All About Stephens City UMC
Our Mission & Vision
Our vision…
is to be a home where people are transformed in Jesus Christ..
Our mission…
is to make disciples of Jesus Christ so that the world is transformed around us by being connected to small group studies, corporate worship, and participation in service for our local community, our nation, and beyond. We joyfully use our gifts of time, talents, and treasure (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 9:6-7 and James 2:14-26) to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to serve our community both locally, nationally and abroad.
For Our Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do United Methodists believe?
As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church family, we follow a set of Bible-based, God inspired beliefs set forth by our denomination. To learn more about our beliefs, CLICK HERE.
Where should I park? Is there handicapped parking available?
Parking and rear entrance to church are available behind the church. There is an overflow lot across the road on Germain St. Handicap spaces are closest to the rear entrance.
What are your worship times and what should I expect?
In-person services are held on Sunday mornings:
8:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship in the main sanctuary
10:30 a.m.
Casual Contemporary Worship in the downstairs Fellowship Hall (Orrick Chapel). Use the rear church entrance. Expect casual dress and plenty of music from our Praise Band.
If you wish to worship with us online, our 8:30 service is streamed LIVE on our Facebook page. You can also view past services on our Facebook page under the Videos tab, or on this website by visiting our Sermon Archive.
All are welcome – we love having visitors! Choose which worship style you like (8:30 Traditional or 10:30 Casual Contemporary) or try them both! At SCUMC you’ll find friendly people with servants’ hearts for the Lord.
Do you serve Communion?
We partake in the Sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of each month as well as at other special services throughout the year (Christmas, Easter, etc.) United Methodists share an ‘open table’ which means that all who want to have a relationship with Jesus Christ are welcome to partake of Communion in our church.
Communion is currently offered in several ways:
- By intinction (dipping the bread into the common cup of juice)
- By receiving the bread and taking an individual, pre-poured cup of juice
What should I wear?
Typical church wear will most likely be seen at the 8:30 service, however we hope clothing doesn’t keep you from worshiping with us.
At our 11:00 service you will find more casual dress.
Is there Sunday School?
We have Sunday School classes at 10:00 am. Class is available for both adults and children. To learn more about what the adult class is studying, visit our Sunday School page.
Is there Children's Church or a Nursery?
Currently there is no nursery or Children’s Church available at either service. However, our 11:00 service is very family friendly. Children are welcome to attend. We have a Children’s Message every Sunday. We are working on building a children’s space where the kids can play in the same room we worship in.
What is available for children and youth?
- Children & Youth Sunday School classes every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
- Messy Church is currently being planned where the whole family can have a meal together, do some “messy” activities and get some Christian education tucked in, too.
- Vacation Bible School (VBS) – yearly in July
- STEM camps – summer
- Annual community Trunk or Treat
- Annual community Easter Egg Hunt
- Mission opportunities
- Youth are encouraged to take part in our music ministries – choir, handbells, praise band
- A/V and Tech Crew for worship
- SCUMC Daycare (for young children) – operates year round
- SCUMC Preschool – follows the regular school year
- Check out our Children’s Ministry page.
What help is available for the community?
- Food Pantry every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Grief Support Group
- Counseling and other pastoral care
- Connections with local organizations, such as WATTS Homeless Shelter and C-CAP
- Other needs are considered as resources allow
- Senior Center Monday -Thursday 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- More information available on our Outreach page
Is the church available for events (i.e., weddings, funerals, etc.)?
The church is available for community activities. For individual requests contact the church office.
How do I join the church?
We invite you to consider becoming a member of our church family. Membership in a church is really about discipleship – being a faithful follower of Christ. At SCUMC, members effectuate this profession through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and our witness.
There are several ways one can join our church:
1. Through a profession of faith in Jesus Christ & baptism.
2. Through transfer from another denomination or UM Church.
3. Affiliate Membership** (for persons who are members of another UMC but who reside in another place a portion of the year & wish to also be a member of our church.)
4. Associate Membership** (for persons who are members of another denomination under the same conditions as affiliate members.)
**Under affiliate and associate membership you retain membership in both churches.
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. At SCUMC, we work to nurture, teach, and guide all our members and prospective members in their journey with Christ.
If you would like to consider membership at SCUMC, please contact the Pastor or the church office for more information.
How do I contact the church?
Email: office@stephenscityumc.org
Phone: 540-869-2348
Fax: 540-869-3574
Office hours:
Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Note: The office is operated remotely on Mondays)
Who We Are
Meet Our Staff/Pastor
The Rev. Bertena J. H. Westley
Pastor
The Reverend Bertina J. H. Westley came to Stephens City UMC in September 2021. She was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois and drinks from a White Sox cup every day, despite not having seen a baseball game in years.
Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Systems from Truman State University, Bertina has served in both civilian and sworn jobs in the law enforcement field (police dispatcher, alarm coordinator, and police officer). While serving as a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri, Pastor Bertina answered God’s call to a vocation in ministry. She attended Saint Paul School of Theology and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree.
Pastor Bertina was licensed, then commissioned for ministry in the Virginia Conference. Prior to being appointed to SCUMC, she served congregations in the York River and Eastern Shore Districts. She enjoys being in ministry within the community and cherishes the teaching of 1 John 3:18, “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” (NRSV)
Bertina is married to Vince and has two wonderful sons. In her spare time, she enjoys reading mysteries, and movies, and listening to a variety of podcasts. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Marty Barley
Administrative Assistant
David Renner
Music Director
Jacquetta Owen
Bell Choir Director
Tony Cook
Building & Groundskeeper
A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low by thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in Heaven. Amen.