Beyond the Pulpit 11.23.25

Good Morning Crozet UMC!

This is one of those weeks where I’ve been so busy beyond the pulpit, I don’t even know where to start!

Certainly much of my time was spent offering pastoral care to Mary Belew and family. What a saint! I wish I’d known her earlier in my life, but I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know her and her family in recent months and days. She has truly modeled what it is to be a person of deep faith. I continue to hold her family and this community in prayer.

Otherwise, I had a variety of meetings including Church Council, where I am proud to say we approved our 2026 budget. Kudos to all of our leaders for their research and budget proposals, and especially to Chair of Finance, Mike Micucci, for herding us all so that we could accomplish this prior to December. You’ll be hearing about this budget in January at the same time our 2025 year-end receipts are explained. In the meantime, we’re well on our way to achieving our 4th quarter giving goal of $136,387. We’re almost half-way there, and we only have $71,703 left to receive by the end of the year. Thank you for ALL of your gifts, no matter the size.

One highlight of my week was joining CACP students for Preschool Chapel…in Grace Grocery! These students have been learning all about LOVE this year. So far we’ve learned that “Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not brag. It is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13: 4). Ask a preschooler to show you how to say this with sign language! This week we talked about how Grace Grocery shows LOVE to neighbors by sharing food with anyone who needs it. The students selected grocery items from the shelves at Grace Grocery and helped pack grocery bags during chapel. Check it out here! Thanks to Heather Marcel and Lee McCraw-Leavitt for assisting with this special Chapel Field Trip!

Another highlight of my week was joining CUMC in hosting “Friendsgiving” for the students at the UVA Wesley Foundation. We fed approximately 60 students who were so appreciative! For several international students, it was their first American Thanksgiving. One student said it was the best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese she ever had! The students took home leftovers and there was food left in the refrigerator for them to eat all week. Thanks to Kathy Micucci for coordinating this event, and to everyone who provided food and served onsite!

Don’t forget…join us TODAY after the 11am worship service to decorate the church for Advent and Christmas. What a great opportunity to fellowship with our church family and jump into the true reason for the season!

Grace & Peace!

Pastor Christy