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Midweek Update
July 3, 2024 |
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Pastor Alex Joyner gives us an update on the solar panel project that is moving along as we continue to find new ways to care for God's Creation.
In addition, Pastor Alex updates us on all the happenings going on at CFUMC including Vacation Bible School, the Charlottesville Opera practices, what's happening while he is on vacation. Lastly, you can find photos from the Appalachian Service Project trip last week.
Happy 4th of July! |
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Creative Worship
Sundays starting June 23rd from 4-5:30pm
Join us on Sundays starting on June 23rd, we will have a new event devoted to worshipping God in creative, artistic ways.
Join us each week from 4-5:30pm as we make art inspired by Scripture. We will be doing everything from painting rocks to penning worship songs.
People of all ages and all artistic skill levels invited to come!
For questions or to let us know you are coming, email connect@cvillefirstumc.org.
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Seeking God Together
Sundays Throughout the Summer
This summer we will be following a theme each week during our children's time and Sunday School.
Last week's theme was about
Honoring Our Bodies and we read Psalm 139: 13-16 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
On Sunday, the theme will be Marvelings and we will read Psalm 139 104.
We welcome you to join us throughout the summer as we continue to Seek God Together.
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Hike #3 Make-Up: The CHS Loop
Wednesday, July 10th at 10am
Last week's hike was in the Blue Ridge Tunnel. Join us for our next Rivanna Trail Challenge hike on July 10th. This will be a make-up for Hike #3.
Park in front of the high school and join us for a 4 mile hike. We will split into two groups-those who want the challenge of a water crossing and those that want to avoid getting wet! This walk will include trails and neighborhood sidewalks.
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July One Thing Ministry
The One Thing Ministry for the month of July will benefit Barrett Early Learning Center on Ridge Street. This is the oldest childcare facility in the Commonwealth, offering education, nurture, and care for underserved children in our area (since 1935!)
Questions? Contact Carolyn McGee carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org
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Dairy Market Dinner
Wednesday, July 10th from 6-7:30pm
Beth and Danny Reitz will be the hosts for our second Wed. (July 13, 6-7:30pm) Dairy Dinner event! Put it on your calendar and let’s gather for some great conversation and some good food!
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Poetry with Pastor Alex
Thursdays starting July 18th at 6pm
What is Tacos & Poetry? A chance to read and talk about great poems that shed light on the human and spiritual experience.
This summer’s five-week session will offer poems on themes like: crying out, confessing, celebrating, and community. The first gathering will be Thursday, July 18 (theme: Gratitude) and it will continue through August 15 at Brazos Tacos in Ix Park.
Look for Pastor Alex at a picnic table outside (inside if the weather is bad), order some tacos, and join the fun! 6 PM each week.
Questions? Contact Pastor Alex.
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Scuba VBS - Now Open For Registration!
July 29th - August 2nd, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Scuba VBS is now open for registration!! Registration will take place inside the Realm App.
A few notes:
- Please make sure to register your child(ren) AND yourself. This ensures the proper paperwork is filled out.
- If you get a message that the age group you need is full, please register in the separate waiting list registration field. We hope to get enough volunteers to have space for everyone that is interested in joining us on our SCUBA VBS 2024 dive!
We are looking forward to having you join us for a splashtastic SCUBA VBS 2024 adventure, July 29th-Aug 2nd from 9am-12pm.
Contact Lara Upton for questions and sign up to volunteer! |
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Let's Go Tubing!
Sunday, August 4th After Worship
On August 4th after worship we have the opportunity to gather at James River Runners to tube down the James! Everyone is invited! $26 per person. Cooler tubes are $10. Bring your family, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors!
Contact carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org to make your reservation.
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Volunteers Needed
Looking for a short term volunteer opportunity? I would love some help cutting up & bagging watermelon directly after the Sunday service throughout the summer.
We plan to hand out the watermelon as part of Bread and Blessings meal on Mondays. No experience needed! All ages welcome, although children must be accompanied by an adult.
Come once or every Sunday. Please contact Chris Roehl, catcar24@yahoo.com.
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PACEM 2025
CFUMC will be hosting our unhoused neighbors in partnership with PACEM February 8 - 21, 2025.
Please mark your calendars and contact Jon Scheumann for more information please contact jonscheumann@gmail.com or 434-422-1749.
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Building-Sharing Arrangement with COGS
The Church Council and Trustees are exploring a building-sharing arrangement with Church of the Good Shepherd Anglican (COGS) while COGS are renovating the former Hinton Avenue UMC building.
Under the plan, COGS would use the CFUMC building for services and classes on Sunday afternoons and evenings for a period of 6 to 18 months. They would also lease office space on the 3rd floor during the week.
