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Easter is almost here and that means it’s TULIP time! If you would like to place a tulip on the Chancel in honor or in memory of a loved one, just fill out the form that is in the bulletin and include your $10 payment. This year’s fundraiser is benefiting a brand new food pantry at Zion United Methodist Church in Troy, VA called Hope and Harvest. It is open two Saturdays a month. Their mission is to offer fresh and healthy food to those experiencing food insecurity (no barriers or restrictions). Such a lovely way to celebrate the Resurrection and to remember loved ones! |
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The Whole City Podcast: An Interview with Claire Gilbert
During the Lenten season, Charlottesville First United Methodist Church is doing a book study on "I, Julian. The Fictional Autobiography of Julian of Norwich." Pastor Alex Joyner sits down with author Claire Gilbert to discuss to book and the life of Julian.
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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
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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.
There are currently under 30 spots remaining. Let's get them filled!
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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)
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Moral Mondays in Charlottesville
Every Monday from 12:30-1pm
Free Speech Wall on the Downtown Mall, 605 E. Main St.
The Charlottesville Clergy Collective continues to hold vigil each week for those impacted by Policy Violence: direct ICE raids against our neighbors as well as the sometimes quiet violence that occurs due to cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care and housing assistance.
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Sacred Way, Wild Church: Hike Rescheduled
Wednesday, March 18th at 1pm
Due to construction at Ragged Mountain, our Wednesday, March 18th, hike has been moved to Spring Creek! Meet at 1:00 PM at the Spring Creek Community House in Zion Crossroads. The Hike: A ~2-mile walk with gentle inclines on trails and sidewalks.
Afterwards: Join us for refreshments at the nearby Ashley home!
Questions: connect@cvillefirstumc.org
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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!
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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.
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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).
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Interfaith Gathering to Show Support for our Immigrant Neighbors
Sunday, March 29th at 2pm
Join us for the Interfaith Gathering to Show Support for Our Immigrant Neighbors on Sunday, March 29 at 2pm on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. We’ll gather at the West End near the Omni Hotel for singing, readings, a procession to the Free Speech Wall, and opportunities to learn how you can support our immigrant neighbors.
There is strength in numbers — please share with your community and bring an umbrella if it rains. Love Thy Neighbor is rooted in the call to love, welcome, and protect our neighbors, and we’re grateful for the many faith communities and individuals already standing together in support.
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Finance Talk and Lunch at Aldersgate
Tuesday, April 21st at 12:30pm
Next month’s Friendship Lunch on Tuesday, April 21, at 12:30 PM at Aldersgate UMC, 1500 Rio Rd E, will feature Rev. Chris Allen from United Methodist Development (UMDEVCO).
Rev. Allen will offer an inspirational and informational talk on personal finances, and will stay afterward to speak with anyone interested in learning more about Planned Giving, Investing, and the work of UMDEVCO.
Lunch is catered by Wood Grill Buffet. A contribution of $12.50 per person is appreciated — just place it in the envelope you’ll find on the table.
If you plan to attend, please let us know by Tuesday, April 14, so we can give an accurate headcount for the food order. You can RSVP to office@cvillefirstumc.org.
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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!
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