Whitehouse United Methodist Church
Whitehouse TX
75791
Who we are
Our Mission is to Love, Serve and Share Jesus Christ!
Our Purpose is to make learners and followers of Jesus Christ!
Whitehouse UMC is part of The United Methodist Church, a denomination that traces its heritage back to the Methodist religious movement in Great Britain in the 1700s. As United Methodists, we share most beliefs in common with other Christians around the world, while we have a few special emphases that are important to us. Here are some of our important beliefs, plus ways to learn more about Methodism:
As Christians, we believe in:
The Triune God – We worship and serve one God known to the world in three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe God created all things, redeems all things, and sustains all things.
Jesus Christ – We believe Jesus Christ is God-in-the-flesh – the divine Son became human, lived among us, and showed us the fullness of God’s love through his teachings and actions. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death.
The Bible – We believe the Bible is God’s word for us, and it is the foundation of what the Church says about God and how we order our lives as followers of God.
Grace – We believe grace is God’s unconditional love in action, which draws all people to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, forgives us of our sins, and works in us to make us truly whole.
The Church – We believe the Church in every form is the Body of Christ, and is called to take up the work of Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Kingdom – We believe God has inaugurated the reign of God in the lives of those who follow Christ, and we believe that reign will come to a future fulfillment in the victorious return of Christ.
As United Methodists, we have some special emphases:
Growth in Holiness – We believe that God yearns for every person to be in relationship with God through Christ. Once a person enters that relationship through faith, they are redeemed from their sins and welcomed into a new way of living. And that’s not the end of the story! We believe God works in every believer to make us more like Jesus. It’s a process, but we believe this is the work of God’s love within us.
Faith in Action – Our faith is not something lived out in private – a relationship with God changes a person’s entire life! We believe followers of Jesus are called to take up their part in the work of transforming the world to look more like God’s Kingdom.
Whitehouse UMC is part of The United Methodist Church, a denomination that traces its heritage back to the Methodist religious movement in Great Britain in the 1700s. As United Methodists, we share most beliefs in common with other Christians around the world, while we have a few special emphases that are important to us. Here are some of our important beliefs, plus ways to learn more about Methodism:
As Christians, we believe in:
The Triune God – We worship and serve one God known to the world in three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe God created all things, redeems all things, and sustains all things.
Jesus Christ – We believe Jesus Christ is God-in-the-flesh – the divine Son became human, lived among us, and showed us the fullness of God’s love through his teachings and actions. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death.
The Bible – We believe the Bible is God’s word for us, and it is the foundation of what the Church says about God and how we order our lives as followers of God.
The Church – We believe the Church in every form is the Body of Christ, and is called to take up the work of Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Kingdom – We believe God has inaugurated the reign of God in the lives of those who follow Christ, and we believe that reign will come to a future fulfillment in the victorious return of Christ.
As United Methodists, we have some special emphases:
Growth in Holiness – We believe that God yearns for every person to be in relationship with God through Christ. Once a person enters that relationship through faith, they are redeemed from their sins and welcomed into a new way of living. And that’s not the end of the story! We believe God works in every believer to make us more like Jesus. It’s a process, but we believe this is the work of God’s love within us.
Location of worship
405 West Main Street
Whitehouse,
TX
75791
United States
Phone: (903) 839-2173
Click here to contact the church
Church Pastor
Pastor
405 West Main Street
Whitehouse,
TX
75791
United States
Phone: (903) 839-2173
Click here to contact Reverend Trey Burns
Church Website
Whitehouse United Methodist Church on Social Media
Facebook Video: Whitehouse United Methodist Church Facebook Video
Leadership
Leader Name:
Reverend Trey Burns
Leader Position:
Pastor
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Reverend Trey Burns
Leader Bio:
I was born and raised in Bellaire, Texas, on the southwest side of Houston. My eventual career choice perhaps shouldn’t have been a surprise – I was born at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, so I can truly claim to be a Methodist from birth! I attended Bellaire High School (c/o 2009) and Rice University (Hanszen College, c/o 2013; B.A. in History and Psychology), all while attending Bellaire United Methodist Church. I received my Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 2017, and was commissioned as a provisional elder in the Texas Annual Conference that same year. After completing my ministerial residency, I was ordained an elder in full connection in May 2019. My time here at Whitehouse UMC began on July 1, 2019.
