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OUR vision
We believe every person is created in the image of God, and we, a people of hopeful curiosity, welcome and include all persons without exception, so that they will come to know and experience God’s love in the community of the Holy Spirit.
We believe the Christian faith is a lifelong journey, enabling us to grow closer to God and to our neighbor. We therefore will guide all those in the faith-life of WUMC to take deliberate steps to deepen their relationship with Christ, so that as transformed people we may share in the work of the God who redeems Creation.
We believe God has taken the initiative to bind us together as a family amid our differences, in order to embody a spirit of reconciliation and love for our neighbors. We will strive to identify and address the greatest needs and areas of pain within Williamsburg and our surrounding community, so that all people have access to what we need to thrive together.
OUR CORE VALUES
WUMC’s ministry will be shaped and guided by being:
- Christ-Centered – the unbreakable and unifying source of our faith and hope.
- Compassionate – the saving grace offered in Jesus Christ extends to all people.
- Just – we will act with integrity and do no harm to each other and the world we live in.
- Diverse – a true reflection of the all-welcoming nature of the reign of God
- Committed – our relationship with God is an ongoing, lifelong process of learning, renewal, and personal growth.
elliot's song
What is Elliot's Song?
Elliot's Song was launched in 1999 in response to the United Methodist Bishop's initiative "All God's Children". The goal was to assist teachers of preschool students in providing effective, early intervention for children who, because of financial disadvantages or developmental delays, were at risk for future academic failure. The program serves students at the Head Start programs of both York County and James City County, the Bright Beginnings program of the W/JCC school system, and the First Steps program of Child Development Resources. ECMS has continued to provide this service free of charge through grants, donations, and fund-raising activities. The memorial fund was named for Elliot Provoncha (1997-2005), who attended ECMS and was born with multiple disabilities but was profoundly responsive to music.
How you can help
ECMS takes pride in offering tailored curricula delivered by experienced music specialists, specifically designed to address the developmental needs of the "at-risk" population in our community. Our programs cater to the unique requirements of Head Start and Bright Beginnings students, meeting once a week across six sites. Conducted in the comfort of their own classrooms, these music-based activities are meticulously crafted to promote academic readiness, enhance music skills, and foster overall development.
Through your donation, Elliot’s Song provides—at no cost—30 weeks of instruction to preschool children for whom music education opportunities are limited because of social, economic or developmental factors.
Elliot’s Song is funded solely by grants, donations and fundraisers. Donations are tax deductible. To donate, either make your check payable to ECMS, denoting "Elliot’s Song" on the memo line or go to our online store to pay by credit card.
Any amount is welcome. Please note:
- A donation of $30 sponsors a child for a semester/$60 for the whole year.
- A donation of $400 sponsors an entire class for a semester/$800 for the whole year.
Mail check to: Early Childhood Music School, Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
children
calling all kiddos!
We care so much for each child that walks through the door. During our 11am service, we offer Children's Worship, providing a special time of teaching, engaging Bible stories, and fun activities. Beyond worship, we host Family Fun Nights, monthly Messy Church events, run a vibrant preschool and music school, and welcome Cub Scouts through our doors each week. Click here to learn more about these diverse opportunities for your child's growth and enjoyment!
williamsburg umc
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Williamsburg United Methodist Church will proclaim the Good News of God's saving grace, and exemplify Jesus' command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God's realm.
OUR CORE VALUES
WUMC’s ministry will be shaped and guided by being:
- Christ-Centered – the unbreakable and unifying source of our faith and hope.
- Compassionate – the saving grace offered in Jesus Christ extends to all people.
- Just – we will act with integrity and do no harm to each other and the world we live in.
- Diverse – a true reflection of the all-welcoming nature of the reign of God.
- Committed – our relationship with God is an ongoing, lifelong process of learning, renewal, and personal growth.
methodist church history and beliefs
WHAT IS A UNITED METHODIST
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and in serving others.
HISTORY OF THE UMC
Though The United Methodist Church was officially created in 1968, its history dates back to 1730 when John and Charles Wesley, two students at Oxford University in England, gathered a small group of students who sought to spread the Methodist movement. At about the same time, people like Philip William Otterbein, a German-American clergyman, and Martin Boehm, a Mennonite preacher, were leading similar movements in America that helped people grow their faith through the United Brethren in Christ Church.
Across the decades, both movements spread and grew, often merging to form new denominations. In 1968, both strands of Christianity came together to form The United Methodist Church.
OUR STRUCTURE
The United Methodist Church does not have a central headquarters or a single executive leader. Duties are divided among bodies that include the General Conference, the Council of Bishops and the Judicial Council.
Bishops provide spiritual leadership to almost 12 million persons in a broad range of settings. In the United Methodist tradition, bishops are not "ordained" as bishops, but are clergy elected and consecrated to the office of bishop. The only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination is the General Conference. The General Conference is an international body of nearly 1,000 delegates that generally meets every four years. The Judicial Council determines the constitutionality of acts or proposed acts of the General, Jurisdictional, Central, and Annual Conferences.
HOW WE SERVE
When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus answered with two: “You must love the Lord your God” and “You must love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:34-40). Following Jesus's call, founder of the early Methodist movement John Wesley taught us to grow in our faith by “doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all” (General Rules).
United Methodists around the world are active in our local communities, and through our global connection of congregations and agencies, we participate in ministries thousands of miles from where we live.
WHAT IS A UNITED METHODIST
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and in serving others.
HOW WE SERVE
When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus answered with two: “You must love the Lord your God” and “You must love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:34-40). Following Jesus's call, founder of the early Methodist movement John Wesley taught us to grow in our faith by “doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all” (General Rules).
United Methodists around the world are active in our local communities, and through our global connection of congregations and agencies, we participate in ministries thousands of miles from where we live. Explore the link below to learn more.
OUR STRUCTURE
The United Methodist Church does not have a central headquarters or a single executive leader. Duties are divided among bodies that include the General Conference, the Council of Bishops and the Judicial Council.
Bishops provide spiritual leadership to almost 12 million persons in a broad range of settings on four continents, including North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. In the United Methodist tradition, bishops are not "ordained" as bishops, but are clergy elected and consecrated to the office of bishop. The only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination is the General Conference. The General Conference is an international body of nearly 1,000 delegates that generally meets every four years. The Judicial Council determines the constitutionality of acts or proposed acts of the General, Jurisdictional, Central, and Annual Conferences.
OUR HISTORY
Though The United Methodist Church was officially created in 1968, its history dates back to 1730 when John and Charles Wesley, two students at Oxford University in England, gathered a small group of students who sought to spread the Methodist movement.
At about the same time, people like Philip William Otterbein, a German-American clergyman, and Martin Boehm, a Mennonite preacher, were leading similar movements in America that helped people grow their faith through the United Brethren in Christ Church.
Across the decades, both movements spread and grew, often merging to form new denominations. In 1968, both strands of Christianity came together to form The United Methodist Church
EXPLORE OUR DENOMIINATIONAL ROOTS