Worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. | |
|
Rooted: Christian Practices in the United Methodist Tradition
Pursuing unity in the midst of disagreement, examining ourselves and our motivations, utilizing resources wisely, and pressing on to that which we have not yet attained – the United Methodist tradition offers practical wisdom for daily living. Over the next five weeks, across both campuses of Birmingham and Berkley First, we will draw wisdom from Wesley’s most famous sermons and interpret them afresh for today. It all starts May 5 as Pastor Zack in Berkley and Pastor Susie in Birmingham explore being rooted in the means of grace.
| |
Click a button below to watch worship online Sunday at 9:30 a.m. | |
|
Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and given in loving memory of Forrest, Gertrude and Kim Fox, given by Kerry Fox.
| |
Sunday, May 5 during the 11:00 a.m. worship service we will confirm Amyra Cole, Charlotte Cook, Nathan Cory, and Harrison Klapp. Confirmation marks the time when a baptized Christian becomes a professing member of the local congregation and The United Methodist Church. Please join in on this special service. | |
On Sunday, May 5 we will share in Holy Communion during both the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. All are invited to the table. If you worship online and would like to participate, have bread or crackers and juice available. Communion Elements are also available for pick-up from the Welcome Desk, call to schedule your pick-up at 248-646-1200. | |
Sunday, May 5 children will worship with their families. There will be a Children’s Moment during the 9:30 a.m. worship service that all children will be invited to take part in. It is with open hearts and joyful spirits that we warmly welcome all children into the worship service, where the love of community and shared faith create a sanctuary for us all. Nursery Care is available at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. | |
|
Sympathies
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Shelli and Jon Adams and family on the death of Shelli’s father, Richard Harris on April 2.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with the family of Bruce Budde on his death on April 14.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Donna Sutton and family on the death of her husband, Dick Sutton on April 14. Services will be held at a later time.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Shelli and Jon Adams and family on the death of Shelli’s father, Richard Harris on April 21.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with the family of Lori Spry on her death on April 22.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Larry and Luann Garlinghouse and family on the death of Larry’s father, Eugene Wayne Garlinghouse on April 25.
| |
|
On Sunday, May 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., be sure to see our First Nurses in Fellowship Hall as they strive to keep us healthy with monthly complimentary blood pressure checks.
First Nurses looking for help with monthly B/P checks.
If you are an RN and willing to help with Blood pressure checks on the first Sunday of the month, please contact Sara Shirley by email at sshirley2@aol.com or by phone, 248-626-0778.
| |
|
UMW Spring Rummage Sale Opened to the Public Today
Shop today, Wednesday, May 1 until 8 p.m. (Regular Price), and 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)
| |
General Conference of the UMC | |
|
Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. spoke at the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, NC to address a recommendation from the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. The recommendation sought to increase the number of bishops by two in Africa. This proposal was presented despite the 2016 General Conference's approval of 5 additional bishops in Africa, set to take effect in 2020. The discussion was influenced by factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing disaffiliations, and budgetary constraints. A debate ensued on how to strike a balance between investing in African church growth and addressing financial limitations in America.
There were diverse viewpoints on whether Africa was contributing proportionally to the costs. Dr. Boayue aimed to challenge the perception that Africa was not pulling its weight. He shed light on the challenging environment within which the church in Africa operates. Dr. Boayue highlighted the unwavering dedication of African clergy and laity. These individuals, despite facing exploitation of their natural resources by European, American, Chinese, and other foreign entities, have made significant strides in evangelization and expanding the church.
The remarkable productivity of African church workers, amidst economic exploitation, political instability, and social unrest, serves as a source of inspiration for Dr. Boayue. He stressed the need for comprehensive support from the entire church. It was noted that African clergy and church workers are among the lowest paid in the global connection. Despite lacking health insurance, adequate housing, and sufficient pension benefits, they are effectively nurturing disciples at an unprecedented rate.
He stressed the focus should remain steadfast on the primary mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
To follow along live with the General Conference, click the button below.
| |
Sunday Social is May 26. We will meet in Thomas Parlor from 12:15 p.m.– 1:45 p.m. for a hot lunch and fellowship with our Birmingham and Berkley First friends. Cost of the lunch will be $15.00. To ensure your place at the table, please make your reservation by Wednesday, May 22 with Mary Feldmaier, mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org. | |
Please join Merry Mates Friday, May 17 for dinner, fellowship and an inspiring program. Merry Mates is a social group for singles and couples in their 60's-90's. We gather at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6:00 p.m., and the program follows. Dr. Carl Price will help us feel and see God through his nature photography. The cost is $20 per person payable upon arrival. For a reservation call Sharon or Bob Pierce at 248-364-4438 by Sunday evening, May 12. Please join Pat and Carl Price, longtime friends, teacher and former pastor. | |
|
Join us for "A Mosaic of May, Mothers, and Madness" at our Spring Tea Luncheon!
When: Saturday, May 11 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Berkley First campus (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley)
Celebrate the joys of spring and honor mothers and all women with United Women in Faith! Bring the favorite woman in your life for a delightful lunch and engaging program. While the event is free, please register in advance to secure your spot.
| |
|
Looking for a special Mother’s Day gift, or perhaps a special gift for Baptisms and Confirmations?
Thanks to a generous donor, replicas of the Birmingham First Sanctuary Cross have been made in sterling silver for purchase. You may purchase them for a minimum donation of $60.00 which includes a sterling silver chain.
Please stop by the kiosk in Fellowship Hall on Sundays or the Main Entrance Welcome Desk during the week. All monies received will be used to support Student Mission projects.
| |
|
VOLUNTEER FOR PICKLEBALL WITH A PURPOSE TOURNAMENT & LESSONS
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.
| |
|
Reserve Your Campsite for the Annual All Church Campout!
Dates: August 7-12, 2024
Location: Portage Lake Campground, Waterloo Recreation Area
Join the Dunlaps and the Whites for a fun-filled camping adventure! Book your own sites through the Michigan DNR website https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/camping-and-lodging.
Even if you can only stay Saturday and Sunday, book through Monday for a full day of fun on Sunday.
Can't stay the weekend? Join us for Sunday morning worship in nature, followed by a beach day!
Contact Zack at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org for more info. See you there!
| |
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!
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Exciting News! Berkley First is embarking on restroom renovations to reflect our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility!
Our community-facing spaces deserve to be welcoming to all. We're raising funds to update our restrooms to be gender-neutral and ADA compliant.
The approximate cost for both upstairs and downstairs restrooms is $200,000. Generous donors have already committed $30,000, but we need your help to reach our goal!
We aim to remodel the upstairs restrooms in summer 2024 and the downstairs restrooms in summer 2025. Let's make Berkley First a place where everyone feels truly welcome. Donate today to be a part of this important project!
Click the button below to donate, or for more information.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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. | |
|
Connect With Us!
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Watch the livestream.
Watch archived worship services.
Give
Mail your donation to the church.
Give online.
Text to give at 248-368-0033:
1. Get a list of available funds by texting the word “keyword” to 248-368-0033.
2. Text any dollar amount (no dollar sign) and fund name. Examples: 50 Birmingham, 20 Missions
Caring Ministries
For pastoral emergencies, call the Minister on Call cell phone at 248-408-0038.
Submit prayer requests at www.fumcbirmingham.org/pray.
Children and Family Ministries
Contact Kim Bowyer at kbowyer@fumcbirmingham.org
| | | | |
