About Thrasher UMC
Our History
Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church is named after Paul and Sallie Thrasher. Paul and Sallie had a passionate experience of Jesus in the Bonsack area of Roanoke in the 1700’s and wanted to bring that excitement and passion to Vinton. Since then, people have come to Thrasher to experience the love of Christ. At Thrasher, we are empowered through worship and study to share that passion with others in our community and world. You will experience excitement in whichever worship service, activity or class you attend. Our passion is to share the love of Christ with the you and the world, and to make a difference in our community and the world.
“In 1801, Paul and Sallie Thrasher were in their early twenties, when they married and were converted at a revival meeting in Bonsack, Virginia. The Methodist movement was sweeping across new America, and this young couple decided to settle and carry the Gospel message to a small rural area in what is known today as Vinton, Virginia. At that time, the town was not called Vinton, but Gish’s Mill, and Roanoke City was known as Big Lick because of a large salt deposit used by the local inhabitants such as the Indians who were ever present. Times were difficult and challenging to these newcomers to the area.
Paul and Sallie were children during the time in history when George Washington became the first President of the United States and a new century was unfolding. When Sallie and Paul were married, Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, was President. Two hundred years have passed, and the early wooden house in which the Thrashers lived and ministered has long since disappeared. But from that humble dwelling the stage was set, and from it grew Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, which sits proudly overlooking the surrounding area where these two young visionaries started their ministry.”
~Reflection from Jim Holloman, Pastor Emeritus.
Our Beliefs
Please see the beliefs of The United Methodist Church found here: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe
Our Pastor
Pastor John Hemming
Lead Pastor
I love Jesus and people. Practicing spiritual disciplines (prayer, worship, small groups, mission, fasting, reading the Bible) are vital to my well-being. I truly enjoy spending time with Christ and teaching others to do the same. God’s love is life-transforming. It is a joy to share that reality with my words and actions. I am blessed to serve Thrasher Memorial UMC. Praise God for the opportunity to share in ministry with the people at Thrasher. God is working in this place and I am excited to plug into the church and the Vinton community.
Karen and I were married in July 2002 and we are blessed with three children – Luke, Aaron, and Anna. Karen and I met at William & Mary, falling in love with each other and the Williamsburg area. After graduation, I worked as a Defense Contractor in Northern Virginia for five years. During that time, Christ called me to attend seminary and become a pastor. I graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in December 2007. My first appointment as a pastor happened in the summer of 2008. For four years, I served as the Associate Pastor at Cave Spring UMC. In 2012, I was appointed to Powhatan UMC, serving from 2012-2019. Prior to my appointment to Thrasher, I served Culpeper UMC from 2019-2022.
I look forward to connecting with you at church and in the community.
Lord Bless,
Pastor John
Our Staff
Cindy Gibson
Nursery Staff
