Our partnership with Haygood UMC provides VWU students with meaningful opportunities to engage in worship and service. Located just two miles from campus, Haygood UMC offers both traditional and modern Sunday morning services, making it an accessible and welcoming place for students to deepen their faith. Transportation is always easy to arrange, ensuring that everyone who wants to attend can do so.
Haygood UMC is also home to two key VWU leaders—Rev. Doug Sasser, Haygood’s pastor, serves as VWU’s Associate Chaplain, and Marie Porter, Haygood’s Director of Discipleship, serves as VWU’s Director of Campus Ministries. Their leadership strengthens the connection between our campus and the church, creating a seamless bridge for students seeking spiritual growth and community involvement.
Beyond worship, Haygood UMC encourages student participation in lay reading, serving communion, singing, and teaching children’s Sunday School. Internships are also available to students in need of experience. VWU Campus Ministries and Sigma Nu students also collaborate with Haygood on community outreach initiatives. One highlight is Trunk or Treat, where in 2024, VWU’s pirate ship and interactive games earned the “crowd favorite” award.
Each year, students also take part in Journey to Easter, a live reenactment of the final three days of Christ’s life. VWU volunteers enthusiastically step into roles as Roman guards, tour guides, angels, and marketplace vendors, bringing the story to life for the community.
Through this partnership, VWU students find not only a place to worship but also a way to serve, connect, and grow in their faith.