With which Presbyterian group is Westminster connected?
Westminster is a member congregation of The Presbyterian Church USA, in the Presbytery of the James, and actively supports ecumenical movements.
Where is Westminster located?
Westminster is located at 400 Rugby Rd, one long block north of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. The church is on the right just beyond Beta Bridge (the railroad bridge painted with graffiti.) Parking is behind the Church on 17th Street, and, on weekends, in the Culbreth Road Garage across Rugby Road from the Church.
Parking at Westminster
There are 90 parking spaces in the church lots with two handicapped parking spaces and seven additional spaces reserved for those with limited mobility located in the front driveway loop off Rugby Road. The remaining parking spaces are accessed from Gordon Avenue or 17th Street and include two handicapped spaces in the upper lot near the rear entrance to our Fellowship Hall with the balance of parking spaces wrapping around our buildings.
Extra Sunday parking may be found nearby in the following locations:
- On Lambeth Lane (a one way street) located across Rugby Road from the church between Beta Bridge and Gordon Avenue. Parking in the A10 permit areas is unrestricted on weekends.
- In the parking lot of Gordon Avenue Library, located at 1500 Gordon Avenue is dependent on events they may have happening; i.e. Book Sale, Festival of the Books, etc.
- In Culbreth Road Parking Garage located just down Culbreth Road from Rugby Road and Beta Bridge. Parking is unrestricted on Sundays except when reserved for special UVA events with signs posted at the garage.
What time are worship services?
Our Sunday worship service is held at 11:00 a.m. on most Sundays during the academic year. During the summer (beginning in late May) we go to one worship service at 10 a.m. There are a few other times are during the year when our times change, so please check the church calendar for those changes.
Is childcare provided during worship?
Yes. Nursery care is provided by paid staff and church volunteers for children from infancy up to first grade. Beyond that age, children are encouraged to attend worship with their parents.
Who may be baptized or married at Westminster?
Adults and children who are active in church or wish to join the church may be baptized.
Normally only active members of the worshiping community may be married. Please contact the church for printed information concerning these ceremonies, or speak with one of the pastors. Read the wedding guidelines.
Who may receive communion at Westminster?
When Presbyterians celebrate the Lord’s Supper, all baptized Christians present, of whatever denomination, are invited to partake, along with children of any age who have been baptized.
Who may use meeting facilities at Westminster?
Non-profit groups may use Westminster for meeting space, and each is requested to make a modest contribution toward the maintenance of the facilities.
How are children included in worship at Westminster?
Each fall the First Graders participate in a Worship Education Class to prepare them to attend worship regularly with their parents. This class occurs once a month during the month during the church school hour from 9:30 – 10:40 AM. Throughout the year, worship includes children through children’s moments, our children’s choir, and special liturgical celebrations.
What to wear?
Our church does not have a dress code. Dress ranges from casual to “Sunday Best.”
What about university students?
Students – undergrads and grads alike – are one of the main reasons our church was established! We welcome students in worship and all aspects of church life. We also offer many special programs and activities for students — see the UKirk page on this website.
What about accessibility?
Our church sanctuary is wheelchair-accessible from the Rugby Road U-shaped parking area through the arcade side entrance. Fellowship Hall and the church school classrooms are wheelchair-accessible from the same parking area through the arcade entrance opposite the sanctuary.
How can I meet people?
Come to Coffee Hour in the Gathering Place in our Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 AM service for conversation and refreshments. A greeter will be happy to escort you from the sanctuary and introduce you to others. You might also attend an Adult Education class that begins at 9:30 AM — advance registration is not required.
What if I need Help?
Just ask a greeter, an usher, a pastor, a staff member, or anyone you see. We all strive to be helpful!