cvillefirstumc@gmail.com
Midweek Update
September 11, 2024
In this week's Midweek Update, Pastor Alex Joyner gives us a hint of what's to come from his Sermon Series on the Book of James during the month of September.
 
Additionally, please join us on Sunday after Worship for a Congregation-wide photo opportunity on the front steps. Fred Schneider will have his drone out so we can take the photo and also see what's going on on the roof with all the solar panel construction.
 
 Lastly, be sure to visit the Community Prayer Wall that has moved over to CFUMC after the Pride Fest last week. Be sure to read the prayers and add one yourself if you feel compelled.
 
 Hope to see you at the Dairy Market tonight!
Happening this Week

Dairy Market Dinner

Wednesday, September 11th at 6pm

 

Let’s gather tonight for the Dairy Market Dinner at THE DAIRY MARKET at 6pm. No agenda, just great fellowship! Bring your friends and family! 

 

The one and only Cindy Remington will host!

Habitat for Humanity Workday

Friday, September 13th from 8:45am-3:30pm

 

A reminder of our September Habitat workday Friday, September 13 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM.

 

If interested, please sign up here. All are welcome and no experience is necessary.

Here We Grow Again's "Choose Your Charity" Consignment Sale

Saturday, September 14th from 9:00am-3:00pm

 

Cville Sock Love, run by two of our college students, is one of three local charities named to receive ticket proceeds from Here Wee Grow Again’s “Choose Your Charity” consignment sale at Aldersgate UMC on September 14th.

 

Please consider supporting them on Saturday if you’re in need of gently used children’s clothing, toys, etc. All of Cville Sock Love’s proceeds will go toward the purchase of new socks for community members in need.

Revival on Market Street

Sunday, September 15th at 4pm

 

What if there were a revival in Downtown Charlottesville? 

 

That’s the question Pastor Alex considered in a recent meeting with a longtime friend and clergy colleague, Pastor Greg Miller of Restoration United Methodist Church.

 

Well, now it’s happening! Rev. Miller will be the speaker and the Restoration UMC music team will lead a time of singing, preaching, healing and unity at a Holy Spirit Revival in Market St. Park on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 4 PM.

 

Please help us spread the word!

Women at the Well

Thursday, September 12th at 9:30am

 

On Sept. 12, we will begin our study of “Searching for Sunday” by Rachel Held Evans. This author describes faith as less of a club to belong to and more of a current to enter into. Her ideas are both comforting and slightly terrifying and really….isn’t that what faith really is?

 

Come join us, and fall in love with God all over again!

Living As God's People

Sundays Starting September 1st

 

This fall we will be following a theme each week during our children's time and Sunday School. 

 

This Sunday our curriculum will focus on God caring for the earth . We will read Psalm 104.

 

We welcome you to join us throughout the fall as we continue to Live as God's People. 

September One Thing Ministry

 

The One Thing Ministry for the month of September is for the Ivy Creek School.

 

This month we will be collecting chips, Cheezits, popcorn, pretzels, etc. (Big bags are fine!) for the Ivy Creek School which is a therapeutic, separate day school that serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade whose emotional and behavioral needs require smaller classes, increased teacher to student ratio, and counseling services.

 

Questions? Contact Carolyn McGee carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org

Coming Soon
Stephen Ministry is Returning to Cville First UMC
Saturday, September 28th at 10am

 

Stephen Ministry is coming back to Charlottesville First UMC! Stephen Ministry is a laity-based ministry that provides high-quality, one-to-one, Christ centered care to people in our church family and the surrounding community that are experiencing life's difficulties.  

 

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to offer emotional and spiritual care for folks dealing with a wide range of issues. Stephen Ministers are congregation members who receive extensive training from Stephen Leaders to offer Christ's presence to people who are hurting. Stephen Ministers have one care receiver at a time and meet with their care receiver once a week for about an hour.

 

Want to learn more about being a Stephen Minister? Then come to our informational session on Saturday. September 28, at 10am in room 308 where you will be able to meet and talk with those who have been trained as Stephen Ministers.  

 

Questions or more informationjohnconway@vaumc.org, or carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org

 

Announcements
Our Current Gallery Artists
 

ASP  (Appalachia Service Project) is our annual youth mission trip. Believe it or not….this will be our 21st year! Dates for next summer are June 22-June 28, 2025. Youth who will have completed 6th grade and are at least 11 years old are eligible.  We are taking sign ups for youth and adults. 

 

For more info or to sign up see

Dave Wheatley wheat1506@gmail.com or

Charles Kidd charleslkidd@yahoo.com

 

Our Current Gallery Artists
 

Welcome to Candida Franklin, our current artist to exhibit in the CFUMC Gallery.

 

In speaking with Candida, I learned that she likes to get to the heart of things and is most at home communicating in the abstract. She prefers artistic content that depends on intrinsic form rather than realism and believes that we are at our most perceptive when we use our heads and our hearts. She is inspired by the colors and forms in nature and by other artists working outside of the lines.

 

Candida is originally from Philadelphia, PA and her Grandmother was a great painter! Candida is an abstract expressionist. She says, there are no limitations, there are no rules, but her art is always personal. 

 

Come see this beautiful exhibit and meet Candida! More info, candidafranklin@gmail.com

Having Trouble Logging Into Realm?
 

Are you getting ‘invalid credentials’ on your device when you try to login to Realm?

