Pastor Shawn Lewis-Lakin will be preaching on Sunday, August 18. Worship will include the service of baptism as we welcome a child into the family of God. Sermon texts will be Genesis 1:26 and Galatians 3:23-29.

These two powerful texts speak to our identity and unity in Christ. Galatians is believed to be one of Paul's earliest letters, written around 48 AD, and Galatians 3:28 ("There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus") was likely used as an early church baptismal invocation. This verse reflects the early church's commitment to radical inclusivity and has been referred to as the “Magna Carta of the abolitionist movement” for its role in the fight to end slavery. Join us for worship as we explore the significance of this passage and its enduring relevance to our lives and witness today.

Family Worship & Sunday School

On August 18 and 25, Children will begin in the Sanctuary with their families. Then after the children's moment, children can attend a one-room Sunday school experience. Pick-up will be in the CLC or on the playground (weather permitting).  

Staff Announcement

After nearly 11 years of dedicated service, Kim Bowyer has announced her resignation as Director of Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First. Kim has expressed deep gratitude for the joy and privilege of leading families in faith since she began as the elementary coordinator in October 2013. Her last day will be Sunday, September 22, 2024 (with a celebration following the 9:30 a.m. worship service), with part-time remote support extending through September. Kim and her husband, Steve, are embarking on a new adventure in North Carolina, where Steve will begin a position with Roush Yates, and Kim will focus on her health following her cancer journey. She is overjoyed to share that her body is responding well to treatment, with no evidence of active disease. Kim has been deeply blessed by the love and support she has received from the congregation and is thankful for the opportunity to raise her family within this community. While she will be moving to North Carolina, she looks forward to visiting her Birmingham First family often. The transition to the 2024-25 program year will be supported by Beth Torrey, Megan Klapp, and Pastor Zack Dunlap. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Zack at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org.

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. to 8:00 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. Childcare is available.

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.

Regularly reviewing your beneficiary designations is a crucial aspect of legacy planning. One of the simplest and most effective ways to make a planned gift to Birmingham First is through beneficiary designations. Retirement plans, IRAs, life insurance policies, donor-advised funds, and commercial annuities distribute assets based on these forms. By updating your beneficiary designations, you can easily specify the individuals and charities you wish to support and allocate the percentages of your assets each will receive.

Designating Birmingham First as a beneficiary is a straightforward and impactful method to leave a legacy of faithfulness. For more information, please contact the Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Associate Pastor for Planned Giving, at slewis-lakin@fumcbirmingham.org or 734-717-8947. You can also visit our planned giving website at firstlegacy.org.

It's time for Fantasy Football for Missions! With the NFL season kicking off on Thursday, September 5th, be sure to sign up now for this year’s competition. The needs of our mission partners are greater than ever, and this is a fun way to make a difference. A $30 donation is all that’s required, and you can choose to have team drafting and lineup management done automatically if you prefer. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds go directly to Birmingham and Berkley First missions teams to support their critical work. Last year, Dan Cragnolin won the FF4M championship and became our first two-time champion, claiming the Pettibone Trophy. Will it be you this year? For more details, visit our website or email Mark Adams at adams400@aol.com to sign up today!

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!

Sunday Social is on August 25. Gather in Thomas Parlor from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a delicious cold brunch and warm fellowship. The cost is $15.00 per person, and it's a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together. To reserve your spot, please contact Mary Feldmaier by Wednesday, August 21 at 248-342-1929 or mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org. We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

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!

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 (must pre-register for childcare, link will be available soon), making it easier for parents to engage in this enriching spiritual journey.

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.

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.

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.

A Quiet Way

This summer, we invite you to take a peaceful journey on "A Quiet Way," our prayer walk. Begin in the serene Chambliss Garden, where you’ll find brochures in the little church mailbox to guide you. As you walk around the church, take a moment at each stone to reflect on the blessings in your life or to find solace in difficult times. Use this time to pray for others as well. At Birmingham First we are truly blessed to have this sacred space for contemplation and prayer.

DONATE: 

We welcome your donations curbside! No Truck pickup.

• Sunday, October 6 from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 7 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

SHOP:

Public Sale Hours for Fall Sale 2024

• Wednesday, October 9 from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Regular price)
• Thursday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Regular price) and 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (50% off and/or $10 Bag). We provide 13-gallon kitchen bag(s) to fill (must use our bags!)

VOLUNTEER: 

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

Transitions: Before, During & After Change

Are you facing changes in your life, group or organization? Whether it's within your family, job, faith community, or personal relationships, understanding the difference between change and transition can help you navigate losses, create opportunities, stay connected, and restart effectively. Join us to transform how you handle changes and transitions in your life. Embrace the journey with confidence and support.

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