Worship this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. | |
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Dear Friends,
On Sunday, September 3, worship in the Birmingham First Sanctuary will focus on Matthew 26:17-30.
Here, we see Jesus at his last supper with his disciples in Jerusalem. On this occasion, as the Jewish nation gathered to commemorate its deliverance from Egyptian slavery by the mighty hand of God, Jesus taught his disciples a new understanding of the meaning of the Passover. Instead of commemorating the Passover as an historic event of the past, Jesus introduced a new understanding. From now onward, his disciples would celebrate this occasion as deliverance from bondage to the laws of sin and death. Rather than the blood of the sacrificial lamb, the blood would be Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for deliverance from the wages of our sins.
What does it mean to participate in Holy Communion for you?
Come, let us break bread together on our knees! Come, let us commemorate our own deliverance by the blood of Jesus Christ. Come, let us worship together this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in-person or online by clicking one of the buttons below.
After two-and-a-half weeks in Liberia, I look forward to worshipping with you in Birmingham, Michigan.
Blessings,
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The Rev. Dr. Charles S. G. Boayue, Jr.
Senior Pastor
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Click a button below to watch worship online Sunday at 10:00 a.m. | |
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Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and in celebration of the marriage of Katrina VanMaanen and Parker Roberts from their parents, Jim and Robyn Campagne, Keith and Jan VanMaanen and Corryl Parr.
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Mission Candle
The Mission Candle is dedicated to the glory of God and in memory of Howard and Marge Bone by Lon Bone.
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On Sunday, September 10 we will return to regular worship hours | |
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Each of us factors into God’s equation of love and justice, hope and peace. Going into the fall, how can we increase our multiplication factors? What is the Lord asking of us? Come be inspired and equipped for God’s good work.
Worship on Sunday, September 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Berkley First in-person or online via livestream, Facebook, YouTube, or BerkleyFirst.org.
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Watch Worship from Sunday, August 27 | |
Watch a recording of worship from last Sunday, August 27 by clicking on one of the buttons below. | |
On Sunday, September 3, First Nurses will provide blood pressure checks during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. | |
New Chapter of the CLC: Open House | |
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On Sunday, September 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. stop by the CLC for an Open House to showcase the updates that have occurred this summer; new gym floor, painted bathrooms, stairwells redone, stage refinished, and a deep clean of the whole facility.
There will be pickleball demonstrations, a chance to meet the CLC instructors, SWAG giveaways, popcorn and refreshments!
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Impact Faith: Discipleship Series | |
Impact your faith this year with a new discipleship series being offered by our clergy team. Topics will include the Bible, Methodism, Christian History, Theology, and Christian Ethics. Each class will meet for 5-weeks and will be offered at both campuses so you can choose when and where you would like to be a part of this awesome experience. Childcare is available for children birth through 5th grade. Middle School and High School students are welcome to be childcare helpers for these classes. Registration is now open for the first two classes: Bible at the Birmingham campus and Methodism at the Berkley campus. Click the button below and let us know that you want to impact your faith this year. | |
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Join the Discipleship Journey of creating community, transforming lives, and sharing the love of Christ. There is a place for you!
Groups for Moms
New and returning moms are invited to join a Mom’s Journey Group that meets weekly for parenting support, spiritual growth, and fellowship at the Birmingham campus. Groups are offered throughout the week, morning or evening, to fit busy schedules. Complementary childcare is available.
Groups for Men & Women
There are also groups for men and women. These groups offer Bible studies, book discussions, and guest speakers to help build your faith and grow your community.
For more information on the upcoming Journey Groups, or to sign up for a group, click the button below.
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Youth Sunday School and Youth Group return on Sunday, September 10.
Youth Sunday School
Time: 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
When: 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sundays, September through May Location: The Pit (first floor of the Christian Life Center) Youth Sunday School is for 6th – 12th grade students. It is a space created for students to explore their faith and learn about God’s love and engage in conversation through scripture, music, and other elements of worship.
Join us at 9:15 a.m. in the Pit located on the first floor of the Christian Life Center for drinks and snacks. Sunday School will start at 9:30 a.m.
