Central UMC, Staunton District

Central UMC - Staunton District
14 North Lewis Street Staunton Va., 24402
www.centralumcstaunton.org
Pastor: David D. Reed  

Central’s new quilt ministry helps provide comfort for those in need of care.

Central United Methodist Church began in 1797 in Sampson Eagon’s blacksmith shop in an area of Staunton that is still known as "Gospel Hill." The church’s growth caused members to buy property at the current Lewis Street location, and the present building is the fourth to be built there. Today there’s a new spirit in the church.

"We’re not here to preserve a bit of history, but to do ministry," says Pastor David Reed. Once boasting a membership of 1,700, the church saw declining membership for years. Part of the problem, Reed says, is that the church had become ‘invisible." "People didn’t know who we were or where we were."

A radio ministry called Perceptions improved recognition of the church.

Mission teams, ecumenical events, social justice work, youth involvement, addition of younger couples with children, and worship anchored in Word and Table (with weekly Communion) energized members.

"We’ve worked hard at hospitality," Reed said. "We don’t just want to be a friendly church, but work to become friends."

Lay Leader Steve Huffer says that Central is an "expectant congregation, preparing to serve God in new and changing ways as his plan unfolds."