Beyond the Pulpit 8.11.24
I hope you found my colleague Rev. JoAnn Batteiger inspiring last week as she highlighted the importance of Reconciliation as a building block for healthy faith communities. She proclaimed that I have the best appointment in the whole Conference, and I kind of agree with her! Thank you for extending a warm welcome to her, and to District Superintendent Dr. Hyo Lee (my boss!) who visited during the 11am worship service and was pleased with his experience of worship at CUMC!
I was grateful for your encouragement to be with my husband, David, last Sunday as he celebrated his last Sunday at Central Baptist Church after 21.5 years there. Our entire family was able to be there with him.
He has already begun his new job as Church Development Officer with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He will work remotely and travel to churches with which he consults. This means he’ll likely be able to be present at CUMC more than he’s been present at any other church I’ve served.
We will have communion this week!
This past week, one of the highlights included meeting with a clergy colleague in Waynesboro. It was my first trip “across the mountain” since my arrival. I also went to Wesley Memorial UMC in Charlottesville to meet with Aidan Workman, the Lead Organizer for IMPACT Charlottesville. I am so pleased that Crozet UMC has a formal relationship with IMPACT, and I can’t wait to see what community issues we will be able to address together through this justice ministry. I also continue to meet and visit with CUMC folks throughout the week, which is a wonderful way to get to know you more fully.
Lastly, I’ve been working closely with our partners at Crozet Avenue Christian Preschool as we gear up for the beginning of the school year. We are blessed that our church can be a learning space for preschoolers in our community who attend CACP. The students will arrive for their first day of school on Tuesday, September 3. Let’s all be in prayer for the school, the staff, and the students and their families. For these – and all – children, I’m also excited to offer Bedtime Story & Prayers with Pastor Christy for Infants-5th Graders, on Tuesdays, September 10 – October 29 at 7pm on Zoom (https://zoom.us/my/chturner).
Speaking of school…for those of you beginning to pack your backpacks and school bags, be sure to join us Sunday, August 18 (next Sunday) for our Blessing of the Backpacks at 9am and 11am!
See you Sunday!