Spring into May: Upcoming Events + RSVP Info

Don't wait! The last day to register your child for Vacation Bible School is May 16. With hundreds of children attending, volunteers are needed to make this week a success! It's SO MUCH FUN! Don't miss out. Click the button for everything you need to know!

Hunger Ministry will be collecting food/supplies in paper grocery bags which will be handed out after the service on Sunday, May 11. Please return your bag filled with donations on Sunday, May 18 in Fellowship Hall. Click the button below for a printable list, or to sign up to help sort the donations.

Join the United Women in Faith for a special Spring Tea Luncheon on Saturday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Berkley First campus. Enjoy an Indian-inspired afternoon tea and hear from guest speaker Kaylee John of our Bangalore, India mission, as we reflect on the ripple effect of faithful service. This free event is a wonderful way to celebrate spring, honor mothers and women, and enjoy a time of fellowship. Advance registration is requested.

This Mother’s Day season, give the MOMents! Donate blood on Monday, May 12, and help create more cherished moments for mothers, families, and loved ones. Every donation makes a difference. Schedule your time to give by clicking the button below. You can help by donating blood on Monday, May 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The blood drive will be held in Fellowship Hall. Appointments are preferred.

Join us on May 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for a special evening to learn about the Envision Liberia Mission. Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue Jr. will share the exciting progress made since the mission’s launch last year and discuss how you can get involved in supporting this impactful project.

Families interested in learning more about the 2025 Henderson Settlement Youth Mission Trip are invited to attend an upcoming information session on Saturday, May 17 at one of the following times: 12:00 p.m. at Birmingham First or 2:00 p.m. at Berkley First. We look forward to seeing you there!

Merry Mates Dinner & Program – “Lest We Forget”

Join us Friday, May 16, in Fellowship Hall at Birmingham First for dinner and a moving program with John King, author of Lest We Forget! Stories of Those Who Served. Gather at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:00, and the program begins at 6:45. Cost is $20 per person, payable at the door. All are welcome—singles, couples, guests, and newcomers! RSVP by May 11 to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438.

Baldwin Center Gala

You're Invited to Attend the Baldwin Center Gala – Friday, May 9. Bob Everson, our Missions Chairperson and longtime Project Leader, will be honored for his dedicated service at the upcoming Baldwin Center Gala. The Baldwin Center is one of over 20 missions supported by Birmingham and Berkley First. While not church-sponsored, the event is open to all—let’s show our support for Bob! For details or tickets, visit: www.baldwincenter.org. 

Detroit Concert Choir - "Follow the Sun"

Join the internationally acclaimed Detroit Concert Choir for a musical voyage as we travel the world through song on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Birmingham First Sanctuary. With special guests, Traverse City's Canticum Novum.

Worship Sunday

Click here for our Berkley First Campus Worship Information.

Coming Up This Summer

Howdy, tiny trail riders! Mosey on down to “Wesley Rides Again” Choir Camp Jr. from July 15, 16, & 17, where our pint-sized pioneers, rising K-3rd graders, will embark on a three-day adventure quicker than a jackrabbit on a hot griddle!

Yeehaw! Hey rising 4th-12th graders, get ready to rustle up some fun at our “Wesley Rides Again” Choir Camp from July 27th to August 2nd! 

Rising 4th and 5th graders are invited to join us for 45C—our Summer Mission Camp! Each morning is filled with hands-on, age-appropriate mission work, followed by afternoons of fun and cultural adventures. It’s a week of serving, learning, and making memories!

Book your own site at Portage Lake Campground at Waterloo Recreation Area from July 24-27 to stay for the weekend, or daytrip it on July 27 to join us for outdoor worship and a picnic lunch.

Ways You Can Help

We invite you to volunteer with Children & Family Ministries to foster a safe and enjoyable environment for children during worship.

A Summer of Welcome: Join Our Usher Team

Picture yourself standing at the sanctuary entrance on a bright Sunday morning. The gentle hum of conversation fills the air as families and friends gather. You extend a bulletin with a warm smile, making someone’s day brighter. For just one hour on a Sunday morning, you can transform our church from a building into a community. Our current ushers will guide you through the simple process of greeting our church family, sharing bulletins, collecting, offerings, and a quick sanctuary tidy-up after worship.


No experience is needed, just a willing heart. Sign up for one Sunday or several through August or contact Katie Kirkpatrick at music@fumcbirmingham.org. Birmingham First doesn’t just need ushers—we need you!

Be a Sunday Greeter

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, visit the Kiosk on Sunday mornings, or reach out to Melissa Ng at mjoyng@comcast.net. We’re looking forward to having you join the ‘Greeters Team’.

Volunteer Opportunity - CLC Let it Shine!

We could use your help on Saturday, May 24 from 3-6 PM for our next cleaning day. Drop in whenever you can—every helping hand makes a difference! This is also a great community service opportunity for those looking to give back. Questions? Contact Page Gorman at pagegorman@sbcglobal.net. Let’s work together to make CLC shine!

Our Missions

Our Mission in the Czech Republic – SKP HOPO, The Christian House

Spring has arrived in full bloom at SKP HOPO, bringing with it new energy, community celebrations, and heartwarming stories. From the vibrant Masopust Carnival to a special visit from the Rotary Club of Prague International, our mission continues to serve as a place of joy, support, and transformation. We also honor longtime friend and volunteer Donna Haymond, whose dedication has touched countless lives. Don’t miss our upcoming Festival of Craftsmanship on May 17—an inspiring day of music, theatre, and creative workshops for all ages.

Thank you, Birmingham and Berkley First, for your incredible love and support for Haiti!

The Haiti Mission Team is deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission and the people we serve. Your generosity and prayers continue to lift up our friends in Haiti and empower the work we are called to do. Thank you for walking alongside us in this journey of hope and compassion!

Staff Updates

Welcome Justin Dickerson to the Birmingham First Team!

We’re excited to welcome Justin Dickerson as the newest member of our Birmingham First staff. Justin joins us as a custodian and will be working the midday shift. He brings valuable experience from his previous work in school facility maintenance, and we’re grateful to have his skills and dedication on board. If you see Justin around the building, be sure to say hello and help us give him a warm welcome!

Meet Karen Murphy, Our New Development Officer!

Please join us in welcoming Karen Murphy to her new role as Development Officer for Birmingham and Berkley First! A longtime member of Birmingham First for nearly 30 years, Karen brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and organizational growth, with a deep love for our church community.


Karen’s vision is to build a comprehensive development program that opens new doors for engagement and long-term sustainability. She’s already been hard at work on the Endowment transition team and looks forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead.


Feel free to reach out, say hello, and share your thoughts—Karen’s door is always open! kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org | 248-646-1200 ext. 3155

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Need a little encouragement? 

Call our Voice of Hope line at 248-646-6407 and press 2 to hear an uplifting message recorded just for you. Whether you're seeking comfort, inspiration, or a gentle reminder of God's love, take a moment to listen. New messages are shared each week—don’t miss your moment of hope today.

Labor Day – Memorial Day

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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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.