Midweek Update with Pastor Alex |
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Advent Updates
A Gift for All !
We have received a musical gift from Mr. John White of Nelson County, Virginia.
Born in central Virginia, John has played the piano all his life. A longtime admirer of Floyd Cramer, he has developed a real taste for piano-centered instrumental music.
John has offered a gift to our congregation of 2 CDs featuring his "country flavor" blend of timeless, down-home Christian favorites.
Please help yourself to these CDs located in the "Art Gallery"
Advent Events
Monday, November 29-Dec. 25, 6:30 AM Monday-Friday, Advent Begins in the Dark: Morning Facebook Live Prayer
Sunday, December 5 - Communion to all homebound
Tuesday, December 7, 14, 21, 6 PM- Finding Home: Table Time with Pastor Alex @ 3 Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery
Wednesday, December 8, 6:30 PM - Blue Christmas Service - Sanctuary, Harry Kennon leading
Thursday, December 9, 7 PM - Abraham’s Table - on Zoom, local Interfaith Conversation, Pastor Alex presenting - Topic: Religious Pluralism: Opportunities & Challenges
Saturday, December 11 - 12:00 Noon, Handbell Flash Mob on the Downtown Mall - Meet near the Christmas tree & the fountain
Wednesday, December 15 - 6:30 PM - Sanctuary, Lessons & Carols Service, Sanctuary
Friday, December 24, 7 PM & 11 PM - Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, Sanctuary
Saturday, December 25, 6:30 AM - Final Morning Facebook Live Prayer
Sunday, December 26, 10 AM - Pajama/Ugly sweater worship
Advent Children's Chapel Time
Starting Dec 5.
We are excited to welcome all children preschool-5th grade to Chapel Time this Advent season, beginning the second week of Advent, Dec 5. Children attending 10 am worship in the sanctuary who elect to attend will be accompanied by leaders to the chapel to worship and learn together and then return to the sanctuary to re-join their families during the closing hymn. Children and leaders will wear masks at all times and no snacks will be served. Families will be asked to provide a contact number where they may be reached during the service.
"ONE THING" MINISTRY
For the month of December we will be collecting items for UVA Hospital to support the Christmas Stocking effort. Items requested are Adult Coloring books/color pencils, Word Search booklets/pencils with erasers,T-shirts, socks, slippers, stocking hats, gloves, journals (no wire), combs, brushes, hats gloves, simple jigsaw puzzles (small ones), playing cards, chap-sticks (non-medicated). Deadline for giving this month is Dec. 19. Thank you in advance!
(please note that the CVILLE SOCKLOVE tubs will still be available for donations through the month of December.)
Questions? carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org
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Women at the Well made cute little snowman for December's One Thing Ministry |
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First United Methodist Church will be housing PACEM this year in the month of December.
We have the opportunity to support the ministry by providing meals. This is the link to the December sign up form if your group would like to provide meals during the December 4-31 period that we will be housing guests.
The gentleman will be using the Fellowship Hall primarily and a few other locations of the church. Please note that if you use the Fellowship Hall for activities, you will have to find an alternate location.
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Members of the Church Council should be on the lookout for information regarding a decision that will need to be made with regard to the ongoing national Boy Scouts of America settlement. To that end, there will be a Called Charge Conference for all churches that filed a proof of claim on the Charlottesville and Richmond Districts via zoom on Sunday, Dec. 5that 3:00 p.m. The Charge Conference is comprised of the Church Council and any retired clergy who have placed their charge conference membership with FUMC. Please continue to pray with us as we try to provide a firm foundation for scouting ministries into the future.
The Zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/95894590043
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Aid for a Family In Need
Family from Afaghanistan needs place to live.
There is a family of 3, husband, wife and small child from Afghanistan that needs a place to live. The husband has found a job driving a school bus for Albemarle County.
If you can provide a place you can call the Charlottesville District office of The United Methodist Church at 434-977-4254 or send an email to charlottesvilledistrict@vamuc.org
It could be a rental at a reduced price or apartment or space in their home.
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AID FOR SHERANDO CHURCH
One of the things that marks United Methodist churches is their connection to one another. This week we have the opportunity to aid one of our neighboring churches.
On the morning of Friday, October 29, the Sherando United Methodist Church building was destroyed in a fire. Sherando UMC is located not far from Waynesboro and Stuarts Draft on the Staunton District.