Reverend Trey Burns on Social Media:
Parking
We have one parking lot that wraps around our entire building. You can park anywhere you like! All of the doors are open on Sunday morning. Our sanctuary is located at the front of our property along F.M. 346. Our primary fellowship hall (Friendship Hall, where we have most of our meals and parties) is located at the rear end of the building.
Whitehouse United Methodist Church Service Times
Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Fellowship: 10:30-10:45 a.m.
Sunday School: 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Nursery is open 9:15-11:30 a.m.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Our Sunday service will be livestreamed on our Whitehouse UMC Facebook page for those who wish to participate virtually. We can all also seek out God’s grace through engaging in other spiritual practices, such as reading Scripture privately, praying alone or with our loved ones, and fasting.
It's been more than 4 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Fellowship: 10:30-10:45 a.m.
Sunday School: 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Nursery is open 9:15-11:30 a.m.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
Our Sunday service will be livestreamed on our Whitehouse UMC Facebook page for those who wish to participate virtually. We can all also seek out God’s grace through engaging in other spiritual practices, such as reading Scripture privately, praying alone or with our loved ones, and fasting.
It's been more than 4 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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Dress Code
Feel free to wear whatever you like. Some people come to church in full suits and others come in shorts and T-shirts, and everyone else is somewhere in between! What’s important is that you feel comfortable to relax and open yourself up to worshiping God!
Sunday School / Children and Youth Activities
Under 12s:
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Our Children’s ministry at Whitehouse UMC is open to children from age 3 through 5th grade. For information about what we offer for younger children, please visit our nursery page.
All our volunteers in the Children’s department are Safe Sanctuary certified.
Weekly Activities
Sunday School
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:45 on Sunday mornings (after the main worship service). Sunday School classes involve games and crafts and learning activities, all of which are centered around a lesson that teaches our children about God and God’s love for all of us.
Family Ministry Night
Every Wednesday, Whitehouse UMC gathers for Family Ministry Night beginning at 6:00 pm. The evening starts off with time for learning; we have classes children, youth, and adults. The children’s class is open to any child age 3 through 5th grade. After our time of learning, everyone comes together for dinner! It’s a great chance for our families and children to get to know other people at WUMC. If the weather is nice, we usually head outside after dinner for some fun and games!
Summer Opportunities
Church Camp
Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas, District Camp offers an incredible opportunity for youth of all ages to engage one another in their faith walk. This week-long camp is filled with games, worship, bible study, and an opportunity to work with mentors trained to guide students into a deeper relationship with Christ. Lakeview is open to all children who have completed 2nd grade. Anyone can attend any of the four week-long sessions, but we always try to go to one session as a church group. Check with our leaders to see which session we’re going to this year!
Vacation Bible School
Every summer, we offer a VBS program for children up to 5th grade. Kids spend a week learning about the Bible and doing activities that will teach them about God’s love and mercy. Check our church announcements in the spring to learn about this year’s VBS theme and schedule.
Our Children’s ministry at Whitehouse UMC is open to children from age 3 through 5th grade. For information about what we offer for younger children, please visit our nursery page.
All our volunteers in the Children’s department are Safe Sanctuary certified.
Weekly Activities
Sunday School
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:45 on Sunday mornings (after the main worship service). Sunday School classes involve games and crafts and learning activities, all of which are centered around a lesson that teaches our children about God and God’s love for all of us.
Family Ministry Night
Every Wednesday, Whitehouse UMC gathers for Family Ministry Night beginning at 6:00 pm. The evening starts off with time for learning; we have classes children, youth, and adults. The children’s class is open to any child age 3 through 5th grade. After our time of learning, everyone comes together for dinner! It’s a great chance for our families and children to get to know other people at WUMC. If the weather is nice, we usually head outside after dinner for some fun and games!
Summer Opportunities
Church Camp
Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas, District Camp offers an incredible opportunity for youth of all ages to engage one another in their faith walk. This week-long camp is filled with games, worship, bible study, and an opportunity to work with mentors trained to guide students into a deeper relationship with Christ. Lakeview is open to all children who have completed 2nd grade. Anyone can attend any of the four week-long sessions, but we always try to go to one session as a church group. Check with our leaders to see which session we’re going to this year!
Vacation Bible School
Every summer, we offer a VBS program for children up to 5th grade. Kids spend a week learning about the Bible and doing activities that will teach them about God’s love and mercy. Check our church announcements in the spring to learn about this year’s VBS theme and schedule.
