Willis

Willis United Methodist Church

The Willis United Methodist Church was founded in 1805. During the Civil War it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Much of the original building burned down in 1946, but it was rebuilt the following year. As a result of the fire many records and documents were lost, and so the date of the construction date of the original church has been lost. The new church was constructed in the original location. An electronic organ was added to the church in 2005, and other improvements were made in 2008. The following year ground was broken for a new fellowship hall which was completed by October. On the exterior of the church there is a cemetery on the right side and a memorial garden, planted in memory of Carry Stanley (a long- standing member of the Church), on the left side. There is also a parsonage that is used by the pastor as an office and a playground for the children.

The church holds a traditional worship service on Sunday mornings. The choir sings to open the service. The service then consists of the congregation singing praises (hymns), announcements, hymns of worship, prayer, a choir special presentation, and a sermon from the pastor. Every third Sunday of every month, communion is incorporated into the service. Before the start of the service, the adults hold a Sunday school in fellowship hall area and the youth have Sunday school in the trailer located behind the church. After a “children’s sermon” segment in the service, the children have their Sunday school during the morning service. The church has 155 members with approximately 43 members typically attending Sunday services. The church defines itself as a family and great emphasis is placed on members of the congregation supporting each other as well as others within the community.

The Willis United Methodist Church supports a variety of internal and external ministries. With respect to the internal ministries, first time visitors are given a loaf of bread (to symbolize the body of Christ), every third Sunday there is a potluck meal held at the church that promotes fellowship and unity within the church family, Bible studies are led by members of the church congregation, and Discipleship Bible Studies are led by the clergy/church leaders. External ministries include FISH (a food pantry actively supported by the church in Eastern Henrico County), VBS (Vacation Bible School), bake sales at which various foods (barbeque, Brunswick Stew, and baked goods) are sold to raise money for the church and missions, and sponsorship of a Daisy Scout Troop. Willis United Methodist Church also supports armed forces personnel at holidays, participates in the District United Methodist Women on Missions group for inner city ministries in Roanoke, and sends two missionaries to travel throughout the state to proclaim the gospel.

Willis United Methodist Church  
8360 Willis Church Road
Richmond, VA
(804)-795-1895

Sources:
Willis United Methodist Church  pastor

Profile prepared by Robert Daniel Hudson
November, 2009

 

 

 

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