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Midweek Update
April 10, 2024 |
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Pastor Alex will be away leading a circle at the Festival of Faith & Writing in Grand Rapids, Michigan Wednesday through Saturday. He will be in worship this Sunday where we will welcome Christian ‘Hoos Exalt (CHoosE), the great UVA a capella group, and Rev. John Conway will offer the message. |
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Dairy Market Dinners
Wednesday, April 10th from 6-7:30pm
Every second Wednesday of every month let’s gather for Dairy Market Dinners at……yep…..The Dairy Market on Preston Avenue!
Just a time of great fellowship, great conversation, and a chance to get to know each other!
Put April 10th from 6-7:30pm on your calendars for our first event! Jon and Cathy Scheumann will host!
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Young Parents Group
Starting Sunday, April 14th at 11:30 am
Starting on Sunday, 4/14 at 11:30am, The Young Parents Class will be delving into Matt Rawle’s study, Jesus Revealed: The I Am Statements in the Gospel of John.
Together, explore the "I Am" statements in John as works of art that resonate throughout the Gospel. Together, let’s experience the profound truth at the heart of the "I Am" statements: that Jesus is light and life, and He calls us to himself and offers us the hope of resurrection.
This class meets on the second and fourth Sundays. Childcare is provided. |
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10th Annual 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge
April 1st through April 21st
Food Solutions New England will host its 10th annual 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge from April 1, 2024 to April 21, 2024.
Each year, thousands of individuals and hundreds of officially participating organizations join in a shared journey of learning and charting a course of action to dismantle racism in our food system and our world.
The 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge is simple! You commit to deepening your understanding of, and willingness to confront, racism for twenty-one consecutive days in April of each year.
For more information or to register, click here.
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April One Thing Ministry
Our April One Thing Ministry will benefit our own sweet preschool as they celebrate 40 years! Bring a birthday gift (no need to wrap!) of any of the following:
- Card Stock (any color)
- White Card Stock
- Smelly Markers
- Tissues
- 9 x 12 Construction Paper (any color)
- Clorox Wipes
- Paint Sticks
- Chalk
- Sandwich Ziplock Bags
- Gallon Ziplock Bags
- Napkins
- Paper Towels
- Elmer’s Glue Bottles
If you would like for someone else to do the shopping for you, just put “FUMP Birthday” in the memo line of your check. Thank you in advance!
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"A Bridge to Life" Film Premiere
Thursday, April 18th at 7:00pm
The film shares the Bridge Ministry – a local organization saving the lives of men dealing with life-threatening addiction issues and will be followed by a Q&A with The Bridge Ministry members and Director Chris Farina.
Chris is renowned for his compelling documentaries that shine a light on everyday heroes, igniting inspiration within his community. In 2022, he was diagnosed with ALS. Despite facing formidable challenges, he continues to persevere in his storytelling, undeterred in his mission to make a difference.
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Hike #7 - Fontaine South to Azalea Park and Back
Saturday, April 20th at 10am
Join us for the next hike. Looks like it’s about 3.8 miles, approximately a 2 hour hike, mostly out and back. This segment is mostly flat after the initial downhill (which is also the final uphill). There is a creek crossing with some large rocks that is fairly easy to navigate. Parking in the same spot listed for Hike #6. Hope to see you there!
Contact: Beth Reitz to let us know if you are planning on joining us!Bethareitz@gmail.com
Save the Date: make sure you get these additional dates and the Bonus Hike on your calendars.
Bonus Hike: Saturday, June 15th @ 10 am Blue Ridge Tunnel and Blue Mountain Brewery fellowship time after the hike!
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Casa CFUMC Contemporary Worship Night
Wednesday, April 24th at 6-7:30pm
Join us in the Fellowship Hall for a Taco Salad Dinner followed by contemporary worship! All ages are welcome to attend, and children will be invited to move into a separate space for their own message during the worship time.
Option to help with the meal by bringing your favorite toppings for our Taco Salad Bar (Meat, Beans, Veggies, Guacamole, Chips, Salsa, cheese, etc.) or fruit/dessert to share.
The drinks and lettuce salad will be provided by the church.
Please RSVP to connect@cvillefirstumc.org to let us know if you can make it and if you are planning on bringing something for the meal. (This helps us to plan for your presence, but don't be afraid to attend regardless!)
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Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, April 27th from 8:00 am-12:00 pm
The Plant Sale is coming soon!! Are you getting your seedlings strong for adoption on April 27? Do you need any plastic pots for them to grow in? Are you planning to dig up some extra plants from your garden to donate?
