Community Dinner" is a new Gathering Table where we hope to share God's love with our neighbors, especially those with food insecurity, through a shared meal, fellowship, and conversation. 

Our next dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st at 6 pm. Please consider signing up here to prepare food to share.

 You can also drop off items for our Blessing Box/Table such as shelf stable foods, hygiene products, or gently used shoes. 

If you know or meet someone that could use a free meal in a supportive environment, pick up an invitation in our Welcome Center to share with them.  Contact Mary Hoggard at 615-785-1168 to learn more.

Saunders-Monticello Trail. We're excited to invite you to our very first Wild Church Hike of the new year, happening on Saturday, Jan 24th at 1:00 pm.!

We'll meet at the parking lot on Route 20, just about 200 yards from Route 53 on the right side of the road as you head toward Charlottesville. After gathering there, we'll stroll together through the tunnel under Route 53 onto the trail.

We can't wait to explore nature and enjoy fellowship with you! This is a paved route with a gentle incline. It is an up-and-back hike with the option to turn around any time. Total distance up and back is around 4 miles.

Let us know if you can attend by emailing connect@cvillefirstumc.org

The Follow Up! New sermon series began last Sunday! "The Follow-Up" - a talk show where we interview people who followed Jesus. Our next guest is The Canaanite Woman (played by Karla Kincannon). See you there.

Join the 41st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration and Worhsip service at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church

On Tuesday, January 27th, join us for a walk/hike in Spring Creek Community, Zion Crossroads. The gathering starts at 10 am at the Community House, which offers warmth and restroom facilities. The route includes walking on a trail and along sidewalks, and a visit to a slave graveyard. There are only a few moderate inclines on the hiking path. The total distance is about 2 miles.

We will return to the starting point and enjoy refreshments at the Ashley home, near your parked cars.  Let us know if you can attend by emailing connect@cvillefirstumc.org

Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless (BRACH) is seeking volunteers for the 2026 Point In Time (PIT) Count, taking place on the night of Wednesday, January 28th, and on the morning of Thursday, January 29th.

Each year across the country, volunteers go out in their communities during the fourth Wednesday of January to identify people experiencing homelessness to better understand the size and scope of unsheltered homelessness.

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here to survey community members at specific locations.

*Training Sessions* (only need to attend one, or connect with Shayla Washington at shayla@blueridgehomeless.org if date doesn't work)

Thursday, January 22 - 1:30-3:30 PM
Location: City Space (100 5th Street NE, Charlottesville, VA  22902)

Here is the link to sign up: www.tinyurl.com/brachPIT2026

Magnify Choir will begin rehearsals on Feb. 10 for the musical offering in worship on Palm Sunday, March 29. This is a wonderful “short-term” opportunity to sing! Rehearsals are every Tuesday evening at 6:45pm to 8pm.

Faith Explorers will begin  the study of Richard Rohr's book, "Falling Upward -A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life" on Sunday Feb 1, at 11:30am in room 308.

All are invited to join with us in studying this interesting book which is available on-line and at Barnes and Noble. If you have questions please contact Bill Clarke at janebillclarke@earthlink.net or 434 989 3685.