Key Events Leading to the Development of Sugar River United Methodist Church
May 2003 - Asbury United Methodist Church, Madison, began seeking members interested in establishing a new church. These members formed the Verona New Church Start Task Force.
​
Fall 2004 - Sugar River has its first service in Verona at Festival Park followed by monthly preparatory services.
​
Easter Sunday 2005 - 176 people attended Sugar River's Grand Opening at the Verona Athletic Center at 411 Prairie Heights Dr.
​
Summer 2005 - Sarah Millmann's baptism is the first performed at Sugar River.
​
Fall 2005 - Sugar River conducts its first new member class.
​
Fall 2006 - Sugar River moves into the former Verona Public Library at 130 N Franklin St.
​
Summer 2009 - Sugar River is recognized as a chartering church at the Wisconsin Annual Conference.
​
October 18, 2009 - Charter Sunday
​
Winter 2011 - Sugar River sends the first of many mission teams to serve at Mission Guatemala in San Andres.
​
Summer 2014 - The current facility (formerly Wildcat Lanes Bowling Alley) is purchased with cash.
​
September 14, 2014 - Sugar River has its first worship service in a temporary upstairs area at 415 W Verona Ave.
​
December 2014 - Established 2020 Vision: Sharing the Embrace of God with 10,000.
​
Fall 2016 - Sugar River holds its first worship service in the current sanctuary.
​
Summer 2017 - Sugar River hosts Next Step Ministries: home to 8 interns and about 370 students and chaperones.
​
Fall 2017 - Sugar River meets 2020 Vision goal early!
​
March 15, 2020 - Sugar River has its first online-only worship service.
​
June 13, 2021 - Sugar River holds its first hybrid in person/online worship service.
​
August 2022 - Renovations on the Fellowship Hall are completed.
​
June 4, 2023 - Founding Pastor Gary Holmes delivers his final message to Sugar River before moving to his new appointment at UMC of Whitefish Bay.
​
July 9, 2023 - Pastor Mike Weigand, appointed to SRUMC from Family Church in Neenah, WI, delivers his first message to Sugar River.
​
September 2023 - Sugar River gets a new sign!
​