We could also use some donations of potting soil, shallow boxes, and any plastic trays you may have from your purchases at garden centers. (We will use these for customers to carry home their purchases.) If growing plants from seed isn’t your thing, remember that we welcome plants from garden centers as well!
And, of course, much help will be needed on Friday and Saturday to price and sell all of the plants.
Join us as we plan this fun event! Please contact Cindy Poots Remington at 434.242.7563 or mspoots@gmail.com. |
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Charlottesville Youth Collective
Sunday, April 28th at 6-7:30pm
Save the date! The Charlottesville Youth Collective will meet the final Sunday in April. This includes youth ages 6th to 12th grade. Join us for food, fun and fellowship at Restoration UMC.
For any questions, contact Lara Upton.
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The Charlottesville Church Softball League is Starting Up Again!
Starting Friday, May 3rd
The Charlottesville First UMC softball season begins May 3rd. Join us for an Opening Night kick-off party starting at 5:30 PM. Players and fans are welcome for a pizza dinner at Darden Towe Park, then stay to cheer on our youth and adults as they play softball.
Let us know how many slices of pizza you would like at: connect@cvillefirstumc.org. Hope to see you there!
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Good News Global Celebration Breakfast
Saturday, May 11th at 9am
Come see what God is doing behind the walls at Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail. The speaker is William & Mary Head Football Coach Mike London.
The breakfast will take place at Portico Church on 2nd Street.
To register, fill out the form here.
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Scuba VBS
July 29th - August 2nd, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
At Scuba VBS, kids dive into friendship with God! Scuba is filled with awesome Bible-learning experiences that kids can see, hear, and touch -- we'll do hands-on science experiments, team-building games, sing unforgettable Bible songs, and enjoy some tasty treats.
From July 29th through August 2nd, kids ages 3 through 5th grade are welcome to join us from 9:00 am through 12:00 pm for some splash-tastic adventures! Youth helpers (rising 6th grade and up) are invited to come help by volunteering. So, save the date and please let us know if you'll be available to help us prepare. This will help us plan for how many children can come along on our dive!
Contact Lara Upton to RSVP and sign up to volunteer! |
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Calling All Alumnus, Parents, and Grandparents of past FUMP Grads!
As we celebrate the 40th birthday of FUMP in worship on May 5, we are looking to collect memories from you! If you have a special and/or humorous memory of your time at the preschool,
Please send them to fump@cvillefirstumc.org where they will be collected and displayed! Thanks in advance for your contributions!
Be sure to save the date! A potluck dinner will follow the worship service that day!
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Addressing Disinformation in the United Methodist Church
A note from Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Resident Bishop, Virginia Annual Conference:
To the members and friends of the Conference of The United Methodist Church:
As we approach the convening of the postponed 2020 General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., I must address the varying types of disinformation being promulgated by some as they continue intentionally and concertedly to undermine and tear apart The United Methodist Church.
Read the message here.
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Calling All Upcoming Grads!
Help us gather the names and info of our soon to be graduates in our CFUMC family.
Please send us the name, photos, next steps or any additional information you want to share with us about your graduates for a slideshow presentation on graduate Sunday. We would love to celebrate with you.
Already a graduate? We would also love to know what our young adults are up to. Please share your information with us to help us update our directory and connect with you while you are away or living locally.
Email info to connect@cvillefirstumc.org
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FUMP Enrollment is Open Now!
Enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year at the First United Methodist Preschool is now open!
Visit the FUMP website here to find out more information or to fill out an application. |
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Thank You For Your Continued Support to Loaves and Fishes
One of the many ways that CFUMC fulfills its mission is by serving people who are hungry, in part through the financial support and volunteers we send to serve at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.
Here's a recap of what was accomplished in March:
- 2,649 households -that’s an average of 156 households on each of the 17 days we gave out food.
- 10,385 individuals: 37% aged 0-18; 51% aged 19-59; 12% aged 60+
- Roughly 8% of households last month were first-time visitors, and approximately 32% of our clients visited us twice in the month.
So, if you are ever wondering where your donations go, rest assured that more than just the utility bills at church are being funded! Thank you all for such generosity, and please consider making a donation via their website so that we can continue to support our community through Loaves and Fishes.
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Realm Connect Challenge
Nearly 150 people at CFUMC have created Realm Connect accounts since our launch on February 4th! We sent reminder links on February 12th, so make sure to check your email and junk folders to sign up. You can also click here to access the site.
