| | |
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. |
|
|---|
|
In Memoriam: Reverend Andre Jean
Reverend Andre Jean, died on Tuesday morning in Miami. Rev. Jean served for approximately 50 years as pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Fort Liberte, Haiti — our partner congregation — preceding Pastor Dasnis. It was under his leadership that the Friends of Fort Liberte relationship first developed, and he visited First Church during Al Horton's tenure as pastor.
As Andy Guertler noted, Rev. Jean was a man committed to his God, his Church, and the people he served in and around Fort Liberte. Please hold his family, and the Jerusalem Baptist congregation, in your prayers.
|
|
|---|
|
Please take a minute to view our new art installation by local artist Carolyn Ratcliffe. Her beautiful creations of pastels, watercolors, oils, and acrylics will give us a chance to think and reflect on God’s beautiful creation! If you are interested in purchasing any of the artworks exhibited in the gallery, please contact carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org |
|
|---|
|
Seeking Local Groups in the Cville Area: Charlottesville Activities Fair
Charlottesville First UMC and the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library are partnering to host a Free Activities Fair on Saturday, October 17th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Market Street Park. Our goal is to connect individuals directly to local groups, hobbies, and volunteer networks where they can find authentic community and belonging.Do you run a local hobby group, sports club, arts collective, or volunteer crew? Or do you know of a great group we should invite? We want you there!
- Represent your group: Sign up to grab a free vendor table and recruit new members.
- Suggest a group: Tell us who they are so our planning committee can invite them.
A local food truck will be on-site so you can buy lunch while you browse and connect with neighbors.Please take two minutes to register your group or submit a recommendation using our online form: https://forms.gle/BUR93Pz3nUrzQKBv7
|
|
|---|
|
Upcoming IMPACT House Meetings
IMPACT is our local, interfaith ministry that is currently focusing on social injustice in the areas of affordable housing, effective public transportation, and neighborhood safety in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Several House Meetings will be held soon in order to take the feedback of our community members to help build our annual plan for addressing these issues with local elected officials.
If you have stories or experiences to share about injustices you have experienced or witnessed pertaining to these specific areas of social injustice in our community, please join us at one of our meetings. House Meetings are also a place to learn more about IMPACT generally and to hear about how you can participate in encouraging our elected officials to advocate for this important social justice work.
Upcoming IMPACT House Meetings:
- Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00pm - At the home of Aaron Bell (aaron.bell1@gmail.com)
- Sunday, September 27 at 8:30am - Fellowship Hall (Cindy Remington; mspoots@gmail.com)
- Sunday, October 4, during Youth Lunch (after the service) - Fellowship Hall (Allison Correll; allisonmcorrell@gmail.com). CJ will lead an activity with children so that parents are able to attend.
- Monday, October 12 at 7:00pm - At the home of Fred Schneider (redbox_design@mac.com)
All meetings are functionally the same - we are offering several to make it easier to attend one. RSVPs by email are preferred but not required. Meetings are open to all. Please join us! |
|
|---|
|
For our September One Thing Ministry we will be collecting sleeping bags and tents to support our unsheltered neighbors. While the City is working to establish Holiday Drive as an overnight shelter, until the facility is renovated and operational, our neighbors experiencing homelessness still need sleeping bags and tents to endure sleeping outside in the elements. Every year at the end of the summer, as the cooler weather rolls in and before the PACEM overnight shelter is operating, there is an increased demand for sleeping bags and tents. While The Haven provides the support our neighbors need to survive and exit their housing crisis, they would be grateful for your help to ensure the community members who are sleeping outdoors are able to do so with the equipment to stay sheltered and warm.
If you prefer to donate financially, write The Haven in the memo line of your check. There are no specific sleeping bag or tent requirements. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
|
|
|---|
|
Community Event: US Immigration - Past, Present & Future
Thursday, September 17 from 1:30-2:30pm
The History Club and OLLI at UVA are hosting a free talk on U.S. immigration history, law, and how it shapes our population today. The speaker, Alyson H. Ball, has spent eight years studying immigration policy and history.
