Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter | |
Worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. | | |
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On Sunday, July 14, our worship service will offer an exciting experience in sacred music alongside offerings of prayer, reflection, scripture reading, and a sermon based on Matthew 4:1-11. The sermon, titled "Temptation in the Wilderness," will examine implications of temptation for the Christian faith journey. In this scripture Jesus has just been baptized in the Jordan River and is immediately driven into the wilderness where he is tempted three times by the Devil. In each temptation the relationship between Jesus and God was tried. The stark dramatic flow of this compelling narrative resonates with most people because we all have had those experiences that test the limits of our integrity and question the extent of our fidelity to the commandments of God.
This Sunday, you will be invited to reflect on temptations, and how they seek to shape your identity and mission in life. Come, let us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Rev. Dr. Charles S. G. Boayue, Jr.
Senior Pastor
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Worship in-person or online | Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. and in available 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. | | | | |
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The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in praise and thanks for our faithful church members, clergy and staff by Dorothy Duensing and her husband, Daniel Sannar.
The Mission Candle is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harold and Joyce Stanton by their family.
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Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Carolyn Sanders and family on the death of Charlie Sanders, her husband on July 2.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Liv Vermane and family on the death of Liv’s uncle, Eugene Nellany on July 3.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with former member Ralph Babb and family on the death of his wife, Barbara Babb, on June 27. A memorial service for Barbara will be live streamed July 27, 10:00 am from Highland Park UMC in Dallas, TX.
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Children's Worship Information | This Sunday Children will begin worship in the Sanctuary with their families. After a Children's Moment, they are invited to a one-room Summer Sunday School in the CLC or on the playground (weather permitting). Nursery Care is available every Sunday. | | | |
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Worship at Berkley First
Sermon Title: “More Workers”
Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38
Pastor Zack is back from Honduras with a word from Matthew 9:35-38. This Sunday, Zack will share highlights from the mission trip and inspire us to be missionaries in our own neighborhoods – sharing the love of Jesus in every interaction and the story of Jesus as often as we have opportunity. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Let’s join together in God’s good work! Check out the Berkley First Website for more information or to worship online.
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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 sign in with your existing giving username and password. This flexibility ensures that you can support our community in the way that works best for you. Join us in making a difference—giving has never been easier! Click here for instructions on how to use the new online giving form.
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The Rev. Dr. Darryl E. Totty, Greater Detroit District Superintendent, has approved a Special Church Conference for Birmingham and Berkley First. The conference will be held on Tuesday, August 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Birmingham First Sanctuary. The purpose of the conference is to approve candidates for ministry from our congregation and to approve revisions to the endowment bylaws. The Staff Parish Relations Committee and the Endowment Board will present their recommendations for your approval at the special church conference. Every member of our congregation has voice and vote at the church conference. If you cannot attend in person and wish to participate, please request a Zoom link from Dorothy Duensing by email at office@fumcbirmingham.org no later than August 22. The Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the conference. There will be no meal served at this conference. The Rev. Chuck Sonquist, retired United Methodist elder, will preside. Please make plans to attend.
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The Haiti Missions Task Force is in need of nebulizers for asthma treatments and blood pressure machines. Please bring labeled items to the second floor Missions Office at Birmingham First and place them in the clear plastic tub labeled "Haiti-Ongoing Needs and Donations." If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Smith by email at nancyasmithrn@gmail.com.
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We are happy to welcome the following new members who were received into our church family. We hope that they will form warm friendships and find their place in the work of Birmingham and Berkley First. | |
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Meet up for the July Monthly Mission at Micah 6 Community on Saturday, July 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stay for the duration, or just show up when you're able to. Children are welcome to help if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Dress ready for the weather to work outside in the community garden. Gather and be the hands and feet of Christ to lend assistance wherever it may be needed. See you at 32 Newberry Street in Pontiac!
No need to sign up, just show up. If you have any questions, please feel free to text or call Patty Reynolds at 248-376-2475.
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Join our summer Duke Seminary Intern, Liv Vermane, for a 4-week study on some of the most overlooked books in Scripture: Ruth, Esther, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. Each week we will explore one of these books while considering their profound wisdom. Through studying these scriptural treasures, this class will help us to better understand these often-overlooked texts. The class will meet at the following dates and times: Mondays, July 22 and 29 at 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Birmingham First in the Martin Room. No need to pre-register. Attend all dates, or come on the days that work for your schedule. | |
Jen Houck, a mother and church member, has experienced a profound personal loss with the passing of her son, Ethan, from complications of anorexia on January 12, 2023. She has since joined Berkley First with her mother, Judie Monson. Jen is now offering a new support group to help others navigate their own healing journeys.
The group will meet either at Jen’s home, within walking distance of Berkley First, or at Bacon Park. The setting will be relaxed and open, allowing participants to share or simply chat as they feel comfortable. The first meeting is Saturday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m. To sign up, email Jen directly at jensturrock44@gmail.com.
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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.
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Student Ministries Coordinator
Birmingham First is looking for a Student Ministries Coordinator. This part-time role (20 hours/week) is instrumental in raising up 6th-12th graders to know, love, and serve God in this world.
If you know of someone who is interested in stepping into the role of Student Ministries Coordinator, please email Pastor Zack Dunlap at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org. To read the full job description, click the button below.
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First Kids Preschool Co-lead Teachers
First Kids Preschool is looking to hire a Co-lead teacher in our 4-year-old classroom Monday-Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. We are also looking for a Co-lead toddler teacher in our 2-year-old classroom on Monday/Wednesday/Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Our staff is amazing to work with and the families are even better to serve! Please reach out to the Director of First Kids Preschool, Megan Korzeniewski at mkorzeniewski@fumcbirmingham.org, if interested. More information can be found by clicking the button below.
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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
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