Beyond the Pulpit 12.7.25

Good Morning Church Family,

I am SO excited about all the exciting things going on at Crozet UMC!

First of all…WHAT AN AMAZING day we had yesterday from the UWF Bazaar to the Youth Live Nativity to the Christmas Tree Lighting, all onsite here at the church! What amazing ways to connect with our community and literally be the light of Christ in this season. I am so very grateful for everyone who made these events possible. You are a gift to our church and our community.

This past week “beyond the pulpit,” I met with IMPACT’s Lead Organizer to prepare for my work on the Neighborhood Safety Steering Committee. Next Tuesday, December 9 at 7pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church I will host a conversation with Brittany Nash who is a trauma social worker with UVA Health who works directly with victims of gun violence and who will soon be leading UVA Hospital’s violence intervention program. I invite you to attend if you are interested in this research for IMPACT’s newest focus issue.

Additionally this past week, I met with our Congregational Care team and I am thrilled with the excitement around nurturing our community through ministries like the Prayer Team (contact Sue Erbele), Prayer Shawl Ministry (contact Brenda Heon), Meal Train (contact Kay Carbaugh), Visitation Ministry (contact John Rowlingson), Notes & Cards Ministry (contact Paula Mendenhall), Angel Taxi (new contact needed — contact the Church Office!), and so much more! Caring for one another is so easy…and so needed!

In this season, there are lots of ways to extend care. In particular, please invite others to join you in attending our Blue Christmas Service at 5:30pm, Sunday, December 21 at Tabor Presbyterian Church. This is a special service which makes space for grief and loss in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this busy season. This is important for anyone experiencing any kind of loss.

Additionally, another way to join in caring for others is to join The Caroling Caravan at 4:15pm, Monday, December 22! EVERYONE is invited to join this effort to extend Christmas Cheer to our community. Meet at the church to FaLaLaLaLa!

It is a joy to join with you in ministry through Crozet UMC. I look forward to seeing you soon. Grace and peace to you!