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A Message from Our Pastor

Rev. Al HortonWelcome to a site of Christian discovery! We are the people of First United Methodist Church, a diverse faith community that gathers to worship, to grow in our Christian faith, to support each other, and to serve the needs of our community —all in the name of Jesus Christ. We are formed by Christ to transform lives in his name. All that we are and do is centered in this exhilarating, joyful quest.

This web site is designed as both an introduction and invitation to our life and work as a people of God. You are invited to explore our beliefs, mission, and core values, and to see how these foundational principles create and grow our ministries.

As you explore the pages of this site, we hope you will find our community not only interesting but also inviting and that you will plan a personal visit. We would be grateful for the opportunity to meet you personally. If you discover something on our site that raises questions for you, please contact us. Thank you for spending this time of discovery with us.

Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ,

Al Horton (send me an email)

Our mission

“Changing lives through Jesus Christ.”

Our vision

animationAll enter into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, discover, cultivate and use their spiritual gifts to minister to others.

We are called to be a church where:

  • People are enthusiastic about worshipping together and are filled with the Holy Spirit,
  • All persons participate in spiritual growth opportunities and outreach ministries,
  • All persons support, uplift and challenge one another as one body in Christ,
  • We support a vital and growing children’s and youth ministry and the nurturing of all ages, and
  • We reflect the diversity of our community.

Core Value Statement

  1. Spiritual Faithfulness: We put the highest priority on the gospel of Jesus Christ and his example of love and forgiveness and on the spiritual disciplines which prepare us for such witness.
  2. Discipleship: We accept a life-long commitment to think and act more like Jesus Christ.
  3. Experience of Community: We welcome all people, take steps to be known to each other, and strive to exhibit the love and fellowship of the Christian community.
  4. Calls and Gifts: We celebrate each person’s unique gifts and God’s call for their use.
  5. Openness to Change: We accept the risks involved in responding to God’s call.
QUESTIONS? Check out GET CONNECTED, our informational meeting on the life of First UMC
What does the United Methodist Church Believe?
Social Principles of the United Methodist Church
The Virginia Conference of the UMC
Charlottesville District of the UMC
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"Our hearts, our minds and our doors are always open."

First United Methodist Church • 101 E. Jefferson Street • Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: (434) 296-6193 • Office hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. - 12 noon Friday
The Rev. Alvin J. Horton, pastor | Rev. Ashley Abarca-Mitchell, Associate Pastor