WESTHAMPTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
About Us
Westhampton UMC in Richmond, Virginia is an intergenerational, youth-centered family church. We celebrated our 95th anniversary in 2019.
OUR MISSION & VISION
The mission of the UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
At Westhampton UMC, we are committed to putting our faith into action, transforming young learners into confident Christians and enriching the lives of those we encounter.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with God, others, and our created world.
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John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
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At WUMC, we have a strong focus on children and families as well as on older adults. We emphasize growing in our faith through Christian education and service.
ABOUT WUMC
On November 9, 1924, the Westhampton Methodist Church was officially organized. The first services were held in a large tent erected on a lot adjacent to the Masonic building during the summer of 1925.
The congregation began to worship in its first sanctuary in September 1939, with the current sanctuary being built during the 1950's. The Christian Education building was added between 1953 and 1967.
The primary mission outreach of WUMC in our community is the Westhampton Day School. Since its opening in 1953, WDS has been an active part of the Westhampton community. The nationally accredited and award-winning school now provides a full-day curriculum for 180 students and employs more than 40 dedicated educators.
A Message from the Congregation
This short video, narrated by members of the congregation, touches briefly on the church's past and illustrates the many things that continue to make WUMC a warm, welcoming place. It truly is an inviting, uniting and thriving congregation.
About Reverend Christy Haga Turner
Beginning in July 2009, Christy began her ministry as the Pastor of Westhampton UMC. Christy joined Westhampton after serving 7 years as Associate Pastor of Bon Air UMC, in Richmond.
Christy is a native of Virginia, spending her childhood years in West Point, and her college years in Fredericksburg, where she attended the University of Mary Washington (formerly Mary Washington College) receiving a BS in Chemistry. She is a life-long United Methodist, with a family history of pastors. After college, she moved to Richmond and was an active member of Reveille UMC, which is where she discerned her call to ministry.
She attended seminary and received her Master of Divinity from The Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, Christy enjoyed her work as the Youth Director at Peachtree Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She also served as a Chaplain Resident at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where she met her husband. Christy is married to Dr. David Turner, who is a Baptist minister serving Central Baptist Church in Richmond. They have two sons.
Christy enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and hanging out with friends. Christy feels that building relationships within a community of faith is essential for growing as mature disciples of Jesus Christ.
Christy's favorite parts of ministry include Passionate Worship and Congregational Care. She is committed to a worship experience which first and foremost glorifies God, and is also meaningful and relevant to our everyday lives. Through Congregational Care she seeks to make sure that all persons in the church are cared for in ways that are spiritually renewing for them.
Please feel free to contact her to introduce yourself. Christy would love to share a cup of coffee or meet you for lunch to get to know you in person.
About Reverend Aaron Miller (projected to begin July 1, 2024)
Reverend Aaron Miller is projected to join Westhampton UMC in July 2024 after serving Trinity UMC, Richmond for five years as a music director. In 2023, Aaron began serving Trinity as an Associate Pastor, as well, preaching regularly and providing an additional pastoral presence in the life of the church.
Aaron will graduate from Wesley Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in May 2024. Aaron has over 15 years of ministry experience, serving several United Methodist congregations as a music director, worship leader, communications director, and class leader.
Having a love for timeless hymns and spiritual songs, both ancient and modern, Aaron has enjoyed leading music and congregational song in traditional, contemporary, and blended settings. Prior to responding to his call to ministry, Aaron studied music at the North Carolina School of the Arts and Georgia State University. He also holds a BA in History from Columbia College.
Aaron is married to Brandy, who works for a non-profit organization that focuses on vocational rehabilitation and training. Brandy has also trained in spiritual direction as a part of her unique calling to ministry.
Aaron and Brandy have four children: their young-adult daughter (22) and son (19), who live and work in Atlanta; their daughter (15) in high school; and their baby boy, who will soon celebrate his second birthday.
Aaron is inspired by the great commandment to love God and to love people, and the great commission to offer Christ to one and all. He is passionate about worship, intentional discipleship and spiritual practices, and the joys of Christian fellowship and community life. He and his family look forward to joining the Westhampton family, as the church enters its second century of fruitful ministry and abundant life together.