Under 18s:
Our youth program at Whitehouse UMC is open to all students in 6th-12th grade. Anyone is welcome to attend. All adult volunteers are Safe Sanctuary certified. Our youth group is led by Keith Schmidt.
Weekly Activities
Sunday School
Youth Sunday School meets at 10:45 on Sunday mornings, after the main worship service. Sunday School is centered around a lesson that encourages our students to grow in their relationship with God and in their understanding of Christian teachings. Outside of lessons and discussions, it’s also a chance to catch up with friends and have some fun!
Family Ministry Night –
Every Wednesday, Whitehouse UMC gathers for Family Ministry Night beginning at 6:00 pm. The evening starts off with Bible study; we have classes for children, youth, and adults. The youth study is open to anyone in the youth age range. After our Bible Study groups are finished, we all get together for dinner! After dinner, the youth (and anyone else who wants to join!) get to play some games! If the weather is nice, we usually go outside for a game of Ga-Ga Ball, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, or Football.
Summer Opportunities
Church Camp – Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas, District Camp offers an incredible opportunity for youth of all ages to engage one another in their faith walk. This week-long camp is filled with games, worship, bible study, and an opportunity to work with mentors trained to guide students into a deeper relationship with Christ. Anyone can attend any of the four week-long sessions, but we always try to go to one session as a church group. Check with Keith to see which session we’re going to this year!
Texas Conference Choir and Worship Arts Camp – This camp (also at Lakeview) provides students an opportunity to draw more closely with Christ and one another through the gift of worship. Course offerings include liturgical dance, sign language, instrumental music, hand bells and choral singing. Additionally, there is an All-State choir track that senior high students can enroll in giving them a head start on the Texas All-State choral audition music.
Big House – Designed for students grades 6th – 8th, this four-day mission driven camp gives students an opportunity to engage with the community around them while working with youth groups from other churches. Students participate in neighborhood restoration and small building projects for community members needing assistance. Check with Keith to find out about this year’s trip!
UMARMY – Designed for students in grades 9-12, this week-long mission camp builds on what the students learned through Big House. Students spend a week working in a Texas community to assist those in need alongside youth groups from other churches. From building wheelchair ramps and decks, to painting and yard maintenance, students learn how to be a blessing to those in need and discover they are the ones truly blessed.
Weekly Activities
Sunday School
Youth Sunday School meets at 10:45 on Sunday mornings, after the main worship service. Sunday School is centered around a lesson that encourages our students to grow in their relationship with God and in their understanding of Christian teachings. Outside of lessons and discussions, it’s also a chance to catch up with friends and have some fun!
Family Ministry Night –
Every Wednesday, Whitehouse UMC gathers for Family Ministry Night beginning at 6:00 pm. The evening starts off with Bible study; we have classes for children, youth, and adults. The youth study is open to anyone in the youth age range. After our Bible Study groups are finished, we all get together for dinner! After dinner, the youth (and anyone else who wants to join!) get to play some games! If the weather is nice, we usually go outside for a game of Ga-Ga Ball, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, or Football.
Summer Opportunities
Church Camp – Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas, District Camp offers an incredible opportunity for youth of all ages to engage one another in their faith walk. This week-long camp is filled with games, worship, bible study, and an opportunity to work with mentors trained to guide students into a deeper relationship with Christ. Anyone can attend any of the four week-long sessions, but we always try to go to one session as a church group. Check with Keith to see which session we’re going to this year!
Texas Conference Choir and Worship Arts Camp – This camp (also at Lakeview) provides students an opportunity to draw more closely with Christ and one another through the gift of worship. Course offerings include liturgical dance, sign language, instrumental music, hand bells and choral singing. Additionally, there is an All-State choir track that senior high students can enroll in giving them a head start on the Texas All-State choral audition music.
Big House – Designed for students grades 6th – 8th, this four-day mission driven camp gives students an opportunity to engage with the community around them while working with youth groups from other churches. Students participate in neighborhood restoration and small building projects for community members needing assistance. Check with Keith to find out about this year’s trip!
UMARMY – Designed for students in grades 9-12, this week-long mission camp builds on what the students learned through Big House. Students spend a week working in a Texas community to assist those in need alongside youth groups from other churches. From building wheelchair ramps and decks, to painting and yard maintenance, students learn how to be a blessing to those in need and discover they are the ones truly blessed.
