YUPPIE CHURCH : Went to this wealthy mega church off and on for years, did two trips with many Presbyterians ( and other denominations) to help after Katrina. Fondly recall we helped a nice white middle aged man do some work for about a week . Some very nice people, predominantly white, but definitely members of many ethnic and economic groups. Many highly educated members , some very good teaching , high end well appointed church but the community outreach to the poor and homeless is seriously NOT what it should be . But....it seems just like similarly appointed churches like RIVA TRACE , BROADNECK EP, CHESAPEAKE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP offer the same NEGLECT from what I have seen and heard. I have met some wonderful women at the church , events and Bible studies. EP also has some colder less approachable women, but sometimes an older east coast Caucasian person church's culture tends to the coolish side especially, if they are well educated or wealthy. Just look at the royal family and its stiff protocol ......these are not a very sensual type of people say compared to church folks from Africa. Thankfully Kate and Megan are doing some good mold breaking as we know important husbands need .....special encouragement from their loving wives don't they? Two things especially important to MOST men, good food and sex . So, I remind females one can order out from Tsunami or 49 West but you DON'T want your man doing any OTHER ordering out do you? Recently I rebuked a Presbyterian women I knew becasue of her lack of concern for the poor. She used to Frequently comment on being pleased I had such a concern for the poor. I finally told her I realized that there so little concerned for the local poor in EP church I really stood out. Oh well another " friend and sister" bites the dust over my Privilege versus Poverty concerns where I expose the " entitlement" of Anne Arundel county Predominately white churches . I have proof some continue to avoid LOVING LOCALLY NEEDY BLACK ELDERLY HOMELESS MEN WHO CAN'T GET ID's OR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BECAUSE OF JIM CROW LAWS And the history of Annapolis. BUT HEY the Downtown Hope Church Pastor raised money for SUDANESE BLACKS with a concerts .......how COOL and progressive. Local homeless blacks just LOVED hearing that! Jesus wept Sadly, I tried to get a conversation going about collaborating more between predominantly black and white churches and outreach to homeless. This current Pastor seemed uninterested in 2017 and I'm no longer interested in dealing with entitled elitist Pastors or church folks. Former Pastor Dale Linder on the other hand would go UNDER BRIDGES with Tony Tona who had such a passion for " the least of these" . Dale and Tony .....now they were two white guys who were REAL MEN ! Tony got kicked out of churches becasue he took the Bible at its word regarding the obligation to the poor. Dale ( and his wife was a wonderful woman ) would also do a pulpit swap with the church in town that's my favorite , First Baptist on West Washington ...it's predominantly black but SOOOOOO much warmer than the other color as far as MY experience. The men at First Baptist have ALWAYS been perfect gentleman , brotherly , fatherly and it is a very respectful and encouraging even exciting worship experience that more white sisters might want to try. Not a perfect church I know some of its weaknesses but oh my gosh it just is such a perfect fit for me at this juncture in my life. Among some of the homeless, the Methodists in town really step up more for the poor, as well as some of the synagogues. Thank you Jesus some predominantly white churches are trying. Trinity Church on West Street has REALLY stepped up especially considering the added burden the homeless have had in the past two years with the library closing and Market House massive changes . Also, I recently pointed out to the Pastor some seriously sinful patterns in a local young pastors behavior.....the current Pastor Bruce did not bother to reply to my email. Now that it's 2020 and I have seen the ignore-the-controversial- white- female- former- juvenile- delinquent- turned - Christian - sister for .....almost 30 years ( see my letter to the editor from 1992 entitled " poor white woman " printed in the ANNAPOLIS TIME) ....it no longer surprises me. This is why I no longer worship at any of Annapolis predominantly white churches......TOO COLD .....no Kleenex in the sanctuary.....so sad. JESUS WEPT PS Photo is of my amazing Mom who just passed 1/6/2020 she was so happy I was coming back to Annapolis to fight for the poor. Due to security concerns ( Skin heads, Pastors etc ) I prefer not to post my photo unless it's with the General and I have big sunglasses on. read more

I've been a regular attender for many years. What I really appreciate about this church is that it is not heavily dependent on a single leader (pastor) and instead has a body of elders who strive to make sure the church stays faithful to solid Bible teaching. I also appreciate the many genuinely compassionate people who make up the congregation. Great blend of ages - the congregation has older and younger families and in-between. Lots of groups and activities tailored for different life stages. (For families w/ young kids, MOPS groups, Sunday School, VBS, etc., plus groups for middle schoolers, retired folks, etc.) The congregation tends to mirror the affluence around it. The church was founded 50-some years ago, and as I understand it one of the original founders was a college professor, the demographic to this day reflects the origins. The congregation tends to be made up of highly educated high wage earners, not much different from the makeup of downtown Annapolis with its proliferation of $1M+ homes. The congregation make up isn't as diverse in terms of skin color and income levels as it ought be. I don't think this stems from intentional exclusion, but it still has room to grow. A Spanish speaking church also uses the facilities on Sunday evenings, but it would be really nice if blue collar and white collar workers, white and brown, rich and poor, US born and immigrant, would all worship together. Some members are of ethnic minorities but not many. Most of the diversity seems to come from families who due to marriage or adoption have different skin colors and ethnic / national origins. EP Church has room to grow in this regard. That said, in my experience there are many genuinely compassionate and humble people here. I know members who for years and years have quietly offered tutoring help each week in one of the Annapolis housing projects and formed genuine relationships (not just dropping in to do a good deed and feel better about themselves, but sincerely seeing and meeting a need). Twice a year (covid times aside) the church does a huge clothing giveaway and invites the community at large to shop for free. The deacons offer a free auto clinic to change oil for widows and single moms without the resources. For years (again not counting Covid years) the church puts on an annual Easter extravaganza with free pony rides, easter egg hunt, moon bounce, free lunch, etc. to the community at large. The church sponsors a dozen plus kids each year from a nearby housing project to go to camp. Divorce care and grief share classes use the church's facilities. The church offers English as a second language. When Covid hit, some members started a "pop up pantry" to give away literally truckloads of food for free to community members in need. Overall, EP keeps the focus on solid teaching and genuine relationships. Can the church grow to look more like Jesus? Yes. And individually and collectively, wherever we worship, may we do so. read more