Ways to Connect
That New Group Summer Study Series... Join Us!
TWO STUDIES UPCOMING FOR THE SUMMER / SUNDAYS AT 10AM / RM 302D
May 31- July 12: Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine
July 19- August 9: Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny by the United Methodist Council of Bishops. Previously explored during the Social Justice & Advocacy group during their Wednesday evening study, That New Group will offer an additional opportunity for members to engage with the text during Sunday morning sessions this summer.
"Three of Our Own," The Anna Patterson Quilt Exhibit
THE GALLERY OUTSIDE THE CHURCH LIBRARY
Stitched to perfection! describes the beauty of Anna Patterson’s quilting. The artistry of her technique is now on full display in the 10 pieces hung in the gallery outside the church library. Anna’s quilting introduces “Three of Our Own,” a series of exhibits over the coming months that will feature the works of talented church members.
Pictured: "Red Moon Rising" and "Watercolor Quilt"
Children's Summer Faith Formation
BEGINS SUN JUNE 14 10AM / ROOM 307
Join us as we begin our Summer rhythm for our 10am Children's Faith Formation for PreK-5th grade. Meet us in Room 307 (Children's Library) for Summer Faith & Fun!
Learning from Letters: As we explore how early Christians followed Jesus in the letters of Paul, we'll work together to create mail with important messages for God's people today, too! Be on the lookout for our very own West Market Street UMC mailbox!
Stained Glass Art Project: We'll enjoy a summer art project of creating "stained glass windows" for our Modern Worship space. Each week is a stand-alone lesson, so come and go as your travels allow this summer!
Parents are welcome to attend with their child or may attend one of the adult studies. Nursery care will also be available in Room 224.
Go SERVE Mission Experience
MON JUNE 15-WED JUNE 17 / 8:30AM-3:30PM
Start off the summer with a local mission experience for rising 3rd-6th graders! Each day we will have field trips to local service organizations as we seek to be a part of God’s work in the world. Capacity for Go SERVE is 25 participants. Registration is first-come, first-serve. There is no cost! Sign up through the button below.
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachel@westmarketchurch.org.
Riders for Race Amity Dinner & Roundtable
TUES JUNE 16 5:30PM DINNER / 6:30PM ROUNDTABLE
We would like to welcome Riders for Race Amity youth who are biking the Historic 1961 Freedom Riders Route to honor their moral courage and discover the power young people have to transform society.
Join us for a dinner, followed by a roundtable discussion on the topic of "Intent vs. Impact." Sign up for the event below.
Third Thursdays Group at Oden Brewing
THURS JUNE 18 ODEN BREWING COMPANY
Let's get together at the popular known for it's welcoming space, beverages, a great place for hanging out with friends! Oden Brewing is housed in a restored 1930s bottling plant that’s been in the Oden family for four generations. Come, join us and invite a friend!
Oden Brewing Company Location: 802 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro
Join the Summer Chancel Choir
SUN JUNE 28 - AUG 23 / SUNDAY REHEARSALS 10:30AM FOR 11AM SERVICE
Join the Chancel Choir in a summer of anthems based on familiar hymns. We will meet each Sunday morning at 10:30am in the Sanctuary, learn an easy anthem, and then sing for the 11am worship service. No robes are worn, but we will have a folder and hymnal waiting for you. It’s a lot of fun and a very easy way to share your gifts and meet other music-lovers. Let’s fill the choir loft every Sunday!
Vacation Bible School 2026
JUNE 29-JULY 2 9AM-12PM (1PM EXTENDED PICKUP)
Our 2026 theme is Passport to Peace! Join us as we travel the world as peacemakers! Through Bible stories, art, service, music, games, snacks, and more, we will explore peace that comes from remembering God’s love for us and peace that shares God’s love with others.
All the Keys: Piano, Harpsichord, and Organ Concert
THURS JULY 9 / 7-8:15PM IN THE SANCTUARY / FREE ADMISSION
Join us for a fun summer concert with various keyboard instruments. West Market Street UMC Organists Sarah Kennedy and Dreama Lovitt will be joined by Carter Bradlely, piano, Marya Fancey, harpsichord, and Bert Davis, Jr., piano, to present a varied program including works by Chelsea Chen, Dietrich Buxtehude, Alexander Guilmant, and more!
Free admission, but dry and wet cat and dog food donations for those struggling to care for their furry friends are encouraged.
Parking is available on the street and in the Commerce Place lot behind the church.
