classes & studies

It was rare to see Jesus teaching a single individual. Most of the time, Jesus taught within a group of people. Thus, it is important for us to learn in community. Consider taking part in Sunday School, the Pastors' Bible Study, short-term and long-term studies, and more to learn from the Christ found in community and from each other.
Contact Deacon Troy Sims for more information ( or 757-229-1771 x258).

click here for small groups

Bible / Theology Studies

Embark on an enriching journey of faith with our Bible Studies. These studies are designed for those who are looking to invest more time in understanding God, themselves, and each other, and they often span multiple weeks or even months. Explore the accordions below to find a study that aligns with your spiritual goals and join us in these transformative sessions.

  • 6 Sundays beginning July 20
  • 9:30am
  • Rm 180

When Jesus taught in parables, he was doing more than telling simple morality tales. His stories were grounded in the world in which he lived and his vision of the Kingdom of God. Join the Searchers Sunday School in exploring six parables that give a window into Jesus’s message and movement -- then and now! The class will be using this book by Josh Scott.
For more info or to get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

  • 5 Sundays beginning July 27
  • 9:30am
  • Rm 174

Join the Marvin Willard Sunday School in a joy-filled, fresh study of the book of James. You'll discover the genuine markers of true faith, develop new practices of spiritual maturity, and discover how much the God of heavenly lights treasures you. The class will use this book by Margaret Feinberg.
For more info or to get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

JESUS UNCHAINED: How to Rise Above the Agendas, Find Peace, and Be Set Free

There are two days to choose from:

  • Sundays, 2:00-3:30pm in Rm 352
    (June 22, July 6, July 13, July 27, August 10)
  • The Wednesday offering is full!

Join in this summer book study about Jesus in his culture and context. Together, we'll be challenged to stop making an idol out of Jesus and see a fuller picture of who he really is. As we learn from different perspectives and communities while reflecting on our own, studying the book, Jesus Unchained, will point us back to the true Jesus and inspire a faith that transcends politics, religion, and even our deepest questions about God. Deacon Troy will convene these gatherings with the hope that participants would be willing to lead some of the discussions. We encourage you to order a copy of the book yourself. Upon registering, you'll receive an email with links to where you can purchase the book. If needed, the church can order you a copy, then you can pay the church $16.

Questions? Contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

REGISTER HERE

Each Fall, WUMC offers long-term, in-depth studies of the Bible that focus not only on studying Scripture but also on developing deeper covenant relationships with God and each other, which leads to more fruitful discipleship. Some examples of studies offered in the past (and that may be offered in the future include):

  • Covenant Bible Study
    This 24-week in-depth group Bible Study invites participants to read and discuss the Bible together to learn how to love God and each other better. Participants will study the entire story of the Bible while considering the covenant God creates with us, inviting us to live into and trust that covenant as a community.
    Prerequisite: None
  • Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
    This first in the Disciple series serves as the basis for all other studies in the Disciple family that follow. Over the course of 34 weeks, this covers some 80% of the Bible, following the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem. We have started using the aforementioned Covenant Bible Study in place of Disciple I as the prerequisite for the following classes.
    Prerequisite: None
  • Disciple II: Into the Word Into the World
    This 32-week study offers a deep examination of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts, emphasizing the rhythm of coming to God and going for God – approaching all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.
    We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Disciple II.
  • Disciple III: Remember Who You Are
    In the Old Testament Prophets and the Letters of Paul, this 32-week study examines the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. Participants will find common themes, including calls to remember, calls to repent, calls for renewal, and calls for community.
    We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Disciple III.
  • Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life
    The phrase, “under the tree of life,” conveys the promise of finding shelter, security, and rest in God’s love. In this 32-week study of Old Testament writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, and Jude, and finally Revelation, participants will see the entire process of living toward final completion of rest and reward.
    We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Disciple IV.
  • Jesus in the Gospels
    Known as a “Second Generation Disciple Study,” this 30-week study looks at the four gospels side-by-side and asks the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see?” As a group, participants encounter Jesus who is both hard to ignore and hard to put in a box.
    We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Jesus in the Gospels.
  • Christian Believer: Knowing God With Heart and Mind
    This 30-week study focuses on “orthodox” theology using the Bible along with the writings, symbols, and hymns of patriarchs and matriarchs of the Christian faith.
    We recommend that you take Covenant or Disciple I before Christian Believer.

For more information about long-term, in-depth studies of the Bible like the above, contact Deacon Troy Sims (  or 757-229-1771).

