cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Midweek Update
May 24, 2023
Midweek Update
Pastor Alex and George Batten represented Charlottesville First United Methodist Church at the annual IMPACT Rodef Tzedek ("Justice Ministry") Celebration. In Deuteronomy 16:20, God tells the people " Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof which translates as Justice Justice (or righteousness righteousness) you shall pursue for you to live and inherit the land that God has given you." IMPACT advocates for affordable housing, preschool access and creation care  through the efforts of CFUMC and 25 other congregations of all faiths.
News
Bishop canoes on visit to Shenandoah River District
Bishop Sue took part in a Baptism Renewal on the Downriver Devotion with the Rev. Gary Heaton, District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Victor Gomez, and others in the Shenandoah River District.
South Georgia Conference Churches merge to make larger impact
JESUP, Ga. — When Jesup First and Epworth United Methodist churches began praying about their future as one congregation, they knew it was more than just sharing a building. The merger would reunite First with a congregation it planted, with the goal of having a bigger impact for the Kingdom of God. Jamie Denty has the story
Join us at 10 am on Sunday, June 4 for an intergenerational worship experience followed by lunch together.  Children, teens, and adults will be part of our worship as we consider why we do what we do and how it honors God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

The Quiet Center

 An after-church gathering of, and for, those walking with grief who wish to share with each other their time and their presence and their prayers.  Come any Sunday at 11:15 am in the Chapel or contact Rev. John at 703-887-7305 or by email at johnconway@vaumc.org.

The Rev. John Conway was featured on the Virginia Annual Conference’s Devotions with Deacons podcast.

John is leading The Quiet Center time following Sunday services that meets in the chapel. His devotion, which can be accessed here, focuses on Jesus’s message to the disciples as he leaves them.

Wear Red for Pentecost this Sunday!
Pentecost is an important celebration for Christians around the world. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, as described in the Acts Chapter 2. This joyous event occurs on the seventh Sunday after Easter. It is believed to have originated from the Jewish holiday of  Shavuot. For Christians, it symbolizes the empowering of believers with the Holy Spirit and the birth of the early Christian church.

According to the Bible, during the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus in the form of flames. This miraculous event enabled them to speak in different languages, spreading the message of Christ to people from diverse backgrounds. Christians view this as a powerful affirmation of God’s presence and guidance.

Symbols play an important role in Pentecost celebrations. Fire is a powerful symbol associated with Pentecost, representing the transformative and purifying nature of the Spirit.The color red is commonly used to symbolize the flames of the Holy Spirit. Red decorations, clothing, and liturgical items help us to celebrate the Holy Spirit's power in our lives, in our church, and in our world.

For our ONE THING MINISTRY for the month of May we are be supporting a ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference called 
All God’s Children Camp. 

 

This is a weeklong overnight camp for children ages 7 to 12, with an incarcerated parent.  Campers have an opportunity to participate in all the physical activities the camp has to offer such as boating, swimming, hiking, archery, music, crafts, and Bible study, along with a conflict resolution/self-esteem-building class.

 

MOST NEEDED:

twin sheet sets

win fleece blankets 

 

Thank you!

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
Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
 
 
 Our regularly scheduled 2nd Fridays:
  • June 9th
  • July 14th
  • and Saturday May 27th.
If you feel called to help build Habitat for Humanity homes, and have a great experience, please sign up.
 
Also, during the month of May is Faith Build.  This is an opportunity for Faith organizations in the greater Charlottesville area to volunteer Wednesday – Saturday each week in May.  If you are interested in helping during Faith Build reach out to Natalie Burgwin (434-233-4646)

About the Artist - Cheryl Fee

 

 

Red building

 Cheryl focuses fulltime on her passion for art. Inspired by nature, she is a color enthusiast, drawing on a bright palette. Cheryl works with water colors, acrylic mixed media, and oils. Her works include landscapes, florals, still life, animals and architecture. 

 

Cheryl is a member of the Beverley Street School of Art, and numerous online painting groups. Her work can be found locally at a number of venues and via facebook.com\gratitudeartstudio

 

Cheryl was born in San Francisco and grew up in Idaho. She was encouraged to draw and paint at an early age by her mother who was a talented landscape artist, and has maintained her love of art throughout her life. After attending the University of Northern Colorado, Cheryl lived in Colorado for a number of years. Traveling extensively, she currently resides in Augusta County, VA. Her paintings are displayed in private residences and businesses throughout Virginia and the U.S. 

Learning & Fellowship

WOMEN AT THE WELL

The Thursday morning (9:30am) Women’s Bible Study that meets in
room 308 has begun a new study called:
Called, Hearing and Responding  to God’s Voice. All are welcome.
 carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org

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.

 

 

 

Inviting all adults and all children (ages birth through rising 6th graders) to join us on the This Sunday evening, May 28, from 5-6:30 pm at Pen Park.

(Rain location: Charlottesville First UMC, Fellowship Hall)

  

Adults and children will meet in the upper parking lot grassy area next to the playground for games and fellowship.  Youth will also be meeting separately in the lower parking lot on these evenings next to the pavilions and having their own scheduled activities with our Youth Ministries Coordinator, Dave Breslin.

 

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.  
May Youth Group Schedule:              
28...Youth Group, 10-11                        
        Pen Park Fellowship Night, 5:00-6:15   
 
Looking Ahead to June:  
June 3...End of the Year Family Pool Party, 1-3
June 4...All-Ages Service (children and youth help run the service)...10-11                                 ASP Training at Aldersgate UMC...12:30-3:00
June 11...Youth Group, 10-11
June 18...ASP Send-off during the service, 10-11 
June 25-July 1...ASP Service Project              
NO YOUTH GROUP ON JUNE 25TH 
  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

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
cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Gentle Yoga
Wednesdays at 2:30 in the Gathering Space.
Reservations are required to attend these classes - $10 per class. Please reach out to Lara Upton to reserve your space. We hope you can join us! See you there!
Giving Back
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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