Today's Realm challenge: Complete your Skills and Interests Survey!
Apple: Click 'More' on the bottom right. Click 'Serving.' There are 3 tabs on top - go to the second one for 'Serving'. You can fill in the days you can volunteer AND the dates you are unavailable this year. Then, scroll down to the Skills and Interests. Click the big blue bar and let us know your talents and how you like to use them. Be sure to click 'save' when you're done.
Android: Click the 'hamburger' icon in the top left. Click 'Serving'. There are 3 tabs on top - go to the one for 'Serving Profile'. You can fill in the days you can volunteer AND the dates you are unavailable this year. Click on the Skills Section then the Interests section to edit and let us know your talents and how you like to use them. Be sure to click 'save' when you're done.
Stay tuned for a new challenge coming soon! |
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Sign Up for the 2024 ASP Trip!
NOW is the time to sign up for this summer's Youth Mission Trip with Appalachian Service Project! Our week of serving is scheduled for June 23rd through June 29th, and we will be sharing God's love with others through home repairs and faith-building relationships.
This experience is for students grades 6-12. We will serve on a team with Aldersgate UMC again this year, and we still have spots to fill! The deposit at the time of sign-up is $50, and an additional deposit of $175 will be due on March 1st. Financial assistance is available.
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Artist Statement: Tom Ashley
We have a new gallery artist showcasing his work here at CFUMC!
He has written a brief statement about how he got started as a photographer, his sources of inspiration, and his work in Charlottesville. Click here to read the statement in full, and be sure to get up to the gallery to check out his work! |
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Solar Project Receives Grant
Apex Clean Energy has made a $2,500 grant to Charlottesville First to support the upcoming solar panel project. As discussed in our January Town Hall, our congregation is taking a major step toward sustainable energy use with the installation of solar panels on the roof of the building. The project was approved by the Church Council and work is slated to begin later this spring.
Ty Gallander, a member of the church who works for Apex, applied for the grant through the company’s Solar Nonprofit Grant program. Volunteers are needed to help in the grant-writing process. If you can help, please contact Guy Moffat. Thank you, Ty!
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A Message from Haiti
The instability in Port au Prince is creating food and diesel is becoming scare, and people are in need of shelter.
Friends of Fort Liberte have reached out asking for your prayers, as well as donations that will help those who are in need.
Their website has more information about the featured fundraiser to Emergency Food Relief. If you would like to donate, you can do that here.
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New Members Class
Starting Sunday, April 7th at 11:30 am
Pastor Alex is hosting a 3-week New Members Class beginning Sunday, April 7th at 11:30 am (following the service).
Our new members sessions will allow you to get to know CFUMC staff and leaders and to learn a little bit more about who we are and how we are active in the areas of nurture, outreach, social justice, and worship. We’ll also usually have a lunch option if you want to continue the experience. There will be a child care option during the 11:30 am - 12:30 pm hour.
The dates are April 7th, 14th, and 21st. Sign up via the Realm app or email office@cvillefirstumc.org. |
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Amplify Social Justice Ministry
First Wednesdays of the Month, 6-7:30pm
Charity is crucial, but how can equitable opportunities reduce the need for charity? Social Justice ministries aim to bridge the gap between needs and rights, promoting access to opportunities through education, advocacy, and community networking. As Pope John Paul II said, "Nobody too poor to give, nobody too rich to receive."
The proposed focus for our initial conversations will be:
- Building an ‘Age-friendly’ Charlottesville for all ages (Health equity partnerships)
- Education and action (Community dialogue and involvement)
- Networking for support (Local organization analysis and collaboration).
If you are passionate about social justice and feel a call to action and collaboration, please fill out this form. |
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New Study for Adult Fellowship Group
Sundays at 11:15am
The Adult Fellowship Group invites you to learn with us. The group will begin a new study on March 24th. "Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith" by Adam Hamilton. Meetings will take place on Sundays at 11:15am in Room 208. All are welcome!
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UVA Learning Programs
UVA's Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is offering a series of online learning programs on topics such as Microagression, Introduction to DEI, Introduction to Implicit Bias, Introduction to Difficult Dialogues, Introduction to Equity, and more!
These are great opportunities to engage with our community and educate ourselves on issues of inequality. Click here to learn more about their offerings and to register. |
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Journeys of Paul Cruise
Pastor Alex has updated information and a new video about the Mediterranean Journeys of Paul cruise scheduled for October 7th-14th, 2024. Stops will include Rome, Naples, Palermo, Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Athens, with plenty of time on board for optional classes on Paul and all the fun of the Voyagers of the Seas ship!