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Our Adult Sunday School classes meet in person from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings. A few of our classes also offer Zoom. Childcare is available during the Sunday School hour and during both worship services. Expand the sections below to learn more about our class offerings. If you would like to join a class, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( or 757-229-1771, x258), and he'll get you connected to the class leaders.

ALDERSGATE FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL

As of June 1, the class is primarily focusing on the book of 1 Corinthians. Also, for the summer months, the class will be meeting in Fellowship Hall (their usual location is Wesley Hall).

To get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

BISHOP MCKENDREE SUNDAY SCHOOL

This class is taking a break for the summer months and will return in September!

To get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

MARVIN WILLARD SUNDAY SCHOOL

This class meets in Room 174. Join them for their next series. . . 

THE BOOK OF JAMES: What You Do Matters
   5 Sundays beginning July 27, 9:30-10:30am | Rm 174
Join the Marvin Willard Sunday School in a joy-filled, fresh study of the book of James and discover the genuine markers of true faith, new practices of spiritual maturity, and how much the God of heavenly lights treasures you. The group will use this book by Margaret Feinberg.

To get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

This class is named for their long-time leader, Marvin Willard.

PERSPECTIVES SUNDAY SCHOOL

The class usually meets in Rm 171, and it is a class that invites discovery and diversity of thought as we deepen our faith. This group is designed to meet the needs of our growing church with working-age adults with or without family responsibilities, but it is open to all.

This class is taking a break during the summer months and will return in September.

For more info, or to get connected with the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

SEARCHERS SUNDAY SCHOOL

Searchers Class is currently meeting in Room 180 (they usually meet in Room 303) and via Zoom. Join them for their next series. . . 

PARABLES: Putting Jesus' Stories in Their Place
   6 Sundays, beginning July 20, 9:30-10:30am  |  Rm 180
Join the Searchers Sunday School in exploring six parables that give a window into Jesus’s message and movement -- then and now! The class will use this book by Josh Scott.

For more info or to get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

WALKING THE FOOTSTEPS SMALL GROUP

A Small Group experience for a deepened experience of the Christian journey of faith as participants support one another. This group is currently meeting in Rm 160.

This group will be meeting in Rm 352 for the summer months.

If you are interested in starting a Small Group or Sunday School Class, please contact Troy Sims at .

CHILDREN & YOUTH

NURSERY

Nursery care is available at both the 8:15am and 11:00am services, as well as during the Sunday School hour, for children Pre-K and younger. Your little ones can be dropped off and picked up in our Seedlings Classroom found on the 1st floor down the hall from our Sanctuary. Not sure where that is?  No worries!  Just follow the signs or ask one of our greeters! 

Our paid nursery staff and volunteers have years of childcare experience, are fully background checked, and trained according to Safe Sanctuaries best practices. *Safe Sanctuaries is a program developed by the United Methodist Church to protect children and vulnerable adults. To view WUMC’s policy tailored to our local context, see below.

GODLY PLAY

We welcome kids K - 5th grade to our Godly Play circle during the Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30am). This is a time to slow down and spend time with God in sacred story, wondering, and creative response. This hour together focuses on forming our youngest disciples in the stories of the people of God so that they can see how God has always been with us and is always with them. Your family can be a part of Godly Play anytime, no sign up or registration required. Parents can drop off and pick up in the Children's Worship room (in the hallway behind the sanctuary), and we encourage adults to try out the Perspectives Class (Rm. 171) at the same time.

CHILDREN'S WORSHIP

At Williamsburg UMC, we design worship for all ages to respond and grow in deeper relationship with the God who is always reaching out to us in love. Following the Moment of Teaching during the 11am service, our children grades K-4 are invited to Children’s Worship. We’ll gather in the Children’s Worship Space next to the sanctuary to explore a Bible story, sing songs, and respond to God through crafts and games. Kids will return to the sanctuary to sit with their families following the sermon.

YOUTH STUDY

Join us every Sunday from 12:30-2:00 pm in the Youth Room for an exciting blend of faith, fun, and fellowship. We start by playing games and sharing a meal before exploring a Bible story through study, creativity, prayer, and wondering how God is calling us to love our neighbors.

Please contact Zach Griggs at the button below or call 757-229-1771, x 251 with questions regarding children and youth ministries.

We are a Safe Sanctuaries church, to view our policy, see below.

VIEW POLICYContact Zach

INTERESTED IN A GOOD STUDY BIBLE?

Here are some good options!
Just click the link!

New Interpreter's Study Bible

SBL Study Bible

The CEB Study Bible

New Oxford Annotated Bible

The Jewish Annotated New Testament

And here are some commentaries you might consider:

The People's New Testament Commentary

Women's Bible Commentary