Beloved Community Church

Illustration of Beloved Community Church (United Church of Christ), 131 41st Street South.

Beloved Community Church is a congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ located at 131 41st Street South in Avondale. The church has about 120 members on roll. Jennifer Sanders was elected pastor in 2016.

Beloved Community began in 1999 from the efforts of the Rev. Angela H. Wright to reach out to persons unlikely to attend traditional churches elsewhere in the area. Within a year, the new church moved into their present home, the former Avondale Lodge No. 476 hall.

Instead of holding traditional Sunday morning services, the church meets on Sunday evenings instead, featuring a contemporary jazz band in its worship services rather than a robed choir and organ music.

In 2006, the church renovated and leased a small building on their property; it is currently occupied by The Abbey, a coffee house affiliated with the United Methodist church.

References

• Cooper, Lauren B. (April 20, 2007) "Avondale resurgence: Office condos planned." Birmingham Business Journal
• Garrison, Greg (October 11, 2016) "Avondale church elects lesbian pastor with a message of inclusion." The Birmingham News

External links

• Beloved Community Church web site (infrequently updated)