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Women at the Well
Thursdays at 9:30 am
All women are invited to come together for a new Lenten study called
Remember (God’s Covenants and the Cross) by Susan Robb.
Let’s gather as we learn how to read the Bible, meditate upon it, then pray and contemplate its message until it becomes a script for our own lives. |
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Men’s Bible Study
Tuesdays at 8:00 am
Meeting at Wegmans at Fifth Street Station, we are continuing with fellowship and a concentrated study. All men of every age are invited.
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Faith Seekers Class
Begins Sunday, January 28th at 8:45 am
The Faith Seekers class will begin the study of a recent prominent book on the relationship between Christian depictions of Jesus and and cultural understandings of masculinity. Kristin Du Mez's
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation offers a history of church and culture that gets at a central tension in American life.
Come join this adult class in Room 208 at 8:45 on Sunday mornings! For more details, contact Kathy Berlin. |
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Faith Explorers
Sundays at 11:15 am
The Faith Explorers class (Room 308 at 11:15) is reading Diana Butler Bass’s book,
Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. The book is about introducing people to shifting religious demographics and to propose how communities of faith might rethink some basic issues about their identity, practices, and theology. The thesis is that certain forms of “religion” always end, often challenged by emerging cultural forms of spiritual experience and engagement, and that such endings are usually the beginning of some new and unexpected awakening. |
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Interested in Reading?
Pastor Alex's book,
A Space for Peace in the Holy Land: Listening to Modern Israel and Palestine, can be purchased as an e-book on Amazon for $4.99.
If you are not a Kindle reader, simply purchase the book as if you were (so that the publisher will be paid) and we will print a physical copy for you here in the church office.
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Caring Writers
The Caring Writers are a group who enjoy sending cards and letters to those who are homebound, feel isolated, or just need to know that someone cares. The commitment is to send a card or letter to two recipients per month.
If you are interested in becoming a Caring Writer, please contact George Batten or Maurya Batten. You can also contact either of them if you know of someone who would enjoy being on the recipient list. |
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Music Ministries
Our Music Ministry includes choirs, bands, instrumental ensembles, and soloists of both traditional and contemporary sounds. There is no shortage of ways to praise God through music, and everyone is invited to explore the gift of music, even if you are just singing along in the congregation!
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AED Certification
We are compiling a list of members who are certified in AED use. If you are certified, please email Karen Young. |
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Enjoying the food and fellowship at Portico Café after worship?
Thanks to those who recently gave monetary contributions for Portico Cafe - we have enough funds for coffee and creamer for the next couple of months, so you won't see the donation jar any time soon!
We will continue to host Portico Cafe outdoors as long as the temperature is above 50 degrees and not raining. Otherwise, it will be held in the Gathering Space.
Email Lisa Hanrahan if you want to sign up to bring treats. A sign up sheet is also available by the coffee area. The success of Portico Café depends on the generosity of church members to help or contribute food! |
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Rainy Day Blues?
“Love the City” umbrellas will be left at the Front and Welcome Center entrances for all to borrow and then return on rainy days!
If you would like to purchase an umbrella to support our Nurture Ministries and our CFUMC Vision of
“Love the City," they are $20. Put “umbrella” in the memo line of your check. |
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The Quiet Center
Sundays at 11:15 in the Chapel
The Quiet Center is an after-church gathering of, and for, anyone who wants to know more about grief’s journey. The sessions are “stand alone,” to join anytime and as often as you wish, to explore the many faces of grief and to share with each other our time, our experiences, our presence and our prayers.
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Congregational Prayer Time
Now Tuesdays at 12:00 pm on Zoom
Meeting ID: 882 7977 8844
Passcode: 968327
If you are interested in praying for our church and community, be in touch with Carolyn McGee for the link. |
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Clothes Closet
Donations to Hinton Ave UMC clothes closet:
Hours of operation: Tuesdays from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
We are looking for children to adult sizes, spring/summer clothing. Please make sure the clothing is gently used, clean, stain-free, and in good repair. Also accept some household items (e.g., sheets, towels, small appliances, dishes, pans).
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Assistance for Ukraine
UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery, Advance #982450, is collecting funds for humanitarian assistance.
You can donate directly online or designate "Ukraine relief" on your checks made out to CFUMC. |
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Prayer Quilt Ministry
Contact Teri Guertler if you need a prayer quilt for someone going through a difficult time, or if you would like to help in the creation of the prayer quilts. No experience necessary.
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