Right now, the most useful way to help Sherando is by monetary contributions. You can make a donation on Sunday morning during the 10 AM service or by mailing checks to FUMC and marking them for Sherando Church.
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Recent HS Grad Contact List:
We are compiling a list of mailing and email addresses for recent high school graduates (~0-6 yrs since HS) so we can drop them a note or an email "hello." We hope to include those who are taking a gap year, working, in college or following another path, whether they are living away from Cville or still in town.
We want to let them know we are thinking of them!
Please use this Google form https://forms.gle/g1MkxhLvD873MTAK6 to share the name and contact information for those in this category who might like to hear from their FUMC friends!
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We have been holding in-person worship for five months now and it’s time for a choir!
Our first meeting was on Tuesday, Oct 19th.
Join Carolyn and Kevin each Tuesday at 6:15 pm in the Sanctuary to read through a variety of materials and get reacquainted!
If you’ve never been in a vocal ensemble before, that’s ok! No audition and everyone is welcome! Contact Kevin for more information. |
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Wesley Foundation Student Dinner
Looking for a way to support UVA students through our Wesley Foundation at UVA ministry? First Church is providing a meal about twice a semester. Our next date is Wednesday, December 1.
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Communion For The Homebound
Following our communion service on Sunday, Dec. 5 we would like to offer communion to those who may be unable to attend in-person. If you would like to serve as a homebound communion steward please email nurture@cvillefirstumc.org. You would need to attend in person on December 5 and we will provide appropriate prayers for extending the table. |
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Abraham’s Table Panel
Rumi Forum Charlottesville is excited to invite you to an Abraham’s Table Panel discussion to be held via Zoom, on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 7:00-8:15 PM. The panel will bring a panelist from each of the three Abrahamic faith traditions. The theme for the panel discussion is “Religion and Pluralism: Challenges and Opportunities” The panel will be followed by a Q&A session. We will also have a breakout session where small groups of attendees can introduce themselves, get acquainted with other attendees, and further discuss the panel.
Please RSVP to cville@rumiforum.org or register at Eventbrite to receive a Zoom link to the event.
Panelists:
- Ms. Heena Reiter, Rabbinic Pastor, P'nai Yisrael Chavurah and Chaplain, Hospice of the Piedmont
- Rev. Alex Joyner, Pastor, First United Methodist Church
- Ms. Betul Can, Ph.D. Candidate, Sociology
Moderator: Rev. Matt Seaton, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
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Hand Bell Choir Flash Mob
Saturday, Dec. 11 - 12:00 noon
Downtown mall near the Christmas tree & fountain
Come hear some Christmas selections by our own hand bell choir
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As the winter months approach, we are in desperate need of sleeping bags to give to our guests that are sleeping outside.
Other Items We Are In Need Of
- Underwear (men's & Women's sizes M-3XL)
- Travel size Shampoo, Deoderant, Toothpaste, Body Lotion & Wet Wipes
- Had Sanatizer (large & pocket size)
- Disposable Razors
- Hair picks & Bristle Hair brushes
- Washcloths & Towels
- T-shirts (mens, all sizes, cotton preferred)
- Gloves, Hats & Beanies
- Long underwear/base layers
- Backpacks
- Belts & Bandanas
- Tents
All items can be brought to the Church Office, we would so greatly appreciate it!
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Habitat for Humanity Is Still Building!
Want to have fun and make a difference in your community? Mark your calendars for December 15th from 8:45-3:30 to join in the fun.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Contact
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Gift Cards
If you would like to help our new neighbors from Afghanastan, you can purchase gift cards from Kroger, Food Lion Walmart & Amazon and leave them in the offering plate or drop them by the church office.
We hope to deliver a stack of gift cards to the IRC office in a few weeks.
Thanks for your Help! |
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Campaign to Settle Hundreds of Afghans
The IRC in Charlottesville anticipates resettling an um precedented number of Afghans in the coming months. Welcoming Greater Charlottesville calls on the community to embrace these newcombers. Here are some of the ways you can support theses families as they begin to rebuildtheir lives.
- Warm Welcome
- Housing
- Transportation
- English Language Learning
- Sponsor a Family
- Family Reunification
Visit the Welcoming Greater Charlottesville website for more information
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To Do Right Now:
- Take your own containers to restaurants for leftovers.
