As Spring turns to Summer, we here at Loaves & Fishes have been busier than ever before. In May, Loaves & Fishes served 8,189 people in 2,267 households. This was a 50% increase over the same time last year. The pantry received around 198,000 pounds of food in May; it included fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and an assortment of nonperishable foods. Your donation has been vitally important in our efforts to continue providing between 7-10 days’ worth of food for all pantry visitors.

 
Beyond an increase in pantry visitors, renovations here at Loaves & Fishes are in full swing. In less than a month, the reception area has been gutted and the framework for our new kitchen, offices, and entranceway is coming together. Your support, whether new or continued, allows us to make these much-needed upgrades: having an onsite kitchen will afford us the opportunity to educate visitors on healthy eating habits, showing them how to prepare fruits, vegetables, and meals with food they may not be used to.

 
Your donation will provide curated recipes for pantry visitors based on available foods. It will go towards purchasing cutting boards, utensils, pots, pans, and other common kitchen items so pantry visitors will be able to prepare food in their homes. Helping our visitors access healthy dietary options is something we strive for beyond just providing food. Foods that are traditionally considered unhealthy are generally cheaper than more nutrient rich foods. Your support allows us to change this narrative, providing and educating pantry visitors on healthier options.

 

On behalf of the Loaves & Fishes staff, board, volunteers, and visitors, thank you so much for your support. You have allowed us to navigate uncertain times, improving our community one grocery cart at a time.

 
Jane Colony Mills
Executive Director
executivedirector@cvilleloaves.org

“Moving Beyond August 12 . . . TOGETHER”

Saturday, August 12, 2:00 pm 
Carver Rec. Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville

What’s our August 12 story? How do we look back at the events of that date in 2017 and how can the people and resources of Charlottesville’s faith communities contribute to the next chapter in racial justice work?

The Charlottesville Clergy Collective invites you to explore these questions at a forum and discussion, Saturday, August 12 at 2 PM at the Carver Recreation Center. Using the resources of a new book written by members of the Collective, Standing Up to Hate: The Charlottesville Clergy Collective and the Lessons from August 12, 2017, CCC members will share reflections on the book’s theme and facilitate discussion. 
You can purchase the paperback at $20 per copy, and the Kindle version at $10 per copy. 

In order to facilitate our planning, PLEASE RSVP for this free to the public event by August 3! 

Enjoying the food and fellowship at Portico Cafe’ after worship?  Then please consider making a contribution!  Baked goods, cheese & crackers, mini sandwiches, fruit, snacks, are all welcome.  A sign up sheet is available by the coffee area.  Portico Cafe’ success depends on the generosity of church members to help or contribute food. Email Lisa Hanrahan ligrhanrah@aol.com if you forget to sign up.

For almost 40 years, the First United Methodist Preschool (FUMP) has offered full and partial tuition scholarships to families in need.

Our church family has been the primary supporter of these scholarships through individual and Sunday school class donations as well as fundraising. 

Charlottesville can be an expensive place to live for young families and we are seeing an uptick in scholarship requests. Here is how you can help FUMP provide high quality preschool for children in our community: 

*Sponsor a full or partial tuition scholarship for the year either through an individual or group donation:

$250/month will pay for a 2 year old. 

$350/month will pay for a 3 year old.

$410/month will pay for a 4 year old.

$460/month will pay for a kindergartener.

*Make a general donation to the FUMP Scholarship Fund (no donation is too small!)

*Donate to the One Thing Ministry for the month of July which provides supplies for the preschool.

*Pray for our wonderful preschoolers and FUMP staff.

Have questions about First United Methodist Preschool? Visit our website.

 

Have questions about scholarships? Reach out to Paige Lindblom or Marilyn Comfort.

NOW ENROLLING! 2's, 3's, Pre-K and KINDERGARTEN! Call 434-296-6682
or read more at www.cvillefirstump.org

Ever wondered how Pastor Alex comes up with the poems that make their way into weekly worship? Wonder if there might be say about the work of contemporary poets like Kimberley Johnson, Franz Wright, Christian Wiman, and Mary Karr?

Pastor Alex invites you out to a short-term group experience, safe enough to bring along your curious friends and your doubts about poetry. No experience necessary, just a willingness to explore around a table. Finding God in Poetry is this year’s Taco Thursday theme at Brazos in Ix Park (953 Second St SE, Charlottesville). Thursdays at 6:30 PM for 3 weeks beginning July 27. For more info email office@cvillefirstumc.org.