Work At thrasher
Director of Youth Ministries
Is Christ calling you to engage with Youth? Thrasher UMC is prayerfully seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministries. This position is not just a job but a calling – an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Youth and their families. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Thrasher UMC at office@thrasherumc.org
Posted 9/3/26
About Thrasher UMC
We have a heart for others
At Thrasher, we have a desire to serve and support others across many aspects of faith and life. From free community dinners to hosting recovery programs to our community partnerships, we aim to live out the love of Jesus in everything we do.
We are involved in the church
Through Thrasher’s Preschool and by supporting Scouting, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Feeding Southwest Virginia, Night to Shine, and many other groups that use our building as a ministry center.
We are involved in the community
Through the Roanoke Rescue Mission, a partnership with Herman L. Horn Elementary School, The Presbyterian Community Center, Appalachia Service Project and many more.
We are involved in the nation and the world
We support United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its disaster relief programs at home and abroad. Our United Women of Faith (UMF) group supports “Kits for Conference,” providing affected persons with supply kits to help them as they strive to rebuild and restart their lives.
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.
what we believe
For more on the beliefs of The United Methodist Church found here: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe
The Foundations
- The Bible is our main source of Christian beliefs. It tells us about God’s love and teachings through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
- We learn from Christian traditions – but always compare them to the Bible.
- We look at our personal and group experiences to confirm God’s love and forgiveness.
- We use reason to understand the Bible, share our faith clearly, and ask questions about God.
Growing in God's Love
We believe God continues to help us grow in love and knowledge of Him and our neighbors. This growth is called Sanctification and Purification.
One Church
Like other Christians around the world, we share the belief that there is one Church in Christ Jesus. We become part of this global community through Baptism and Holy Communion.
God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
For centuries, Christians have attempted to explain the Holy Trinity—the presence of God in three persons. It’s one of the mysteries of faith. This truth is conveyed throughout the Bible, which reflects our core beliefs.
- The Father: We believe in one God who created everything and cares for all people.
- The Son: We believe Jesus shows us God’s love and teaches us how to live. Through His willingness to sacrifice Himself on the cross and His resurrection from the dead three days later, we are forgiven of our sins and brought closer to God.
- The Holy Spirit: We believe God’s love works in our lives through the Holy Spirit, comforting and guiding us.
Faith and Good Works
We believe faith is necessary for salvation and that good works follow. Through good works, all can see evidence of true faith in Jesus Christ and His love for all people.
Service to the World
Our church works to create peace and justice throughout the world today as part of our faith.
God's Grace
God’s grace is His loving action toward us through the Holy Spirit. He invites us to choose Him, and the way of living like Jesus did when He lived on Earth among people. The Holy Spirit is always present, helping and guiding us, even in difficult times.
Becoming a Christian
When we accept God’s forgiveness, we become part of God’s family in the global Church. This acceptance is often called “conversion” and can be sudden or gradual.
Sacraments
We have two special ceremonies (or sacraments): Baptism and Communion.
- Baptism: People of all ages can be baptized. It means they are becoming part of the Church. You do not need to be baptized again if you have been baptized before. Contact Pastor Will if you have questions or would like to be baptized.
- Communion: In Communion we remember Jesus’ suffering and death. All are welcome to take part in Communion. You do not need to be a member of Rocky Mount UMC or any church—you only need to accept Jesus Christ’s invitation to follow Him and repent of your sins. We celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of every month during the worship service and at special services throughout the year. Come to the table!
The United Methodist Church
We are part of a worldwide Methodist family with millions of members. Everyone is welcome to attend our services, receive Communion, be baptized, and become a local church member. You can learn more about the people that make up the United Methodist Church here. If you want to know more about becoming a member of Rocky Mount UMC, contact Pastor Will.