Edgewood’s members and friends come from a diversity of backgrounds. Some people come to Edgewood because they are new to the East Lansing area. Some come wounded from past church experiences. Some come with a spouse or partner but have no personal church experience. We even have folks who were raised in our church as children and returned at adults, and others who came to us from other United Church of Christ congregations. No story is the same, but each one contains a thread of longing for community, longing for a connection to God, and longing for a place where they will be fully welcomed. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Marcus and Cole’s Story
While searching for a church where he could be open and authentic as a gay person, Cole first came to Edgewood in 2003. Inquiring with pastors of several local area churches – being direct about his sexuality and asking how welcomed he would be in their church as a gay person, he became discouraged with the repeatedly occurring answers of, “Well, you’d be welcome, BUT…” or “Well, we do preach from the BIBLE…” Eventually Edgewood became one of two area churches…
Jan and Rick’s Story
Jan and Rick have been longtime leaders in our congregation, volunteering in leadership roles, with Justice & Peace projects, caring for our facilities through Buildings & Grounds, playing in the bell choir, and so much more over the years. They are also known for their hospitality and inviting folks over for dinner who might not have family nearby. Why Edgewood? When we came to East Lansing in 1985, we were looking for a progressive church which had both a…
Matt & Cristin’s Story
Brother and sister, or as many know them around church, as the Hubbard twins grew up at Edgewood. Cristin and Matt were part of the youth ministry attending service trips, church school, and involved in the music program along with their parents, JoAnn and Bob Hubbard. Matt now lives in Austin, Texas and Cristin in Seattle, Washington. They never miss an opportunity to lend their musical talents when returning to East Lansing.
Diane’s Story
Diane and her husband Paul have been attending Edgewood since 2007. She is the co-chair of the Racial Justice Task Force, participates in a Circles of Faith small group (pictured here volunteering together), and sings each week in the choir. WHY EDGEWOOD? First and foremost Edgewood is solidly a UCC church. It was important to me to be part of a denomination that has a strong history of social justice. The music program is also important to me, so Edgewood…
Meghan’s Story
Meghan, her husband Ben, and their four kids have been involved in different ways at Edgewood over the years: ministry team leaders, worship leaders and lay preachers, Church School, Edgewood Camp, and Circles of Faith small group ministry. WHY EDGEWOOD? I first came to Edgewood in high school because many of my friends came to church here. I loved singing in the choir and going on retreats with the youth group. When I returned to East Lansing after many years…
Amanda’s Story
Amanda has been attending Edgewood since 2013 with her wife Gina, and their two children. Why Edgewood? The first time I visited Edgewood was during a Women In the Arts Festival. For years I attended this event and other events hosted at the church. I had been exploring many churches for years, trying to find the right fit! My mind kept going back to Edgewood, so I finally gave it a try. From the first service we attended, we were…