Beyond the Pulpit 4.6.25

Good Morning Crozet UMC,

Over the last week, I was able to meet individually with each of our staff members (except Bart who was on a much deserved vacation during Spring Break with his family). We have begun working on our second quarter goals and of course preparing for Holy Week and Easter!

I also went on my bi-annual worship planning retreat with a colleague in northern Virginia. Together, we brainstorm and bounce ideas off of each other, and try to do some long-range planning, that is difficult to do in the office. This allows me to return with plans that will equip our staff to prepare in ways that enhance the meaning of worship for all. For instance Gary is able to work ahead and select music which is tailored to scriptures and themes, and Bart is able to help me think of creative ways to engage children and youth in worship. I’m excited about the worship series on the horizon, and I’m thrilled to have tentatively planned through early 2026!

As many of you know, I have been living in both Crozet and Chesterfield since last July, so that our youngest son, Ben, could attend his senior year at the high school he’s been attending. He will be graduating May 21, so we are well into graduation prep! This past week, we made significant progress in our transition to Crozet. First of all…we moved our cats, Smudge and Moe (pictured below). They are settling in nicely, although they’re not really too sure about the train! Additionally, we put our Chesterfield home on the market on Thursday, and by the end of the day we were under contract! Assuming all goes as planned, we hope to be officially under one roof in Crozet by June 1! We appreciate your prayers and support during this time of transition.

Last Sunday evening, I enjoyed attending the Sacred Harmony concert. I hope you’ll join me this evening as we conclude this year’s Concerts on the Corner series with Black Voices, a gospel choir from UVA! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors! I hope to see you there!