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News & Announcements

Reconciling Ministry Vote

CFUMC VOTES TO JOIN RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK

Charlottesville First UMC (CFUMC) members have voted to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network by a 93% margin. Following three weeks of voting, Pastor Alex Joyner announced the results at the service on September 7, 2025. The vote means that the congregation will join a network of churches that uphold the value of full inclusion.

The Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is made up of churches that share a vision for “a transformed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that upholds justice, equity, and dignity for all God’s children.” Reconciling congregations have been instrumental in helping the United Methodist denomination embrace a new reality where LGBTQ individuals can be fully affirmed in the church.

In announcing the results, Pastor Alex noted that it was a significant moment that followed a long congregational journey that included some painful moments. He called the decision a “mission marker,” saying, “To many people looking for churches…the reconciling logo says we welcome and affirm participation and leadership from everybody Jesus came to be here for—and that’s everybody. For many people, and especially young adults, some conversations can’t start until there is an understanding that we have come to this point.” 156 votes were counted in the voting. The final vote was 145 ‘yes’, 9 ‘no’, and 2 abstentions.

In his remarks, Pastor Alex said that the result comes at a particularly poignant moment as Helen Ryde, a longtime staffer with the RMN who worked with CFUMC, died unexpectedly the same week that the votes were being tabulated. “Helen was patient and wise and always willing to advise us as we made this journey together,” Pastor Alex said. “Helen was interested in our progress and was waiting to hear how our vote would go so that they could celebrate with us. We trust that Helen got the news along with that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.” Flowers were sent to Helen’s funeral in the name of CFUMC.

More of Pastor Alex’s remarks are below:

“Our denomination made a major move last year in removing exclusionary language but this goes a step further to say out loud, in positive language, that we are here for everyone.

“For the members of our congregation who have longed to hear a word like this, thank you for your perseverance. As we said at yesterday’s Pride Fest, you are wonderfully made and you have helped us understand new dimensions of God’s grace.

“For the people who have carried the torch for this in our congregation, thank you for pushing us into territory that is uncomfortable so that we can keep living out our mission to make disciples of all people.

“For those who did not vote for this, or who weren’t sure about the Reconciling Network, or aren’t even sure what this step means, or who grew up, like I did, in a church environment where conversations about sexuality were different, or difficult, or hostile, or non-existent…I want to honor that, too, and respect that this is sensitive ground for all of us. We won’t always get everything right. But if we err, we pray that we will err on the side of God’s love and mercy.

“For all of those who won’t hear these words because they have gone on to other denominations, or to other churches, or to no churches…to all my colleagues in seminary who longed to serve as clergy in United Methodist churches like this one but who could not see their calling affirmed until now…thank you for the struggle that is blessing us today…

“Please keep praying for our congregation as we live out our mission to love the whole city and love the city whole. I know this voting process was a little cumbersome and maybe troubling. But I think the result is an affirmation of who we already are and will continue to be—a place where we have the trust and mutual respect to tackle difficult things and to remain united. That is a truly rare thing in this world and I don’t take it for granted.”

Announcements

  • This n' That Sale

    The Rummage Sale is happening on Saturday, September 27, from 8:30-1:00.  We will be accepting your gently used, good condition items (no clothing, books, or artwork) the week before the sale, and details will be forthcoming soon.  All proceeds will benefit Loaves & Fishes Food Bank.

    For more information, contact Cindy Poots Remington (mspoots@gmail.com) or Marilyn Basham (mvbasham@mail.com).  We will also be looking for volunteers to help with the event.

  • Shepherd Ministry

    The Shepherd Ministry is way to keep our church community knitted together. This is a sweet way for all of us to feel cared for and loved. Shepherd Ministers are volunteers who are matched with new members of CFUMC. Their role is to serve as a mentor/guide/friend for at least the first year of membership, to answer questions, introduce to other members, programs, service opportunities, and be a link and a friendly, familiar face.  

    Shepherds will stand up with new members on the day they join the church.  An attempt will be made to introduce new members and their shepherds prior to this, either during a new member class or social event. 

    Shepherds will attempt to contact their new members at least 4 times in their first year, either through phone calls, texts, emails, or seeking them out at church. This is to ensure they are assimilating and becoming involved.

    If you are interested in becoming a Shepherd or need more information, contact Carolyn McGee carolynmcgee@cvillefirstumc.org

  • September One Thing Ministry

    The September One Thing Ministry will benefit many of our under-served neighbors as we gather and donate diapers and feminine hygiene products for Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry to distribute. Items can be left in the baskets in The Welcome Center or you can let us do the shopping for you by writing a check with "One Thing Ministry" in the memo line or donating on REALM. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity!

  • Hinton Avenue Clothing Closet

    Open Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

    The Hinton Avenue Clothing Close is currently looking for more specific items though below:

    Women: hats, gloves, scarves, socks, underwear, jeans, fleece/joggers (small-XL sizes), Shoes (no heels, please) - sneakers, casual, boots - all sizes

    Men: gloves, hats, scarves, socks, underwear, t-shirts - Short sleeve t-shirts/collared shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts/collared shirts, jeans, khakis, some other casual pants, shoes (sneakers, boots) - all sizes

  • Love INC CVille

    After rent and utilities, the most requested need is for furniture.  Love INC Cville is desperately looking for volunteers with vehicles to pick up and deliver furniture that has been donated to Love INC for distribution to our neighbors in need. Without the ability to deliver the furniture, large amounts end up in the dump instead of going to those who desperately need it.

    To inquire about how to help, message Raymond Klein, Executive Director of Love INC at raymond@loveinccville.org .

  • Green/Blue/Black or Composting/Recycling/Trash

    Composting (Green) belongs in the green cans with the green liner. We bring our composting to a commercial facility. (Composting in your yard is more restricted.) We buy compostable utensils, napkins, plates, bowls and cups. We can then put it all, along with any food, into the green cans.

    Please note that this includes bones, fat, and skin.  Tea bags are great, but be careful with the wrapping which is often plastic or foil lined and would need to go in the trash.

    Recycling (Blue) includes glass, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, other metal cans, paper, cardboard, stretchable plastic film & most items with a number in a triangle. It is preferred that they be rinsed out.

    Trash (Black) is everything else. Unfortunately, combination items like juice boxes are trash. The wrappers around individual servings of chips, crackers, candy or cookies are generally trash. 

    It takes all of us to be a bit mindful so we can do our part as a church for the planet!