Middle School and High School Sunday Night Youth Groups
Time: High School 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Middle School 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Location: The Pit (first floor of the Christian Life Center)
Youth Group is for 6th -12th grade students and meets on Sunday evening during the school year. Youth group provides a community for students to encourage and support one another as they learn to live out their faith through relationship building, mission projects, and even games.
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Children's Choirs and SPARK | |
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Register now for Children’s Choirs and SPARK!
SPARK is our after school ministry that supports the choir program. Children can also attend choir rehearsals independently of SPARK.
Choirs for children Pre-K through 5th Grade! Every Thursday beginning September 7. For more information on rehearsal times, or to register, scan the QR code or contact Kim Bowyer, [email protected], 248-646-1200 ext. 3134.
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Youth Workers Needed for SPARK | |
Youth in grades 6th-12th are invited to apply as a SPARK Youth Worker for the 2023-2024 school year. Youth SPARK Workers assist with younger children during SPARK on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Schedules can be flexible. Training & paperwork are required prior to beginning. There are our options for compensation: Paycheck (must be 14 years old), Mission trip account, England Choir Trip account, or volunteer hours. For an application, contact Kim Bowyer at [email protected]. | |
Sunday School Volunteers Needed | |
Shepherds are needed for our sheep! We are looking for some wonderful volunteers to help shepherd our Sunday School children this school year. If you have a love for children and just one hour per month that you could help, we (and the sheep) would appreciate it so much! Lessons are prepped each week for you! Reach out to Beth Torrey, Children's Coordinator at [email protected] or 248-835-3238 (text/call) if you are available to help! | |
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Deadline to register is Friday, September 8
Confirmation is an important part of a young person’s faith journey. In confirmation class students will be challenged to think about their faith, to responsibly live their faith in the world, and to make decisions about their own spiritual formation. This class is for students entering 8th grade or higher. For more information about confirmation click the button below, or contact Rev. Susie Hierholzer, [email protected] or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3162.
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Children, Youth and Adult Choirs | |
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There’s a place for you in the choir!
From newborns to adults with the wisdom of years, there is a place for everyone in the Music Ministry. Yes, even you! There is no experience or auditions required for any of our groups, all that we require is a willing and eager heart. If you’re feeling that nudge to try something new or get back to using music skills that have been pushed aside by life, you are invited to join us.
Adult musicians rehearse on Wednesday nights.
Our Celebration Ringers bell choir has open positions and rehearses from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Chancel Choir rehearses from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Our choirs for Middle School and High School rehearse Sunday evenings.
Middle School rehearses from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and High School rehearses from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Youth group is also on Sunday evenings for both age groups.
Children’s Choirs for children 3-years-old through 5th grade are on Thursday afternoons along with our SPARK program. Choirs for K-5th grade rehearse from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Our 3&4-year-old choir rehearses from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
For our youngest musicians and their caregiver, we offer Prelude: the beginning of a lifetime of music on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Prelude begins September 12.
All of the choirs begin rehearsing after Labor Day. Questions? Contact the Music Ministry at [email protected].
Click the button below for more information.
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Please join Merry Mates for a catered dinner and program Friday, September 15. Bob Feldmaier will take for a trip down memory lane, along the Mother Road--Route 66--from Illinois to California in a yellow '57 Chevy BelAir. This is Bob's car from high school, and the trip was taken with his son. See what the old road looks like now, as well as the old gas stations, motels, and restaurants. Part 1 of this program will take us from Illinois to Texas then in November we will continue with Part 2 traveling from Texas to California.
Merry Mates is a social group for singles and couples in their 60's+, who enjoy a catered dinner, fellowship and an informative program. For a reservation call Sharon or Bob Pierce at 248-364-4438 before the evening of Sunday, September 10. We gather in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6:00 p.m., and the program follows at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $20 per person payable upon arrival.
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No one has time for the Flu! Do your best to prevent it by getting your annual Flu shot on Sunday, September 17 at Birmingham First in the Martin Room from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Flu shots are provided by Visiting Nurse Association (VNA).