Next Steps: Exploring Faith, Mission/Values, & Membership
SUN JULY 19 10AM / 2ND FLOOR CONF ROOM
Pastor Otto and Pastor Jeremy invite you to join them and others who are exploring membership at WMSUMC. We are gathering on Sunday, July 19 at 10am-10:45am in the 2nd floor Conference Room to have conversation about faith journeys, the meaning of membership, the mission and values of West Market Street UMC, what it means to be a United Methodist, and the content of our membership vows. We hope that you are able to join us.Please RSVP by emailing Addie@westmarketchurch.org
Youth DC Mission Trip
JULY 21-26
Our Youth are going to Washington, D.C. for a week of learning, service, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We’ll partner with the UMC General Board of Church and Society to explore how to live out our faith through justice and peace. The trip includes visits to Smithsonian museums, national monuments, and a pilgrimage to the National Cathedral for a tour and worship. Learn more about the trip and register through the button below.
Questions? Contact Paul at paul@westmarketchurch.org.
Celebration Sunday
SUN AUG 23 ONE SERVICE AT 10AM SANCTUARY / CATERED BRUNCH
Join us for Celebration Sunday as the entire WMS family gathers for one special worship service in the Sanctuary. Together, we'll celebrate God's love and rejoice in the blessing of our beloved community!
Following worship, enjoy fellowship and a catered brunch from 1618 West Restaurant in the Fellowship Hall. You'll also learn about upcoming service and learning opportunities and many ways you can get connected in the ministry and mission of WMSUMC!
Mark your calendar, and watch for more details and registration information coming soon!
Wednesday Night Supper in June
WED JUNE 10 AT 5:30PM / RSVP ONLINE
Join us for an evening of food and fellowship at June's Wednesday Night Supper at 5:30pm on April 15 in the Fellowship Hall.
RSVP TODAY Please RSVP by June 8 so we can plan accordingly and make sure there is enough for everyone.
SERVE OPPORTUNITY We would also love your help. If you are available to volunteer with meal prep, serving, or clean up, sign up for a time at the link below!
End of the Year Celebration for Children, Youth, & Families
SUN MAY 31 / 4-6PM ON THE CHURCH ROOF
We hope you can join us as we celebrate the end of the school year! We'll enjoy a meal, fellowship, games, and time to give thanks for all that God has done among the children, youth, and families of WMSUMC!
Social Justice & Advocacy Book Study in May
WED MAY 27 AT 5:30PM / GATHERING SPACE
Join us for the final gathering in our study of the United Methodist Council of Bishops’ Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny, as the Social Justice and Advocacy group continues to explore how we “accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” The final meeting in this series will take place at 5:30pm on Wednesday, May 27, in the Gathering Space. It is not too late to join and learn more!
Families SERVE in May
SUN MAY 17 4-6PM AT GUM PATHWAYS CENTER
Children and their families are invited to Greensboro Urban Ministries Pathways Center (a transitional housing community for families). We'll serve and enjoy a meal with residents and share in fellowship together.
Questions? Contact Rachel at rachel@westmarketchurch.org.
Adult & Youth Documentary Viewing & Discussion
SUN APR 26 4-6PM
Youth and adults are invited to watch Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story, by Martin Doblmeier (1-hour-long documentary). Sunday, April 26, from 4–6pm. This film explores the extraordinary life of Howard Thurman, a teacher, a poet, and in his heart a "mystic," and proponent of the non-violent struggle for social change." Join us to watch the film and participate in engaging round table discussions.
Registration for Bishop's Climate Summit
SAT APR 18 MAPLE SPRING UMC WINSTON SALEM
What time is it? It’s our time.
Throughout Scripture, God calls leaders to listen and act for the sake of their communities. Today, as our world experiences the growing impacts of climate change, the Church is invited to respond with faithful leadership, compassion, and hope.
Bishop Ken Carter and the Conference Creation Care Ministry Team invite clergy, church staff, and laity to the Bishop’s Climate Summit, a day-long gathering focused on worship, learning, conversation, and practical ministry tools for churches of all sizes.
Date: April 18, 2026
Location: Maple Springs United Methodist Church / 2569 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC.
Questions: Contact Ellen Van Velsor (ellenvanvelsor@gmail.com).
Hymn Festival at West Market Street UMC
FRI APR 17 7:30PM / WEST MARKET STREET UMC
Join us for an evening of hymn singing with a special focus on answering the call to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Led by famed composer-conductor Tom Trenney and a festival choir, this is sure to be an uplifting evening to remember. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Egg Hunt for Good
SAT MARCH 28 3-4:30PM AT LEBAUER PARK
Join us for our Egg Hunt for Good is an opportunity for kids of all ages to experience an Easter Egg Hunt in a new way! Price: Free - please bring non-perishable food donations for local pantries!
