Beyond the Pulpit 11.1.26

Ministry happens in many places beyond Sunday morning worship, and this past week offered several wonderful opportunities to share God’s love throughout our community!

On Monday, our Crozet Justice Ministry Network joined more than 30 congregations from Charlottesville and Albemarle County to begin a new year of working together on affordable housing, public transportation, and community safety. We were encouraged by the strong turnout and excited about the year ahead! Crozet UMC’s Bob Law (IMPACT’s Treasurer) played a special role in the event, and we were glad to welcome our neighbors, Tabor Presbyterian Church, to IMPACT.

On Tuesday, I met with Rev. Devon Earle and Rev. David McWilliams (both United Methodist clergy colleagues) to begin drafting the 2027 budget for the UVA Wesley Foundation. I heard again how much the students enjoyed the meal our congregation prepared a few weeks ago. Thank you to everyone who helped us extend a little hospitality and care to these college students!

Wednesday and Thursday, I became “Pastor Pumpkin” (see photo below!) at Crozet Avenue Christian Preschool, reading one of my favorite stories, The Pumpkin Patch Parable. This story offers a fun way to help children learn about God’s creation and how God’s light shines through us, just like a carved jack-o’-lantern!

On Friday, I met with one of our children who is preparing to profess his faith and be baptized. These conversations are always a highlight of my ministry! I hope you’ll join us in worship on November 29 as we welcome another sibling in Christ into our Crozet UMC family.

From community partnerships to college hospitality, preschool stories to preparing for baptism, I am grateful for the many ways we live out our calling to Love, Grow, and Go—sharing Christ’s love both inside and beyond our church walls.