Meeting A Need

In 1990 the United Methodists in the Winston-Salem area, saw a need to offer an alternative worship setting for people in western Forsyth County. The Lewisville-Clemmons area was chosen. At the core of Sunrise would be an offering of worship somewhat different than that being offered by other churches in the area. Sunrise would be a church noted for its’ casual dress, high energy and contemporary worship style.

Inspired Leadership

Dr. Terry Matthews was appointed to develop and lead Sunrise UMC. A small core group of people began meeting at Forsyth Country Day School. In 1996, land was purchased and construction began on a building located at 1111 Lewisville-Clemmons Road.

In 1999, Rev. Danny Leonard was appointed to Sunrise. Sunrise moved to a more contemporary style of worship, creating a Praise Team and incorporating multi-media in the worship experience. In 2005 the church embraced a decision to move forward as a small group based church. The leadership shifted to a small group paradigm and is currently growing more fully into that vision.

In July 2010, Rev. Tim Roberts was appointed to Sunrise. Tim's vision for expanded small groups and outreach are leading us into an exciting period of new growth.

Beyond Sunrise

Sunrise has a history of supporting various local, national and foreign missions. The church has supported projects around the world and members have traveled to various countries and responded to national disasters. Additionally Sunrise people are involved in local missions such as Samaritan Soup Kitchen, Open Arms Ministry, Lewisville-Clemmons Food Pantry, Clemmons Food Pantry, The Ronald McDonald House and more.

We just completed our first "eat free" breakfast outreach. Hundreds of donuts, gallons of coffee and pounds of fruit were given away to commuters and school children to ease them in to the first week back at school. We attracted the attention of the local news media and Christian radio station. We can't wait for our next big outreach!

New Adventures Await!

The future is very bright for Sunrise! God continues to send people our way and it’s our prayer that we will enable, encourage, and engage them in life transforming ministries as they grow in their walk with the Lord.