Step 1: Bring non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries and place them in our donation bins. (Or give a financial donation using our QR codes at the event!)
Step 2: Search for eggs on the LeBauer Park Great Lawn using a scavenger hunt map.
Step 3: Trade in your eggs for a free bag of treats to take home!
Step 4: Enjoy activities, crafts, and snacks as a family as we celebrate the gift of Easter!
Step 5: If you’re a grown-up, join us for some fun at our Adult Egg Hunt and help local non-profits win prizes to support their work.
Price: Free for Everyone! Please bring non-perishable food donations for local pantries!
Hosted by: Early Childhood Center and West Market Street United Methodist Church
Partnering Organizations. We're excited to announce that these 6 local non-profits who will receive donations from the Egg Hunt: Aggie Source Food Pantry, BackPack Beginnings, Greensboro College Pride Pantry, Greensboro Urban Ministry, A Simple Gesture, and Spartan Open Pantry.
Be A Volunteer. This special community event is able to happen because of amazing folks like you! There are many ways for you to serve. Learn more or sign up through the button below.
Donate Plastic Eggs (gently used is okay!) and Wrapped Candy. Donations may be placed in the marked bins near the church entrances.
Pick Up Yard Signs advertising the event to place in your yard, neighborhood, at intersections, or your business. These will be available at the Welcome Area of the Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary Narthex.
For more information, contact Rachel at rachel@westmarketchurch.org
Weather Note: if there are rain or weather issues, the makeup date for the Egg Hunt is Sunday, March 29.
Justice & Mercy Book Club
NEXT GATHERING: MON APR 27 AT 7PM VIA ZOOM
The Justice & Mercy Book Group gathers for fellowship and thoughtful conversation around selected books that reflect our church’s commitment to justice, compassion, and mercy for all. Through reading and discussion, we explore how faith calls us to care for our neighbors and engage the world with wisdom and grace.
Monday, April 27 7pm Zoom Eve Gardner, facilitator
Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America, by Joy-Ann Reid
Please contact Addie (addie@westmarketchurch.org) in the church office for the Zoom link for each gathering.
Youth-Led Pancake Brunch Fundraiser
SUN MAR 22 10AM / WASHINGTON DC TRIP
Support our youth and enjoy a delicious pancake brunch from 10am-1pm in the Fellowship Hall. Money raised will support the youth summer mission trip to Washington D.C. We're grateful for your support of WM Youth!
Art for the Soul
FRI MAR 20 AT 11:30AM-2PM & SAT MAR 21 AT 11:30AM-2PM / FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join us for Art for the Soul, a churchwide Lenten art project for adults and teens. Come for meditative reflection, personal growth, creative exploration, and spiritual renewal during the Lenten season. This project will be led by artist, Ronda Szymanski. All participants will create a piece of art to take home, as well as join in making a group piece to be displayed in the church. Workshops will convene in the Fellowship Hall. Choose either Friday, March 20 (11:30am - 2pm) or Saturday, March 21 (11:30am - 2pm). REGISTRATION IS CLOSED, but you can make your payment through the button below.
Rise Against Hunger Volunteers
SAT MAR 21 8:30AM-12:45PM / VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Be a part of the West Market Street UMC volunteer team to help us package 50,000 meals to fight global hunger! We're partnering with Christ UMC and First Lutheran Church to make a difference with Rise Against Hunger in the fight against hunger! Location: Christ UMC at 410 N Holden Road
Social Justice and Advocacy Interest Meeting
MON MAR 16 5:30PM / RM 405 (THE LOFT)
Join us for an initial gathering to explore why United Methodists advocate for social justice and how our Social Principles guide us in times of uncertainty. This intergenerational meeting will help shape how our church faithfully engages in advocacy as part of our call to discipleship—addressing injustice, caring for the vulnerable, and working for peace for the common good.
Learn more about the United Methodist Social Principles at UMC.org.
Lent/Easter Faith at Home Bags
AVAILABLE TO ALL / EMAIL RACHEL TO RECEIVE BAGS
Four times a year, our children & families (including our sweet ECC kiddos!) receive Everyday Faith at Home bags delivered to their doorsteps to foster meaningful time with God. Here's a glimpse of what's inside our Lent/Easter bags! If you'd like to be added to our list, please contact rachel@westmarketchurch.org.
