Welcome to Sherwood Forest UMC!
Our Mission & Vision
Our vision…
is to connect people to faith and each other through worship, fellowship and service with God’s love.
Our mission…
loving and serving all people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Our Worship Bulletin and Sermons
Watch our previous sermons!
“Apocryphal: Rededication”
Scripture: 2 Maccabees 25:1-4a
This week we continue our series on the Apocrypha, a series of books that did not make it in our Protestant Bibles. Specifically this week, the book of Maccabees provides a lot of context for 400 years of the rise and fall of empires, and the fall of Jerusalem. After the Judeans were able to retake the temple that was violated by the Greeks, they rededicated the temple to God. This rededication celebrates how light triumphs darkness, literally and metaphorically. This celebration is fueled with people who are dedicated to God and have lived into the hope of God. What are you dedicated to? What is the most important thing in your life?
Watch our previous sermons!
Apocryphal: Prayer of Manasseh
Scripture: Prayer of Manasseh
This Sunday we continue with our series on the Apocrypha. In today’s text we hear about the story and confessions of Manasseh. Manasseh was one of Judah’s worst kings, undoing his father’s legacy, who was Hezekiah. Manasseh repented from his ways. The word “repent” in Hebrew is actually means to turn. How is God calling us to turn? The good news of the gospel is that God is forgiving, loving, and leads us to abundance.
Our Church History
Sherwood Forest United Methodist Church was formed by the merger of Burkhead United Methodist Church and Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on July 1st, 2024. Both churches recognized that we are stronger and can accomplish more together. We take inspiration from Psalm 133:1, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.” We took the name “Sherwood Forest” to highlight that we are a new congregation. Sherwood Forest is the name of the neighborhood we are located in and we want to be in service and relationship with the community around us. We are still actively figuring out how to best be in ministry together. We welcome you into our fellowship and we would love for you to be a part of determining our new direction. The mission of the United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” and there are countless ways to live this out in the world. We look forward to the continued leading of the Holy Spirit as we anticipate a bright future together.
For Our Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do United Methodists believe?
As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church family, we follow a set of Bible-based, God inspired beliefs set forth by our denomination. To learn more about our beliefs, CLICK HERE.
Where should I park? Is there handicapped parking available?
To reach Sherwood Forest UMC, we suggest turning onto Yorkshire Rd from Silas Creek Parkway at the intersection. Once you have turned right, follow the road until you see Pennington Lane, turn right onto Pennington Lane. Almost immediately turn left on Downing Rd NW, and then turn immediately right onto Pensby Rd NW. Once on Pensby Rd, you will turn left into the church parking lot where you find general parking, including handicapped parking.
What should I expect?
Our worship services are more reflective of a traditional service with a focus on creative elements, such as weekly anthems from the Sherwood Forest Vocal Choir and a contemporary song played during the offertory. In addition, with the focus on creativity, Pastor Ben often paints in worship and offers original art to show God’s multidimensionality. During the Christmas Season, Sherwood Forest has a Chime Choir to celebrate the season.
Do you serve Communion?
Yes, we serve communion on the first Sunday of every month. We also serve communion during special events such as Christmas.
What should I wear?
Sherwood Forest UMC is welcoming to all people, so please wear what you are comfortable with. Our congregation usually dresses in business casual attire.
Is Sherwood Forest UMC a Safe Sanctuary?
Yes, we have some that are trained in Safe Sanctuary that are on standby each Sunday if the need arises.
Is there Sunday School?
Yes! Our Sunday School classes begin at 9:15am every Sunday morning.
Adult Sunday School class information: There are two classes, and both now meet at 9:15 am. You are welcome to visit one class for a week or two, and then try out the other, to see which one suits your interest.
The Seekers class meets down the long hall, near the Hamilton-Davis (soon to be the choir) room. Next Sunday, we will begin a 6-week study called, “Reckless Love: Jesus’ Call to Love Our Neighbor,” by Tom Berlin. Each lesson will being with a video (ranging in length from 8:32 to 11:15) by the author, followed by discussion led by the teacher-of-the-week (6 of us share the responsibility).
The New Beginnings class meets in the parlor, and Durwood Howell is the teacher. I’ll let him give info about the current lesson materials.
We’d love for you to visit either class!
Is there Children's Church or a Nursery?
There is a nursery available for anyone who needs it.
Is the church available for events (i.e., weddings, funerals, etc.)?
Please contact the pastor for information about weddings and funerals. We have a large sanctuary space, a large informal gathering space, and (coming soon) a more intimate chapel space.
We have the goal of enriching our community by hosting diverse musical offerings throughout the year. If you would be interested in performing in our space for the community, please contact the church office.
How do I join the church?
If you are interested in joining, we would love to welcome you into membership. Just let the pastor know, and we will arrange for a New Member Sunday as well as answer any questions you may have.
