What to Expect at WUMC!
We want you to feel welcomed and comfortable when you visit Woodlake United Methodist Church. At the same time, we strive to offer worship that draws our community closer to God, with quality musical offerings, a vibrant and relevant Biblical message, and the opportunity to pray and to participate in the sacraments. It is our hope that through your experience of worship you will be drawn to participate in the many other ministries of the church. We know that first-time visits to any church raise many questions and concerns. Here's a quick look at some frequently asked questions that will give you a better idea of what to expect at WUMC. If you don't see an answer to your questions here, please contact us in the church office at 804-739-4535. Our staff would love the opportunity to assist you in preparation for your visit to WUMC.
We are a multi-campus church now!
2008 was an exciting year in the life of Woodlake UMC! In February of 2008, we moved our 9:30 and 11:00 am worship services just down the road to Cosby High School and in April, we opened our brand new discipleship building and preschool at our Hampton Park Campus. To help you navigate a bit more easily, we've put together a multi-campus brochure which contains a map and a listing of where activities are held.
How do the six worship services differ?
- The Connect Service on Saturdays at
- The
- The
- The Fusion Youth Service on Tuesdays at 6
- The First Fruits Prayer Service, offered every Tuesday at our Woodlake campus sanctuary, is where you will find out just how easy it can be to experience the love and joy of Christ. Our free fellowship dinner starts at 5:45 PM and the service, which includes Communion each week, starts at 7:00 PM. The service is offered in a very peaceful environment with dim lighting and candles. After the message, everyone is given time to pray, either alone or with others.
The same vibrant message is offered at all three Sunday morning services. Each service features video projection of all hymn and music lyrics on the wall for your convenience. We offer Communion (The Lord's Supper) the first weekend of every month at all services.
The United Methodist Church practices an open table where everyone is invited. You do not have to be a member of the church to partake. Communion represents a personal and lasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Persons of all ages are welcome at the table.
We average about 1000 in worship each week through our six (6) worship services: our contemporary Connect service on Saturday night, our three (3) traditional services on Sunday morning, our youth service on Sunday night and our First Fruits prayer service on Tuesday night.
We currently offer Sunday School for all ages at
While we welcome everyone no matter what clothes we choose to wear, we recognize that guests may not want to stand out on their first visit! At the Saturday evening Connect service, casual attire is the norm (jeans, t-shirts, shorts, etc). At the Sunday services, business casual tends to be the norm, but there is a great variety in what people choose to wear. Some people come in their "Sunday best"; however, most people wear casual and comfortable clothes.Do I have to be a member to take Communion?
What size church is WUMC?
Do you have Sunday School?
What do I wear?
Where do I park?
We have reserved parking spaces for first-time guests in the front parking lot, located just across from the main entrance. Just look for the reserved guest parking signs!
Where do I go?
If visiting during our 5:30 pm or 8:15 am services, greeters are located at each entrance to the building and are available to direct you to the sanctuary for worship and to the nursery for your children.
If visiting during our 9:30 or 11:00 am services, please drive to Cosby High School located at 14300 Fox Club Parkway. There will be clearly marked signs directing you were to park and enter into the school for worship, as well as where to go once you are in the worship center. There will be greeters on hand to assist as well.
If you are interested in joining us for Sunday School at 9:30 am, please visit our Hampton Park Discipleship Building located at 15640 Hampton Park Drive. There will be a greeter in the building to assist you with where to go.
What do I need to bring?
If you have a Bible, please bring it with you. If you don't have one or forgot to bring it, that's okay! Scripture readings and song lyrics are projected on the walls for your convenience during each service. If you visiting the 5:30 pm or 8:15 am services in the Woodlake campus sanctuary, Bibles and hymnals are located under each pew seat.
When do I need to arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before service times to allow adequate time for parking. If you have young children who will want to stay in the nursery during worship, leave a few extra minutes to get them settled.
Is the church equiped for persons with disabilities?
Yes. There is reserved parking in the front and on the right-hand side of the church, wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms located throughout the building, as well as simple hearing devices for use during each service. Please see an usher before service to receive a device.
WUMC also offers the PALS ministry! – a disability ministry - multigenerational, inclusive program for individuals and their families who are experiencing a disability. WUMC's goal is to remove barriers to individuals so that they are able to fully participate in worship and to serve in various ministry opportunities.
Where do my children go?
If visiting during our 5:30 pm or 8:15 am services, we a nursery located just down the hall from the sanctuary. Nursery is also available for infants to 3 years old. Please be sure to register your child and receive a pager and identity wristband when you bring them to their classroom. We also offer KidZconnect for children aged 4 through 5th grade following the children's message on Saturday evenings. KidZconnect meets in Room 128.
At our 9:30 and 11:00 am Sunday services, children ages 4 through 3rd grade come to “big church” for the beginning of the service, and then are led to KidzWorship & Jr. KidZworship, a worship experience specially designed for their age, with a scripture reading, a message, music and Communion. Children may be picked up at the conclusion of the service. Nursery is also available for infants to 3 years old. The nursery is located just past the worship center on the right. Please be sure to register your child and receive a pager and identity wristband when you bring them to their classroom.
Are guests recognized publicly?
The last thing we want to do is single you out and put you on the spot. We ask guests (and current members/attenders) to fill out our Friendship Registration Pad (passed out to each row by an usher) so that we can have a record of your visit and to be able to offer you information about our ministries later during the week after your visit. If you decide to attend a Bible Study class, rest assured that you will not be called on or singled out. We want you to have a wonderful experience at WUMC and we strive to create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere to make you feel right at home!
How can I become a member of WUMC?
You can notify MaryKaye Cochran, the Director of Inviting Ministries, 804-739-4535, ext. 33. There are several ways to do this:
- You may fill out the Friendship Attendance Pad as it is passed down your row.
- You may fill out the Guest Card located in the Friendship Pad.
- You may contact MaryKaye Cochran, Director of Inviting Ministries.
- You may speak to one of the pastors after service.
- You may register to attend WUMC 101: Your Invitation to G.R.O.W., a class designed specifically for those wishing to learn more about WUMC and it's ministries.
- You may register for baptism if you so desire. Note: You must be registered to attend or have already attended a new member class in order to be baptized at WUMC.