“More than 125 years” whispers the wind as it rustles through the trees around Floris United Methodist Church. Floris Church stands as a testament to faith, community and service. It began with a small group. They desired to share American Methodism. Its focus included personal holiness. Social outreach and dynamic worship were also important.
The founders of Floris United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday school. Worship services occurred monthly. A Methodist preacher led these. Other weeks a layperson took the lead. They built the first church building out of a heartfelt desire. They wanted Christ at the center of their lives. They envisioned the church at the heart of their community.
Over the years Floris Church welcomed all. It proved itself a place where people could worship. It was a place to live in community. The church became a center for community functions. School graduations were held here. Weddings and funerals of community members took place here. Cooperative ministries were shared with other congregations. Floris members reached out to others. They offered programs and ministries. These blessed the lives of local residents. They displayed compassion to those in need. They met the real needs of the community.
Floris United Methodist Church has always inspired devotion. People showed a special devotion to Christ. They showed a special devotion to the work of the church. The story of Floris is about people worshipping. They are growing and serving together. They share Christ and change the world.
In the 1980s the Herndon community grew. Dairy farms transformed. Floris members faced a tough choice. They left their historic church building. It was located at the corner of Centreville and West Ox. They bought new property down the road. Floris moved to 2730 Centreville Road in September 1993. Within five years the facility was too small. The property could not accommodate the church’s growth. The surrounding community had also grown. Another hard decision came. They purchased property at 13600 Frying Pan Road. This was just north of the very first church.
Floris built Phase I in April 2006. It moved into the current location. Phase II was completed in July 2010. It included a Sanctuary that seats 800 people. Despite the growth of the church and area Floris stays true. It remains true to the ideals of the original visionaries.
Today Floris United Methodist Church makes a difference. It impacts the lives of those in the community. It impacts the lives of those around the world. Floris aims to reach people. It strives to show the love and compassion of Christ. It does so by being at the center of the community. Floris focuses on teaching children about the Christian life. It teaches students and adults too. Sunday messages tackle real-life challenges and struggles.
Floris is building relationships. It creates an authentic community. Life groups encourage participants. They equip them to be more loving. They encourage them to be more selfless. More joyful and more hopeful too. Floris provides care through prayer. It offers support groups. It gives encouragement. This is for everyone who calls Floris their church home.
Serving opportunities impact the local community. This includes Herndon and Reston. They impact the world. They significantly impact those who participate. Floris United Methodist Church cares for children in poverty. It actively engages in opportunities. These focus on children. They include a local school partnership. It helps a child rescue center. It assists a hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone, Africa. Floris also addresses basic needs. This includes food and shelter.
In response to population growth Floris UMC opened a new campus. This was in Reston, Virginia. It is called Restoration Church Reston. Through this campus Floris UMC wants to reach residents of Reston. These are people not connected to a church. In 2019 Floris UMC opened another campus. This was in Loudoun County. It is called Restoration Church Loudoun.
Floris United Methodist Church envisions an exciting future. It has a history of more than 125 years. It has been in the Herndon area for all this time. Floris chooses to place Jesus Christ at the center. It chooses to be a Christ-centered church.