 

You can use this document to help troubleshoot the issue. There are directions for both Android and iOS/Apple.

 

Sorry for any inconveniences you may be experiencing. You can always use www.onrealm.org from your phone’s browser or a computer browser.  If you are having other access issues, please send an email to financialsect@cvillefirstumc.org.

Volunteers Needed!
 

We have a new exciting opportunity to volunteer with concessions at UVA sporting events! A portion of the proceeds will go towards Wesley at UVA.

 

For football games, volunteer groups will be between 2-10 people and for soccer games we need groups of 6 or 7 volunteers. 

 

Interested volunteers can use this link to fill out the volunteer form.

 

You can choose which event or events you would like to volunteer for by signing up here

A Solar Project Update
 

The solar project construction has progressed over the summer. Although we had initially hoped for a September 1st completion, it seems we still have a few weeks to go. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to navigate the parking situation. 

 

Thanks to Fred Schneider for the signs!

 

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.

HAUMC Clothes Closet
 

The clothes closet is currently still operating out at 750 Hinton Ave, lower level off parking lot, every Tuesday from 10am-1pm. Donations accepted during these hours of operation.


We are currently in need of clean/gently worn summer apparel:  ladies/women's shorts, jeans, underwear, socks; men's shorts, jeans, short sleeve shirts, t-shirts, underwear, socks; and infant/girl/boys clothing.  We need all of these items in a variety of sizes.   We also accept household items such as sheets, blankets, towels, kitchen items (dishes, pots/pans, utensils, small appliances).


If any questions on the above, please contact karenlapps@yahoo.com or seek me out after Sunday church services.

At Home Communion
 

If you or someone you know can no longer attend services but would like to receive Communion in your home please contact Carolyn McGee at carolynmcgee@cvillefumc.org. or
DeAnn Posey at 757-208-6998 or dsposey2426@gmail.com

Love INC Cville
 

After rent and utilities, the most requested need is for furniture.  Love INC Cville is desperately looking for volunteers with vehicles to pick up and deliver furniture that has been donated to Love INC for distribution to our neighbors in need. Without the ability to deliver the furniture, large amounts end up in the dump instead of going to those who desperately need it.

 

To inquire about how to help, message Raymond Klein, Executive Director of Love INC at raymond@loveinccville.org .

Have Something to Share?
 

Did you take photos at a recent church event?

 

Did you get together with friends and snap a selfie?

 

Do you have an upcoming event that you want to invite others to?

 

Please consider sharing your snaps and events with me (Erica Gregory) so I can post to our social media pages! We have so many amazing things going on, and this is a fun way to spread the word. 

 

Just email coms@cvillefirstumc.org with a little blurb about the photo or event.

 

And be sure to "Like" us on Facebook to follow along!

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.

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.
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 August:
  • 2,908 total households
    • That is an average of 161 households receiving groceries on each of the 18 distribution days in August.
  • 11,226 individuals:   
    • 36% aged 0-18; 53% aged 19-59; 11% aged 60+  
  • Roughly 8% of households last month were first-time visitors, and approximately 37% 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.
Learning & Fellowship

Redemptive Compassion Class

Thursday, October 3 at 7:00pm

 

Working with people in need is one of the great challenges before the Church. If you find the following questions unsettling, the Redemptive Compassion class is for you:

  • Why do so many of the commonly-used methods seem so ineffective in reducing or alleviating on-going need?
  • Why have good intentions to help others produced such devastating results?
  • Is the crippling lifestyle in which thousands find themselves trapped all that God desires for them? 

Redemptive Compassion is a biblical exploration of how God has called us to wholistically love and serve our neighbors in need.  It is a 7-week in-person course that uses a book and videos. This course is a great resource to help us change how we address need, as we learn how to build resources within people, not just give resources to people.

Our teacher is Jeff Cale from Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC). He is a graduate of Bridgewater College and Liberty University and has been the Transformation Coordinator for Love INC for the last three years.

Monday Grad Chats

Mondays Starting September 2nd from 12-1pm

 

Are you looking for a space to connect with other graduate students who are a part of UVA's Progressive Christian Community?

 

Join us every Monday starting September 2nd from noon to 1pm for a free lunch at Wesley at UVA and a discussion on a topic of interest.

 

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Adult Fellowship Group

Sundays following Worship

 

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.

Young Adults Group

Every Second Sunday

 

Join this new small group for anyone in their 20’s and 30’s. We will be sitting together during the first of the month church luncheon, and then meet every second Sunday after church for a Bible study and discussion. Can’t wait to connect with you!

 

Contact Madison McManners

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
 
New Study: The After Party Project Course
 
The purpose of this study is to reorient Christian thinking about politics in an effort to heal political divisions in the church and cultivate key Biblical virtues like humility, kindness, and hopefulness in Christian political engagement.The After Party equips viewers to reorient their hearts on the person of Jesus such that our status as beloved sons and daughters of Christ comes before any partisan identity. This study is by Curtis Chang, David French, and Russell Moore and will include videos and discussion each week.
 
All are welcome! info - kjberlin56@gmail.com

Faith Explorers

Sundays at 11:15 am in Room 208


Beginning August 11  The Faith Explorers Class will be studying “Faith and Politics”, a series of timely presentations which will include
Each topic will include two lectures. We welcome all who may be interested in learning some new information about how our faith sustains us during these difficult and confusing times. Contact Bill Clarke at janebillclarke@earthlink.net for more information.
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. 
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.
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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