Gary Bibb will be doing a brief presentation on the plan during the morning worship on June 23. If you have feedback or questions you can talk to him or Trustees Chair, Charles Kidd.
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Please Take Some Time To View Our New Gallery Exhibition
Former members Helen Edmunds and her husband Pete Edmunds, (both have passed away) were great supporters of the arts in Charlottesville.
Helen, educated as an artist, taught at the secondary level, and was part of the Working Women Artist Group and a member of a Lansing, Michigan, artists’ co-op. She described herself as a painter, collagist, and printmaker. There are some prints also in the show that are from McCrea Kudravetz’ collection of Helen’s work.
Enjoy the deep, rich night colors and textures used in these creative prints and collages
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Bring in Your Soda Can "Tabs"
Just a reminder that CFUMC collects soda can “tabs" to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald house is a place for families to stay while a child is being treated at UVA. Bring them in and leave them in the Welcome Center and THANK YOU!!!
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What's Going On In The Parking Lot? A Solar Project Update
The solar project construction has started. The new electric service has been installed and inspected. Dominion Energy will get their part done in the next few weeks and the new service will be connected.
Scaffolding will be erected over the breezeway to the Welcome Center door starting on Monday, June 10. Entry to the church from the parking lot will be near the elevator door and under the breezeway to the Welcome Center door. Roof work will begin on the roof behind the breezeway once the scaffold is erected. Solar panel installation and solar wiring will begin on June 24. The parking lot will be crowded on weekdays after next week. Parking spaces will be reserved for construction vehicles, some church staff and the Charlottesville Opera. We will still have a few spaces for volunteers and meetings.
Children for Vacation Bible School will be dropped off and picked up on First Street rather than the parking lot.
The installation will proceed to the West Sanctuary roof and then the East Sanctuary roof. The project should be complete by August 15.
The on-site church representative is Keith Davis. Please direct questions or comments through Keith. If he is not available,contact Dave Wheatley, Bill Owens or Guy Moffat. Any directions or questions for the contractors should be directed to one of these CFUMC representatives.
Kevin Palmer is handling our request to the IRS for our Federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. George Batten is working on finding and submitting applications for additional grants to help cover the costs for the solar installation. We already have a $2,500 grant approved from Apex Energy which was submitted by Ty Gallander. An anonymous CFUMC donor contributed $104,000 to get us started on the project. If you are interested in helping out with the fund raising, please contact Kevin, George or Guy.
The contractors and CFUMC Solar Committee meet weekly to coordinate the installation.
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Just the Book You Were Looking For!
Looking for a new study for your small group? Visit our curriculum library, just to the left of the stage, at the back of the Fellowship Hall.
The room will be open every Sunday and during the week by appointment with carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org If you are interested in starting a small group and need some assistance or ideas, see Carolyn! |
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AV Training
Would you like the opportunity to be trained on our AV (Audio Visual) equipment? We would love to have some new folks who might be interested to go through this training and then sign up as a substitute for worship and other events!
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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 May:
- 2,732 total households - That’s an average of 160 households on each of the 17 days we gave out food and an increase of 23% over May of last year.
- 10,809 individuals - 38% aged 0-18; 52% aged 19-59; 10% aged 60+
- Roughly 8% of households last month were first-time visitors, and approximately 36% 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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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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Adult Fellowship Group
Starting Sunday, July 14th at 11:14 am
Beginning July 14th, please join us to explore what it takes to live the courageous life Jesus offers us, guided by a book and DVD by Tom Berlin, “Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith”.
For further details, contact Pat Graham Annew41@outlook.com. |
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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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Young Adults Group
Starting Sunday, June 2nd
Join this new small group for anyone in their 20’s and 30’s. Starting June 2nd, we will kick off by sitting together during the first of the month church luncheon, and then meet every 1st and 3rd Sunday after church for a Bible study and discussion. Can’t wait to connect with you!
Contact Madison McManners. |
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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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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.
Our Tuesday morning group is starting a study this week of this book: “Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?”. It is by Brian McLaren and in this book he seeks to answer two questions:
- Can you be a committed Christian without having to condemn or convert people of other faiths?
- Is it possible to affirm other religious traditions without watering down your own?
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Faith Seekers Class
Sundays 8:45 am
The Faith Seekers Class - meeting in room 208 at 8:45am every Sunday is studying PSALMS: Prayers of the Heart. This is a collection of beautiful psalms, poems, and laments. All of them provide a unique way of relating to, praying to, and communicating with God.
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Faith Explorers
Sundays at 11:15 am
The Faith Explorers class will begin reading the book,
Transforming: The Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians on May 12th. Many people lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience.
Transforming weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Join us as we learn how to become a more inclusive community of faith.
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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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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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