Worship this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. | |
|
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your kind invitation to preach at your worship service on Sunday, August 13. I am honored to be invited.
The title of the message I will preach is "Joy On The Mountain". The text is from the Gospel of Mark 9:2-9. This is Mark's account of Jesus and His disciples Peter, John and James on the Mount of Transfiguration. The experience occurred shortly before Jesus and His Disciple's left the region of Galilee to travel to Jerusalem which concluded with Jesus' triumphant entry into the city. In this message we will be focusing on the Christian life as a journey . . . not a destination. The message is a challenge to all Christians to find joy in the journey.
As a retired Elder in the Michigan Annual Conference, I have served under appointments for 39 years, including congregations in the Flint Area, Troy; Big Beaver, and Lapeer Trinity. I also served as Superintendent in the former Saginaw Bay District. I retired in 2010 from the position of Clergy Assistant to the Bishop. My wife Jackie and I have two children; Rev. Stephen Euper (pastor of Wyandotte First UMC) and Sarah Pavey (Organist/pianist of the Chapelstreet Church in Geneva, IL). We also have 8 grandchildren. We love visiting the grandchildren and traveling anywhere.
Come, let us worship together this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in-person or online by clicking one of the buttons below. Sunday School and Nursery Care are available.
Jackie and I are looking forward to being with you in worship.
| |
|
Rev. Terry A. Euper
Retired Elder
Michigan Annual Conference
| |
Click a button below to watch worship online Sunday at 10:00 a.m. | |
Please remember to bring your loose change to add to the offering because this Sunday, August 13 for Hunger Sunday. For checks and bills, use an offering envelope and mark the Hunger line. You can also donate online at www.fumcbirmingham.org/giving or by mailing a check to the church for “Hunger.” Your donations go to Hunger Ministry, which disperses funds to local agencies providing hunger relief in our community. | |
|
The Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr., our senior pastor, will be on vacation through August 30. He will travel to Liberia during this time. While in Liberia, he will visit and negotiate land to be purchased for the school he will build there. While he is away, please reach out to Rev. Susie Hierholzer with administrative questions. Personnel issues should be addressed to either Chuck Truza, chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, or Frank Turco, Director of Finance and Operations by phone at 248-646-1200 ext. 3133, or by email at [email protected].
Let us hold Charles and his family in prayer during this time.
| |
|
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].
| |
|
This Sunday, August 13, Jeremiah Wade-Olson will preach the sermon, “We Belong” based on the scripture 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Continuing our series on belonging, this Sunday we will focus on the need for an inclusive church and for us to appreciate each other’s value.
Worship on Sunday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Berkley First in-person or online via livestream, Facebook, YouTube, or BerkleyFirst.org.
| |
Watch Worship from Sunday, August 6 | |
Watch a recording of worship from last Sunday, August 6 by clicking on one of the buttons below. | |
|
Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of George Garabedian by Diane, David, Susan, Dawson, Taylor, Danielle and Alexandra Garabedian, and Gary, Diane and Skyler Miettunen.
| |
|
Congratulations
Our Prayers of Joy and Celebration are shared with Devin and Mari Eble on the birth of their daughter, Olivia Swanson Eble on July 28. Proud grandparents are Mike and Patty Eble.
| |
|
Sympathies
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with family and friends of Ruth Ann Rowen on her death, July 11. Her Memorial Service will be held at Birmingham First on August 20.
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Rev. Susie and Craig Hierholzer and family on the death of Susie’s Aunt, Julia Sanderson on August 3.
| |
Volunteer Record & Registration Update | |
|
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. Any volunteer who has supervising authority over or assisting in the leadership of children, youth and vulnerable persons are being asked to complete this process as soon as possible to bring us into compliance with the new policy. Once the application process has been completed, only the background check release will need to be repeated every three years.
You can complete the online volunteer application by scanning the QR code. Thank you for supporting the safety of the children, youth, and vulnerable adults of our church by participating in this process.
For questions, please contact Rev. Susie Hierholzer, Pastor of Discipleship, by email [email protected] or by phone 248-646-1200 ext. 3162.
Please note: Only rummage sale volunteers who are going to be supervising or have authority over children, youth or vulnerable adults need to be certified through the church’s screening process. If your role doesn’t include these duties, you do not need to be screened for this event.
Programs and ministries of the church will be reviewed for the level of authority over children, youth or vulnerable adults at the time of scheduling to see if any background checks would be required.
| |
|
Deadline to register is Friday, September 1
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.
