Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

Worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Please note: Starting Sunday, September 8, we will resume our regular worship schedule with services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

This Sunday, September 1, Rev. Dr. George K. Weagba will deliver a sermon titled "Give it to Jesus," inspired by the Gospel of Mark 4:35-41. The passage recounts how Jesus calmed a terrifying storm that left his disciples in fear for their lives, despite Jesus being with them in the boat. As they questioned their faith and his concern for them, Jesus demonstrated his power over the storm, asking, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Weagba will explore why the disciples, including experienced fishermen, were so afraid, why they doubted Jesus's care, and how we can trust Jesus with our own troubling situations. Join us for worship and discover what Jesus can do with the storms in your life.

Worship in-person or online

Worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in-person at 1589 West Maple Road in Birmingham, MI or online through our website, Facebook page, or YouTube. Click the buttons to access online worship.

Website
Facebook
YouTube

Children's Worship Information

Family Worship

On Sunday, September 1, children will worship with their families in the Sanctuary. Nursery Care is available.

Read More About the Children & Family Ministries at Birmingham First

Dedications for Sunday

The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and God’s abundant blessings, as we celebrate our children and their first year of marriage.  Happy Anniversary, Parker Roberts & Katrina Van Maanen.  Love, Corryl Parr, Keith & Jan Van Maanen, Jim & Robyn Campagne. 


The Mission Candle is given to the glory of God and in memory of Howard and Marge Bone by Lon Bone. 

Sympathies

Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with John Stevens and family on the death of his wife Liz Stevens on August 24, 2024. A memorial service will be held September 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Birmingham First.

The first Sunday of every month our First Nurses will provide blood pressure checks during Coffee Hour immediately following worship Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to take part in the complementary service. 

Gathered Here for Good

SEPTEMBER EVENTS!

Worship at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. beginning Sunday, September 8.

Get involved in classes, choir, Journey Groups, Sunday School,

CLC activities, and these September events!

Sunday, September 8

Welcome Back Sunday!

Treats, fellowship, and a chance to sign up for everything good happening here. On the lawn after the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services!

Sunday, September 15

BBQ Dinner on the Green

Good food, good friends, and a good reason not to cook! 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the lawn. Join us!

Tuesday, September 17

Blood Drive

The need is real and this is a really good thing to do! Plan on giving! Schedule your appointment today by clicking here.

Sunday, September 22

Tapas Sunday

Grab a small bite from our “Non-perishable” Brunch Buffet AND

take home a Food Drive bag to fill and bring back. So good!

 

Saturday, September 28

Chanticleer Concert

Your chance to experience this incredible a capella group. Begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Donations welcomed!

Sunday, September 29

Choir Dedication and Food Drive

Join us to celebrate every choir and every voice! Bring back your Food Drive bag AND a friend!

Get Involved

Journey Groups are starting in September, and we invite you to be a part of this welcoming community. Whether you're a parent, a man or woman looking for connection, or simply someone who wants to explore and grow in your faith, there’s a group for you. Led by a diverse range of leaders, these groups offer a supportive environment where you can create meaningful connections, share life experiences, and deepen your understanding of faith. Joining a Journey Group is an opportunity to find your place, make new friends, and be part of something positive. We’d love to have you with us!

Find Your Group!

PICKLEBALL RESTARTS IN SEPTEMBER


To volunteer for fun & fellowship October 6-11, 2024 please call or text Jane Carvell at 248-379-2662 / jcarve55@icloud.com or the Birmingham First Campus Main Office at 248-646-1200. Volunteers must be a Birmingham or Berkley First member or be sponsored by a member.

More Information

Christian Classics Book Club

You are invited to join the Christian Classics Book Club, meeting on the second Wednesday of every month, starting September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Birmingham First in the 2nd Floor Stevens Room. We will kick off the season by discussing our summer reading assignment, “Beach Music” by Pat Conroy. Led by the incomparable Beverly Hannet-Price, this group offers a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and thoughtful discussion. Everyone is welcome! For any questions, please contact Anne Wilbur at annwilbur18@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Merry Mates, a group of seniors 65+, is returning for another season of fellowship, service, and enrichment at Birmingham and Berkley First. For over 50 years, this group has gathered on the third Friday of the month, from September through May, for catered dinners and stimulating programs. We warmly welcome both returning members and new faces to join us!


On Friday, September 20, you are invited to our first meeting of the season in Fellowship Hall, beginning with a 5:30 p.m. gathering, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and a program at 6:45 p.m. Todd Bryan, president of the Henry Ford Heritage Association, and Mark Campbell, a great-great-nephew of Clara Bryant Ford, will present on the fascinating history of Henry and Clara Ford. To reserve your spot, please contact Carol and Jim Rillema by email at crillema@gmail.com or by phone at 248.851.6438 by Sunday, September 15th. The cost is $20 per person, payable upon arrival. We look forward to sharing this evening of fellowship and history with you!

