Assembly Close-up: Eran wants to tell others what church can be like

Assembly Close-up: Eran wants to tell others what church can be like

Eran: "You won't be judged here."

It's Youth Assembly week at Tennessee Wesleyan College! We interviewed three of the 146 students attending Holston's annual summer spiritual event with some random questions.

See also: Assembly Close-up with Gretchen and Tyler


ERAN, age 17  
St. Elmo United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, Tenn. 


What’s something that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve never fallen off the top bunk, but I've fallen off the bottom.

How many times have you been to Assembly?
This is my first time.

Why did you come?
My friend Raymond asked me. He’s the closest to a brother that I have.

What’s the most fun thing you’ve done at Assembly?
Rice-packing [for the Stop Hunger Now project].

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten at Assembly?
Chicken with hot sauce.

What’s the name of someone you just met here?
Mike Davis.

Describe him.
He’s the example of change. He came from a bad spot but he’s so happy, so cheery, so glad to be here.

Sing one line from a song you’ve sung here at Assembly.
A Taylor Swift song: I knew you were trouble when you walked in.

Describe your church in three words.
Caring. Indifferent  -- to gender, race, sexuality, anything that sets you apart. Joyful -- if you are mad they won’t leave you alone until you start smiling.

If you were trying to get someone to visit your church, what would you say or do to get them to come?
I would tell them this is not the stereotypical church that believes you’re going to hell.

What do you think people ought to know about Assembly, if they don’t know anything?
You won’t be judged here.

If you were to tweet something about this interview, what would it be?
This is the most open interview I’ve ever done. I’m allowed to say anything.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?
Go on my Facebook page and start a Twitter and Instagram so I can tell other people what Assembly is like.

Author

annette july 2023.jpg
Annette Spence

Annette Spence is editor of The Call, the Holston Conference newsletter.