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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).

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.

  • Sundays through Apri 27

  • 9:30am

  • WUMC Youth Room

God does extraordinary things through ordinary people. This is the theme of Nadia Bolz-Weber's book Accidental Saints. The Young Adult Group will use this as a launch for discussion in our new meeting time - 9:30am on Sunday mornings. Join Pastor Ryan, Pastor Meghan and Steve Nichols for fellowship and conversation.

Register here

  • Sundays beginning March 2nd
  • 9:30am
  • WUMC - Rm 303

Just turning on the news lets us know we are living in uncertain times. Our individual lives are often just as unsteady. Join the Searchers Sunday School Class this Lent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainties, not ignore them, while following Jesus with courage, hope, and obedience. For more info or to get connected to the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

Register here

  • Sundays beginning March 3rd
  • 6:30 - 7:45pm
  • WindsorMeade

You are invited to a meaningful conversation this Lent as we journey with Jesus from the manger to heaven. Together, we’ll dive into Scripture, literature, and music, following the footsteps of our Savior and reflecting on his journey at key moments in his life. lWe will also look back on our own faith journeys—remembering where we were during those pivotal moments in our walk with Jesus and exploring how our understanding of him has deepened and transformed over the years. Dr. Robert Parsons will guide these thoughtful conversations, offering insight and encouraging reflection. All are welcome to join this special opportunity at WindsorMeade, but registration is required so you can be added to their guest list.

Register here

  • Mondays beginning March 10th
  • 7:00 - 8:00pm
  • Location TBD

There's so much to complain about in life, but what good does complaining really do anyway? What if you could give up complaining this Lent and turn that complaining-energy into action?Join Laura Beach and Ema Kossin on a 6-week journey to living complaint-free using Will Bowen's book, A Complaint Free World: Stop Complaining, Start Living. For more info or to get connected to the class leaders, contact DeaconTroy Sims ( ).

  • Sundays
  • 9:30-10:30am
  • Rm 171

Join the Perspectives Sunday School Class to consider how NOT to let worry and fear control our lives. Find ways to walk with God to find peace and calm in an anxious time. The class will use Max Lucado's book and videos by the same name.

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

  • 6 Sunday, began January 5, 2025
  • 9:30-10:30am
  • Rm 303

Walk with the Searchers Sunday School Class through the earliest existing source for the life of Jesus with revered scholar Amy-Jill Levine using her book and related videos. The good news message comes alive in Mark's telling of Jesus' story where we see Jesus as powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious.

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

When: 7 Sundays began January 5, 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rm 174
Join the Marvin Willard Sunday School Class as Jeff Marston, a member of the class, will repeat his course that he taught in 2023 with Pastor Dave on the conflict of ideas between the “orthodox wing” of Christianity and those eventually deemed heretics. Jeff will use Old Testament and New Testament sources to explore the rocky road that was the development of early Christianity leading up to the famous Council of Nicaea in 325. Some of the issues to be explored will be: what is the nature of God; who did people think Jesus was; did a Christian have to be a Jew; and, should the age of Christian prophesy be closed? Although this will be a lecture course, questions will be encouraged. If you would like supplemental reading, Heretics for Armchair Theologians is an accessible read.

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

New Study from Pastor Dave and Pastor Ryan coming soon!

Questions? Contact Pastor Dave Rochford ( ). 

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

Aldersgate Fellowship meets in Wesley Hall and is currently exploring various topics.

BISHOP MCKENDREE SUNDAY SCHOOL

Named for an early WUMC pastor who later became a bishop, this class meets in Rm 102. They are currently discussing videos about the Dead Sea Scrolls. 

MARVIN WILLARD SUNDAY SCHOOL

This class meets in Room 174. Join them for their next series. . . 
EARLY CHRISTIAN HERETICS: History Lessons
   7 Sundays began January 5, 9:30-10:30am | Rm 174
Join the Marvin Willard Sunday School Class as Jeff Marston, a member of the class, will repeat his course that he taught in 2023 with Pastor Dave on the conflict of ideas between the “orthodox wing” of Christianity and those eventually deemed heretics. Jeff will use Old Testament and New Testament sources to explore the rocky road that was the development of early Christianity leading up to the famous Council of Nicaea in 325. Some of the issues to be explored will be: what is the nature of God; who did people think Jesus was; did a Christian have to be a Jew; and, should the age of Christian prophesy be closed? Although this will be a lecture course, questions will be encouraged. If you would like supplemental reading, Heretics for Armchair Theologians is an accessible read. 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 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.

Join them for their next series. . . 
ANXIOUS ABOUT NOTHING: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World
   Sundays, beginning Jan 26, 9:30-10:30am | Rm 171
Join the Perspectives Sunday School Class to consider how NOT to let worry and fear control our lives. Find ways to walk with God to find peace and calm in an anxious time. The class will use Max Lucado's book and videos by the same name. For more info, or to get connected with the class leaders, contact Deacon Troy Sims ( ).

SEARCHERS SUNDAY SCHOOL

Searchers Class meets in Room 303 and via Zoom. Join them for their next series. . . 

THE GOSPEL OF MARK by Amy-Jill Levine
   Sundays, began January 5, 2025, 9:30-10:30am | Rm 303
Walk with the Searchers Sunday School Class through the earliest existing source for the life of Jesus with revered scholar Amy-Jill Levine. The good news message comes alive in Mark's telling of Jesus' story where we see Jesus as powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious. 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 the Den.

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 ( or 757-229-1771, x 251) for questions regarding children and youth ministries.

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

VIEW POLICY

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