cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Midweek Update
June 7, 2023
Midweek Update
Pastor Alex shows us Habitat for Humanity's work at Southwood and promises we can learn more on Sunday with special guest Kelly Epley.
News
Grief is a journey through the loss of anything or anyone that is loved.  It is a journey that calls for companions for sharing and for remembering and for mourning. If you want to explore grief, whether or not you are on that journey, join us in  The Quiet Center, 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.  
 
The Quiet Center, Sundays at 11:15 am in the Chapel. If you have any questions, contact Rev. John at 703-887-7305 or at johnconway@vaumc.org.

Bishop Sue offers 2023 book recommendations

Bishop Sue put together a 2023 Annual Conference Recommended Reading list. Take a look at books she recommends for 'Leading Congregation Change,' 'Navigating These Times,' 'Living Into God's Call,' 'Books for Ministry and Life,' 'Biblical Study,' 'Preaching,' as well as recent fiction books she has read. Learn more...

VAUMC takes part in gathering on ministry, mission in Russia and Ukraine

The Russia Initiative leadership for the Baltimore-Washington Conference invited and welcomed members of the Virginia Conference on February 25 with a shared interest in ministry and mission in Russia and Ukraine, to meet with the Dean of Moscow Seminary to receive an important update on the work of the Seminary. Walt Surratt, a lay member of Luray UMC, prepared this story and the accompanying photo of the gathering. Read more...
Our ONE THING MINISTRY for the month of June
will benefit our Vacation Bible School!
 
Look for a bulletin board in the Welcome Center just off of the parking lot that will have stars that will tell you what is needed and the date it is needed. Take as many stars as you desire (there are many needs!) Thanks in advance! Questions about VBS or donated item? children@cvillefirstumc.org

'Next Steps' campaign seeks to address needs of members seeking to stay UMC during local church disaffiliations

 For those whose congregations have voted to disaffiliate, but who wish to remain United Methodist, the Virginia Annual Conference and the Cabinet offer Next Steps, a website with resources to remain connected as they discern where God is calling them. At Next Steps, individuals and churches may access resources for small group gathering and other means of discipleship. As part of this Bridge Churches offer one possible next step for persons who choose to remain United Methodist after their church disaffiliates, providing pastoral care, assistance in gathering, and invitations to share in ministry opportunities with their congregations. These churches are not recruiting members; they offer a safe space of support, nurture, and opportunities for connection during this time of transition. Individuals may choose to join Bridge churches, on their terms and at their own pace of discernment; or they may choose to join elsewhere. Learn more...
Learning & Fellowship
Let’s gather for CHURCH@CHOPT next week at 6pm for dinner!
 
No program…..no agenda…..just dinner! Chopt is at Barracks Road Shopping Center on Emmet Street. See you there!
 
June 14 - 6pm

Evening at the Firepit for Young Adults

This Tuesday, June 13th from 7:00pm- 8:00pm, the young adults are meeting at Aldersgate United Methodist Church for a bonfire! This event is open to any rising 11th graders - seniors in college. Ingredients for s'mores will be provided! We are looking forward to this night and we hope to see you there! 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FOCUS AT WORSHIP JUNE 11

 

Kelly Eplee, director of the Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity chapter, will be at Charlottesville First UMC this Sunday, June 11 to share news of the chapter’s latest work in the area. Kelly will share briefly during the morning worship and then following the service at 11:15 in the Fellowship Hall. Visit the Portico Cafe and bring your refreshments to hear Kelly.

HYMNS & PINTS RETURNS THIS THURSDAY

 

The unique singing experience known as Hymns & Pints returns to Random Row at 608 Preston Ave., THIS THURSDAY, June 8, at 7 PM. Wesley Memorial and Charlottesville First are co-sponsoring this time of fellowship, singing, and a little bit of trivia. 

Have you grappled with the questions, “Are there evidence-based solutions to homelessness? What are we doing locally to end homelessness, and what challenges do we face in implementing these efforts?”

 

If so, we welcome you to join us on Wednesday, June 21 from 7:00-8:30pm to learn more about Housing First & Homelessness in Charlottesville with the following folks:

  • Anna Mendez, Executive Director of The Haven,

  • Misty Graves, Director of Charlottesville’s Department of Human Services,

  • Anthony Haro, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless (BRACH), and

  • Heather Kellams, Women’s Case Manager at People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM)

Presenters will share what we know about homelessness locally and expand on Housing First: what it is, the successes we've seen, and the challenges we face implementing the approach in our community.

RSVP today!

Doors open at 7:00pm.

Presentation begins at 7:15pm with a Q&A to follow.

Questions? Respond to this email or reach out to Ocean@thehaven.orgRSVP using this link.

Church Softball League
The Charlottesville Church Softball League is back in full swing this spring with no covid restrictions.
 
Season runs thru July. Games are played on Friday evenings at Darden Towe Park. The slow pitch league is open to men and women 14 years old or older. Anyone interested in playing on the FUMC team can contact Bill Owens for more information.

 

Picnic in the Park

 

Inviting those of all ages to join us on Sunday evening, June 25, from 4:00-5:30 pm at Pen Park.  (Rain location: TBA)

  

Adults, children, and youth will meet in the upper parking lot grassy area next to the playground for games and fellowship. 

