Welcome to Gum Spring United Methodist Church

Summary: Single, divorced, widows, or widowers are all welcome to join in the fun. We meet once a month to have a meal out at a restaurant or someone’s home. We have fun playing cards, going to plays and other activities. Come and join the fun.

Meetings: No regular meetings – watch for announcements in the bulletin and newsletter.

Group: United Methodist Women (UMW)

Contact: Susan Bennett

Summary: Any woman who is a part of the congregation of GSUMC is welcome to participate.

Activities: As a local unit of the United Methodist Women, we participate and support many missions on our church, community, and worldwide. In the past year this include:

Providing an infant New Testament Bible to all infants baptized at GSUMC.

Support of our Church Mission Teams and other local causes such as the Ronald McDonald House with monetary contributions.

Sponsoring and participating in a church-wide non-perishable food collection for Goochland Fellowship and Family Services, a toiletries collection for Heart Havens (a UM home for developmentally disabled adults) and for the GOochland Women’s prison.

Sponsoring and participating in an annual church-wide “Kits for Conference” drive, including Layette Baby Kits, Sewing Kits, School Kits, and Health Kits. These kits are delivered to Church World Services and distributed to those in need.

Meetings: First Monday of each month, 7 pm, at the church (no meeting in August). Child care is provided.

Group: Prayer Shawl Ministry

Contact: Doris Wiltshire 556.3239

Summary: Our prayer shawl ministry, begun in April 2006, has about 12 active members. We knit and crochet shawls, lap robes, bookmarks, and prayer strips. We also have several people that work at home making fleece throws and blankets. All of these items are distributed to anyone that needs God’s loving embrace and comfort, not only in our church family, but in the surrounding community, to Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina victims, and our military in Iraq and around the world. More than 100 have already been distributed.

We invite you to join us in continuing this outreach ministry. Your prayers, monetary gifts, and yarn will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to learn how to knit or crochet and become a part of this group, then come out on Tuesday evenings and we will get you started.

Meetings: Every other Tuesday evening, 7 pm in the church fellowship hall.

Group: Bell Choir

Contact: Charlotte Parrish

Summary: The GSUMC Bell Choir leads us in worship during the year and carries a musical message of love to care facilities in the Richmond area. Last year, the Bell Choir played at Colonial Williamsburg’s “Grand Illumination” to open the Christmas Season.

Meetings: Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

Group: Adult Choir

Contact: Susan Duty, (staff), Music Director 556.3148

Summary: The Adult choir leads us in worship most Sundays. The choir traditionally sings Christmas and Easter cantatas, as well as for Homecoming and other special occasions.

Meetings: Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Group: Seniors

Contact: Dottie Reynolds 556.4380

Summary: The senior adults from several local churches meet each month for a time of fellowship, learning, and lunch.

Meetings: Third Thursday of each month (except Jan and Feb), 10:00 a.m.

Group: Youth

Contact: Sarah Willis (staff), Youth Director

Summary: All youth from 6^th to 12^th grade are invited to join in. Besides the weekly meeting of fellowship, learning, games, and food, the youth are active in mission projects. Last summer, they went to Valodsta, Georgia to make housing improvements to those in need. During the school year, they serve locally, with projects such as wheelchair ramps and yard work.

Meetings: Sundays, 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Group: Missions

Contact: Nancy Gregory 556.6789

Summary: One of the ways Gum Spring UMC is involved in mission work is by serving those in need. We sent nine teams to Gulfport, Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

We have many local projects as well, with projects such as roofing, bathroom and plumbing repair.

While skilled laborers are appreciated, we have opportunities for volunteers of all skill levels.

Regular Activities

Wednesday Night Program starts at 6 p.m. with dinner ($3 per person / max of $10 per family).

Youth in 6^th grade and up are invited to the Youth Bible study.

The Bell Choir rehearses at 6:45 p.m., the Adult Choir at 7:30 p.m.

Homecoming is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. We have a guest preacher and a wonderful potluck meal after the 11 o’clock service. Many former members return to join us in worship and fellowship.

Revival is held on Monday - Wednesday nights following Homecoming. Come join us for exciting preaching and wonderful music as we seek to revive ourselves in our faith journey.