DWELL

THE UPPER ROOM EXPERIENCE

Launch Night — Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Location — The Congregation, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
Cost — Free. Always.  | Bring — Yourself. A friend, if you'd like.

A worship experience for the curious, the cautious, and the come-as-you-are.

Upper Room is a new occasional gathering from John Wesley Church — acoustic worship, honest reflection, and small-group conversation over food. It's held off-site, in a relaxed setting, with no formality required.

Whether you've been in church your whole life or you've never quite found your way in, there's a seat for you here.

What to Expect?

We know walking into something new — especially something spiritual — can feel like a lot. So here's exactly what the night looks like:
Acoustic Worship. A short, intimate set. No big production, no stage lights. Just music that gives you room to breathe, reflect, and feel something real.
A Reflection. Pastor Austin shares a brief, grounded message — usually 10 to 15 minutes. It's less of a sermon and more of a thought worth sitting with.
Small Groups Over Food. We share a meal together and break into small groups for conversation. This is where the night opens up — where questions are welcome, stories are shared, and community starts to form. You're never put on the spot. You're just invited in.
The whole gathering runs about two hours. You can come, sit in the back, take it in, and leave when you want to. No one is going to single you out.

Who It's For?

Upper Room is for anyone who's ever felt like a traditional Sunday morning wasn't quite the right fit — and for anyone who loves Sunday mornings but is hungry for something more intimate too.
It's for the person who's spiritually curious but not sure where to start. The one who used to go to church and stepped away. The one who believes but hasn't found their people yet. The one who's just tired and needs a quiet place to be still.
You don't need to know what you believe to come. You don't need to dress a certain way. You don't need to bring anything but yourself.

Why "Upper Room"?

In Acts 2, before the church became what we know today, a small group of people gathered in an upper room. They didn't have programs or buildings. They had each other, a shared waiting, and the hope that God would meet them there.
That's the spirit of this gathering. Not performance. Not production. Just presence — and the belief that something happens when we dwell together.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will you ask for an offering?

No offering will be raised during the worship experience. We want you fully present — not bracing for the ask. We'll have a card available with ways to support the ministry of John Wesley Church if you ever feel led to give, but that's entirely on your terms, on your timing. Coming empty-handed is more than okay. It's expected.

Do I have to join the church?

Not at all. You can come to Upper Room as often as you'd like and never set foot in a Sunday service, and we'll still be glad you came. This isn't a recruitment pipeline — it's a gathering. If somewhere along the way you decide you want to know more about church membership, we'll have that conversation. Until then, you're just welcome.

How often does this happen?

Upper Room is occasional, not weekly — and honestly, the rhythm is something we want to build with you. After our first gathering, we'll be asking for your feedback: what worked, what didn't, and how often you'd want to come back together. This is a community we're shaping in real time, and your voice is part of how it takes shape. Follow us on social media or drop your email below to stay in the loop.

Do I have to participate in the small groups?

No. The small group conversation after worship is an invitation, not a requirement. You're welcome to stay for the meal, listen in, and share only if and when you want to. Some people share their whole story the first night. Some people come back three times before they say a word. Both are completely fine.

What should I wear? 

Whatever you'd wear to meet a friend for coffee. Jeans are perfect. There's no dress code — for real.

Can I bring my kids?

Upper Room is designed primarily for adults and older teens, given the intimate, conversational nature of the evening. Children are welcome, but there's no separate kids' programming at this gathering. If you're not sure, reach out and we'll help you figure out what works.