Special Needs/Accessibility
All of the entrances at our church are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and sidewalks connecting the parking lot to the church. Handicap parking spots are located at various places in the parking lot. We have accessible restrooms located near our worship space and all of our fellowship halls.
Other information
Whitehouse United Methodist Church History
Origins
The United Methodist Church of Whitehouse was organized as The Methodist Episcopal Church South, between the years 1845-49. It first met in a slab building, the first to be built, located where the present Middle School building stands. An immigrant family brought some whitewash with them and donated it for the beautification of this building. This was the meeting place for business meetings, social gatherings, school classes and church services.
Shirley Terry Smith’s book, “Whitehouse, Texas: 1840-60,” is the only known source for historical data. It reflects that Reverend Caleb Smith, a pioneer Methodist preacher in East Texas, preached in this building, and also served the folks at Bascom, organizing a church there in 1857. It became customary to refer to this building as “the white house,” and soon the community itself was known as “Whitehouse.”
1848 - 1868
The next public building erected was a Methodist Church. This was a log building built in 1848. Charter members were Philip and Mirandy Killingsworth, Anderson and Nancy Lee Burns, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Rhone, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Butler. The first church building was 16 x 25 feet, built on logs, two panels to the side. It was tied with pegs in the center, with two shutter windows on each side and one window in the north end. A board door served as the south entrance.
1868 - 1925
A new white frame church with a bell tower was erected in 1868 and was in use until 1925, when a new church building was constructed at Highway 110 and FM 346.
1971 - present
In 1971, seven acres of land were purchased on FM 346 for the purpose of building a new church plant and parsonage. The present Sanctuary was built on this property in 1975. The Activity Building was added in 1977, and the Education Building in 1980. In 1987, the second floor of the Education Building was completed, adding some much-needed classroom space.
As our church continues to build toward the future, we are ever mindful of our statement of purpose adopted in 1986: “The purpose of Whitehouse United Methodist Church is to glorify God by meeting the needs of the congregation and community though fellowship, service, and worship and by equipping one another for ministry though the proclamation and teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” So to all who stand in the need of the grace of our Lord, we welcome with open arms, open hearts and open minds! Come… and join the family!
The United Methodist Church of Whitehouse was organized as The Methodist Episcopal Church South, between the years 1845-49. It first met in a slab building, the first to be built, located where the present Middle School building stands. An immigrant family brought some whitewash with them and donated it for the beautification of this building. This was the meeting place for business meetings, social gatherings, school classes and church services.
Shirley Terry Smith’s book, “Whitehouse, Texas: 1840-60,” is the only known source for historical data. It reflects that Reverend Caleb Smith, a pioneer Methodist preacher in East Texas, preached in this building, and also served the folks at Bascom, organizing a church there in 1857. It became customary to refer to this building as “the white house,” and soon the community itself was known as “Whitehouse.”
The next public building erected was a Methodist Church. This was a log building built in 1848. Charter members were Philip and Mirandy Killingsworth, Anderson and Nancy Lee Burns, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Rhone, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Butler. The first church building was 16 x 25 feet, built on logs, two panels to the side. It was tied with pegs in the center, with two shutter windows on each side and one window in the north end. A board door served as the south entrance.
1868 - 1925
A new white frame church with a bell tower was erected in 1868 and was in use until 1925, when a new church building was constructed at Highway 110 and FM 346.
1971 - present
In 1971, seven acres of land were purchased on FM 346 for the purpose of building a new church plant and parsonage. The present Sanctuary was built on this property in 1975. The Activity Building was added in 1977, and the Education Building in 1980. In 1987, the second floor of the Education Building was completed, adding some much-needed classroom space.
As our church continues to build toward the future, we are ever mindful of our statement of purpose adopted in 1986: “The purpose of Whitehouse United Methodist Church is to glorify God by meeting the needs of the congregation and community though fellowship, service, and worship and by equipping one another for ministry though the proclamation and teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” So to all who stand in the need of the grace of our Lord, we welcome with open arms, open hearts and open minds! Come… and join the family!
Teach me
Teach me, O God, to use all the circumstances of my life to-day that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin. Let me use disappointment as material for patience: Let me use success as material for thankfulness: Let me use suspence as material for perseverance: Let me use danger as material for courage: Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering: Let me use praise as material for humility: Let me use pleasures as material for temperance: Let me use pains as material for endurance.
Whitehouse United Methodist Church listing was last updated on the 5th of April, 2020
