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Weekly News & Updates

May 1, 2026

This Sunday - 10am

Welcome one and all as we continue to praise Jesus Christ this Easter season! It is our Communion Sunday and everyone is invited to the table of Jesus at Ghent UMC. We use a gluten-free loaf and grape juice.

Enter the building at the top of large staircase that faces Stockley Gardens (Rd).

* Artwork: "Christ as The Way, The Truth, The Life" by Anonymous Artist

Scripture

John 14:1-14

Pastor's Prayer for the Week

THE POSSIBILITY PRAYER

Yes. It can happen.

Yes. It can take place.

Yes. God can do it.

After all, the angel said "Do not be afraid."

After all, the tomb was found empty.

After all, the Spirit, "will pray for you."

After all, God wants peace and reconciliation

After all, God's name is "justice."

After all, God is "liberation."

Yes. It can happen.

Yes. It can take place.

Yes. God can do it.

* Center of Concern, coc.org

What's Going On?

Organ Music on Mother's Day,

May 10

Want to do something extra special for Mom or Grand Mom on Mother's Day? Take her to our Worship service on May 10th. Our very talented organist Brad Norris will be leading us in song.

Brad is Dean of the Tidewater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He’s retired from St. Andrew’s Church and School in Newport News. He enjoys doing work as an organ and piano substitute and accompanying singing groups in Hampton Roads, such as Bellissima. It is a blessing to hear him play our beautiful Casavant Pipe Organ.

Hey Young Adults!

Getting to church on Sunday mornings can be hard. And it’s disappointing when you do get there but don’t see anyone your age. If you’re looking for community, then join us for our first Young Adults Meet-Up! We’ll be at Torch Bistro for Trivia Night.

Torch is at 601 Orapax Street, Norfolk.

If you have any questions, email office@GhentUMC.org.

We Need Volunteers

Can you believe that our Annual Book Sale and Parking Lot Fundraiser is only two weeks away?! We need volunteers for all shifts.

* Friday, May 15: set up

* Saturday, May 16: book sale and

parking lot

* Sunday, May 17: parking lot

Please go to SignUp Genius and select a time slot.

Or write on the sign-up sheet in the back of the Sanctuary or call the office and Linda will take your information!

Cajole your family or friends to help out, too! We need as many people as possible. Young children are welcome to help but must have a guardian present.

Required Training in May

Safe Sanctuaries Training will be Sunday, May 31st at 11:30am. This training is mandatory for everyone on Leadership Team or anyone who works with children under the age of 18. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to the office.

Have a social media account? Follow us.

Music Ministry

All are welcome to join our Minister of Music, Nellwyn Beamon, in the music ministry of the church.

Contact Nellwyn Beamon, at music@ghentumc.org, if you have any questions or want more information.

Church Choir

Choir rehearsals are on Sundays from 11:30am to 12:30pm in the choir room upstairs. Our choir will sing on Pentecost Sunday - May 24th.

If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch with Nellwyn. Email address is above.

Gathering Jam Band

Each 2nd Sunday, all ages are invited to bring an instrument or use one of ours and play along during the gathering part of our service at 9:45am. If you would like the music beforehand, contact Nellwyn. Next Jam Band is Sunday, June 14.

Organ Music at Ghent

Our Organist Brad Norris plays during our worship services. His next dates are Mother's Day -May 10th and Pentecost Sunday - May 24th.

Violin Music at Ghent

Violinist Chris Taylor will play during our service on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th.

Congregational Care

In response to Christ's call to love one another, we want the members of our congregation to care for one another. In-person visits, prayers, phone calls, and mail are examples of the ways we reach out to one another.

If you would like to volunteer or request a visit for someone, call or email the church office.

GUMP (Our Preschool)

Visit our webpage for more info about our school. Or set up a tour with Director Ann Robertson by calling (757) 622-3239.

GUMP earns $5 for each sale on its GUMP's Spirit Wear Store! Use the discount code WELCOMETOFIDGETY for free shipping on your first order.

Help GUMP when you buy groceries. Link your Harris Teeter Grocery HT Plus Membership account to GUMP (#5347). Ask your cashier to do it or link it online. For each linked account, Harris Teeter will send GUMP $10! Click this link for details.

Children are Always Welcome at Ghent UMC

Our Children's Church* takes place each Sunday during our worship service, following the children's message. Children ages 3 through 5th grade meet down the hall from the sanctuary for an age-appropriate Bible lesson and related craft or activity.

Children are welcome to remain in the service and utilize the activity bags in the back of the church.

Our nursery* is available for infants to age 3 beginning at 9:50am.

Our professional workers are CPR certified, and our staff and volunteers are fully background checked.

*Children's church and nursery are optional. You are welcome to keep your child(ren) in worship with you, if you prefer. Activity bags and rockers are in the back of the sanctuary, if you wish to use them.

A baby changing station is in the lobby. Go out the swinging door to the right of our Coffee Station. The changing station is near the staircase.

Ways to Give

To give securely online, click here.

To give by mail, send your checks to GUMC, 531 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507.

To give in person, put your donation in a basket on Sunday mornings or take it to the church office during the week.

Other ways to give include endowments and stocks. For more information, call the church office at (757) 622-2843.

Our giving represents an act of worship in which we thank God for our blessings and acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God.

UMC News: World, VA, and Local

UM News

VA UMC News

Coastal Virginia District Info

Bishops urged to stop looking backward. Read the story.

Faith and hope power Global Ministries EarthKeepers. Read the story.

Be an Annual Conference 2026 Volunteer. Click here for shift info.

Helping in the aftermath of LA shooting. Read the story.

GA Congregation blesses its local farmers. Read the story.

Need to get in touch with us?

The church office hours are Monday - Friday, 9am to 12pm.

757-622-2843 office@ghentumc.org

Click here for the staff's contact information.