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Weekly News & Updates

May 16, 2025

This Sunday - 10am


Sunday's Worship service begins at 10am.


You have another opportunity to hear guest minister Rev. Chris Terrell. He will preach the sermon and lead us in Worship to God Almighty.


All-ages are always welcome to attend our services. On Sunday, we will have a special message for the children during the service then they can go to Children's Church, if they wish.


In Children's Church, children ages 3 through 5th grade meet down the hall from the sanctuary for an age-appropriate Bible lesson and related craft or activity.


Enter the building through the sanctuary doors facing Stockley Gardens.

Connection Card:

Click here.

Scripture:

John 13:31-35

Worship Volunteers / Order Flowers:

Call or Email the Office

Children are Welcome


Our Children's Church* takes place each Sunday during worship, 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.


Our nursery* is available for children through age 3.


*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, if you wish to use them, are in the back of the sanctuary. A baby changing station is in the lobby.

What's Happening

Parking Lot Fundraiser


Because we could not get enough volunteers, we, unfortunately, have had to cancel our Spring, Used Book Sale.


We will still host paid parking in our lot this Saturday and Sunday. For a donation of $5, you can park one block from the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival! Our address is 531 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk.


*Ghent volunteers, please add October 18, 2025, to your calendars right now. The Fall SGAF will be October 18-19 and we will try to have our used book sale at that time.


Proceeds from the book sale and festival parking benefit missions and church programs for children and youth.

Calling All Graduates


Do you have a graduate you want Ghent Church to recognize during our Worship service?


In preparation of Graduation Sunday in June, please let us, at the Church Office, know by sending email to office@ghentumc.org. We would want to properly prepare for the upcoming celebration.

Messy Church Birthday Party


Let’s celebrate the birth of Christianity during our Worship service on Sunday, June 8, starting at 9:45am. Our Messy Church at Ghent activities will be during this service.


Because it is Pentecost Sunday, we’re having a Birthday Party that lifts spirits! Stay after to chat with others and have lunch together. Everyone is invited!


We ask everyone to wear red in celebration of Pentecost, the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. Looking forward to seeing a sea of red!


* “Messy Church” is a DIFFERENT kind of church! It typically includes a welcome, creative time to explore the Biblical theme through “getting messy” with crafts and activities; a short interactive celebration time involving a story, prayer, and music; and a sit-down meal together at tables. The entire experience is designed for people of ALL AGES! Take a look at our Facebook group page to see previous events.

Become Vigilant Against Scams, Part 3


ANYONE could be defrauded! So, once again, we are warning you about more scams and fraud. Here is Part 3.


Did a bank or credit card company call you and ask YOU to confirm your bank account number or your identity?

It’s a scam.


Did you get a message saying something is wrong with your computer or phone? Did the message say pay and then they will fix it? Maybe a live person said if you give him access to your computer, he can fix it?

It’s a scam.


Did you receive an unsolicited package with a QR code attached and a message asking you to scan it for more information?

It’s a scam.

Attend a small group


One of the gifts the church offers is community, specifically small groups where participants can gather to experience acceptance, belonging, and nurturing, as well as challenge and encouragement, for the journey of faith. Contact the church office for more information on any group.

Children's Church


This group for ages 3 through 5th grade is each Sunday during worship, following the children's message. It includes a Bible lesson, and craft or activity.

Youth Group


Our Youth Group is led by Pastor Ryan. We are a fully inclusive faith community, welcoming to all.

Adult Sunday School


Weekly Bible discussions are in the back of the sanctuary on Sundays, 9 - 9:45am, using the Standard Lesson Quarterly series. Enter through the doors facing Stockley Gardens.

Other Spiritual Disciplines


In addition to joining a small group, participating in mission work or music ministry, we are encouraged to pray, care for one another, and read our Bible.


Daily Prayer Starter


"Leading God,

you set us free by your unbridled Spirit.

Teach us to love well

the people & situations we encounter..."


*Adapted from Feasting on the Word: Worship Companion

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.


To send a prayer request to our pastor and Congregational Care team, click here to fill in our Connection Card.

 Resources


Want to read the whole Bible in 12 months? Check out the N. Georgia Conference Guide.


