Ministries

There's something for everyone at Vicksburg UMC. From children's and youth programs to inspiring worship to opportunities to make a difference in Vicksburg and around the world, Vicksburg United Methodist Church is for all people. Whether you're a single visiting the area, a student accompanying a friend, a young family settling into your first home, or a mature adult rooted in the heartland for generations, you'll feel welcome at Vicksburg United Methodist Church!

Lay Speaking

Is God calling YOU to be trained to serve Him better?

As a lay servant, you can discern what God is calling you to say and do! God has given you something to say!

Called to Serve

VUMC is a place where you can be trained and equipped to serve others in ministry. VUMC has a very active and growing group of trained lay servants, who would be more than happy to have you join their ranks! Lay Servant Training helps you to become better prepared for ANY leadership role in the church.

Who are Lay Servants?

Lay Servants are members of the congregation at VUMC - lay people - who become servants and teachers of God's word in the church. They may also serve in other leadership roles.

Who can become a Lay Servant?

ANY member of VUMC who feels called to become better trained in speaking and teaching the Word of God can have the opportunity to become a Lay Servant and refine their God-given gifts of speaking and teaching!

Do all Lay Servants have to preach sermons?

No! Some feel called to speaking. Then the pastor asks them to occasionally fill the pulpit in a pastoral absence. But, others feel called to visit the sick, lead education programs, or take on leadership tasks or other roles needed to further our Mission as a church.

What do I have to do to become a Lay Servant?

Well, you're in luck! United Methodism is unique in that is has created an official training and certification program just for Lay People! During this 24-hour training, split between several sessions, you will be taught by a United Methodist Pastor. This course focuses on: Leading, Speaking, and Teaching about God's Word and grace to His people. At the end of this course, participants are consecrated and titled for work as a local church Lay Servant at VUMC! Taking an additional course allows you to be a certified lay servant in other UMC congregations. After training, you will be certified to be a local church lay servant!

If you are interested in becoming a Lay Servant, or have a question or comments on our Lay Servant Program, contact the church office, or pick up a brochure at the welcome center.

Ushers and Greeters

Are you outgoing and friendly? Do you make others feel welcome? The usher/greeter team could be a great place for you to serve. Ushers/greeters at VUMC fill an important role. They are involved in welcoming guests, passing out bulletins, helping visitors, answering questions, collecting the offering, and generally ensuring that the service can proceed problem-free. The usher team is a servant-hearted group of men and women whose ministry is integral to church life.

Caring Ministries

We believe God is calling us to take greater care of our church Family. Caring Ministries does this by:

  • Visit those who have lost loved ones, and bring a rose to them, and then follow up with a very nice set of grief booklets.

  • Visit as many of our shut ins as possible (especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons). Shut-ins can have bulletins and worship service DVDs delivered to them weekly, and send cards are sent to those who are far away.

  • Make prayer shawls, organize meals, and give rides to doctors, grocery stores, and more for to those struggling with health issues.

  • Organize small group activities, dinners and events

  • Host the Welcome Center each Sunday to aid and assist those with questions many brochures are available in regards to events at our church.

  • Provide Coffee Hour before and/or after the church service.

  • We can organize meals for those church families having surgery or health issues.

Visit the church calendar for the next Caring Ministries meeting If you have the gift of giving, we would love to know this in our planning of the following events.