CHILDREN’S & YOUTH MINISTRIES
At Rural Retreat United Methodist Church, we feel that one of the most significant investments we can make is in our Children and Youth. We take the Safety of our Children and Youth seriously. All our staff and volunteers go through Safe Sanctuaries Training and a background check before serving with our Children or Youth ministries. You can view our Safe Sanctuary Policy Here: RRUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy
We are blessed to have active Children’s and Youth Ministries that love and nurture our kids and teach them about the love of God. We are committed to teaching the Bible and using Scripture to help build the foundation for their lives. This is provided in several different ways:
Sunday School
Sunday School is available for children and youth of all ages every Sunday morning at 10 AM. This is a time of learning about the Bible, fellowship, and fun!
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is held for a week during the Summer. This is a time of learning about the Bible, fellowship, making friends, and having fun. It is open to any child in the community and is a fun way to learn more about God.
Special Events
Throughout the year, we host special events for children, such as community Easter Egg Hunts, Christmas plays, or a variety of other events. These events provide ways for children to learn about special events in the church in fun and engaging ways.
Summer Camp
We are blessed to have Camp Dickenson, one of the 4 Conference Camps, nearby. Located in Fries, VA, Camp Dickenson provides Summer Christian Camping for children and youth of all ages.
Weekly Youth Meetings
Our Youth meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 AM at Java Blend to have coffee, study the Bible, hang out, fellowship, and have fun. We also plan special events throughout the year for our Youth to have fun and to grow closer in community.
Community Service & Missions
We believe that serving is a vital part of spiritual maturity. We plan and provide different ways for our Youth to serve in the community and the world through community service projects and mission trips.
Resurrection
Resurrection is an annual event of worship and spiritual growth for youth and youth mentors. Each year, over 5,000 come together in Pigeon Forge, TN, to celebrate the God of The Resurrection and for young people to encounter the Lord in new and deeper ways.
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
At Rural Retreat United Methodist Church, we believe that we are not only called to BE disciples, but we are also called to MAKE disciples. The best way to make disciples is through Christian community. We offer discipleship groups for adults of all ages in several ways:
Sunday School
We offer Sunday School classes for adults of all ages every Sunday morning at 10 AM. This is a time of fellowship and going deeper into Scripture together.
Bible or Book Studies
To go deeper into Scripture and to mature in our faith, we offer additional Bible studies and book studies throughout the week. These studies vary and are sometimes targeted for specific groups.
Special Events
Fellowship and relationship building are essential aspects of discipleship. We plan special events throughout the year to come together to get to know one another, have fun, and do life with one another.
NEXT STEPS TEAM
Our Next Steps Team is responsible for identifying and planning Community Outreach opportunities. We do not want to be an inwardly focused church. We believe and follow Jesus’ command to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:35-37). To view upcoming Outreach Opportunities, check out the Church Calendar on the Home Page.
If you’re interested in Serving on the Next Steps Team, fill out the Digital Connection Card on the Homepage and specify that you’d like to Serve on the Next Steps Team.
MUSIC MINISTRIES
Music is one of the ways that we worship God. At Rural Retreat United Methodist Church, we have several ways to be involved in our Music Ministries. These include:
Contemporary Worship Team
Our 9 AM Contemporary Worship service features modern worship songs you’ve probably heard on the radio using keyboards, guitars, and drums. We are always looking for musicians to join our Worship Team.
Choir
Our 11 AM Traditional Worship Service features our choir, accompanied by piano and pipe organ, singing familiar hymns. Our choir also performs special music for events and seasons throughout the year. We are always looking for singers to join our Choir.
Handbells/Chimes
Our Handbell and Chime choir provides special music for events and seasons throughout the year. We are always looking for people to join the Handbell/Chimes Team; no experience is necessary.
Audio/Visual Team
The Audio/Visual team ensures that our Music Ministry Teams can be heard and seen. They mix the sound, project the Scripture and lyrics, and run the Livestreaming of our services online. We are always looking for people to join our Audio/Visual Team.
If you are interested in serving on any of the Music Ministry Teams, please fill out the Digital Connection Card on the Homepage and specify which ministry you would like to serve.
QUILTING MINISTRY
Rural Retreat United Methodist Church’s Quilting Ministry began in 1988 as a way to fellowship, share a passion for quilting, and teach others how to quilt. The proceeds raised from selling some of these quilts have been used to help fund ministry in our community. If you are a quilter or want to learn how to quilt, join this group every Tuesday morning from 9 AM - 12 PM in the Epworth House, located directly beside the church. If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at (276) 686-6429.
MEMORIALS
A Memorial Gift is a thoughtful way to remember a loved one who has passed away by making a gift in his or her memory. To provide a Memorial Gift in memory of a friend or loved one, please click on the button below, choose Memorials in the To: dropdown box, and specify the name of the individual whose memory you are honoring through your gift in the Notes/Memo section.
If you would like to provide a Memorial Gift via mail, please specify the name of the individual you are honoring and mail it to:
Rural Retreat United Methodist Church
PO Box 307
Rural Retreat, VA 24368
If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at (276) 686-6429.