Confirmation classes will be offered in two sessions; one at the Birmingham First campus and one at the Berkley First campus. Pastor Zack will be teaching the class at the Berkley Campus, and Rev. Susie at the Birmingham Campus.
Confirmation Sunday will be on November 19 at 11:00 a.m.
For more information about confirmation click the button below, or contact Rev. Susie Hierholzer, [email protected] or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3162.
| |
Are you interested in growing in your faith?
Faith Builders is the perfect Adult Sunday School for you! This group embraces differences and allows people to share their beliefs in a non-threatening environment. The class meets Sundays from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. beginning on September 10, 2023 and going through May 28, 2024.
Meetings are in-person or via Zoom! For In-person: Meet at Birmingham First in Ward Library on Sundays. For Zoom: Contact Karen Carter at 248-254-2354 or email [email protected].
| |
Fantasy Football for Missions | |
|
It’s time again for Fantasy Football for Missions! Live Draft in Fellowship Hall is Sunday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. A $30 donation is ALL that is required. For more details, click the button below.
Be sure to email Mark Adams at [email protected] today to sign up.
| |
|
Volunteer at the Brightmoor Family Fun Day!
On Saturday, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Brightmoor will be hosting a “Family Fun Day” with kids’ activities, lunch and the distribution of backpacks. All families are welcome to volunteer at this event!
Click the button below to sign up!
| |
Next Chapter of the CLC Update | |
|
The Christian Life Center (CLC) is undergoing renovation to prepare for the next chapter! The original flooring has been removed and new flooring will be installed next week. The stairwells have been updated, bathrooms painted, and the stage refinished. Pickleball nets, balls, and racquets have been purchased and we look forward to launching Pickleball in the Fall!
| |
|
Volunteers Needed for the CLC Welcome Desk
Our welcome desk is staffed by volunteers and we are in need of five new volunteers to greet people and help them register. Volunteers are also the points-of-contact when our CLC visitors have questions. We are a fun bunch of folks! Join us!
Click the button below to submit your contact info, or contact Rev. Sarah Alexander by email at [email protected].
| |
Fall Rummage Sale - Get Involved! | |
|
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].
| | |
|
|
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].
| |
|
We would love to be your church family! There is a place for you at Birmingham and Berkley First!
Please join us for Discover First, a one session class that will provide you with the knowledge, resources and relationships needed to take your next steps toward membership at Birmingham and Berkley First. The session will be relaxed and informative as you learn more about The United Methodist Church and Birmingham and Berkley First.
The class ends with an opportunity to officially become a member of Birmingham and Berkley First. The class is at the Birmingham First Campus on Tuesday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. A light dinner will be served. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Feldmaier, Director of Membership and Connecting Ministries, [email protected], 248-646-1200 ext. 3142.
| |
|
Summer Serve for Students - The Noah Project
Come join the fun, earn volunteer hours, and close out the summer "doing good!"
Sunday, August 13 - Meet at church (evening time) in the big kitchen to assemble 300 lunches for the NOAH Project. We'll end with ice cream sundaes and trivia!
Saturday, August 14 - Meet at church (morning time) to load up the church van and head to the NOAH Project in Detroit to serve 300 lunches to our Detroit neighbors. We will end with lunch and a tour of Central UMC!
Click the button below to register. For questions, or for more information, contact Amy Holton, [email protected] or Sarah Alexander [email protected].
| |
Crop Walk - Join the Team! | |
|
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].
| |
|
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!
| |
|
You’re invited to Berkley First on Thursday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. for live outdoor music, snacks and s’mores. Bring a lawn chair, or a blanket to sit on.
The fun takes place at 2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley. For questions, contact Berkley Campus Director of Worship, Brian White by email at [email protected].
| |
Coming in September to the CLC | |
|
Yoga N Beyond
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the CLC
| |
|
Mat Pilates
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the CLC
| |
Last month was Choir Camp Jr. where campers entering kindergarten or a young 5’s program thru 3rd grade participated in chapel, music-making, recreation, crafts, and a snack…just like at “big” Choir Camp! We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers! Thank you for making this special and helping to foster faith and love of music. | |
We had an amazing week at Choir Camp this year making music, creating friendship and just having the best of fun with our singers in grades 4th thru 12th. Thank you to everyone for making this one of the best Choir Camps yet. Can’t wait to see you all next summer! | | | | |
