February 25, 2026
Announcements
Special Request from District Superintendent
 

Dear Laity and Clergy of the Three Notch’d District:

I invite you into a holy opportunity—one in which we may mirror God’s own character by standing with our most vulnerable neighbors, as both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament call us to do (Exodus 22:22–23; Deuteronomy 10:19; 1 Timothy 5:1–16).

James speaks plainly: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27, NRSVUE).
It has come to our attention that a family with three children—one of whom is recovering from cancer—is in urgent need. Their father was suddenly deported to Honduras. Thanks to Belmont Community Resource Services and their food pantry, the mother and children are receiving food support, but they are now facing serious financial hardship.

While prayer is essential, our faith also calls us beyond personal piety to acts of justice and social holiness. The mother works cleaning houses while caring for her three children, yet her income is very limited. The family is struggling to meet basic needs, including apartment rent and utility bills, totaling approximately $2,199.

We are a district of 116 churches. What might happen if individuals and congregations pledged $100 for 12 months—from March 2026 through February 2027—to support this immigrant family? With just 24 pledges, we could meet and exceed their immediate need. And if more step forward, even better. As we know, this family is not alone. Together, we can begin supporting one family at a time.

In joyful obedience—remembering our communion, confession and pardon—what if together we begin by loving one family well?

If the Holy Spirit is nudging you to participate in this God-imitating work, please complete the form at the button below. If you have questions, please contact the District Office, TNDistrict@vaumc.org, 804-521-1124.
 
Grace and peace,
Hyo J. LeeHyo J. LeeThree Notch'd District Superintendent
 

 

PACEM - Women's Housing Volunteers
 
CFUMC will host women through PACEM from March 31-April 7th. Once again, we will need volunteers to help make this a success.
 

 

 

 

Can you help?
 
18 year-old high school student in need of housing ASAP. Can you help?
 
A bilingual (English/Spanish) student needs housing until the end of the school year. Contact Cindy Chambers of PACEM for more information: cindy@pacemshelter.org.

The March ONE THING MINISTRY will benefit The Ronald McDonald House. Just a few blocks away from the University of Virginia Medical Center, RMH offers families a much-needed refuge and a comforting place where they can find solace as they navigate one of life’s most unimaginable challenges, the heart-wrenching experience of caring for a child who is seriously ill. Listed below are items that are most needed for daily use. They also welcome gift cards to Sam’s, Amazon, Lowes, Wal-Mart and local grocery stores. Items can be delivered directly to the RMH by going to their Amazon Wish List page.

 

  • White Queen & Twin Coverlets
  • Toilet Paper
  • Coffee Creamers (All Sizes & Flavors)
  • Disposable meal containers (all sizes)
  • Plastic cutlery
  • Individual chips/cookies/crackers
  • Bottle drinks (water, juice boxes, sports drinks)
  • Laundry detergent (free & clear)
  • Disposable plates, bowls and cups
  • 32-gallon trash bags
  • Paper towels
  • Paper lunch bags
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Ziploc bags
  • Clorox wipes
  • Dish soap
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Sponges
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Napkins
  • Fleece blankets (queen size)
  • Spray clear (multi-surface disinfectant, Windex)
Resisting Racial Injustice In the Way of Jesus Conference
Saturday, February 28th

On Saturday, February 28, the Racial Justice Network (RJN) will host the Resisting Racial Injustice in the Way of Jesus Conference at Belmont UMC in Richmond.

 

RJN brings together people from diverse churches to build cross-racial relationships and work toward racial justice.

 

The keynote speaker is Rev. Ben Campbell, Episcopal priest, civil rights activist, founder of Richmond Hill, and author of  Richmond’s Unhealed History.

 

The conference includes three workshops on conversation, nonviolent action, and spiritual formation as resistance.

 

Register using the link here or in the flyer below. Questions? Email racialjnetwork@gmail.com or call804-521-1124.

Bake Sale and Pancake Brunch
Sunday, March 1st

How can we prepare for RISE Against Hunger? We can bake cakes! No….we don’t put them in the food packets, we auction them off to raise funds for the event! (CFUMC needs to donate $8,000 to pay for the supplies.)

