Wakefield United Methodist Church is a vibrant and growing church in the northern Raleigh and Wake Forest areas. Founded in 2007 as a daughter congregation to Edenton Street United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh, the church identified a need in the community to support families of youth after numerous tragedies claimed the lives of Wakefield High School students.
Wakefield UMC began worshipping at North Forest Pines Elementary School and then moved to the Kerr Family YMCA. Along the way, two parcels of land were purchased and sold with the hope that a permanent church home would be constructed. But God had other plans, and in 2020, the church sold its second property and used the proceeds to purchase and renovate the building formerly known as Jellybeans (a skating rink!). The inaugural service was held in the new building on Easter Sunday in 2022.
The church has long stood on the belief that a church building would happen “on God’s time,” along with many other things along the way. So much so that it became a mantra for many. The hope and patience of the congregation allowed God to create something great for the community. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Now that Wakefield UMC is in a building, we are discovering new and exciting ways of serving God and are committed to “Inviting, Engaging, and Strengthening All on Our Journey with Christ.” Many new faces have worshipped with us over the past year, and the church has had many “firsts” (first VBS, first mid-week Wakefield Wednesday programming, first time hosting community groups, etc.). With a building of our own, we continue to dream about how we can better reach our neighbors and be a beacon of hope in the Wakefield community!
Sustaining God, as we gather at your table, we are reminded of your good and perfect timing and how you call each of us to serve in a specific place. May our hearts and minds be open to the needs of our community so that the church may be a beacon of hope to others. Amen
Rev. Christina Parrish serves as the pastor of Wakefield UMC in Raleigh, NC
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.