Bring your questions and comments.
When: Thursday, September 17, 1:30–2:30pm
Where: Unity of Charlottesville, 2825 Hydraulic Road
Cost: Free and open to the public
|
|
|
|
|
Methodism for Those Raised Catholic, and Other Interested People
Saturday, September 19th from 9:30-11:30am
Join Rev. John Conway in exploring the connections between the Methodist and Roman Catholic faiths to gain a deeper appreciation of these two faith traditions.
Although designed for those who come to Methodism from a Roman Catholic background, this survey, with lots of time for questions, is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the similarities (there are a lot) and the distinctions (some are really important) of our Methodist and Roman Catholic heritages.
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Light refreshments: 9:30 AM
Discussion 10-11:30 AM
Where: Church Gathering Space
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Opportunity: Join Us at Cville Sabroso
Saturday, September 19th from 4:30-8:00pm
We are excited to announce that Southwood Village Mission UMC & Charlottesville First UMC have signed up to participate in the upcoming Cville Sabroso festival at the Ting Pavilion.
We have reserved a group block of 18 volunteer spots in the Kid Zone and need your help to fill them!
Event Details:Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Single Shift)
Location: Ting Pavilion
Perk: Volunteers receive one free ticket for themselves and one free guest ticket courtesy of festival organizers, Sin Barreras.All volunteers must be 18 or older.
To secure your spot, please email laraupton@cvillefirstumc.org.Thank you for helping us serve our community!
|
|
|
|
|
Community Dinner
Wednesday, September 23 from 6-7pm
Gather at Aldersgate Church on Wednesday evening for a free meal and to learn about community resources. All ages welcome. Come as you are!
|
|
|
|
|
Cville Pride Fest
Saturday, September 26th
Join Charlottesville First UMC, Restoration UMC, and Wesley Memorial UMC at Cville Pride Fest, Saturday, Sept 26th at Ting Pavilion for a fun time together!
You can be a table host or stop by to enjoy the festivities. Table Hosts, please sign up through the link under CFUMC's time slot.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FAEAD2BA3FEC70-65602031-cville
|
|
|
|
|
Built With Love: Habitat Service Project
Sunday September 27 from 11:30am-3pm
Organized by Cville First UMC & Southwood Village Mission UMC. All ages are invited to join this wonderful intergenerational mission project! We are partnering to build welcome toolboxes for new Habitat homeowners.
Sunday, Sept 27 (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM): Toolbox Shopping Trip & Lunch. Gather for lunch in the Fellowship Hall and a trip to Lowe's and Harbor Freight to shop for tools. List provided and funded by CFUMC Outreach Ministry Funds. This project is a perfect way for our entire church family—from children to seniors—to serve together.
To sign up, contact Lara Upton at laraupton@cvillefirstumc.org.
|
|
|
|
|
New This October: A Table in the Quiet
Starting October 7th 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 7 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."
To learn more about the groups, click here.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Habitat for Humanity Build Day
Friday, October 9 from 8:45am-3:30pm
You’re invited to be part of something meaningful! Whether you're a seasoned builder or it's your very first time picking up a hammer, we welcome you to join us for our next monthly Habitat for Humanity build day. No special skills are needed—just a willing spirit and a heart for helping others.
We’ll work together, learn from each other, and have a great time building hope and community.
Sign Up: Habitat VolunteerHub
Note: If it’s your first time using VolunteerHub, you’ll need to create an account. This new link is set up just for our Methodist congregations
Lunch Provided Aldersgate United Methodist Church will kindly provide pizza for lunch.
If you'd like to bring a dessert to share, please contact Greg Brown 434-327-8763 (call/text) gabrown2926@outlook.com or Susan Pott 434-996-1395 janith.pott@gmail.com
Bring a Friend
Volunteering is even better with company. Feel free to invite a friend to come along and experience the joy of building together.
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date: Picnic and Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 11th at 4pm
Save the date for the annual Blessing of the Animals!
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|  |
|
|
|
|
|
