are.
Your family is welcome, whoever that includes. Come on in and make yourself at home. We’re glad to have your family as part of the Ecclesia Family.
At Ecclesia, everybody is welcome. Wealthy, not-so-much, or unemployed. Addicted, conflicted, or recently released. Newborns, teens, and senior adults. Really: everyone.
So join us at Ecclesia where we know that, thanks be to God, in Christ each of you is dearly and deeply loved just as you are. And there is nothing you can do about it!
Meet our Pastor
May 2020--Rev. Dr. Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore
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Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore, PastorPastor Aileen has been with Ecclesia since August 2018 when she joined the staff as interim pastor. Two months later, the church voted to remove interim from her title, making her Ecclesia's third pastor since its founding in 2004.
In December 2020, Aileen completed her Doctorate of Ministry at Gardner Webb University, School of Divinity, Boiling Springs, NC. She was ordained to the gospel ministry 10 years earlier by First Baptist Church of Asheville, NC. Aileen and husband Jay married in 1987 and have lived in the Asheville area since 1998. Their family includes daughter, Trellace (New York City); son Baker, his wife Addison, and their daughter Vera Jo (Greensboro, NC); daughter Margaret (Raleigh, NC); and two beagles: Isabella and Georgia Peach. Aileen enjoys reading, writing, and playing banagrams, or any other board game. She blogs regularly at http://aileenmitchelllawrimore.com |