 

Picnic Options: Pack your own dinner or email children@cvillefirstumc.org to let us know how many slices of pizza you want. Please bring your own drinks, a blanket or chair. 

 

Looking forward to seeing you all on these evenings together. Invite your friends and be on the lookout to make some new ones! 

 

Mark your Calendar:  Future dates are June 25, July 30, and August 20th.

  
cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Youth ages 6th-12 grades and their parents may contact Dave Breslin,
Youth Ministry Coordinator,
to be added to the youth email list.
Volunteers needed! We are seeking several caring adults who would like to help out with our growing teen community. Please contact Dave for more information.  
June 11...Youth Group, 10-11 June 12...Youth serve in soup kitchen, 10:00-1:00 
June 18...ASP Send-off during the service, 10-11
June 25-July 1...ASP Service Project              NO YOUTH GROUP ON JUNE 25TH

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY! Our youth group will be helping at the church's soup kitchen on Monday, June 12th from 10-1:00. We have four spots for youth open. If you would like one of those spots, please contact Dave.

 

Applications for Convergence 2023 are open!  Randolph-Macon College's summer Youth Theology Institute on Faith and Science will be held July 18-23 this year.  The event is open to students who are finishing their 9th, 10th, or 11th grade year in the next few months.  Please register by May 12 to ensure a space.  Late registrations may be accepted but cannot be guaranteed.  

 

The '23 Convergence theme is Food, Faith and Farming. We have a lot of exciting activities and experiences planned including:

  • Field trips to Sophia Farm, Fitrah Farm, Shalom Farm and Babylon MicroFarm
  • A special project with the Ashland Farmer’s market
  • The Theology of Soul Food, a speech and cooking demonstration with author, James Beard award winner, and certified barbeque judge Adrian Miller
  • Workshops on campus
  • Planning and helping to lead worship at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church on the R-MC campus.

 

Cost to attend is $350.  Financial Assistance is available if needed.  All Convergence campers receive a $1,000 scholarship if they attend R-MC for college.HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Take a look at this opportunity through RMC's Summer Youth Theological Institute. Spots are still open...see Dave for more details!

This coming Sunday, June 11th, Tween Pool Party @ Marilyn Basham's House from 2:30-4:00.  Please RSVP by June 8th if possible. At least one adult must stay with your Tween, no lifeguard on duty. Light refreshments will be provided by our host! Thank you, Marilyn!

 

Tuesday, June 13th "Crafting the Cosmos" Pizza Party at Aldersgate UMC 1500 Rio Rd E, Cville the lower level of their building, 5pm-7pm.  Join us for a fun evening with other Tweens to create some "out of this world" decorations for our upcoming Stellar VBS. We are sharing decorations and can create together. Please let us know if you can make it so we know how many pizzas to get! We welcome adults and older siblings to stay and join the fun too.

 

Monday, June 19th "Tweens Serve" our Bread & Blessings Friends at Cville First UMC. We will meet in the kitchen 10am-1:30pm let us know if you plan to come help for some of these hours or all of these hours, we are creating a schedule.

  VBS Logo  
for children & volunteers
Vacation Bible School at Charlottesville First UMC
Monday-Friday, July 31st-August 4th, 9:00am- 12:00pm
 
Register today to save your spot.  Please feel free to invite your friends! 
Ages 3 yrs old-Rising 6th graders Limited Spaces Available. 😊 Hope to see you there!
 
Are you available to help out this summer with Vacation Bible School?  We need you!! We are looking for volunteers as we get ready for VBS.
The number of kids we can host here, at Charlottesville First UMC, is all dependent on how many volunteers we have! Please let us know your availability
Next God in All Things: June 28

NOW ENROLLING! 2's, 3's, Pre-K and KINDERGARTEN! Call 434-296-6682
or read more at cvillefirstumc.org/preschool.

The Faith Seekers Class (Room 208 on Sundays at 8:45am) is studying “End Times : Practical Heavenly Mindedness.” 
 
As described in the introduction, scriptures from the Old and New Testament help us to “view time as a gift and not as a resource to be managed." 
 
All are welcome to join.
cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Handbell Rehearsal - Sundays 6-7:30pm
Choir Rehearsal - Tuesdays 6-7pm
Congregational
Prayer Time
Tuesdays at 12:30pm on Zoom
All are welcome to join the Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 882 7977 8844
Passcode: 968327
Giving Back
Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
 
 
 Our regularly scheduled 2nd Fridays:
  • June 9th
  • July 14th
If you feel called to help build Habitat for Humanity homes, and have a great experience, please sign up.
cvillefirstumc@gmail.com

Clothes Closet

DONATIONS to Hinton Ave UMC clothes closet:
 
Hours of operation:  Tuesdays from 10am-1pm    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 for info.

Are you interested in
serving communion? Email Evelyn Kessler 
or call
434-971-7329.

Would you be interested in helping with communion preparation?

 

Help is needed to prepare communion on the first Sunday of every month and special holidays. This would involve working with another experienced team member to set-up and then clean up after communion. The set - up process is currently done on Sunday morning before the service and would take about 30 – 45 minutes. Clean-up after the service takes about 20 minutes. Each team member does this once every three to four months depending on how many people are on the team. Questions and info? Email Evelyn Kessler or call
434-971-7329.

cvillefirstumc@gmail.com

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.

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