Worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. | |
Rev. Faith Fowler will be our guest preacher at Birmingham First this Sunday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Join us as she delivers a powerful message titled "There's Something About That Name," based on the scripture 1 Samuel 1-20.
Rev. Faith Fowler is a distinguished graduate of Albion College, Boston University School of Theology, and the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She has served two churches in Detroit and currently leads Cass Community Social Services since 1994. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, running, travel, and nature.
Don't miss this special opportunity to hear from Rev. Fowler and be inspired by her message. Invite your friends and family to join us for a meaningful worship experience!
| |
Click a button below to watch worship online Sunday at 9:30 a.m. | |
Sympathies
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Jill and Geoff Hockman and family on the death of Jill’s father, Thomas Shadick on April 1, 2024.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Linda Howell and Brett and Darren Howell and family on the death of Linda’s husband and Brett and Darren’s father, Gary Howell on April 1, 2024.
| |
Sunday School looks different this Sunday. Children & Family Ministries will host a One-Room Sunday school with Children's Chapel in the Martin Room and Runkle Chapel this Sunday, April 28.
Student Ministry will be meeting in the CLC Cafe for their gathering.
| |
Berkley First Worship | Sunday, April 28 | |
“Upraising: Raising Up the Poor and Oppressed”
Pastor Zack Dunlap preaching
Luke 4:14-21
Friends, we are a resurrection people! And while we raise up leaders, disciples, and children, if we truly follow Jesus, we also raise up those experiencing poverty and oppression. While it’s true that Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you”, Jesus also defined his ministry as one that proclaims good news to the poor and sets the oppressed free.
This Sunday at Berkley First, Pastor Zack will unpack what it can look like to follow Jesus in this way. We’ll also hear firsthand from our missionaries Dhiraj and Kaylee John who are in town from Bangalore, India. After worship, join us downstairs for a tasty light lunch, Bangalore style.
| |
On behalf of our chairperson, Melissa Peirce, and the Staff Parish Relations Committee, we are pleased to announce that our search for a Minister of Congregation Care has concluded. The Rev. Sarah Alexander has been hired for this position, effective May 1, 2024. She will lead our newly established Department of Congregational Care, merging our Caring Ministries and Membership and Hospitality departments. Pastor Sarah will spearhead efforts to establish, maintain, and operate a robust membership care system and hospitality services across our two campuses.
Pastor Sarah has been with Birmingham and Berkley First since July 1, 2019. In the fall of 2022, she successfully led the effort to reopen the Christian Life Center with volunteer staffing following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee extends gratitude to all members who have been praying for this process. We encourage everyone to support Pastor Sarah and her family as they make this important commitment to the mission and ministry of Birmingham and Berkley First United Methodist Church. Thank you.
| |
About Rev. Sarah Alexander
Rev. Sarah Alexander grew up in the Livonia, MI area and earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Earth Science from Eastern Michigan University. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, she earned her Master's degree in Practical Theology, specializing in Parish and Community Ministry. Alongside her husband Matt and their two children, Helen and Benjamin, Sarah finds joy in gardening, listening to audiobooks, and organizing. Pastor Sarah was ordained in 2019 before joining Birmingham and Berkley First. Since then, she has overseen the High School and Middle School ministries, the Ministry with 20's & 30's initiative, communications, the calendar office, the Duke Intern program, and the reopening of the Christian Life Center in 2022.
| |
Donate | Volunteer | Shop | |
UMW Spring Rummage Sale Opens to the Public on May 1-2, 2024. Wednesday, May 1 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Regular Price), Thursday Morning, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Regular Price), Thursday Evening, May 2 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ($10 per Bag Night or Half Price) |
DONATE: We welcome your generous donations curbside!
Drop-off at Birmingham First
Sunday, April 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday, April 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
Baby Equipment (Cribs, Bassinettes, Strollers, Highchairs, Seats, Gates, Pack’n’Plays), Mattresses, Computers, Printers, Faxes, Typewriters, Office Furniture or Large Desks, Entertainment Centers, Old TVs (Console or Portable), Pianos or Organs, Large Kitchen Appliances, Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Non-Working Electrical Items, Medical Equipment, Torn/Stained/Ripped Furniture or Clothing, Textbooks, Tires, Basketball Hoops, Christmas Trees or Christmas Lights.
|
VOLUNTEER: To volunteer for fun & fellowship during the Rummage Sale please call or text Jane Carvell at 248-379-2662 or email jcarve55@icloud.com or call the Birmingham First campus main office at 248-646-1200. Volunteers must be a Birmingham and Berkley First church member or be sponsored by a member.
SIGN UP TODAY IN FELLOWSHIP HALL!
| |
VOLUNTEER FOR PICKLEBALL WITH A PURPOSE TOURNAMENT
You can volunteer to provide snacks for the tournament and/or to volunteer at the event. Proceeds from this event will support our Hunger Ministry, in which all proceeds to to local agencies that provide hunger relief in our community. Click on the button to sign up.
| |
Children & Family Ministries | |
Hey there, did you know that VBS isn't just for little kids? It's for older grade schoolers too, up to 5th grade!
Scuba VBS, our summer morning camp, is all about exploring what it means to be friends with an awesome, loving, and trustworthy God – a friendship that lasts forever! Join us on an amazing undersea adventure where we'll dive deep into the never-ending love of God. Get ready to dive into the Bible and find out what living water is all about! At Scuba VBS, get ready for a whole week of faith, fun discoveries, awesome music, and epic adventures that will make your faith grow stronger!
| |
You will make a difference in the life of a child!
Children & Family Ministries needs caring & fun individuals like YOU to provide a safe environment for children this summer during worship.
We will host a one-room Sunday school experience for children preschool through 5th grade in the Children's Center (the small gym on the east side of the church).
Please sign up by clicking the button below.
| |
We're seeking your valuable input to match your interests and skills with volunteer opportunities within our congregation. Your participation in this survey will help us create meaningful roles where you can contribute effectively. Share your passions and expertise with us, and let's work together to strengthen our church community. Take a moment to fill out the survey and let your talents shine in service to others. Thank you for your dedication and commitment! | |
Calling all friendly smiles..
The CLC is looking for volunteers to help out this summer to help fill day and afternoon shifts as some of our volunteers enjoy vacation time. Need 5 people who will have flexibility to help fill different days and times. This is a great opportunity to learn what volunteers do and enjoy the fun of our walking track, pickleball and other activities.
Those interested please email clcstaff@fumcbirmingham.org.
| |
Feed Yourself and Feed Others
If you are a Kroger shopper, signing up for Community Rewards can directly benefit the Hunger Ministry of Birmingham and Berkley First just by doing your regular shopping. If you have a Kroger rewards card it can be linked to our church through the Community Rewards program. Click the button below, or download the Kroger Mobile App, link your current Kroger card and our church will earn rewards too! All rewards money earned will go directly to our Hunger Ministry to help feed people locally and globally.
| |
Music & Worship Administrative Assistant
The Music & Worship Ministry is looking for a qualified administrative assistant to join the team. This team member serves an integral administrative role in bringing music to life, facilitating impactful worship, coordinating meaningful special events throughout the year, and empowering children, youth, and adults to participate in the music-making! With a flexible schedule, this part-time position is approximately 20-25 hours per week. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Executive Director of Worship & Music Casey Proch at cproch@fumcbirmingham.org.
More information can be found on our employment page by clicking the button below.
| |
Watch Worship from Last Week
| |
Watch a recording of worship from last Sunday by clicking one of the buttons below. | | | | |