Ministries at Windsor Hills UMC
You are a member of God's very own family...and you belong in God's household with every other Christian. - Ephesians 2:19
Here at Windsor Hills, we believe that everyone, regardless of their stage in life, should be able to engage with their faith in meaningful ways, participate in enriching activities, and connect with others who share similar values. This inclusive approach not only nurtures individual faith journeys but also strengthens our church as a whole, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for all.
Infant/Toddler Ministry
Free childcare from 6 months to 6 years provided on Sunday mornings during the worship hour: 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Children’s Ministry
Sunday School — COMING SOON!
Prayground — We offer a prayground area in the narthex for young children and their families to worship. This is a welcoming space with sensory tools and toys that encourage participation and engagement in the worship service. It is an alternative space where children can play, draw, and experience worship rather than sitting silently for an hour. Children must be accompanied by their responsible adult.
Other Activities — Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, and more.
Youth Ministry
Ages from rising 6th graders through high school . Youth explore what living the faith looks like and how we can be Christ to others at school, at home, and in our communities. Contact Tom and Brenda Simpson: youth@windsorhillsumc.org
We have a vibrant and active program for youth. It consists of:
WHY (Windsor Hills Youth) – Youth meet monthly on Sunday afternoons at 5 pm to go on outings including: Thunder Valley, Lee-Hi Lanes, Scaremare, confirmation class, and more.
Sunday School – Ages from rising 6th graders through high school. Youth explore what living the faith looks like and how we can be Christ to others at school, at home and in our communities. Donuts are provided.
Adult Ministries
Sunday School
There are 2 Sunday School classes for adults: Sojourners and D.I.G.G. (Delighting in God’s Grace).
Sojourners Class
The Sojourners Class is a diverse group of singles and couples ranging from 60s to 90s. They meet in the Barr None class. Members come from many different Christian backgrounds—some who were raised Methodist and some who were not. They study the quarterly lessons as well as books that deal with topics that Christians struggle with in today’s society. They use the lessons for great discussion and for applying those lessons to their daily lives. Teachers rotate on a regular basis. Contact Ken Briggs for more information: kbriggs916@gmail.com.D.I.G.G. (Delighting in God’s Grace)
The name “DIGG” comes from “Delighting in God’s Grace.” This class meets in the Parlor each Sunday morning. All ages are welcome; members are singles and couples. They study “The Wired Word” publication, which uses current events and relates them to scripture to help them apply it to their own lives. The class is geared toward simplicity. The teacher emails a lesson out each week, but you can just show up and be part of the conversation without feeling you are behind. They are “one and done” type lessons. Contact Dana Gregory at danag323@cox.net.
Connect Group Ministry
Windsor Hills UMC connect groups are available to cultivate friendships both within and outside of our church family. In a church, it’s easy to attend worship services without really getting to know anyone or to make friends. Our connect groups are in place to allow friendship to grow in Christ.
Bojangles Biscuit Club
When: Wednesday mornings at 8:00 am and 9:30 am
Where: Bojangles, 4510 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke
Contact: Ken Briggs, 540-314-9616, kbriggs916@gmail.com
This men’s connect group is divided into two sessions to allow for more to attend. The BBC #1 group is from 8-9 am and BBC #2 is from 9:30-10:30 am. Both clubs study and discuss the “Upper Room” devotional magazine. Breakfast is optional.
M & B Connect Group
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30pm (starting in September)
Where: Mac & Bob’s, 316 E. Main Street, Salem
Contact: Tom Simpson, 540-521-3875, arsontps@yahoo.com
The members have devotions, discuss various Christian topics, and share encouragement and fellowship. Dinner is Dutch treat (in the range of $10-20 depending on what you order.)
Windsor Women
When: 2nd Thursdays at 2 pm
Where: Famous Anthony’s, 4913 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke
Contact: Ann Gillen, 703-919-8648, acgillen@hotmail.com
Windsor Women is a connect group to share in friendship and faith. They study and discuss a devotion, pray, and enjoy one another’s company. You may purchase food if you like but it’s not required.
Zoomers
When: Thursday mornings at 11 am
Where: Online via Zoom
Contact: Dave Benson, 540-797-6046, davebenson2005@gmail.com
The Zoomers connect group shares what is going on in their lives and they read and discuss articles in the “Upper Room” devotional magazine. “We pray, laugh, and cry with each other. We are amazed how we have grown closer to each other through the internet. Even though we are all in a little square on the computer screen, we are all made aware that even though we may be miles apart in body, we are indeed one in the spirit.”
