When you first step foot into Charlottesville First UMC, you can expect to be embraced just as you are.
We want to welcome you into a community of people who are bringing Jesus’s love out into Charlottesville and beyond!
What can you expect?
A warm welcome, a service with a wide variety of music from choral to contemporary, a reading of the Word of God from the Bible, a sermon from Pastor Alex Joyner, time for prayer, and next steps for taking worship into daily life. Come as you are or wear your Sunday best; we’ll be happy to see you either way! You’re welcome to stay afterwards for the Portico Cafe, where our congregation gathers to enjoy a hot coffee or tea and some treats. There are also adult small groups meeting before and after the service.
Children are always welcome to worship, and will be invited to receive a special message during the Children’s Time portion of each service. Children then have the opportunity to attend guided children’s activities during the remainder of the service, or they may choose to remain in the sanctuary.
Additionally, the Nursery is open from 9:30-11:30 am on Sunday mornings. Parents can attend worship services and engage in fellowship while knowing that their children are being looked after by responsible, caring volunteers. We want you to feel comfortable, knowing that CFUMC is a safe place for the entire family to gather and experience the love of God.
Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month and is open to all who wish to receive it, regardless of their age or membership status.
Accommodations & Accessibility
Whether you enter our building through the front steps across from Market Street Park or through the back entrance off of our parking lot, you can count on receiving a warm welcome.
We’re located in downtown Charlottesville, so we know that parking can sometimes be a challenge. You can click here to visit our Map & Parking page for information about our location and how to find our designated parking areas! For those with limited mobility or disabilities, handicap-accessible parking is available in the church parking lot on the corner of 2nd Street and High Street. Our building also has an elevator to help provide access to the sanctuary.
We use media screens to display worship information, such as scripture, lyrics, and important announcements. Assisted listening devices are available for those who are hard of hearing in the sound booth near the back of our sanctuary.
Sensory aids such as weighted blankets, fidget spinners, and other items are available in the quiet room at the back of the sanctuary.
Our worship experience, including the weekly bulletin below, is also accessible online. Each worship service will be streamed live on our YouTube Channel and then added to our worship playlist. You can access the videos and receive God’s message at any time!
Click here for bulletin
Click here for the announcements