Advent Devotion Writing Prompts
We need 26 writers to contribute to our annual Advent Devotion Booklet.Here is a 5-step process to make this a meaningful experience and maybe even an easier process.
Check your calendar. Find a specific date and time between now and November 8 when you can set aside 90 minutes to accomplish this task. Mark it on your calendar as an appointment.
Before your chosen date arrives, think about Scripture that speaks to you. Our theme this year is “Nothing stays wrapped,” so perhaps you can find a passage that relates to this. If you need help choosing Scripture or writing a prayer at the end, we will be happy to add that for you!
Next, reflect on a few examples when you have given or received a special gift. It might be something tangible, or it might be the gift of time, needed support, or prayer. Select one of those examples as the focus of your devotion.
Then, on the day you have chosen to write, find a quiet, comfortable place where you can sit down to write your devotion without any interruptions. Gather the tools you need and jot down your thoughts. No need to make it perfect – just aim to express what comes from your heart.
Finally, put your devotion away. On the next day, take a few minutes to read what you have written. If needed, edit your piece, but preserve the ideas you have expressed.
Add a closing prayer, (or we will do that for you) sign your name, and send it on!
mdking26@gmail.com, carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org
We look forward to receiving (by Nov. 9) and reading your beautiful devotions!
|
|
|---|
|
Miracle Sunday: Our Gift
Thank you to everyone who gave to the Miracle Sunday offering. Our congregation gave $720 toward the endowment that will support theological education for pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. With the Virginia Conference match, that becomes $1,080.
An endowment works on the long view. Like the trees we talked about along the Downtown Mall, it is planted for people we will never meet. Our gift joins thousands of others from across the connection, and together they will help train leaders who will stand in pulpits and sit at bedsides in places we will never see.
|
|
|---|
|
COME DISCOVER THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP CLASS
From now through November 15, Pastor Alex is the guest teacher for the Adult Fellowship Class, which meets Sundays at 11:15 in Room 208. The class is beginning a new chapter, and anyone looking for a Sunday School class at CFUMC is warmly invited to join.
No preparation or Bible experience needed. The class is using his 2010 book
Hard Time Come Again No More: Suffering and Hope to talk about the story of Job. You can pick up a book in Room 208.
|
|
|
|
|
Let’s hit the road again!
June 2-3, 2027, we have the opportunity to travel to Lancaster, PA to The Sight and Sound Theatre to see the stunning production of “JONAH”! The evening we arrive we will dine at The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre and enjoy “The Million Dollar Quartet” a musical about the night that Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carol Perkins, and Johnny Cash came together in an impromptu jam session in 1956 and made history!
|
|
|---|
|
Charlottesville First United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries to lead faith formation and build meaningful relationships with children, youth, and families from nursery through 12th grade. This role oversees Sunday School, youth programming, Vacation Bible School, family events, service opportunities, volunteers, and other ministries that help young people grow in faith and feel connected to the life of the church. The ideal candidate is organized, relational, creative, inclusive, and passionate about creating a welcoming environment where children and youth can learn, serve, connect, and grow.
For more information and the full job description, click here. |
|
|---|
|
Faith Explorers, meeting at 11:30am in room 308, will begin the study of "Relational Theology - A Contemporary Introduction" by Montgomery, Ord, and Winslow on Sunday Nov 1. Relational Theology is an approach to thinking about God's interaction with creation - How God affects creatures and how creatures affect God. All are invited! Contact Bill Clarke at janebillclarke@earthlink.net for more information. |
|
|---|
|
The October One Thing Ministry will support CFUMC’s Winter Hosting of PACEM to take place November 10 – 24, 2026
Food items for breakfast and after dinner snacks
·
Soft chew breakfast bars like Nutri Grain bars and chewy granola bars.or cereal bars - NOT crunchy
·
Orange or Apple juice, individual servings. NOT fruit punch or Kool-Aid type drinks
·
Fruit Cups – mandarin oranges, mixed fruit, pears, etc.
