Fellowship UMC members hold outreach, compassion as priorities

MADISON – From its inception, Fellowship United Methodist Church set its goal to model Christ’s example: “For even the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10: 45.

“Many of our members have been United Methodists for years — some from families with generations of Methodist believers,” Rev. Holly Woodall said. “Fellowship was formed in 2022 by a deeply faithful group who wanted to establish a United Methodist presence with a traditional worship experience in the Madison area.

Most people refer to Woodall as ‘Pastor Holly.’

“We are well-named — faith, friendship and fellowship are at the heart of our lives,” Woodall said. “Our goal is to create a church where everyone is welcome and where helping others is an essential part of our mission.”

Currently, Fellowship meets on Sundays at 3 p.m. at Heritage Church, 29768 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road. “Our worship style is more traditional, so we would appeal strongly to people of any age seeking the comfortable, familiar hymns and worship,” Woodall said.

“While our meeting time is non-traditional, our worship is full of comforting, familiar elements many of us experienced as children,” Woodall said. Examples are the Apostle’s Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Holy Communion monthly and great hymns, like “Amazing Grace” and “Because He Lives.”

Worship focuses on a deep exploration of God’s word. Each week, the congregation examines scripture closely to see what new things God may be revealing. “Pastor Holly squeezes more from Bible passages than any preacher I’ve ever been around,” one member said.

Fellowship members believe that one of the most sacred actions for a church is to serve the community. “We also have a vibrant mission focused on working with several organizations in Madison and beyond to help people who are struggling,” Woodall said.

Fellowship has a tremendous presence in Madison County and offers care to many, as their mission projects show:

• Eighth Street Community – Providing food and supplies, along with Christmas stockings and Easter dinner, to a residential community of adults with disabilities.

• Project Cherkasy – Collecting clothing and wound supplies for Ukraine.

• Heritage Food Pantry – Donating non-perishable items monthly to Heritage Church.

• Let’s Make a Difference – Providing baked goods and fruit to Madison police, firefighters and first-responders.

• School Backpacks – Supplying Madison City School students with a backpack, school tools and new clothing.

• United Methodist Committee on Relief or UMCOR Warehouse – Giving supplies and volunteering monthly with first-responders who quickly activate for worldwide natural disasters.

• One Generation Away – Distributing free food to in-need individuals.

• Shower Up – Assembling shower bags for homeless citizens.

• Kids to Love – Volunteering at their warehouse. Collecting clothing and toys.

• Clearview Cancer Institute – Providing care bags to patients receiving treatment. A dedicated, close-knit group, the congregation welcomes visitors and new members. “We recently launched ‘FAM’ or Fellowship Assisting Members, a program for members to pair their talents with other members’ needs. This includes acts of service, such as sending get-well cards, changing lightbulbs and providing transportation to medical appointments,” Woodall said.

Woodall is handling the ministerial duties. Part-time employee Jennifer Salter is pianist. Katherine Imsand volunteers as Worship Director.

Fellowship is affiliated with the United Methodist Church’s North Alabama Conference. “I was appointed in July 2024. I’m closing in on my one-year anniversary!” Woodall said.

Originally from Moulton, Woodall earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama Huntsville. She has served as a minister since 2013. “As a pastor, there’s nothing I love more than preaching God’s word. I also strongly believe that the church has a sacred job to protect, nourish and uplift people at all times in all ways.”

“At Fellowship UMC, we’re a family rooted in Christ’s love, committed to creating a place where everyone belongs and is accepted,” Woodall said. “We passionately share the warmth of Christ’s love through meaningful outreach and a renewed spirit in worship.”

“We believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and work to emulate Christ’s example in our faith, words and actions. Our vision is to engage in meaningful outreach, demonstrating love and compassion within our church family and the broader community,” Woodall said. “Our commitment to worship isn’t just a practice, but a living expression of renewal. We’re creating an inviting space for all to explore and deepen their faith journey together.”

Members can attend Bible study on Monday nights, small-group meetings and special services on occasion. On Ash Wednesday, Fel- lowship offered “Drive-Thru Ashes.” On Easter, 75 people attended early-morning worship on the Apperson House property at Sullivan Street and Brown’s Ferry Road. “We hope to have a permanent worship space at this location in the near future,” Woodall said. People can connect in several ways outside worship. Open to all ages and backgrounds, Bible Study meets on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Church. Participants range from people with extensive Biblical study to ‘newcomers’ for scripture. The robust conversation promotes learning about God, the Bible and each other.

Off-campus offerings rotate locations. The Men’s Group of all generations meets each morning to walk and enjoy coffee together.

Several women’s groups meet at various times. The Young Women’s Bible Study groups meet bi-monthly with a “no homework” approach. Ages range from mid-20s to senior citizens. “Currently, they’re working through a book about Biblical women historically seen as ‘bad girls of the Bible,’” Woodall said.

The Soul Sisters women’s group meets regularly to fellowship and seek ways to help the community. All ages are welcome to join. “We invite anyone and everyone who is seeking a deeper connection to God, to each other and to that spark of the Holy Spirit that lives inside each of us,” Woodall said.

Fellowship rents space from Heritage Church, another United Methodist Church in Madison. “We’re so grateful to Heritage’s support and encouragement as we continue to grow. Reverends Michael and Suzanne Katschke have been exceedingly gracious to offer us space in their campus while we grow,” Woodall said.

“We hope to move into our own worship space within the next year, which will allow flexible worship times and expanded on-campus programming. We’re a growing, thriving church with a bright, Christ-centered future – we hope you will join us!” Woodall said.

For more information, call Pastor Holly at 256-445-2880 or visit fellowshipumcmadison. com. Their Facebook page, Fellowship United Methodist Church – Madison, includes a weekly sermon livestream.