Who We Are
Meet Our Staff/Pastor
Rev. Ben Sloan
Pastor
Ben grew up in South Carolina, and has since lived in Texas, Washington, DC, and Nicaragua. Ben has served churches in Albemarle and Concord, NC. He loves art, music, the outdoors, and running. He is married and has two daughters. Since coming to Winston-Salem they have been certified as a Foster Care Family through Crossnore and have been fostering actively. He hopes you’ll come to Sherwood Forest UMC and he will have the chance to get to know you as well!
Sophia Carter
Secretary and Office Administrator
Sophia is from Cherryville, NC and a recent graduate of High Point University. She acquired a B.S. in Psychology and pursued the pre-medical track there. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Divinity degree at Wake Forest University. In the future she would love to combine her deep love for Christ and passion for psychology in her chosen profession. She is currently pursuing the track of ordination for in PC-USA tradition. She would also love to be a Spiritual Director. She is always trying to learn more about Christ, the world, others, and herself. Through this learning she strives to adopt the compassionate eyes of Christ. Her other passions include art and spending time with people that she loves.
Darlene Davis
Financial & Membership Administrator
Darlene began working in church administration in 2010. A lifelong United Methodist, she is a member at Brookstown UMC. Born in Asheville, NC, Darlene grew up in the Winston-Salem area. She now lives in Lewisville with her husband, Mark. They are very proud of their family – daughter Kaila Parrish, son-in-law Chad Parrish, granddaughter Addison Lee Parrish, daughter Kendra Rosales and son-in-law Jason Rosales. Their family wouldn’t be complete without their various adopted and foster fur babies. She spends her free time gardening, spending time with family and enjoying the great outdoors. Darlene graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in education. To further her knowledge of the church and its administration, she attended the course taught by the General Council on Finance and Administration and received her national certification by the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries July 2013. She enjoys working with the members, friends and staff at Sherwood Forest UMC.
Guy Keplin
Musician and AV Specialist and Sexton
Born in Wisconsin, Guy began a diverse musical career studying trombone, piano, composition, and theory. He played in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony, All-State Bands, and Project Create Percussion Ensemble. Early experiences took him to Europe, Carnegie Hall, Interlochen Arts Camp, and the Rose Parade. Kelpin received his bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and Composition from Illinois Wesleyan University. During college, his summers were spent performing throughout the U.S. and Japan and at the Aspen Music Festival. Guy then earned two master’s degrees from UNC-School of the Arts: Film Music (2001) and Trombone Performance (2005). In the summer of 2004, he played in the Dublin Festival Orchestra (Ireland) and Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific (British Columbia). Kelpin began playing bass in Winston Salem, broadening his musical spectrum to include bluegrass, jazz, and hard rock. He plays regularly with jazz ensembles and theater companies, as well as classical ensembles throughout the Triad. Guy has been a member of the Piedmont Wind Symphony since 1999 serving as Principal Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Electric and String Bass, and is currently the ensemble’s Operations Manager. As an instructor, Mr. Kelpin has taught private lessons since 1995 and coaches wind, string, choral, and jazz groups. The summer of 2009, Guy stepped further into music education than he ever thought he would, working with 3-5 year
olds! Kelpin has given demonstrations and performances at each Forsyth County school, working with the Little Symphony and Giannini Brass “Under the Big Top.” Many students know him as “Mr. Guy.” For the 2011 season, Guy served as a Teaching Artist with the UNC-School of the Arts Open Dream Ensemble and has been a music instructor at Forsyth Country Day School since 2008. He is a music director at Burkhead United Methodist and plays keyboards with the beach band, Twin City Band. Outside of music, Guy’s interests include astronomy, the outdoors, home-improvement, history, and spending time with his wife Abby, daughter Alice and son Paul.
Donna Cooke
Director of Worship Arts and Organist
Donna Cooke earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Westminster College and a Master of Arts Degree from Radford University, both with a concentration in organ and music history.
In her early career, she taught in the Pennsbury Schools near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia and at Southside Virginia Community College in South Hill, Virginia.
After moving to Mt. Airy, North Carolina, she began her career as a church musician, serving Central United Methodist Church. Her position as Organist and Director of Music Ministries included two children’s vocal choirs, an upper elementary chime choir, a youth girls vocal ensemble, a youth handbell choir, the adult Chancel Choir and Bellisima Ringers.
The United Methodist Church then afforded another career opportunity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She became the Director of Age Level Ministries and Resource Coordinator for the Winston-Salem District of the UMC. Programming included working with Christian Educators, Youth Directors and Older Adult Coordinators for cooperative multi-church events and training. She also maintained the Resource Library for the district to provide materials, in particular, for smaller churches.
As the WNCC reorganized, the Yadkin Valley District was formed and Donna transitioned to become the Congregational Vitality Strategist for that district. Returning to her roots as a church musician, she soon after became Director of Traditional Worship Arts at Mt. Tabor UMC, Robinhood Road. Ensembles there included youth and adult handbells choirs and the Chancel Choir. She was responsible for children’s music staff, as well as volunteers in youth orchestra, liturgical dance and coordination of visual art by laity in the gallery space. She retired from full time work in June of 2019.
She currently is Organist and Director of Worship Arts at Sherwood Forest UMC, Winston-Salem, a new church plant.