·
Peanut Butter – individual servings
·
Individual serving bags of Cheez-its, pretzels, crackers, chips, cookies, etc.
Personal Hygiene Items
·
Travel size deodorant, toothpaste, hand lotion, ChapStick, etc.
|
|
|---|
|
New This October: A Table in the Quiet
Wednesday, October 21st at 5:30pm
Beginning in October, we're adding a new rhythm to our Wednesday nights. At 5:30 pm in the Chapel — just before dinner — we'll gather for A Table in the Quiet, a brief service of Communion held in a contemplative, unhurried spirit, led by Pastor Alex and friends.
This isn't a full worship service — it's a small, quiet space to receive the bread and cup, sit in silence, and let go of the day before moving into fellowship and dinner. Whether you're a longtime communion-taker or just curious about a quieter way into the week's midpoint, you're welcome at the table.
No sign-up needed. Just come to the Chapel at 5:30.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Dinner & Belonging: Connect With Your Neighbors This Fall
Wednesday, October 21 from 6-7:30pm
Starting October 7th from 6 pm -7:30 pm, join us for a six-week semester of Wednesday Night Dinners and "Learning Living Groups."
Eat Together: Every week starts with a free, fully provided meal. Come alone, bring your family, or invite a neighbor to enjoy great food and meet new friends!
Grow Together: Afterward, we break into fun, relaxed groups to share hobbies, skills, and life experiences—examples include Mahjong, crafts, parenting, or book studies.
Lead Together: The activities we offer are 100% based on who steps up to lead or teach. Want to share a skill? Want to partner up with a friend to lead together?
Let us know on the form! Please take two minutes to click the link, let us know if you are interested in coming to eat, or pitch a group idea. Come as you are, bring a friend, and let’s build community together!
Childcare will be available.
Current Groups:
- Spiritual Practices: Experiencing the Divine in Nature
- What are my spiritual gifts and how can I use them?
- Creative Corner: 5 Weeks of Crafting and Community
- Zine Creator Time
|
|
|
|
|
Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 25th from 3-5pm
Get dressed in your Halloween Costume and come join us for our annual Trunk or Treat.
We are currently looking for volunteers to decorate their trunks. If you are interested, please sign up here.
|
|
|
|
|
Sacred Way, Wild Church: Next Hike
Saturday, October 31st at 11am
Our next Sacred Way, Wild Church Halloween Hike will be on Saturday, October 31, at 11 am on the Butterfly Trail. Please meet in the parking lot by the rescue squad.
This hike is approximately 2 miles round trip. Hope to see you there! Feeling festive? Wear your costume or bring some candy to share :) All ages are welcome.
Questions? Contact laraupton@cvillefirstumc.org
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for Generosity Sunday
Sunday, November 8th
Join us on Sunday, November 8, for a special time of worship, gratitude, and celebration as we reflect on God's blessings and the spirit of generosity within our church family.
A catered luncheon, provided by CFUMC, will follow the worship service, providing an opportunity to gather in fellowship and celebrate together.
We hope you'll make plans to join us!
|
|
|
|
|
Join Us For the 2026 Habitat
Rake-a-Thon
Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 9am-1pm
Charlottesville First UMC is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity for their annual Rake-a-Thon on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This fun, family-friendly event helps Habitat raise funds and awareness for local affordable housing.As a partner congregation, we are stepping up to help them reach their 2026 goals of raking 100 lawns, mobilizing 600+ volunteers, and raising $40,000 for our community!
Here is how you can get involved:
Volunteer to Rake: Grab your rakes and sign up with our church group via the Habitat VolunteerHub Portal.
Have Your Yard Raked: Need help with your leaves? Let a team handle it while supporting a great cause by filling out the Lawn Cleanup Request Form.
Donate: Make check out to Charlottesville First UMC, memo line Habitat.
For questions, please contact Lara Upton at laraupton@cvillefirstumc.org. Let's make a difference together this fall!
|
|
|
|
|
|
