cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Midweek Update
June 19, 2024
There is a lot going on around CFUMC and the community in the current weeks. Pastor Alex Joyner updates us on the solar panel project, the Annual Conference and the ASP Trip that will take place next week. There is also an update below about the possibility of sharing our space with COGS.
 
Along with that, Madison updates us on the creative worship that starts on Sunday!
Happening this Week

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.

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  making time for God. We read Daniel 6:1-23.

 

On Sunday, the theme will be  making room for God. We will read Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-28.

 

We welcome you to join us throughout the summer as we continue to Seek God Together. 

The Charlottesville Opera Presents: Meredith Willson's The Music Man

June 21-23rd

 

Meredith Willson's classic musical, The Music Man comes to the stage of the Paramount Theater June 21-23. The Charlottesville Opera has been using CFUMC to rehearse, and would love to have you come support their performance.

 

The town of River City, Iowa will never be the same after the arrival of the smooth talking traveling salesman Harold Hill. A fun and boisterous romantic comedy ideal for the whole family.

 

Tickets now on sale for The Music Man presented by Charlottesville Opera!

June One Thing Ministry

 

The One Thing Ministry for the month of June will benefit our very own Vacation Bible School! Grab a tab from the board in the Welcome Center and bring back your items any Sunday in June.

 

Questions? Contact Carolyn McGee carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org

Coming Soon

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.

Poetry with Pastor Alex

Thursdays starting July 18th at 6pm

 

Do you love tacos and poetry? Join Pastor Alex beginning July 18th at Brazos Tacos at IX Park to enjoy both. 

 

Questions? Contact Pastor Alex.

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!
Announcements
The ASP Trip is Coming Up!
 

The Appalachia Service Project Team heads to Harlan County, Kentucky from June 23-29. 


This is our 20th year participating in the program. We will be sending 35 members of CFUMC and Aldersgate Methodist Church.


Please take a moment to fill out a card in the gallery. Each card lists the members who are going on the trip. The cards are handed out each morning at breakfast to encourage members throughout the week.


We are also asking for snack donations for our team!


Questions? Contact Dave Wheatley at wheat1506@gmail.com or 434-249-6626

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.

Gallery Exhibition Featuring Our Quilt Ministry
 

Our Gallery Exhibition is currently celebrating our Quilt Ministry! This wonderful outreach began in 2007 and has throughout the years gifted prayer quilts to over 1800 folks here at CFUMC, throughout our community, and around the world.

 

Take a minute to admire these beautifully sewn creations and remember this ministry if you know of someone who might need a prayed over, hand sewn quilt.

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!!!

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.

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!
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!
 
Contact Chase Carson at matt.chase.carson@gmail.com for more info.
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. 
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.

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!
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.

    Learning & Fellowship

    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. 

    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

    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.
    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!
     
    Prices for the cruise begin at $1289 per person. For more information, follow this link to Sail Away with with Rev Rigsby and Rev Alex. You can also view a video introduction by Pastor Alex and co-leader Rev. Ben Rigsby on YouTube here
     
    Email Pastor Alex to sign up or to learn more!
     
    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?
    For questions or more information, contact Jim Berlin.
    Faith Seekers Class 
    Sundays 8:45 am
     
    The Faith Seekers Sunday School Class invites anyone interested to join together to study Adam Hamilton’s book,"Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith”.  The class will meet on Sundays at 8:45am in Room 208.
     
    All are welcome!  For more info contact Kathy Berlin at kjberlin56@gmail.com 

    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.  
     
    For more details, contact Bill Clarke.
    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.
     
    Contact Carolyn McGee for more information. 
    Continuing Opportunities
    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. 
    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! 
     
    For more information, contact Kevin White or Carolyn McGee
    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!
    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.
    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.
     
    If you have any questions, contact Rev. John at 703-887-7305 or at johnconway@vaumc.org.
    Congregational Prayer Time
    Now Tuesdays at 12:00 pm on Zoom
     
    All are welcome to join the Zoom Meeting:
    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.

    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). 
     
    Email the church office for more information.
    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.

    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.

    cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
    cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
    cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
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