Discovery United Methodist Church
Richmond
VA

23233

Discovery United Methodist Church, Richmond, Virginia, United States
2023 Christmas tunes - Henrico Concert Band at Discovery
2022 Easter Celebration
2021 Gather: Youth Night of Worship

Who we are

Our Vision

Helping people discover more about life & faith through worship, relationships, and community

Street Address

13000 Gayton Road
Henrico
Richmond, VA 23233
United States
Phone: (804) 360-4442

Download Discovery United Methodist Church vCard with Service Times


Church Pastor

Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder
Lead Pastor
13000 Gayton Road
Henrico
Richmond, VA 23233
United States
Phone: (804) 360-4442

Download Lead Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder vCard with Bio


Quote of the Day

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

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Discovery United Methodist Church Richmond on YouTube




Leadership

Leader Name:
Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder
Leader Position:
Lead Pastor
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Leader Bio:
Adam grew up in Blacksburg, VA, where in high school he met his future wife Sandy. Sandy is the payroll manager at Owens and Minor and sings soprano in the Richmond Choral Society. They have two teenagers, Teddy and Henry, and an adult daughter, Samantha.

Adam is a graduate of Radford University and Wesley Theological Seminary. He studied in Cambridge, England for his doctorate. Adam serves as the Cluster Leader for the West End Cluster of United Methodist Churches in the Three Notch’d District. He has been featured on podcasts and workshops talking about the intersection of faith and the digital market cross of today.

Adam likes a good book, walks with his dog, bodyboarding, and video games. He’s also the founder of Methodist Gaming a digital ministry of presence on Twitch and throughout social media with the tagline “The World is Our Stream.
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Discovery United Methodist Church Leadership Photos

Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder


Administration

Admin Name:
Cathleen Smith
Admin Position:
Financial Secretary
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Mailing Address

P.O. Box 29783
Henrico, VA
23242



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Discovery United Methodist Church - 13000 Gayton Road Henrico, Richmond, VA
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Discovery United Methodist Church Richmond Service Times

Sunday 9:00 am - Discovery Traditions Service
The clergy wear robes. The music focuses on hymns. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.

Sunday 10:30 am - Discovery Modern Service
A relaxed service where the music is led by the band. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. The Children's Gathering takes place during this time.

Service Times last updated on the 20th of July, 2024


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Discovery United Methodist Church Photo Gallery

Discovery United Methodist Church, Richmond, Virginia, United States
2023 Christmas tunes - Henrico Concert Band at Discovery
2022 Easter Celebration
2021 Gather: Youth Night of Worship



Discovery United Methodist Church History

Founded by Dr. Jim and Avis Lavender in 1983, Discovery United Methodist Church has always been a place for people to gather for worship, relationships, and community. The first services took place in a vast field, sometimes on hay bails or under a tent, then we moved into a trailer, and now, we are in our beautifully modern yet traditional sanctuary. Whether it be the field where we first invited neighbors for ice cream under pine trees or standing beneath the iconic steeple today serving hot dogs to neighbors, Discovery has never stopped serving people and living out our mission. As we grow, we remain steadfast to our mission to reach the poor and the poor in spirit with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

When Dr. Jim Lavender retired in 2016, Rev. Ed. Pruit served as the interim pastor for a time, until July 2017, when Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder was appointed as the lead pastor of Discovery. Adam brought with him the vision of Worship, Relationships, and Community, and a season of spiritual and physical plant revitalization. Under his leadership, Discovery is now mortgage-free and is partnering with the community and digital world around us more than ever.

The church continues to innovate its way to be a source of relevance in the greater Richmond region and worldwide with a commitment to faithfully follow the Wesleyan Traditions and Beliefs.

Our talented clergy team members from the past also include Rev. Dean Pittman, Rev. Jay Carey, Rev. Sandra Bottoms, Rev. Pam Anderson, and Rev. Hannah Bryn.


Discovery United Methodist Church Historical Photos




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