Beyond the Pulpit 2.8.26

Good Morning Crozet UMC,

It’s been a good, albeit chilly, week. It’s hard to believe the snow and ice are STILL around. But that’s a big contrast to our “Warm-Hearted” nature as Methodists, which we’ll be highlighting today in worship as we continue our worship series, “Wesleyan Ways!” Speaking of warmth, what a warm spirit we had last Sunday. I know not everyone could join us in person, but for those who did, it felt almost like post-COVID when we were able to gather again in person after being isolated for so long. The fellowship between the services was robust and holy. I look forward to more of that!

This week I’ve been working with Bart to create an exciting new opportunity for children in our community. Be on the lookout for a monthly immersive opportunity that’s quite similar to VBS! Mark your calendar for 4-6pm, Sunday, February 22 for our first “Last Sunday Live! Where God’s Story Comes Alive!” (Dinner included!) Parents…this is a drop and go event…BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE INFO! We’re super excited about this!

On Wednesday, while I didn’t get to help our Crozet team serve dinner at the UVA Wesley Foundation  (shoutout to those who did!), I did attend a meeting led by Bianca Johnson, Family Engagement Coordinator at Charlottesville City Schools, where she shared about her work to provide resources, support, and a path to healing through restorative justice when harm has been done. This is part of my work with IMPACT Charlottesville’s research on how to address neighborhood safety, one of our 3 primary focus issues this year.

Other than that, some of the things I’ve been working on include preparing for our upcoming Confirmation Class that will take place March-May, connecting with various folks for pastoral care, meeting with Catherine to plan ahead for Lent, and meeting with a project manager with the Peter Martin Legacy Foundation to craft and plan a candlelight vigil for our community to mark the 1 year anniversary of the tragedy at Harris Teeter. I invite you to join us for this event in our sanctuary at 6pm on February 16.

Oh! One more thing. It’s not a great picture, but our son Ben facetimed me so I could join him in welcoming the monks on their Walk for Peace as they passed right through Randolph-Macon College in Ashland on Tuesday! I was glad I got to see them…even if it was like this!