Children & Family Ministries Parent Brunch Invitation
SUN MAR 8 10AM RM 301
Join us as we come together to eat, build connection, and share resources and ideas. Our Guest Speaker will be Meredith Kasten, our amazing Director of our Early Childhood Center! Breakfast Provided – please RSVP by Thursday, March 5 through the button below.
Questions: rachel@westmarketchurch.org or paul@westmarketchurch.org
Families SERVE at Greensboro Urban Ministry Pathways Center
SUN MAR 1 / SIGN UP ONLINE
Children, youth, and families are invited to serve at Greensboro Urban Ministry Pathways Center (transitional housing for families) on Sunday, March 1. We’ll share a meal and fellowship with residents — and you’re invited to bring a crockpot of your favorite chili to help! Sign up through the button below.
Transportation:
Carpool: Meet at the church at 4pm; return around 6:30pm.
Drive yourself: Meet at the Pathways Center parking lot at 4:15pm; finish around 6:15pm.
Parents must attend with PreK–5th grade children. Sign up online. Questions: rachel@westmarketchurch.org or paul@westmarketchurch.org
Wednesday Lenten Meals & Study
WED MAR 25 AT 5:30PM / FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join us for Wednesday Lenten Meals and & Study at 5:30pm. Our study will center on our vision and values as a church with the book “Knowing Who We Are” as our book study.
JOY Fellowship Potluck Luncheon
WED FEB 25 12:45PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
The JOY Fellowship will have a potluck luncheon at 12:45pm on Wednesday, February 25 in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Julia Metcalf RN from Senior Resources. She will present the program "Ageism." Please contact Jan Von Seggern (336-908-3959) or Brenda Hennis (276-732-2671) if you plan to attend.
Children & Youth Interfaith Tour
SUN FEB 22 1-5PM
Our Children, Youth, & Families are joining together to attend the NCCJ Interfaith Tour. This is a great opportunity to experience the diversity of faith amongst our neighbors. We anticipate that 3rd graders and up would be suited for this event due to the content and length of the tour. If you plan to attend, please sign up through the button below. Additional details will be sent to all registrants before the event.
Ash Wednesday Services & Dinner
12PM & 6:30PM SERVICES SANCTUARY / DINNER AT 5:30PM IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join us for Ash Wednesday services with ash imposition at 12pm and 6:30pm (in the Sanctuary) as we begin Lent through reflection, repentance, and recognition of our own mortality. We hope you’ll join us for fellowship, prayer, and our Ash Wednesday dinner at 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall. Please invite friends to join us.
Angie Roberson Celebration of Life
SUN FEB 15 AT 4PM
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, February 15th, at 4pm at West Market Street UMC to remember and give thanks for Angie’s life and ministry. In true Angie fashion, the chosen date reflects Angie’s love for all things Mardi Gras, and we hope you will be able to join us as we celebrate this faithful servant of God. The Godmother of Soul Food Restaurant & Catering will provide the food for the Celebration.
We invite you to help us honor Angie by sharing photos, videos and memories that reflect her life, ministry, and the impact she had on you through the button below. These photos and stories will be lovingly compiled, shared with her family, and highlighted during her Celebration of Life on Feb. 15.
Easter Hydrangeas
ORDER DEADLINE MARCH 1
It is an Easter tradition at West Market Street UMC to bring blue hydrangeas into our church in honor or memory of a loved one. Hydrangeas are $30 each and may be taken home following the 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service on Sunday, April 5, 2026. In lieu of or in addition to ordering hydrangeas, donations are being accepted to the ECC Scholarship Fund in honor or memory of a loved one for Easter.
Order & Payment Information: Payment can be made by placing cash or a check in the offering plate on Sundays, dropping off to the Church Office Monday-Thursday, or you may submit payment by mailing a check to: P.O. Box 870 / Greensboro, NC 27402
Please include in the memo of the check or on the offering envelope: "Easter Hydrangeas" and/or "Easter ECC. Please also include who you would like to donate in honor or memory of.
Order Online through the button below.
If you have any questions, please contact Addie Elliott at addie@westmarketchurch.org.
Kids & Older Adults Crafting Valentine’s Cards
SUN FEB 8 4-5PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
Children & Family Ministries with the J.O.Y. Group of West Market Church invites everyone to join us in making Valentine's Day cards for folks in our community as a reminder of God's love! All materials (and snacks!) are provided. Children and adults of all ages are invited!