February 12, 2026
Lifting Black Voices: Alicia Lugo
Today, we honor Charlottesville native, and education trailblazer, Alicia Lugo, who impacted our area for decades as an educator, community leader, entrepreneur, and activist. Alicia Lugo attended then-segregated Burley High School before graduating from Hampton University. She returned to Charlottesville to teach in the City schools and then served eleven years on the Charlottesville City...
May 2, 2024
3rd Annual Community Festival was a Huge Success!
View Community Festival Photos Here! Our Community Festivals have a unique way of bringing together our neighbors, community partners, and wonderful volunteers. This year's 3rd Annual Community Festival did just that! We were joined by our 100 neighbors, 10+ community partners, and a handful of our faithful volunteers for a day of fun and fellowship. We are thankful to each hand and heart that...
December 16, 2020
God at work: Our 2020 Annual Report
Dear Abundant Life Family, This has been a challenging year. From a global pandemic, to racial unrest, to a polarized political climate, we have all had to wrestle with how to navigate these uncertain times. It is important to acknowledge these realities, but we refuse to stop there. We are committed to asking the question: “Where is God at work, and how might we join God’s work?” When we...
June 4, 2020
Reflection from our Director: Addressing Racism
Dear Abundant Life Family, The past few weeks have been an incredibly challenging time for so many of us. While already adjusting to life during a global pandemic, we have been vividly reminded of the much deeper and longer lasting realities of individual and systemic racism, the pervasiveness of white supremacy, and the ongoing need for racial healing. None of this is new. The recent murders...
March 19, 2020
Reflection from our Director: Peace in the Storm
Dear Abundant Life Friends, The story of Jesus calming a storm (Matt. 8:23-27) has always fascinated me. The disciples find themselves out at sea with Jesus onboard, but Jesus is asleep as a storm emerges. As they hear the sounds of whirling winds and rampant rain, and waves begin to make their way into the boat, the disciples are terrified. “Where is Jesus?” they ask. “And why isn’t he doing...
December 20, 2019
Embracing joy: an Advent reflection
I have always been amazed by Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding (John 2). At first glance, Jesus decides to use his miraculous power for something that seems mundane. He doesn’t heal a blind person; he doesn’t repair a broken limb; he doesn’t calm a storm. Instead he enables others to joyfully partake in celebration. He uses his power to bring joy. In some ways, this...