- Cut back on takeout. Dine in at restaurants and cook at home more often. If ordering delivery, request that condiment packets, cutlery, and straws be excluded.
- Avoid foods wrapped in plastic. At a supermarket deli, ask for your order to be wrapped in paper (or take your own container). If you do buy something in a plastic container, get only the packaging marked 1 or 2 on the bottom since those can actually be recycled. To Do More
To Do More:
- Avoid prepackaged foods. Take empty containers from home to fill up with pasta, grains, and nuts. If what you need isn’t available in bulk, opt for a brand that uses paper, glass, or metal packaging.
CONTACT Cindy Remington - mspoots@gmail.com to learn more about FUMC's Creation Justice Team
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Helping Maria
You may know that Wesley Memorial UMC has offered sanctuary to Maria, an immigrant who is trying to enter our country legally but who has met with many challenges over the past several years. When Maria went into sanctuary, First UMC was one of three local churches that pledged support for her.
Maria is now free to leave the church and is working hard to earn a livelihood at the local farmers' markets. On Wednesdays and Saturdays she is in need of volunteers to help her in several capacities.
Please contact Cindy Remington at 434-242-7563 or mspoots@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more. |
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Youth Group News
We are excited for Philip and Alex Hahn as they begin the next stage of their journey together in early December with a move to northern Virginia. Although we are excited for them, we will miss Philip, as he has been an awesome leader in our youth program for many years. We will be in need of caring adults who love Jesus, love kids, and would be interested in volunteering in our youth program. Please pray about joining Dave, Patricia, and Robbie as we work to provide a dynamic, impactful youth program for the teens at FUMC. Please contact Dave if you are interested.
We have 11 area middle and high schools represented in our youth group, which is terrific. Many of our members are a part of sports teams, drama productions, and school bands and clubs. Parents, please let Dave know when games/performances are scheduled so that he can come out and support your kids.
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Bread and Blessings Soup Kitchen
If you are able to help there are times when scheduled volunteers are not able to be there to assist in the preparation and serving at the last minute.
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NEW BIBLE STUDY!
Meeting Sunday evenings Nov 7 - Dec 12 from 7-8:30pm at the Church (room TBA).
We'll be studing "Common Ground" by Amberly Neese
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Faith Explorers Sunday School
The Faith Explorers Sunday School class begins a new book study on Sunday, October 24, in room 308 at 11 am.
For the next nine weeks we will be reading Unafraid, and discussing questions of fear and faith and whether these two things are compatible. Bill Clarke facilitates this class in partnership with its members. Please join us!! |
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Congregational Prayer Time
Tuesdays at 12:30pm on Zoom
Meeting ID: 882 7977 8844
Passcode: 968327
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Art In Our Space
Thank you to artist and long time church member, Mackie Kudravetz for the beautiful art in the gallery! Her art, in a variety of media including drawing, photography, painting, fiber work, calligraphy, book arts and graphic design, has continued to evolve over a life-long career, and is in many public and private collections. Take a look at photographs of her recent work that are posted on her Instagram account: @mccreasnyder |
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Calling for volunteers to help with a Children’s Chapel time on Sunday mornings! After the children’s message, the children will be invited to go with two adults to the Chapel for a time of stories, music, and small craft. Adults and children will all be masked. We cannot make this happen without our wonderful volunteers! Interested? Contact Carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org |
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I LOVE seeing your friendly faces when I come to worship. Your presence is especially important when a visitor comes.
To my fellow congregants: Let's see if we can fill up our next 3 months, ok? If several of you could sign up for one Sunday during this time, we could fill it.
Many thanks to you who are volunteering; you are appreciated!
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Our quilt ministry is alive and well.
If you know someone who needs a prayer quilt, or would like to be a part of this ministry working from your home please contact
carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org
for more information.
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The Quilt Ministry is in need of helping hands! Can you cut, sew, put colors/designs together? Any of the above?
The group meets on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Questions? Contact tpguertler@gmail.com
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There are six entrances to the church that all use a code to enter. The code has not been changed in quite some time and it has been given to people of the church and community over the years. Recently there have been some safety issues and we feel it is time to change the code. The day the code is changed an email will be sent out. You will need to contact the church office to receive the new code, where all recipients will be logged into the computer. Please do not share your new code with anyone. The safety of our church members, staff and community members is our high priority. Office@cvillefirstumc.org 434-296-6193 |
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