Connect Ministries
Connect with each other.
The Connect Ministry’s Mission
Connecting individuals with each other, and within the Church body is a core value of the United Methodist Church, and the primary objective of the Fredericksburg UMC Connect Team. The Connect Team seeks to connect and unite this congregation in prayer, worship, fellowship, and support ministries. The Connect Team, with the support of the Congregational Care Ministry, seeks to support the members and friends of our congregation through the coordination of a variety of ministries. Come join us as we serve our church by connecting people with each other and service opportunities. For more information, please contact Martha Sheffield or Anne Blosser. We want to help you connect with your ministry match and others within the church.
Read more below about the different ministries that this team supports!
Fill out a Connect - Servants signup form here!
Greeters
The vision for the Greeting Ministry at FUMC is to remove every possible obstacle that would keep a guest from experiencing the love of Christ in worship and community. We are looking for servants who would be willing to commit to greeting outside of one of our entrances or in the parking lot or at strategic locations inside the church. Might God be calling you to such a ministry? Are you new to FUMC and looking for a place to connect, give back, and be in service? Then being a greeter might be what God has for you! If you would like to help in the greeting ministry please contact the CONNECT Team (Martha Sheffield and Anne Blosser)
Sunday morning Coffee Hour
Greet old friends and meet new ones on Sunday mornings in the Gathering Space where coffee and water are served from 9:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m. The coffee hour is provided by different church groups and families each week. We'd love your assistance. Fill out the form above and you will be contacted
BETTER HEALTH MINISTRY
The vision of the Better Health Task Force is to create a caring community of vitality, health, and wholeness. As Spiritual beings, our physical health affects our spiritual health and vice versa. Paul has termed our bodies as temples of the living God. We are therefore stewards, custodians, and managers of God’s property; ourselves, our bodies, minds, and spirits. Contact for more information.
Barnabas Ministry
The Barnabas Ministry is a group of experienced people trained to provide radical hospitality, comfort, and consolation to grieving families at special services like funerals, individual memorial services, Longest Night, and Hospice sponsored Services of Remembrance. They are equipped to answer questions, provide directions, and support families and their guests during difficult times. The name Barnabas means “Son of Solace and Consolation” and this is what the Barnabas Ministry embodies. For more information or to inquire about becoming a Barnabas Minister please contact Shirley Cullop.
Receptions
- Weddings Ordinarily, weddings at FUMC are for members and active constituents of the congregation. Couples considering marriage must schedule the wedding and counseling through the Church Office and pastors well in advance of the ceremony. Contact the church office at (540) 373-9021 or email
- Click here for the wedding policy and click here for the application.
- Funerals Receptions for funerals of our church family are supported by three committees that organize these receptions on a revolving basis. Additional persons willing to serve are always welcome. For more information or to help please contact Mary Grace Becker.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This ministry gives the shawl recipients a powerful physical sense of God's care and love wrapped around them. Knitters and crocheters meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 12:30 PM in Room 107 (the church parlor).
United Methodist Men
The primary purpose of United Methodist Men is to declare the centrality of Christ in the lives of men and in all their relationships. The Virginia Conference United Methodist Men’s Cabinet works with the local church men’s groups and other district organizations in developing programs to meet the needs and interests of men of all ages. The Fredericksburg UMM is always looking to the men of our congregation for new ways we can serve our church and our community. Through fellowship, learning, and devotion, we strive to become the disciples Christ intended us to be. Join us to make a difference in the lives of our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our community. The Fredericksburg UMM meets on the second Saturday at 8: 00 am of each month, in the downstairs Fellowship Hall for breakfast, fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. The UMM is open to all men of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. Please join us on Saturday morning. For more information please contact, Larry Julihn, Bob La Chance, or Bob Pickett.
United Methodist Women
United Methodist Women at FUMC is an organization that touches many aspects of our church life. We are involved in our church and community, and we support missions around the world. The stated purpose of United Methodist Women is: to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
NEWS: On March 2nd, the national office of United Methodist Women announced a new name for our organization - United Women in Faith. Along with the name change, our organization has a new logo, an updated website, and new and improved programs. These changes are a result of much research and prayer. According to the official press release, “The changes are designed to address the different needs and life stages of current members and new women and expand options for membership and engagement. The new name also aims to welcome current members whose local churches may choose to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church as well as women of other faith traditions who want to join.”
Name changes are not new to United Women in Faith. Since our beginnings with eight women in 1869, we have had over 25 different names. However, our commitment to improving the lives of women, children, and youth and our faith in God has never changed. Today nearly half a million women are part of United Women in Faith. Here at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, the women of our unit would love for any and all women interested to join us.
Current chapter president: Jillian Levis 540-536-3650 for more information.
UMW Circles
We have two General Meetings a year, a luncheon meeting in October, and a Christmas dinner meeting with the United Methodist Men in December. At these meetings, which are open to all women, our circles come together for food, fellowship, and a program. We also sponsor a women’s retreat in Kobler Hall each spring, open to all women. We have three circles that feature a variety of programs designed to promote spiritual growth, nurturing for the community, highlighting social action issues, and education for mission work.
To find a circle or learn of UMW activities and events, contact Jillian Levis.
Gladys Cocke Circle
1st Thursday, 10:00 am Contact Jean Himmell
Mary Ellen Stephenson Circle/ ACTS Circle
2nd Wednesday 6:30pm
Contact Janine Kuty or
ontact Denise Gates.
Wesleyan Circle
1st Tuesday, 2:00 PM at church Contact Nancy Swift
Walk to Emmaus
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and walked with them. - Luke 24:15
The walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. Following the three-day experience, participants are encouraged to participate in small groups to support one another in their ongoing walks with Christ. Through the formational process of accountable discipleship in small groups and participation in the Emmaus community, each participant’s individual gifts and servant-leadership skills are developed for use in the local church and its mission. Participants are encouraged to find ways to live out their individual call to discipleship in their home, church, and community. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others. If you would like more information or would like to take the Walk to Emmaus, please contact Lynda Swanlund.