a new worship experience
modern worship preview
Sunday, December 14 at 9:30 AM | Fellowship Hall
NEW THIS YEAR — Come preview our MODERN WORSHIP SERVICE!
Join us for a fresh, come-as-you-are gathering designed especially for families, young adults, and children (but ALL are welcome!). We'll experience inspiring music from our Modern Worship Band and a message that connects faith to everyday life. This service also features our Prayer Ground — a special space where little ones can feel right at home during worship. Whether you’re new to church, returning after time away, or simply looking for a different way to worship this season, you’ll find a warm and welcoming place here.
Be part of the beginning! We’re building toward the official launch of our Modern Worship Service in early February, with more preview opportunities coming in January. Come see what’s taking shape — and help us create a vibrant new worship community at WUMC!
2025 christmas services
MODERN WORSHIP SERVICE - preview
Join us for a fresh, come-as-you-are gathering designed especially for families, young adults, and children (but ALL are welcome!). We'll experience inspiring music from our Modern Worship Band and a message that connects faith to everyday life.
SERVICE OF HOPE AND LIGHT
The holidays can be challenging for those with heavy hearts, so we invite to a Service of Hope and Light in the church atrium. The service will involve contemplative music, prayer, and reflection. Our Stephen Ministers, trained in congregational care, will be involved in the service. We pray this service will be a balm to weary souls.
SOUNDS OF JOY: A CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF MUSIC & WORSHIP
Join us at either service (8:15 AM or 11:00 AM) on December 21st to hear the harmonious blend of choir voices and orchestral melodies at WUMC! These services offer a unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas through the power of music, creating a memorable and heartwarming experience for all. You can also enjoy the WUMC Orchestra between services in our Atrium.
THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: A FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Join us for a service filled with wonder and excitement as we journey “The Road to Bethlehem.” This special service engages our children, involving them in the telling of the Christmas story, reminding us of the joy and anticipation that leads us to the manger. It is a unique opportunity to worship and celebrate together with song, scripture, and the exuberant participation of our young ones.
CAROLS, CANDLELIGHT & COMMUNION: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Wednesday, December 24 | 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE
Thursday, December 25 | 10:00 AMyouth & children ministries
MESSY CHURCH - AWAY IN A MESSY MANGER
Tuesday, December 9 | 5:30 PM
We’re going on a journey toward the manger this Advent. Join us for an evening of entering the Advent and Christmas seasons through the nativity story. We’ll meet some new friends along the way as we move toward the manger on the front lawn to end with a Christmas carol.
We’ll also share a Christmas meal and special dessert before transitioning to a new experience for 2025: a Christmas Gift Making Fair! We’ll have plenty of options for making beautiful, simple gifts for family and friends this season. You’ll find sustainable options in partnership with our Creation Care Team, materials to let your creativity run wild, guided crafts for younger children, and opportunities to make gifts for others in our community. We’re excited to enter the generous spirit of the season by thinking about how we can offer our gifts to the people we love.
YOUTH OUTING - ICE SKATING AT MERCHANT'S SQUARE
Sunday, December 14 |12:30 PM
Let’s go skating! reNEW Youth will share lunch in the Youth Room before walking to Merchant’s Square for an afternoon of ice skating and sweet treats. Open to all students in 6th - 12th grades. Families will pick up their Youth from the skating rink in Merchant’s Square.
concerts
HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Friday, December 5 | 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6 | 5:00 PM
Experience the timeless tradition that captures the essence and wonder of Christmas. For the past 25 years, Williamsburg United Methodist Church has proudly hosted our Annual Messiah Concert, showcasing the beloved masterpiece by George Frideric Handel: Part 1 - The Christmas Story. This cherished event attracts musicians and attendees from across the Hampton Roads Region. Last year, our concert united chorus members from 13 church choirs and 7 communities spanning Hampton Roads, Springfield, VA, and Elmhurst, IL.
CAROLS ROUND THE CHRISMON TREE
Wednesday, December 10 | 6:00 PM
Join us for a cherished tradition! Our grand tree stands as a beacon of our faith, lovingly decorated with handcrafted ornaments from our Quilt Ministry. Each piece, from the delicate doves to the intricate crosses, is a testament to the talents and devotion of our community. These symbols, known as Chrismons, are white and gold representations of Christ, shining brightly as they remind us of the One who is central to our celebration. As we gather around this extraordinary tree, we will share in singing timeless carols, filling the Atrium with music that tells the story of the Nativity. It's an opportunity for all ages to come together in joyful song.
RESPITE CARE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Sunday, December 14 | 2:00 PM
Join us in the WUMC Sanctuary for our annual Festival of Carols, a beautiful benefit concert featuring uplifting music from a variety of choirs, handbells, and instrumental ensembles. Afterward, enjoy refreshments and treats at Respite’s Open House from 3:00 - 4:00pm. Our Concert is free and open to the public, so please feel free to bring family and friends! We have plenty of space.