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.
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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!
If you are planning to write an Advent Devotion this year (due Nov 8), please send directly to Melissa King at: mdking26@gmail.com.
If possible, send the copy in a Word document attached to an email message. Thank you!
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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.
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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, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash came together in an impromptu jam session in 1956 and made history!
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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. |
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The November One Thing Ministry will support Cville Sock Love. Bring new, warm, and functional socks in for adults and children to be dispersed to those in need! Last year we collected about 1300 this year let’s go for 1500!
·Travel size deodorant, toothpaste, hand lotion, ChapStick, etc.
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A Table in the Quiet
Wednesday Evenings
Join us 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. Whether you're a longtime communion-taker or simply curious about a quieter way to pause during the week, you're welcome at the table.
Upcoming Schedule:
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Wednesday, November 4: 5:30 pm
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Wednesday, November 11: 7:00 pm*
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Wednesday, November 18: 7:00 pm*
**Since PACEM will be in session these two weeks, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
No sign-up needed. Simply come to the Chapel and join us at the table.
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Dinner & Belonging: Connect With Your Neighbors This Fall
Wednesday, November 4th from 6-7:30pm
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! Tonight's menu includes: chicken, rice, sides and dessert.
Grow Together: Afterward, we break into fun, relaxed groups to share hobbies, skills, and life experiences—examples include Mahjong, crafts, parenting, or book studies.
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
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Rachel's Haven/501 Cherry Avenue Groundbreaking
Saturday, November 7th from 11am-noon
On Saturday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. to noon, Piedmont Housing Alliance invites the Rachel’s Haven community to the groundbreaking celebration for 501 Cherry Avenue in Charlottesville. The 71-unit building will include at least ten apartments set aside for adults with developmental disabilities, and the project is a collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners to expand affordable housing and community-serving space.
Rachel’s Haven is grateful to be part of this moment. The celebration is co-hosted with the Fifeville Neighborhood Association, Woodard Properties, and Music Resource Center, marking a milestone for housing stability, neighborhood vitality, and opportunity in the historic Fifeville area.
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 501 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville
Please join us if you are able. If you cannot attend, feel free to share the invitation with others.
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Wild Church: Sacred Way Hike
Saturday, November 7th at 2pm
Join us for a Sacred Way, Wild Church Labyrinth Hike on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2:00 PM! We’ll begin in the Meditation Garden at Unity of Charlottesville and walk the labyrinth’s winding path.
Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single path leading to its center and back out, offering a peaceful way to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the walk. Then we’ll continue with a refreshing hike through the beautiful surrounding area.
Unity of Charlottesville
2825 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA
For more information, contact laraupton@cvillefirstumc.org.
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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!
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Habitat for Humanity Build Day
Friday, November 13th 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.
🛠 Details for the Day
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM (Lunch break at 12:00 PM) – Lunch provided by Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Location: Southwood Village III (More info: https://cvillehabitat.org/southwood/)
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 congregation
🍕 Lunch Provided
Aldersgate United Methodist Church will kindly provide 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
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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!
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Advent Study
Wednesdays Starting November 18th
✨ Can the Christmas story still change the world?
Find out this season at Charlottesville First UMC!
✨We are hosting a 4-week hybrid Advent study featuring Josh Scott's book,
Advent Can Still Change the World. Come unpack the original context of the nativity stories and find fresh inspiration for your faith today.
📅 Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🗓️ Dates: Nov 18, Dec 2, Dec 9, & Dec 16
💻 Nov 18: Online Only
⛪ Dec 2, 9, 16: In-Person (Room 208 at church & Online (Hybrid)Whether you tune in from your couch or join us in person, we can’t wait to grow with you this Advent.
Sign up for the Zoom Link and to get a book here: https://forms.gle/xzsbFTEWuAibmfct6
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Save the Date: Annual Bake Sale
Sunday, November 22nd
This year’s annual Bake Sale will happen on Sunday November 22! Please bring all items that morning with ingredients attached. Come to worship that Sunday prepared to take home some delicious desserts to serve guests for Thanksgiving! All proceeds will benefit the Bread and Blessings ministry!
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Jingle Singers Concert
Sunday, November 29th at 4pm
Come hear Andy Shelden’s a cappella quintet “The Jingle Singers,” as they present a musical Christmas card to the church and the community. This year’s offering is an a cappella adventure across centuries, eras, and styles, entitled “A Caroler’s Midwinter Journey”
There will be exciting jazz-styled selections interspersed with sacred carols and songs, with something for everyone.
The program starts at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 29, and admission is free of charge, as always. Boxes will be available to receive love gifts and donations (please make checks out to Andy Shelden). After the program, join us for a reception with light refreshments. Tell your friends and bring your neighbors!
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