We’re partnering with Virginia Beach Public Schools to bless local students with fully stocked backpacks for the new school year! Stop by the Mission Wall to grab a backpack, and return it filled with the school supply list found inside. This year, we’ve added water bottles to the list—these kids get super thirsty, and it’s a simple way we can help them stay refreshed and ready to learn. Backpacks are due back by August 10.

If you or someone you know could be blessed by receiving a backpack, please fill out this form: https://people.churchcenter.com/people/forms/998464

The first Saturday of every month Essential will be providing lunch for the homeless and those experiencing hardship at People In Need (PIN), 1164 Millers Lane, Suite A, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. There are several ways you can serve - from food prep,  to helping at PIN with serving lunch and socializing with the guest and other projects they need help with.  Food prep is done in your own home - you pick up the food to prepare the Sunday before our Saturday commitment and drop the food off at PIN Saturday morning at 11:30am.  Helping at PIN begins at 11:30am.  You must be 18 or older to serve at the PIN portion of this event. Sign up to serve here.  Questions? 

Contact Stephanie at Stephanie@essentialchurch.com or 502-436-4148. Click here to sign up - 

Registration Link -https://people.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3027216

Rising 3rd graders (have completed 2nd grade) - 12th graders are invited to go to Watermarks Camp in Scottsville Virginia (3 hours away on the James River).  Cost - $310 per camper if you pay your deposit before March. $335 per camper if you pay your deposit in March & April, $360 per camper in May and June, $385 in July.  Registration closes Sunday July 13, and final camp payments are due July 15. Cost includes 12 meals, camp t-shirt, overnight accommodations for 4 nights, Biblical teaching, worship, and activities. A $75 deposit is required to hold your spot.  This deposit becomes a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit on May 1.

A mandatory parent/camper meeting will be Sunday June 29 from 5-6 pm at Essential Church. Questions? Contact Sherry at Sherry@EssentialChurch.com or 757-717-3480.

Click Here to sign up        https://people.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2707575

When you donate, you’re helping make the magic of camp accessible to all children, regardless of their financial situation. Your generosity will remove barriers between God and campers, give kids the chance to explore new adventures, develop lifelong friendships, and gain confidence that lasts a lifetime. Help create unforgettable experiences—donate today!  If you would like to donate to the camp scholarship fund use this link.

Register now for the 2025 Essential Women's Retreat October 24-26, 2025 at Chanco on the James, 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, Virginia. The Women's Retreat is a weekend to get away to connect with God and other ladies.  There will be team building, games, small group activities, and more! The price varies depending on the accommodations you choose (everyone gets a bed to themself!)

Double (full) Bed - $200
Single (twin) Bed - $175
Primitive Camping - $125

A $75 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required to hold your spot.
**All activities will take place on site at the retreat center.  Meals will be provided.

Click here to register: https://people.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2853108

Questions?
Contact Stephanie@essentialchurch.com or Sherry@essentialchurch.com

We have a brand new merch store set up for you to order from.  There is also a merch wall behind the guest services counter with samples of all the merch for you to check out.

Store Link - https://thechurch.shop/shop/essential-church/

We’re building a team to lead a parenting class for Crisis Pregnancy Center clients. This is a one year commitment - training is provided.  Childcare will be available during the parenting classes that are offered on Wednesday nights. If you’re interested in being part of this team, please reach out to Stephanie, our Missions Coordinator, at Stephanie@EssentialChurch.com or 502-436-4148.

We are excited to announce the launch of a BRAND NEW group at Celebrate Recovery - the Welcome Home Group.  This is a men’s group for active and retired military and first responders that have job-related hurt, habits, and hangups.  If you are a woman that has job-related trauma from your military or first-responder job, please reach out to Pastor Mike at Mike@EssentialChurch.com.

Service Team Opportunities
Meal Team - Click to request meals
Prayer Team - Click to submit a prayer request
Click to join the Facebook Prayer Team
Click to join the Email Prayer Team
Give online
Text Giving - Text any amount (ex 200) to 84321