Beyond the Pulpit 10.11.26
This week, I had the privilege of participating in two IMPACT Charlottesville House Meetings with our CUMC congregation; one at the church and another at the parsonage. Both gatherings included genuine, rich conversations as people shared personal concerns that keep them up at night and reflect their connections to IMPACT’s current focus issues: public transportation, affordable housing, and community safety. These conversations remind me that meaningful change begins when we listen to one another and recognize the challenges our neighbors face.
If you missed our House Meetings, there’s still time to get involved! Please speak with me or any of our team leaders, Bob and Lila Law and Owen and Alexa Puffenburger, to learn more. I’m proud that Crozet United Methodist Church joins 30 congregations across Charlottesville and Albemarle County working together to address our community’s needs. Whether you have lots of time or can participate only occasionally, there is a place for you in this justice ministry!
Join us at 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 26, at Church of the Incarnation in Charlottesville for IMPACT’s Community Problems Assembly. We’ll learn which concerns surfaced most often during this year’s House Meetings and thus which issues IMPACT will focus on in the coming year. I hope you’ll be part of this important next step!
I also look forward to seeing you this morning as we continue our Journey to the Mount of Beatitudes and explore Jesus’ words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” As we receive God’s grace, may we also be inspired to listen with open hearts, show compassion, and work together so our neighbors can flourish.
