Beyond the Pulpit 8.17.25

Dear CUMC Family,

While many of our CUMC Families celebrated going back to school, this has been a week of community connections for me…which is just as exciting! If you’re ever wondering how you can make a difference, consider any of these options!

On Monday, I met with the Board of Grace Grocery and discussed ways that we can strengthen our ministry to the hungry in our area. We already distribute to approximately 60 families every Monday, and deliver to another 30 families every other Tuesday. This is an increase in recent months, and the trend is only expected to continue. Thank you to EVERYONE who currently volunteers and donates to this ministry. Here’s the link if you’d like to sign up to help! Keep an eye out for food collection opportunities in September, which is Hunger Action Month!

On Tuesday, I attended IMPACT Charlottesville’s Clergy Breakfast. Joining together with other clergy from across the area to talk about how to work together for the sake of promoting justice in our area is so inspiring. Our CUMC Justice Ministry is about to kick off another year. Everyone is invited to attend a house meeting in September to share the things that “keep you up at night.” See the dates and locations below. We’ll see what comes to the surface after all the meetings, and IMPACT Charlottesville will select 3 issues to research and address with our county and city officials in the coming year. Invite a friend or neighbor and join us!

On Wednesday, I joined Connie Herring who is on the Grace Grocery Board, and attended the Crozet Region Interfaith Outreach Council. We learned about LOVE INC’s Care Portal (a ministry I’d love for CUMC to plug into) and the Scott House at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church which currently houses 3 ministries: Crozet Cares Closet, Rockfish Food Pantry, and Scott Shop Clothing. These are all such excellent ministries, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with other faith communities to address the needs of our community.

Thursday through Saturday I took some vacation time with my family! And, I look forward to seeing you for worship and the Ministry Fair this morning!