Moms Group
When: 4th Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm
Where: Church Parlor
Contact: Grace Frydenger, 217-800-1317, youngpeople@windsorhillsumc.org
This connect group is designed to be a place for local moms to gain a support network, a space for sharing experiences, offer advice, and build friendships with one another. Tea and coffee are served.
Senior Ministries
The Super Senior Ministry at Windsor Hills UMC offers opportunities to the senior community of the Roanoke, Salem, and Cave Spring areas. It involves a luncheon program running monthly on the 4th Wednesday from late September through late May. We have a delicious lunch followed by a variety of programs (music, guest speakers, special worship opportunities, seasonal, and the annual Bingo game) which are all usually held in Windsor Hall. There is also an annual picnic at the American Legion Post #3 in Salem. The lunches begin at 12:05 pm and the programs begin at 1:00 pm and conclude at 1:30 pm. Contact Don Thrasher at seniors@windsorhillsumc.org.
Windsor Tours
We have also reorganized Windsor Tours which currently focuses on day trips. Contact Judy Green at diehlin1@comcast.net. Come and join us!
Music Ministries
We present a variety of music from traditional to contemporary during our services. At Windsor Hills, we have several opportunities for all ages to be involved regardless of musical background.
Chancel Choir
Meets on Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30pm. Open to youth and adults.Handbell Choir
Meets on Thursday nights from 6:00-6:55pm. Open to youth and adults.Children’s Bells
Special occasions. They meet on Sunday mornings.
We also offer special musical offerings including:
Composer weekends
Special performances by area music groups, like Roanoque Baroque
Contact Karen Jones Harwood, Music Director/Organist, at music@windsorhillsumc.org
Congregational Care
Homebound Visitation Team
The Homebound Visitation Team is a group of caring and compassionate church members who send cards, make calls, and visit our shut-ins and homebound members. Each team member takes 1-2 names on the list and visits them throughout the year.
Rev. Don Thrasher coordinates this ministry: seniors@windsorhillsumc.org
Ministry Partners
Bridge Builders
It all began when a group of friends were discussing how racially segregated our churches are on Sunday mornings. That discussion found its way to two Sunday School classes in 2020, one at Shiloh Baptist Church (The Crusaders) and one at Windsor Hills UMC (The Sojourners). The Sojourners joined the Crusaders class by way of Zoom for their early Sunday morning class and The Crusaders joined the Sojourners class later in the morning. With the success of this interfaith, inter-racial endeavor the group formed the Bridge Builders whose purpose is to promote the call of Jesus Christ to love our neighbors by bridging racial and cultural gaps and building diverse and inclusive worship communities.
Soon other churches joined the group. They promoted many group activities such as tours through a black community in Roanoke that is recovering from the ‘60s redevelopment, Salvation Army bell ringing, Salem Red Cox game, National Day of Prayer breakfast, and a bus trip to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. They have also held several “unity” breakfasts whereby members of the whole community were invited to share their faith through song, scripture, and communion. The last breakfast drew representatives from 15 different churches. The group now also has a Facebook page: Bridge Builders Religious Organization.
God continues to bind these Bridge Builders together with loving friendships. They have witnessed God’s grace and abundant love building bridges together to nurture the bonds of our communities as they follow the call of Jesus Christ to love our neighbors.
Contact Ken Briggs for more information: kbriggs916@gmail.com
Kairos
Kairos Inside is a prison ministry with a mission to develop a Christian community on the inside of a prison. Several members of Windsor Hills UMC serve on a Kairos Team. Members of Windsor Hills UMC offer support by praying and baking cookies for the inmates. The church hosts a series of four Kairos teaming sessions annually in preparation for their visit to the prison.
Contact Richard Lawson for information: r.lawson51@yahoo.com
Therapets
https://www.therapetsroanoke.com/
TheraPets enhances lives and strengthens our community through the healing power of the human-animal bond. As a proud community partner of Pet Partners, we promote the highest standards in animal-assisted interventions by supporting trained volunteers and their therapy animals in providing compassionate care, connection, and comfort wherever we are needed.
TheraPets meets in Windsor Hall on Friday evenings. If interested, please contact Karen Black at blackindy@cox.net
Kids Soar
Kids Soar, a faith-based non-profit, runs an after-school program serving K-5th grade, Monday- Fridays 2-6 pm. It is based on a research-based curriculum used to develop a child’s love of reading. Children in the program will read or have read to them over 800 books in a year.
Contact Candace Hess, Executive Director for information: chess@kidsoar.org