OUR HISTORY
Elmwood United Presbyterian Church began
on October 1, 1961 as a result of a merger of two former
churches, Mount Carmel Presbyterian and Elmwood Presbyterian
Church. Several pastors have graced the Elmwood pulpit
since Elmwood began. Elmwood's current pastor, the Robert
N. Burkins Sr. came to Elmwood in May of 1987 and under
his leadership, Elmwood Church has grown in ministry
and tripled in size with a current membership of over
1000 persons. Elmwood began a second worship site known
as Elmwood @ St. Cloud, in April, 2001. The Elmwood
West worship site worships in the township of West Orange.
Since it's beginning, Elmwood has evolved into a youthful
congregation, consisting primarily of African Americans
and people of African descent between the ages of 30-55.
Children, youth and young adults constitute the next
category of persons. Given its membership, music for
Sunday worship includes a praise band, a praise and
worship vocal team, and several choirs that sing a variety
of music from Bach to Hip Hop. Worship is warm and lively.
Sermons are both inspirational and practical so that
congregants are able to apply their faith in everyday
situations. Learning at Elmwood is augmented by a variety
of bible studies, classes, seminars and retreats for
all ages.
Since Elmwood believes it is the responsibility and
privilege of believers to share the good news of Jesus
Christ in word and deed, the church has developed over
40 ministries designed to meet the needs of the community
and church members, and share the Gospel in practical
ways. (Click on "Our Ministries" for more information
about Elmwood's ministry.) In addition, Elmwood established
the Harambee Community Development Initiative, Inc.
a not-for-profit corporation that provides educational
and training programs for preschoolers through senior
adults, and provides office space for new businesses.
We invite you to become involved in one or more of our
exciting ministries at Elmwood.
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