What is Boulevard United Methodist Church?

An urban Methodist church community in Richmond, Virginia, now part of a thriving collaboration called Common Table. Together we follow Jesus as we gather, give, pray, serve, and share. Our vision is extending God’s table to build a loving and equitable Richmond.

What is “Methodist”?

The United Methodist Church (UMC) is the largest mainline denomination in the United States. We grew out of a church reform movement that caught fire in the 18th century Church of England. Today, the best of Methodism holds tough things together for a more whole faith: head and heart, personal and social holiness, tradition and innovation, ancient and new.

What is worship like?

We gather as Common Table for worship on Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m., and we celebrate sacraments — practices that reveal the holy in the everyday (in particular, baptism and communion).

In our worship, ancient ritual meets fresh expression. We celebrate communion every week; our people bake gluten-free, vegan bread, and it’s delicious. We sing a lot: praise songs, laments, hymns, folk melodies, spirituals, and tunes from the church around the world. We read scripture and tell stories and light candles and share life together. It’s beautiful.

What should I wear?

You will see some people casual as can be. You will see some people dressed up. Wear what makes you comfortable.

Is there childcare?

Yes! On Sunday mornings, we provide care for nursery age, pre-school, and elementary kids. We also encourage kids’ participation in worship: we know that kids are kids, and kids are welcome.

Where can I park?

You can park along S Harrison St behind our building, or in the small parking lot in front (accessed on Winder St. at the intersection with S Randolph St).

What about social issues?

The Methodist Church voted to extend full clergy rights to women on May 4, 1956. At Common Table, over 50% of our lay leadership is women.

The United Methodist Church at large has not (yet) been so affirming of our LGBTQ+ siblings. At Common Table, however, our congregation affirmed our reconciling statement to become a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network on November 13, 2022. Together, we grieve the broader UMC’s position denying ordination and marriage to LGBTQ+ persons, and we are working and praying for change. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ persons are affirmed and embraced in our community, where we believe we are all richer for being in communion with one another.

Does this mean you’re political?

Sort of. We definitely care about policies that shape our world. That said, our faith community is not partisan: you won’t hear a political party endorsed from the pulpit (not least because we don’t have a pulpit). We just believe that scripture and tradition speak to our present moment—even our present political moment. We recognize God’s affirmation of the marginalized and we strive to join in the gospel work of lifting up the lowly. We also work to equip our members to bring their own faith commitments to bear on their action for faithful policies in the world.