Love the Whole City - Love the City Whole - Starting Right Here
March 25, 2026
Announcements
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!
Realm 
 

If you cannot access your Realm account and need to change your password, please send an email to Dana Palmer at financialsect@cvillefirstumc.org.  You can still use the automated  password change request through Realm, but alternately Dana can send you the information.

 

Once you know your password, you can set up your account for text sign-in!   Signing in by text involves sending a unique code to your registered mobile number. You must register your number ONCE to link it with your account’s email address. After registration, you can quickly signin using a code sent via text to your phone or tablet.

  1. Open the app/browser page
  2. At the bottom, you will see ‘Send a one-time code to login’
  3. Click ‘Register/Update Mobile Number’ then ‘continue’
  4. Enter your email and password
  5. Enter your Country Code (USA) and phone number
  6. Enter the code that is sent to you and click ‘verify’ and ‘continue’

You can now login using a text code rather than your password!

 
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!
 
PACEM - Report
 

From February 10th through the morning of February 24th C’ville First UMC hosted the PACEM Winter Shelter for men in our Fellowship Hall.  During our hosting we provided a safe, warm environment for 72 different men and a total of 550 bed nights.  

 

Take a moment and reflect on those two numbers ... 72 humans, 550 safe, warm, nights ... it brings tears to my eyes.  

 
Hartfield Excellence in Teaching Award
 
John “Robbie” Hott, an associate professor of computer science in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, often teaches hundreds of students at a time, but still creates a “welcoming and interactive atmosphere” in the classroom, the foundation said. Hott was lauded for “balancing professionalism with authenticity” and encouraging students to ask questions and “engage deeply with challenging material.”
Tuesday Morning Men's Bible Study
 

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study – Room 208, 8am

(Meet in Spring Creek 3rd Tuesday of the Month)

 

The Tuesday Morning Men’s Study is studying Job and the Mystery of Suffering: Spiritual Reflections by Richard Rohr.

 

Come explore Job's story and its relevance for us today. Rohr strips Christian faith down to the essentials, beyond glib answers and a "hand-me-down" experience of God, and points the way to true knowing. 

 

For more information - Jim Berlin -  jimberlin79@gmail.com or DaveWheatley wheat1506@gmail.com

 
 

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)
Sacred Way/Wild Church: Tye River Trail and Pizza
Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:30pm

Join us in the sanctuary of the outdoors as we explore the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail! We’ll gather to experience the Divine in the beauty of the Piney and Tye Rivers. All ages are invited to this next Wild Church hike and bike ride.

 

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM (Note the time change!)

 

Where: 3124 Patrick Henry Hwy, Piney River, VA 22964

 

The Plan:We will gather at the start for a welcome and blessing before heading out. The trail is flat, crushed gravel, and follows an out-and-back route. While the full trail is 14 miles total, we plan to cover approximately 3 miles—though you are welcome to go longer or shorter!

 

Choose Your Path🚲 The Bikers: Led by Beth and Danny Reitz.

 

🏃 Trailblazers (Fast Trekkers): A fast-paced group led by Susan Barker.

 

🧘 Pathfinders (Contemplative Hikers): A casual, moderate pace with time to pause along the way.

 

The Meal: After we wander and explore, we’ll gather back at the trailhead and head over for some legendary pizza at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie (4916 Plank Rd, North Garden).Questions? Contact connect@cvillefirstumc.org.

 

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.

 

Community Event: Imagining Safe, Queer Futures Here
Tuesday, March 31 at 6pm at Visible Records

A collaborative vision board session exploring what life looks like when queer people in Central Virginia are not just surviving but thriving. Facilitated by Jess Walters, offered by the Queer Liberation Front, and supported by Scrappy Elephant, The Women's Initiative, and others. All ages welcome; food, childcare, and supplies provided. Come and go as you please.

 

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.

 

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.

Rooting for the Saints? Get Your Tickets!
Wednesday, April 23 at 7pm

On Wednesday, April 23 at 7 PM, three of our own will represent Charlottesville First UMC at Wordplay, the annual spelling bee fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle. Pastor Alex, Dubie Dubendorfer, and Alyssa Marlowe will compete as the Saints of Charlottesville First at the Paramount Theater — and they need your cheers!

 

limited number of audience tickets are available for just $10. Come out to support our team  and a great cause that helps our neighbors build life-changing literacy skills.

 

For tickets, contact office@cvillefirstumc.org.

Spelling for Good
Wednesday, April 23 at 7pm

Did you know CFUMC has a team in this year's Wordplay spelling bee? Pastor Alex, Dubie Dubendorfer, and Alyssa Marlowe will compete as the Saints of Charlottesville First on April 23 at 7 PM at the Paramount Theater to benefit Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle.

 

limited number of audience tickets are available for only $10 — a fun night out for a worthy mission. Don't wait! Email office@cvillefirstumc.org for tickets.

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! 

Soup, Songs & Solidarity
Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 5-7pm

Join us for our 2nd annual Soup, Songs & Solidarity Celebration. Enjoy an evening of homemade soups, fresh bread, desserts, live music from The Lua Project and powerful stories - all in support of Sin Barreras!

 

This event isn't all about fundraising - it's about bringing Charlottesville together, creating change and celebarting our shared humanity.

 

Tickets are available here.

Want to sing on Palm Sunday?
 

Calling all children and youth! 🌿🎶

 

Please arrive no later than 9:40am on Sunday morning for our Palm Sunday celebration. We will be walking down the aisle, waving our palms, and singing along with the Magnify Choir. Hosanna!


We can't wait to hear your voices!

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101 E. Jefferson Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22902


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