Norfolk UMC, Norfolk District

Sherry Daniels is the pastor of Norfolk UMC.

Norfolk United Methodist Church is experiencing a rebirth. With a dynamic new pastor, Dr. Sherry Daniels, and new outreach ministries, the church is attracting new members once again.

"We have gone through a transition process as a congregation," said Daniels. "Now we’re at the point of finding out what to do to celebrate our past history while embracing the future possibilities."

The congregation began with three new Bible studies which "changed our entire outlook in ministry." The study that had the most impact was "Touch" by Rudy Rasmus. "It forced all of us to look critically at who God is calling us to be in the community," Daniels said.

That includes an intensive ministry to children, which has translated into 25-30 kids in children’s church each week. Norfolk UMC has also started a re-entry ministry for women who are coming out of the prison system. "We’re mentoring these women, they’re participating in Bible study and joining the church," Daniels said. "For me as the pastor, it’s called me to take seriously the call to equip the laity, to help them discern their true gifts for ministry and act on those gifts."

In November the church opened its new administrative offices and a state-of-the-art Leadership Training Center, and has offered it as a place for seminars and workshops.

The church has developed partnerships with the city and local groups and agencies. "We’re not working in isolation, but in concert with the community," said Daniels. On site is a Virginia Commonwealth University research project into HIV. "Our area is where there is the largest concentration of people, especially African-American women, who are diagnosed with the HIV/AIDS virus. We offer a place where they can come and be tested with dignity and confidentiality."

The congregation has been meeting at Park Place UMC since it sold its facility, but is now looking for a worship space to call its own. "Our partnership with Park Place has been a gift, but it’s time for us to solidify the identity of the congregation and re-establish its own place in the community. We’re a small church on its way to being a large church."

It’s so exciting to see this church grow in every respect."