To register, click the button below and enter the Clinic ID: 2024 and Passcode: puqFzCr
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Fantasy Football for Missions | |
It’s not too late to join in the fun of Fantasy Football for Missions! The NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 7 with our very own Lions visiting the Superbowl Champion Chiefs, so make sure to sign up now for this year’s competition. Our Fantasy Football experts will help make it easy for you, including lineup management if you need it. Most importantly, 100% of proceeds goes directly to Birmingham and Berkley First Missions Ministry to help them help others. Stop by and see Mark Adams in Fellowship Hall after the service this Sunday or [email protected] . | |
Monthly Mission - September | |
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Monthly Mission - September
Micah 6 Community will be helping our neighbors on Murphy Street with a variety of outdoor clean up projects including painting, gardening, home repair, light concrete work, sidewalk clearing, trash removal during their BLOCK BLITZ on Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Fall Rummage Sale - Get Involved! | |
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Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.-1 Peter 4:10
UMW Fall Rummage Sale is open to the public Wednesday, October 11 and Thursday, October 12.
This church-wide effort is about mission giving on many levels. Get involved! Rummage Sale Week is a fun way to meet people and get connected at Birmingham First while helping others in need.
To volunteer the week of October 8-13, call or text Jane Carvell at 248-379-2662 or email [email protected].
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Hunger Ministry will be hosting a Home Produce Table every Sunday through Sunday, September 24. Visit their table in Fellowship Hall. Bring any extra items from your garden and drop them off at the Home Produce Table before worship then purchase items brought by others after service to benefit the Hunger Ministry.
We need volunteers! Click the button below to sign up or contact Bob Feldmaier, [email protected].
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Crop Walk - Join the Team! | |
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We are less than 60 days away from the 2023 Crop Hunger Walk! Start your stretching and practice stepping!
On Sunday, September 24 at 1:00 p.m. the walk will begin at Birmingham First and end with an Ice Cream Social at First Presbyterian Church.
You can begin your fundraising efforts now by joining the Birmingham First Team online! Click the button below to register! For more information, contact John King at [email protected].
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Birmingham First seeks a part-time Childcare Worker- Flexible schedules are available.
Birmingham First is hiring a Childcare Worker to assist in providing a developmentally appropriate, play-based, Christian environment for children. The Childcare Worker is responsible for the well-being of the children under their care. Work anywhere between 3 to 18 hours per week. For more information, click the button below or contact Kim Bowyer, Director of Children and Family Ministries, [email protected], 248-646-1200 ext. 3134.
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CLC Welcome Desk - Volunteers Needed | |
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The Christian Life Center (CLC) is undergoing renovation to prepare for the next chapter. The new flooring is being installed. We look forward to reopening in the Fall but need your help! In order to launch this exciting new chapter of the CLC (including Pickleball), and to ensure it’s success, we are seeking Welcome Desk Volunteers to provide a warm welcome to visitors of the CLC.
Come and hear more about this exciting opportunity to connect our church with the community! RSVP for one of these meetings, or if you cannot attend but are interested, submit your name to this form and note when you are available. Contact Rev. Sarah Alexander for more information, [email protected].
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We will be sending our church’s college students a care package during the month of September. Please send your student’s college address to Chris Schulte by September 4 at [email protected].
If you would like to be part of this ministry, contact Sue Smith by email at [email protected].
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Shine a light on sickle cell disease by donating blood on Tuesday, September 19 between 12:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All attempting donors will receive a limited-edition sickle cell awareness t-shirt as a thank you, while supplies last.
Thank you to those who have donated this year. Our May drive which was 34 pints collected and the July drive which was 33 pints collected.
Click the button below to reserve your time to give!
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Volunteer Record & Registration Update | |
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Birmingham and Berkley First has a new policy for working with children, youth and vulnerable persons. This new policy asks for volunteers to complete an application, background check release, and provide the names and email addresses of two references who will be asked to fill out a form recommending you as a volunteer. Click the button below for more information.
For questions, please contact Rev. Susie Hierholzer, Pastor of Discipleship, by email [email protected] or by phone 248-646-1200 ext. 3162.
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