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1. Call the church (618) 656-0680 or (618) 675-3588 or email: jbhorses@agtelco.com and ask about availability for the date needed. Please discuss the kind of space(s) needed. The complete specifications on church use is listed in Article III, Section 2 of the church By-Laws.
2. The church facilities calendar is posted on the bulletin board near the main back entrance. Facilities availability are first come first, first served based on the calendar. Regularly scheduled church activities have precedence of use.
3. It is the policy of ESIC Baptist Church to make our facilities available to people or groups based on our philosophy: "We believe in love. We believe in the priesthood of all believers. We affirm the freedom and responsibility of every person to relate directly to God without the imposition of creed or the control of clergy or government. We believe in diversity and oppose racism, sexism, violence and hatred. We are filled with joy and celebrate the freedom of Christianity. We believe in freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. We support the separation of church and state."
4. RENT: Use of the church by members is free. Use of meeting rooms to community groups for one-time kinds of meetings is usually free. Regularly meeting groups are expected to make a small donation to the church for use of the facilities. Small, private weddings or other small services are free. Larger weddings or other activities which might involve several rooms or the kitchen(s) are expected to make a donation to the church for use of the facilities.
2. Can I use or rent the soccer field?
Use of the soccer field is basically first come first served and it is free. It can be reserved by following the same procedure as use of the church listed above. Please note: Priority use of the soccer field is given to: 1. Church use 2. YMCA use 3. Organized-league teams. The field is often occupied during good weather from about 3:00 PM to dark week days and Saturday mornings. The church yards are often used for cricket matches by neighborhood international students. The complete specifications on field use is listed in Article III, Section 2 of the church By-Laws.
1. There is lots of parking in the church lot adjoining the building including including accessible parking for the disabled near the doors. There is additional parking on ESIC Drive and University Drive if necessary. Do not park in the neighboring apartment parking lots.
2. Most people enter the BACK door from the parking lot near the church soccer field. (That door has become the real main entrance for the church.) However, you may enter from the front entrance along the curved sidewalk or even the side entrance from the other parking lot.
4. Is the church accessible for the disabled?
Yes, the church is completely accessible to the disabled including entrances, restrooms, and parking; the building is all on one level.
The pastor is Barry Harris (618) 656-0680 or email: jbhorses@agtelco.com.
Click on PEOPLE and look for yourself. The congregation at ESIC Baptist Church is a multi-ethic church family including SIUE students, International Students and their families. Dress at ESIC Baptist is informal, non-judgmental, and sometimes international. Wear a T-shirt or business suit and you will be equally welcome.
1. Church (Worship Service) is Sunday Mornings at 10:00 AM. Sunday School is Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM.
2. Regularly scheduled events at the church are:
3. Other church events, such as youth activities, are scheduled as needed.
8. What Sunday School classes are available?
Sunday School Classes are available for all ages (Pre-K through Adult). There are separate classes for Preschool, Primary, Intermediate, Youth (Middle School and High School), and 2 adult classes. During worship service, a special children's sermon is given then children are dismissed for "Children's Church", religious activities of interest for kids.
9. What youth (teenager) activities are available?
In addition to the regular Sunday School class, the youth directors usually schedule one evening activity per month. This activity might be a party or bowling or a movie or some other youth oriented event.
10. Does the church provide counseling?
Contact pastor Barry Harris (618) 656-0680 or email: jbhorses@agtelco.com for needs with counseling.
11. Does the church give to the needy? I am hungry, homeless, unemployed, or destitute, can the church help me immediately?
If you need immediate help, contact a social service agency such as the Glen/Ed food pantry or city services. This church does not provide immediate help. However, ESIC Baptist church gives over 1/3 of its budget to missions. The church supports the Carmi Children's Home, the Glen/Ed Food Pantry, Hospice, area hospitals, the various charitable arms of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missions, and several local charities.
12. Is ESIC Baptist Church a "fundamentalist" church?
No. ESIC Baptist Church is a member of the Cooperative Baptist Churches. See http://thefellowship.info/ for more information. We are not members of the Southern Baptist Convention. Click on MISSION or IDENTITY for more about the philosophy of ESIC Baptist Church.
13. How do I join ESIC Baptist?
Individuals who have accepted the grace of God’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and who have made ESIC Baptist Church their chosen place of worship, communion, and fellowship are considered members of this local church. If you have questions about becoming a member of ESIC Baptist or would like to become a member, please talk with one of our pastors.
14. This church never talks about money, can I contribute?
Yes ESIC Baptist Church will accept your financial gift. This church gives about 30% of its annual budget to missions - helping others. The church supports the Carmi Children's Home, the Glen/Ed Food Pantry, Hospice, area hospitals, the various charitable arms of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missions, and several local charities.