OUR MISSION
A Passion for Christ
Compassion for One Another
God’s Word for all
VISIT
As Senior Pastor and Head of Staff, Tom has pastored Meadows since 2003 and oversees all aspects of the Meadows’ ministries. Vibrant and biblically based sermons are the cornerstone of his ministry. He encourages congregants as they continue to grow in their spiritual journey and brings a unifying spirit to Meadows as the church grows together in Christ. As a talented musician Tom uses this gift in his ministry as he is a member of the Praise Team. Tom and his wife Mary, parents to 4 grown children, are now proud grandparents to 6 grandchildren – at last count.
MEET OUR PASTOR
Tom Goodrich, Pastor
CHURCH STAFF
Ben leads and directs the Meadows Praise Team. Music has been a part of Ben’s life as he started singing as a 10-year-old young boy in the church where his family worshipped. While attending UVA he sang in a cappella group, The Virginia Gentlemen. There he met his wife Summer who also is an accomplished singer and pianist. The family singing continues as Ben and Summer along with their three children, Presley, Benjamin and Mary Emma are participants in Sunday morning services.
Ben Thompson,
Praise Team Leader
Caroline brings immense talent and energy to the music program at Meadows. Classically trained in harp and piano, and now acquiring skills in organ, her leadership to the music program is valued. Caroline and her family began worship at Meadows when she was in middle school and with her family often participated in the music program. Leaving for a few years to attend college, she now returns to Charlottesville to attend UVA Law School with graduation anticipated for 2026. Travel, hiking, working with kids and volunteering for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are a part of her busy schedule.
Caroline Fernandez, Director of Choir & Handbells, Organist
Susan is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of the church office. Greeting week day visitors and multitasking to meet the needs of many, she does all with style, grace and a warm welcoming smile. Keeping pace with technology systems are key to her responsibilities in communications. She demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail are skills she acquired in her previous role in property management. Born and raised in Charlottesville she fondly calls this city her home. Outside of work quilting, painting and enjoying local music consumes her time.
Susan Coiner-Pollard, Communications & Operations Administrator
Jodi brings to our organization a wealth of expertise from previous positions in varied backgrounds. Working in close collaboration with the finance committee she has proven to be most valued for her contributions to the team as she offers suggestions and works towards best practices. Her knowledge in technology makes her a valuable resource for better implementation of varying systems. Between work and home Jodi’s life is about balance. She is married to Julius and they make their home in Earlysville with two newly adopted children, Nikki and Benny.
Jodi Gist,
Financial & Technology Administrator
Wendell Bonham:
Personnel and Administration
Joe Teague:
Fellowship Committee
Nancy Fisher and Peggy Beattie:
Nurture Committee
Barbara Crispens:
Membership Committee
Gaines Talbott and Jim Johnston:
Buildings and Grounds
Rebecca Lees:
Stewardship
Angy Seago:
Finance
Julie Joyce:
Christian Outreach
Bob Bowen:
Worship
Eric Warren:
Christian Education
Ben Thompson:
Sanctuary Improvement Team
SESSION
The congregation through a nomination and election process identifies candidates to serve in the office of elder for a 3-year term. Being an elder is an opportunity for servant leadership to the church and its people.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
CONTACT
CURRENT ELDERS:
The Book of Order states that ruling elders, together with teaching elders (pastors) exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church including ecumenical relationships. Elders should be people of strong faith, dedicated discipleship and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. (The PC(USA) Book of Order)
THE ROLE OF THE ELDER
BECOMING A MEMBER
Meadows Presbyterian Church welcomes into membership all who make a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
JOIN US
CONTACT
You may enter into membership of Meadows in one of
the following ways:
Profession of Faith and Baptism
Reaffirmation of Faith
Transfer of membership from another congregation
New member classes are held periodically through the year lead by the Pastor Tom Goodrich and with coordination from the membership committee. These classes provide an overview of the history, beliefs and practices of the reformed faith and provide an opportunity to learn more about church life within our congregation.
All are invited.
Will be received at a meeting by the Session
New Members
OUR MUsic
The Handbell Choir
Congregant Musicians
The Praise Team
The Handbell Choir
THe CHoir
The Choir:
The Meadows choir sings a special piece for each week's service. Its repertoire ranges from century-old classics to modern choral pieces. The choir also leads the congregation in singing hymns, typically accompanied by the organ. The choir welcomes all musically inclined adults and high-school students to join; while a sense of pitch and a joy for singing is appreciated, previous choir experience and the ability to read music are not required.
CONTACT
The Praise Team
The Handbell Choir
THe CHoir
Congregant Musicians
The Praise Team
The Handbell Choir
THe CHoir
The Handbell Choir:
The Meadows handbell choir plays for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter seasons. The bell choir is a wonderful way for congregants of all musical ability to get involved in music at Meadows! Bell ringers often say anyone who can count to four can join, and parts are tailored to player ability.
CONTACT
Congregant Musicians
The Praise Team
The Handbell Choir
THe CHoir
The Praise Team:
The Praise Team provides a more vibrant and contemplative arrangement of praise and worship songs.Guitars, percussion and keyboards, and other instruments provide the accompaniment to the songs. This style of music combined with the more classical style of our choir provides a wonderful blend and balance to our worship service. Ben Thompson is the Praise Team Leader.
CONTACT
Congregant Musicians
The Handbell Choir
The Praise Team
Congregant Musicians:
While our choir and praise team form the foundation of our weekly service, special music opportunities are also essential to worship at Meadows. Congregants—including youth with musical talent are encouraged to contact Caroline Fernandez who is always looking for ways to feature guest musicians in choir and handbell pieces, the regular service (e.g., accompanying hymns or with offertories or communion pieces), and holiday services (e.g., during our Christmas Eve special music time and at our Lessons and Carols, Vespers, and Lent services). Opportunities can be tailored to the instrument and the musician's ability. A wish to contribute one’s gifts is the most important prerequisite!
CONTACT
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is
Jesus Christ."
Corinthians 3:11
THE HiSTORY oF MEADOWS
1962
Meadows Presbyterian was established
By a group of committed members from two Charlottesville City Churches: First Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. The church was established with a family-oriented focus in the middle of the theological spectrum represented by its two parent churches.
1964
"THE MEADOWS"
A parcel of land from a farm known as
On Angus Road was purchased. At that time this area was on the northern end of development and a church in this neighborhood would provide a more convenient place of worship as many of the first congregants of Meadows lived in the immediate neighborhood. While the church was under construction the worship services were held in the Mountain Bowl Bowling Alley on Millmont Street.
The first worship service was held
In the present location in August 1964. In the mid 80’s a major addition and renovation occurred to meet the needs of the congregation and to provide additional conference and office space and enlarged fellowship hall and kitchen. The sanctuary was also transformed at that time to provide for a most positive worship experience. Plans are in progress once again to undergo major renovations to the worship space With God’s grace and provision, we would hope to finalize planning for such and begin construction in the next 1-2 years.
1963
sixty plus years later
As the years have evolved, Charlottesville and the neighborhood in which Meadows reside have been transformed and continue to grow around us. All semblance of farm land and meadows are most certainly gone. The church is now located in a neighborhood with a dense and diverse population within the city and just off the very busy Route 29/250 bypass corridor with restaurants, retail, traffic and congestion. Many of our congregants come from surrounding counties and varying parts of the city. Established in 1963 and sixty plus years later the ministry of Meadows Church continues to worship each Sunday in gratitude to God- Growing in Christ and remaining committed to our mission.
Growing in Christ
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