Eddie Walker has lived the single life. And he knows how hard it is to feel isolated and disconnected from others. Even in church, which Walker says concentrates heavily on the concepts of marriage and family, he felt that those who live the single life are overlooked in ways. So Walker started a movement that has culminated in an atmosphere of family, community service and Christian teachings.

The faith-based support group for singles that Walker created is coming to Washington, giving unattached residents a chance to have some fun, meet other people, hear the word of God and give back to the community.

Community Christian Singles started in Greenville in Jan. 2013 at Grace Church where Walker attended, he said.

“My heart has always been burdened for single folks,” Walker said.  “I’ve been divorced myself, and I feel the pain.”

And though the group is not a dating service, it provides those who have been hurt and left broken from past relationships, or a lack thereof, with a place to feel a sense of belonging, Walker said.

In Greenville, the organization, which Walker says is the only of its kind east of Raleigh, meets weekly to host praise and worship, Bible study and group discussion. The Bible study, however, zeroes in on single living, Walker said. The group also meets twice monthly for different events. Some events focus on fun, food and fellowship while others are geared toward giving back, something that Walker says is important for singles to get involved in, as they tend to be more isolated and focus on themselves.

“We’ve found working with singles, they can get selfish,” Walker said. “But we’re trying to teach them to put their time and energy toward helping other people. When they take their mind off themselves, they become whole again. We also found out singles wanted a place to belong. CCS has really turned into a family-type thing. We have people that come in who are really hurting and have sort of lost their way, and we’ve become a support group they need.”

Walker said the group conducts continuous outreach to local nonprofits like Kennedy Home (for children) in Kinston, Salvation Army of Greenville, Carolina Pregnancy Center of Greenville, Eastern Correctional Center for Women in Maury and the annual ALS walk in Greenville.

The group will meet in Washington for the first time Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Washington Assembly of God. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and Pastor Steven Evan of the church will be there to welcome attendees.

On Oct. 10, the organization will host its third annual conference, a full afternoon devoted to Bible teachings, music, a concert and a pig picking, Walker said. The group welcomes any new singles, who are interested in joining the group.

“It gives you more purpose in life,” Walker said. “The lonely life I used to have, I don’t have anymore. It’s wrapped up in the singles group. It’s become a family; each one of us can depend on each other. CCS gives them a place to belong and feel like they’re accomplishing something. It’s been a big fulfillment in my life.”

Washington Assembly of God is located at 2029 W. 5^th St. in Washington. For more information, visit ccsgreenville.org.