
Williamsburg United Methodist Church is a vibrant, welcoming community that’s putting God’s love into action in countless ways. To help more people experience that love, we’re preparing to launch a new 9:30 AM modern worship service in early 2026.
This new service will be a casual, family-friendly expression of worship featuring a live band (guitar, drums, piano, and more), weekly communion, and a relaxed atmosphere where all can feel at home. Our beloved 8:15 and 11:00 AM traditional worship services and Sunday School classes will continue just as they are today.
We believe there are people right here in Williamsburg who are looking for a church like ours—people who might be drawn to a different style of worship but who share our desire to encounter the grace and love of Jesus Christ. This new service aligns with our church’s strategic plan and supports our goal to reach new people and embrace younger generations while continuing to nurture faith at every stage of life.
We hope this new worship service helps Williamsburg UMC remain a thriving, multi-generational community of worship, connection, and spiritual growth for years to come.
How You Can Help:
- Prayers
We believe God is calling us to take this next faithful step. Please pray—for the success of this new worship service, for the launch team, for the leaders and musicians, for those who will attend, and for our whole church community as we seek to follow where God leads. - Presence:
Your presence matters! We ask for your consistent presence in early 2026 as we launch this new worship service – be ready to help us welcome new people and continue to be a strong community together. You can also commit to attending this service regularly for the first 6–9 months to help build momentum and create a welcoming space for new people. You can do that even while continuing to attend traditional worship at 8:15 or 11:15! - Gifts:
Launching a new worship service is an act of faith. Your ongoing generosity—through prayer, service, and financial giving—makes it possible for us to step into new opportunities to share God’s love and grow together in faith. - Service:
We’ll need many hands and hearts to make this happen: ushers, greeters, communion servers, and more. Even if modern worship isn’t your preferred style, you can attend at 8:15 or 11:00 and serve at 9:30. If you don’t attend Sunday School and are willing to give of your time, your service will help us extend hospitality to all. - Witness:
Personal invitation is powerful. As we prepare to launch, we encourage you to invite your friends, neighbors, and coworkers to join you for worship. Help us share the story of what God is doing here at Williamsburg UMC.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY ARE WE LAUNCHING A NEW WORSHIP SERVICE?
We feel called to reach new people—especially those who might not connect with traditional worship. This new service allows us to share the story of God’s love in a way that resonates with younger generations and those unfamiliar with church life. It’s part of our ongoing mission to grow in faith and extend Christ’s welcome to all.
WHAT IS THIS NEW WORSHIP SERVICE?
The 9:30 AM Modern Worship Service will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Music will be led by a live band, and communion will be celebrated each week. We’re creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that’s especially inviting to young families, parents with children, and young adults. The sermon will be the same message shared at our traditional services.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE TABLE?
The Table, our Sunday evening dinner church, will conclude in mid-November 2025. Over the past year, The Table has been a meaningful space for conversation, community, and worship around a shared meal. It has helped us connect with new people, test new ideas, and learn more about what it takes to create welcoming environments for those not currently part of a church. The insights we’ve gained through The Table have laid the foundation for what comes next.
WHO MADE THIS DECISION?
The Table was our first intentional effort to reach those who are not served by our existing Sunday morning traditional worship services, and it fulfilled an important goal within our church’s strategic plan.
Beginning in early 2025, an evaluation team met regularly to assess how The Table was helping us reach new people. After prayerful consideration, that team recommended that we build upon what we’ve learned and move in a new direction. The proposed plan for a new modern worship service incorporates the most effective elements of The Table while expanding our reach to a broader audience.
This recommendation was endorsed by Church Council in September, marking an exciting new chapter in our ongoing mission to share God’s love in fresh and meaningful ways.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Everyone is welcome! While it’s designed with young families, young adults, and those new to church in mind, our goal is to create a space where all can encounter God in a meaningful way.
WHEN WILL IT START?
We’ll begin with a preview service in December 2025, followed by weekly preview services (think of these as practice, dress rehearsals, or a soft launch) beginning in mid-January. Our official launch Sunday will be February 15, 2026.
WHERE WILL IT BE HELD?
The new Modern worship service will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.
WILL OUR TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICES CHANGE?
No changes are planned for the 8:15 or 11:00 AM services. Williamsburg UMC’s traditional worship will continue with the same excellence and spirit you know and love.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES IN MUSIC AND STYLE?
Williamsburg UMC has a long tradition of musical excellence, and that commitment will continue across all our worship services. The new modern service will offer a different musical style—led by a live band featuring guitars, drums, piano, and vocalists—to create a more contemporary and participatory worship experience. The music will include modern Christian songs and fresh arrangements of familiar hymns, encouraging the congregation to engage through singing and reflection in new ways.
Our existing choirs, handbells, and instrumental ensembles will continue to lead and enrich our 8:15 and 11:00 AM traditional services with the same high quality and beauty that have long been hallmarks of worship at Williamsburg UMC.
HOW WILL THE PASTORS BE INVOLVED?
The preaching pastor will deliver the same sermon across all services. Communion at 9:30 will be led by one of our pastors. This schedule also allows a pastor to be available during the Sunday School hour for visits and pastoral care.
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT SUNDAY SCHOOL?
This service is designed for people who aren’t currently attending church or Sunday School. We encourage everyone who’s already connected to their class to continue participating as usual.
WHAT OPTIONS WILL THERE BE FOR CHILDREN DURING THIS NEW WORSHIP SERVICE?
We’ll continue offering nursery care and worship bags, along with a “prayground” area in the Fellowship Hall, similar to the one in the Atrium. We’re also exploring additional ways to engage children during this new service.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
We’re aware that parking may be tighter on some Sunday mornings and are exploring solutions to ensure space for everyone.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
We welcome them! As plans develop, we’ll share updates on our website and in church communications. You can also speak directly with any member of our pastoral team.