Looking for adult or children's New Revised Standard versions of the Bible? Click here.


Get practices and reflections to help you pray.


Read The Upper Room daily devotional. Click here.

Music Ministry


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


Worship Singers Singers are always welcome to help lead the songs in worship each Sunday.

Organ Music at GUMC


Our Organist Brad Norris plays for our 10am worship services on Sundays. His next dates are Mother's Day on May 11, Pentecost on June 8, and July (date TBA).


Trumpet Music

Trumpeter Josh McDonald's next date is TBA.

Gathering Jam


Once a month, usually on 2nd Sundays, 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. The next Gathering Jam is Sunday, June 8.


Choir Rehearsal

There is choir rehearsal on Sundays from 11:30 to 12:30pm through Pentecost (June 8).

Get involved with mission work


We seek to live lovingly and justly as servants of Jesus Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger, freeing the oppressed, being a compassionate presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with the gospel.

Little Library


Do you have a book you're finished with? Are you ready to read a new one? Then check out our book box! Our Little Library is on Raleigh Ave.


Although GUMC no longer places food in the box, you may see that others in the community continue to do so.

Food Donations


We collect non-perishable food, drinks and hearty snacks to benefit those who are hungry, including those experiencing homelessness, families, or individuals. Most of the food will be taken to Ghent Area Ministry on Colonial Avenue. The rest will remain at Ghent for those who ask us for help. Please place your offerings in the basket by the altar each 4th Sunday or contact the church office to make arrangements for drop off.

Homeless Committee


The Homeless Committee of Ghent UMC works to coordinate efforts to positively impact those experiencing homelessness.

Preschool Ministry and Leadership Updates

Preschool


Ghent UM Preschool teaches toddlers to students in Pre-Kindergarten. Learn more about our half-day program by visiting GUMP's page at ghentumc.org/connect/our-preschool/


GUMP’s Harris Teeter number is 5347.


Questions? Contact Director, Ann Robertson.

Leadership Team


Our next Leadership Meeting is TBA. All are welcome to attend. It will be after worship.


A Zoom link will be made available. Contact the church office if you need the link.

UMC Has Not Stopped Working to Dismantle Racism

Agency’s top exec offers new year’s hopes for 2025.

Read his commentary.


In 2024, at General Conference, the members approved the updated Article V - Racial Justice.

You Can Help!


  • START with prayer. We are asked to pray for Dismantling Racism efforts, as well as, all persons of color who suffer at the hands of injustice, oppression, and white supremacy.
  • The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has a compiled a list of 8 things church leaders and members can do to help anti-racism progress. One way is to denounce false notions of “two equal sides.” Click here to learn more.
  • Click here for resources, events, and more.

Giving News


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. Click here to learn about the various ways to give.

UMC Market - iGive


Shop thousands of stores, any time, to support Ghent Church. UMCmarket, powered by iGive, helps you generate a donation to Ghent United Methodist Church when you shop online at thousands of retailers. Click here to join and shop.

UMC News: World, VA, and Local

UM News

VA UMC News

Coastal Virginia District News

“Pastor Pete” Leads New Pet Ministry at Crestline First UMC. Read the cute story.


Man blesses many by fulfilling mother’s dying wish. Read the story.


Peace Church in Germany offers ‘home for everyone.' Read their story.


New church flourishes in senior living center. Read the story.


Leaders support membership amendment, adding gender and ability. See statement.


Faith activists arrested in budget protests. Read the story.


Bishops work to put new vision into action. Read the story.

*COVID-19 Mitigation Plan for all in-person Ghent UMC Happenings (Updated March 23, 2022) Our call is to love our neighbors and to do no harm.

Jesus is for everyone. No exceptions.

A Word of Welcome from Ghent UMC 


Ghent United Methodist Church is called to the affirmation of the sacred worth of all people. We embrace as a gift the diversity of our neighborhood and the world. We acknowledge our human family's diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, language, age, faith history, theological orientation, economic status, education, marital status, abilities, and any other defining feature, real or perceived. Click here to read the message in its entirety.


How can I get in touch with church staff and the Pastor?


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

You may also make an appointment, if needed.

 

Click here to access email addresses or call the church office at 757-622-2843.