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Midweek Update: July 23, 2025 |
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DID YOU KNOW?
DID YOU KNOW? In 1986-87 the quote to restore the organ was $132,530. Rather than making these costly repairs, a new Shantz organ was purchased. 1989 was proclaimed “YEAR OF THE ORGAN”.
Members of the congregation carried the pieces and pipes of the new organ into the sanctuary and installation included making openings from the organ chambers on both sides of the chancel, placing screening cloth in the ornamental ceiling to the chancel and improving the choir loft. The old organ was sold to a Methodist church in Florida for $14,500.
We’re excited to announce that we will be celebrating the 100 year birthday of Charlottesville UMC and our 2025 Consecration Sunday on the same day in early November!
We are collecting stories to share around these celebrations. Do you have a story to share? Contact Rex at rexhickman@comcast.net or Carolyn at carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org. Thank you!!
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Traveling Tiny Jesus
Pick up a tiny Jesus or two today on your way out of worship and take Him with you as you travel through life! If you go on vacation, place Him in your photo! Let us see the places you visit! (Truthfully, don’t we always want to have Jesus by our side?)
Share your photos with Carolyn and we will share them here!
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Wild Church
Are you seeking a welcoming community to connect with in nature?
Join us on the Sacred Way, where we come together to worship and celebrate the Divine amidst the beauty of the outdoors. We meet outside several times a month to hike together.
Each gathering begins with a brief reflection and prayer before we embark on our holy hikes. All ages are invited to participate.
To stay updated on our Sacred Way, Wild Church offerings, click here.
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The One Thing Ministry for July will benefit Pack to School! We will again provide backpacks filled with supplies to benefit local schools. Be on the lookout for more information in July for One thing Ministry. Monetary donations are always welcome (please note “Pack to School” if writing a check or giving online.) However, the goal for this year is to collect as many school supplies as possible. Questions or would you like to help with deliveries? Email Anika Winterhoff at anikamw77@outlook.com.
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Charlottesville First is continuing in a discernment process about becoming a Reconciling Church as our next step in growing as an inclusive church. We are moving toward three Sundays of voting beginning August 17 and continuing through August 31. If you have questions or want to continue the discussion, you can follow up by:
1) visiting the Reconciling Ministries table in the art gallery,
2) attending a post-worship conversation with Pastor Alex on Sunday, July 27 at 11:30 a.m. in the youth room on the 3rd floor,
3) watching the video from our June 22 service on the church YouTube channel with guest preacher Rev. Emily Bagwell,
4) talking to Pastor Alex, Pastor John, or one of our Inclusion Team members.
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PACEM is a community-driven organization that partners with local faith groups and volunteers to provide emergency shelter and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. With a focus on compassion, connection, and dignity, PACEM works to ease the immediate challenges of homelessness while helping guests access the resources and relationships needed to move toward stability.
Who was served in shelter 2024 – 2025:
• 298 unique guests
• 70% of guests were men
• 30% aged 55+ years-old
• 6.4% aged 18 – 24 (an increase)
• 78% of guests are from the Charlottesville area
• 54% of guests report being BIPOC, while only 33% of folks in our region are BIPOC
• 50% of guests report no income
• 83 guests engaged in case management
• 32 moved to permanent housing
• 14 moved to temporary housing
Over the past 3 years
• 15.3% of guests accessed the shelter at least 2 seasons
• 2.6% accessed the shelter every season
During the 2025 – 2026 Winter Hosting Season, CFUMC will be partnering with Sojourners United Church of Christ during their hosting of the men, November 4 – 17. They are in Belmont at 1017 Elliott Ave. We will be assisting by providing meals and volunteers. Hosting the men at CFUMC February 10 – 23, 2026.
Please mark your calendars and we will be sharing more information soon.
Please reach out to Jon Scheumann for more information 434 422 1749 or jonscheumann@gmail.com
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Join the Southwood Outreach Team
Are you passionate about building community and making a difference? CFUMC, in collaboration with local UMC churches and the Three-Notch’d District, is exploring new ministry opportunities in the growing Southwood neighborhood.
We’re looking for visionary, action-oriented individuals to help shape this exciting outreach effort—people ready to form meaningful relationships, listen deeply, and grow our congregation’s presence and impact in Southwood.
Ready to learn more or get involved? Contact Pastor Alex at alexjoyner@cvillefirstumc.org.
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Taco Church
Thursdays through August 7th at 6pm
Join Pastor Alex at Brazos Tacos at IX Park each Thursday to have tacos, discuss poetry and build community.
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New Study: Faith Explorers
Starting August 3, 2025
Faith Explorers will begin a new study, “The Many Faces of Christ”, starting Sunday August 3,2025 at 11:15AM in Room 308.
This series will include DVD lectures on Reformed Christology, Liberal Christology, Feminist Christology, Black Christology, and Process Christology. All are invited to attend what will be both interesting and challenging.
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Habitat for Humanity Build Opportunity
Starting August 3, 2025
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.
Details for the Day
- Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Time: 7:45 AM – 2:30 PM (Lunch break at 11:30 PM)
- Location: Southwood Village 2 (More info: cvillehabitat.org/what-we-do/southwood-new.html)
- 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 at 434-327-8763 (call/text) or gabrown2926@outlook.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.
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SAVE THE DATE!
September 27, 2025
Save your gently used rummage sale treasures! Items will be collected the week before. (Please no books or clothing!) All proceeds will benefit Loaves and Fishes, our local food pantry.
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SAVE THE DATE! Let's Travel Together!
October 29-30, 2025
Deadline to register is August 1st!
We are headed to Lancaster, PA to the Sight and Sound Theatre to see NOAH!
The trip price includes the motorcoach transportation, overnight accommodations at TRU by Hilton, breakfast, reserve seating tickets to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre presenting “A Chorus Line”, reserve seating tickets to “NOAH" and all tips (bus driver) and taxes.
Register for the trip here.
Contact Carolyn for more:
carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org
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College-Aged & Young Adult
Summer Socials
July 24th & August 7th
Join our College-Age group "Summer Socials” at Putt Putt Place, Charlottesville, VA for mini golf on Thursday, July 24th from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm! You don't have to be in college and you can decide if this age range fits you. We are a group of 18 and up 20-somethings who meet up and connect over the summer. Hope to see you there!
Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming Summer Socials.
For more information contact: connect@cvillefirstumc.org or mariaplantz@cvillefirstumc.org
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Vacation Bible School
July 21-25, 2025
True North VBS is happening this week!
We're excited to explore Alaska’s northern lights, mountains, rivers, and glaciers. True North VBS shows that Jesus is a faithful friend we can trust—our True North!
Please pray for a fun and meaningful week. We hope you can join us for VBS Sunday on July 27 at 10:00 am for a recap of trusting Jesus in this wild world. We look forward to celebrating and sharing the highlights of our week with you!
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