Sunday Greeting is for Everyone!

Now is your opportunity to sign up as a Sunday Greeter or Coffee Host for upcoming Sundays. You can sign up for a spot by clicking the button below or visit the Kiosk on Sunday mornings.


We’re looking forward to having you join the Greeters Team!

Sign Up!

Ecclesia is a new Bible-based dialogue and discussion group designed specifically for parents of children and youth, led by Senior Pastor Dr. Boayue. The group meets on Sundays from September 15 to November 24 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. (excluding October 6 due to the Rummage Sale) at Birmingham First in the Martin Room. No need to register for the group, just drop in as you are able.

 

For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is available—simply email office@fumcbirmingham.org for a link. Childcare will be provided during the sessions. Please pre-register for childcare by clicking the button below.

Register for Childcare

Children's Choirs Begin September 12


We’re excited to invite your children to join one of our choirs this year! Starting on September 12, our children's choirs will all begin their journey of music, friendship, and fun. These choirs are a wonderful way for your children to explore their musical talents, build confidence, and connect with others in a joyful and supportive environment. We can’t wait to see them shine!

More Information

Fall Confirmation classes begin in September. Designed for students entering 8th grade or higher, Confirmation is an opportunity for you to examine and come to own your faith in a deeper way. Click the button below for more information or to register.

More Information & Registration

BE PART OF THE RUMMAGE TEAM!


To volunteer for fun & fellowship October 6-11, 2024 please call or text Jane Carvell at 248-379-2662 / jcarve55@icloud.com or the Birmingham First Campus Main Office at 248-646-1200. Volunteers must be a Birmingham or Berkley First member or be sponsored by a member.

We are collecting college student addresses to send care packets to them during the upcoming school year.


Please send addresses to Chris Schulte via email at cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org. If an address is the same as last year, we still need to hear from you. If you would like to join this ministry, please contact sue.smith@beachcom.net.


Hunger Ministry

Every Sunday through the end of September a produce table will be set up in Fellowship Hall. Church members may drop off extra flowers and vegetables for others to purchase. MICAH 6 will be providing extra vegetables as well each week. All proceeds will go to the Hunger Ministry.


Sign up to volunteer at the table on Sundays by clicking here.

Coming Up at Berkley First

For better or worse, the people and things that we love shape us. I love my kids. I love my spouse. I love chocolate. I love Jesus. With such a variety of uses, the term “love” can mean many different things. This September, Pastor Zack will unpack what C.S. Lewis called “the four loves” – affection, friendship, romance, and God-sized agape love. Worship with Berkley First Sundays at 10:00 a.m. as we learn to love more fully. Make sure to also invite a friend to check out our fun September events!

September 1, 2024

Zack Dunlap preaching

The Four Loves: Affection

Luke 13:34



Pastor Zack is back from Duke Divinity School to kick off our September Series: "The Four Loves." Based on the work of C.S. Lewis - famed author of The Chronicles of Narnia - this series will explore the human need for affection, friendship, romance, and God-sized agape love. This Labor Day weekend, worship with us in-person or online at 10:00 a.m. as we explore what it means to lean into affection.


Check out the Berkley First Website for more information or to worship online.

Online Giving

You can now make an online donation by using PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay. Credit, debit or ACH are still accepted too!


We're excited to introduce the new online giving form for Birmingham & Berkley First! This user-friendly platform is designed to make your donation process as seamless as possible. Whether you're a first-time giver or a regular contributor, our new form allows you to donate as a guest or create a sign in with a username and password.  This flexibility ensures that you can support our community in the way that works best for you. Help make a difference—giving has never been easier! Click here for instructions on how to use the new online giving form.

Give Now

We invite you to share your prayer requests with us at any time, day or night.


Your needs and concerns are important to us, and we are here to support you through the power of prayer. Simply click the button below to submit your prayer request, and rest assured that our dedicated team will lift your intentions up in prayer. You can also email your request to our prayer team at prayers@fumcbirmingham.org.

Submit a Prayer Request Online

Jen Houck, a member of Birmingham & Berkley First is now offering a new support group to help others navigate their own healing journeys.

The setting will be relaxed and open, allowing participants to share or simply chat as they feel comfortable. The next meeting is Saturday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m. We will meet at Bacon Parks sign & bench (corner of Webster & Bacon in Berkley).


To sign up, email Jen directly at jensturrock44@gmail.com.

Building Hours

Please note the CLC will be closed the month of August for updates and cleaning.

 

Birmingham First Building Summer Hours

Memorial Day – Labor Day

Sunday: Open for 10:00 a.m. worship

Monday thru Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Friday: By Appointment

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Give

Mail your donation to the church.

Give online to www.fumcbirmingham.org/give

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 after hours 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