What To Expect

What to Expect at WUMC!

We want you to feel welcomed and comfortable when you visit WUMC. At the same time, we strive to offer worship that draws our community closer to God, with quality musical offerings, a biblical and relevant message, and the opportunity to pray and to participate in the sacraments. It is our hope that through your experience of worship you will be drawn to participate in the many other ministries of the church. We know that first-time visits to any church raise many questions and concerns. Here's a quick look at some frequently asked questions that will give you a better idea of what to expect at WUMC. If you don't see an answer to your questions here, please contact us in the church office at 804-739-4535. Our staff would love the opportunity to assist you in preparation for your visit to WUMC.

How do the six worship services differ?

The Connect Service on Saturdays at 5:30 pm is a contemporary service. If you are looking for a laid back service which features a praise band leading worship in contemporary Christian music, then Connect is for you!
The 8:15 am Service is a slightly abbreviated (45 minutes) traditional service that features hymns lead by a choral leader, accompanied by a pianist, and soloists.
The 9:30 and 11:00 am Services include both traditional hymns and contemporary music (blended style). Musical leadership varies, as we have a host of groups (orchestra, choir, vocal ensemble, children’s and youth choral groups) that contribute to musical portions of the service.

The Youth Service on Sundays at 5:30 pm is designed by youth for the youth of this community. Led by our Youth Ministries director, the service contains all the elements of a regular worship service just in a format that is interesting, FUN, and relevant for Youth.

The First Fruits Prayer Service, offered every Tuesday, is where you will find out just how easy it can be to experience the love and joy of Christ. Our free fellowship dinner starts at 5:45 PM and the service, which includes Communion each week, starts at 7:00 PM. The service is offered in a very peaceful environment with dim lighting and candles. After the message, everyone is given time to pray, either alone or with others.

The same sermon is offered at the Saturday Connect and all three Sunday morning services. Each service features video projection of all hymn and music lyrics on the wall for your convenience. We offer Communion (The Lord's Supper) the first weekend of every month at all services.

Do I have to be a member to take Communion?

The United Methodist Church practices an open table where everyone is invited. You do not have to be a member of the church to partake. Communion represents a personal and lasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Persons of all ages are welcome at the table.

What size church is WUMC?

We average about 900 - 1000 in worship each week through our six (6) worship services: our contemporary Connect service on Saturday night, our three (3) traditional services on Sunday morning, our youth service on Sunday night and our First Fruits prayer service on Tuesday night.

Do you have Sunday School?

We currently offer Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 am on Sundays at our Hampton Park Discipleship Building. Nursery is provided in the same building. The Discipleship Building is located at 15640 Hampton Park Drive, a half mile past the church on your left. A greeter is on hand to direct you to the appropriate classroom.

What do I wear?

While we welcome everyone no matter what clothes we choose to wear, we recognize that guests may not want to stand out on their first visit! At the Saturday evening Connect service, casual attire is the norm (jeans, t-shirts, shorts, etc). At the Sunday services, business casual tends to be the norm, but there is a great variety in what people choose to wear. Some people come in their "Sunday best"; however, most people wear casual and comfortable clothes.

Where do I park?

We have reserved parking spaces for first-time guests in the front parking lot, located just across from the main entrance. Just look for the reserved guest parking signs! Additional parking is located on the left, right and directly in front of the church. We also offer an overflow parking lot located just past the church. It can be accessed by turning right onto Village Square Place (at Lucky's Quick Mart), then follow the signs to the overflow lot on the right, just past Water Pointe Court.

Where do I go?

If visiting during our 5:30 pm or 8:15 am services, greeters are located at each entrance to the building and are available to direct you to the sanctuary for worship and to the nursery for your children.

If visiting during our 9:30 or 11:00 am services, please drive to Cosby High School located at 14300 Fox Club Parkway. There will be signs directing you were to park and enter into the school for worship. There will be greeters on hand to assist as well.

If you are interested in joining us for Sunday School at 9:30 am, please visit our Hampton Park Discipleship Building located at 15640 Hampton Park Drive. There will be a greeter in the building to assist you with where to go.

What do I need to bring?

If you have a Bible, feel free to bring it with you. If you don't have a Bible, or you just forget to bring it, Bibles (New Revised Standard Version), as well as hymnals, are located underneath the sanctuary seats for your use. Scripture readings during the service are also projected on the walls for your convenience.

When do I need to arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before service times to allow adequate time for parking. If you have young children who will want to stay in the nursery during worship, leave a few extra minutes to get them settled.

Is the church equiped for persons with disabilities?

Yes. There is reserved parking in the front and on the right-hand side of the church, wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms located throughout the building, as well as simple hearing devices for use during each service. Please see an usher before service to receive a device.

WUMC also offers the PALS ministry! – a disability ministry - multigenerational, inclusive program for individuals and their families who are experiencing a disability. WUMC's goal is to remove barriers to individuals so that they are able to fully participate in worship and to serve in various ministry opportunities.

Where do my children go?

If visiting during our 5:30 pm or 8:15 am services, we have three nursery classrooms located just down the hall from the sanctuary. The classrooms are facilitated by age groups (infants, walkers - 2 years, and 3 year olds). For your convenience, each room has a banner above the doorway indicating the appropriate age group inside. Please be sure to register your child and receive a pager and identity wristband when you bring them to their classroom. We also offer KidZconnect for children aged 5 through 5th grade on Saturday evenings.

At our 9:30 and 11:00 am Sunday services, children ages 4 through 3^rd grade come to “big church” for the beginning of the service, and then are led to KidzWorship, a worship experience specially designed for their age, with a scripture reading, a message, music and Communion. Children may be picked up at the conclusion of the service. Nursery is also available for infants to 3 years old. The nursery is located just past the worship center on the right. Please be sure to register your child and receive a pager and identity wristband when you bring them to their classroom.

Are guests recognized publicly?

The last thing we want to do is single you out and put you on the spot. We ask guests (and current members/attenders) to fill out our Friendship Registration Pad (passed out to each row by an usher) so that we can have a record of your visit and to be able to offer you information about our ministries later during the week after your visit. If you decide to attend a Bible Study class, rest assured that you will not be called on or singled out. We want you to have a wonderful experience at WUMC and we strive to create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere to make you feel right at home!

How can I become a member of WUMC?

You can notify MaryKaye Cochran, the Director of Inviting Ministries, 804-739-4535, ext. 33. There are several ways to do this:

You may fill out the Friendship Pad as it is passed down your row.

You may fill out the tear-out Guest Card in your bulletin.

You may contact MaryKaye Cochran, Director of Inviting Ministries.

You may speak to one of the pastors after service.

You may register to attend WUMC 101: Your Invitation to G.R.O.W., a class designed specifically for those wishing to learn more about WUMC and it's ministries.

You may register for baptism if you so desire. Note: You must be registered to attend or have already attended a new member class in order to be baptized at WUMC.