 

On Sunday, March 1, let’s gather right after worship for a “Shrove Tuesday but on a Sunday Pancake Brunch” and cake auction! Last year we raised over $2,000! The Tuesday Men’s Study Group will be fixing’ the pancakes! You don’t have to bring a thing!

 

Now... start baking your cake! and bring it that morning! It’s a sweet time of laughter, fellowship, and it’s all for a good cause!

PACEM Housing Programs Info Sessions
Rescheduled to Tuesday, March 3rd from 6-7pm

Please join our Director of Client Services Heather Kellams as she shares about PACEM's growing housing programs and how you can get involved. This will be interactive, so we can get your questions answered! Join us on Zoom. Feel free to share the link with your peers!
Topic: PACEM Secure Housing Program Info Session
Time: Mar 3, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798788360?pwd=g3N9BkaDjzcQieEMLc54LfytT9gE7f.1

Meeting ID: 857 9878 8360
Passcode: 458242

Dementia Care Support
Sunday, March 8th from 12:15-3pm at First Presbyterian Church

Join the folks at First Presbyterian Church for a Dementia Care Workshop. The two hour workshop will explore the complexities, challenges and joys of the dementia journey. 

 

Register here.

FUMP Alumni Day & PaperPie Book Fair
Friday, March 20th from 9-11am

First United Methodist Preschool is excited to host our first annual FUMP Alumni Day on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 9:00–11:00 AM. We will be welcoming back former students and families, along with our current preschool families, for a special morning of connection and community.

 

As part of the celebration, we are also hosting a PaperPie Bookfair — and we would love to invite members of our church family to participate! Church members are welcome to stop by and shop at the Bookfair from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM that day in the Fellowship Hall.

 

It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our preschool while finding high-quality books and gifts for children and families. We hope you’ll join us!

 

SAVE THE DATE: Women's Retreat
Saturday, March 21st from 8:30am-3pm

Note: This event will take place at Charlottesville First United Methodist Church.

 

Join us for the this year's Women's Retreat with others from across the Charlottesville area on Saturday, March 21 from 8:30am to 3:00pm. 

 

The theme this year is based on Psalm 42, "Lord We Need You" and we hope this will be a time of encouragement, renewal and equipping for our days. You can plan to participate for the whole day or for just part of the day.  

 

To learn more and to register use this link.

IMPACT's Nehemiah Action
Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm

Are you concerned about neighborhood safety, affordable housing, and reliable public transit for those in our local community who need it most? Join us at IMPACT's upcoming Nehemiah Action assembly.Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center. 


IMPACT is an interfaith collaborative of over 50 local congregations that works on securing improvements in these social justice issues here in our community. The Nehemiah Action is a spirited and impactful meeting where we ask our local elected officials to commit to improvements in the lives of those who rely on public transit and who are in dire need of affordable housing in safe neighborhoods.

 

All are welcome to attend, and your presence is important! Help us demand impactful action from our community leaders.

 

Please use this link to submit a RSVP (preferred but not required).

 

SAVE THE DATE: RISE Against Hunger
Saturday, April 25th

RISE (Rise Against Hunger) is April 25.

 

Be on the lookout for the sign up. It’s fun and we pack 20,000 packets of nutrition for our brothers and sisters in need! 

Confirmation

 

Ready to take the next step in your faith journey?
 
Whether you’re looking to be confirmed for the first time or want to dive deeper into what you already believe, we want you there! All youth (6th grade and up) are invited to join us for Confirmation 2026. 

Who: Youth 6th Grade & Up
Where: Charlottesville First UMC
When: Starts on Sunday, March 1, @ 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Questions? Reach out to Lara Upton, children@cvillefirstumc.org, for the full calendar of dates. 
Save the Date: Summer Youth Mission Trip

 

Save the date for the Summer Youth Mission Trip—ASP 2026 with Appalachian Service Project, happening June 7–13, 2026. Register now to reserve your spot at https://forms.gle/u3qovEi5pinLH9HE8.
 
 
For more information, contact Lara Upton at children@cvillefirstumc.org.
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