Worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. | |
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Dear Friends,
On Sunday, November 12, worship will focus on the sermon theme, “Caesar or Christ?” based on Luke 20:19-26. This service will examine a question that Jesus dealt with about two thousand years ago. The Jewish nation along with many other nations, was held, under Roman occupation. Roman officials appointed to rule over Israel were committed to keeping the nation firmly under Roman control. They had recruited some Jewish leaders to support them in their occupation, a thing that angered the Jewish people. Revolt after revolt was met with stern rebuke and retribution. The nation teetered on the brink of violence as Israel longed for freedom and justice. Against this background, Jesus emerged on the scene and immediately became a center of attention and attraction for those seeking freedom as well as those maintaining Roman occupation. On this occasion in our Scripture lesson, Jesus is faced with a question that has religious, political, and historical significance and the danger of swift and deadly reprisal depending on his response. The question is this: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You sincerely teach the ways of God. Now tell us – is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?” [Luke 20: 21-22 NLT] Jesus’ response will help us know how to respond to the challenges and realities of our time when choices have to be made about our loyalties, ethics, and responsibilities in this world and in our own personal lives.
Stacey Gibbs, our Composer Festival guest composer, joins us in worship this Sunday as he leads the Chancel Choir in selections of his music.
We will worship at 9:30 a.m. in-person and online, and at 11:00 a.m. in-person in the Sanctuary with live and inspiring music from this Detroit-based internationally known composer, in a vibrant prayer-filled surrounding as we examine a faithful Christians response in a broken world. Sunday School and Nursery Care are available at 9:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available at 11:00 a.m.
I look forward to worshipping with you,
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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 9:30 a.m. | | | |  | |
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Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are in memory of Charles E. Marske from Henny Marske and family.
Celebration
Our Prayers of Joy and Celebration are shared with Devin and Laura Sutherland on the birth of their son Jacob Michael Sutherland on November 4. Proud grandparents are Bob and Ellie Sutherland.
Sympathies
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Arlene and Ted Wanamaker and family on the death of Arlene’s sister, Muriel Cramer on October 31. Visitation will be held Friday, November 10 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Christian Reformed Church with the funeral service following at 4:00 p.m.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with family and friends on the death of Maxine Thomas on November 1. A private service will be held for the family.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Duane and Deanna Ralston and family on the death of Duane’s sister-in-law, Mary Ralston on October 27. Visitation will be held November 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a,m. at the Sturino Funeral Home in Racine, WI. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. following the visitation.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with John Fleckenstein and family on the death of his wife, Janie Fleckenstein on November 2. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 9 at 1:30 p.m. at The Warwick Hills Country Club in Grand Blanc, MI. A graveside service will take place on November 11 at 1:00 p.m. at The Sims-Whitney Cemetery in Au Gres, MI.
Our prayers of sympathy and concern are shared with Elaine Wisley and family on the death of her husband, Richard Wisley
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Please remember to bring your loose change to add to the offering this Sunday, November 12 for Hunger Sunday. For checks and bills, use an offering envelope and mark the Hunger line. You can also donate online by clicking the button below 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. |
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Fair Trade Equal Exchange | |
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Get your Fair Trade chocolate products, tea, and coffee on Sunday, November 12 in Fellowship Hall following the 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. These items make wonderful gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Your purchases promote social and environmental justice by supporting fair trade, organic farming around the world.
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Jesus' final word of instruction was to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. This Sunday at Berkley First, we celebrate three baptisms and will hear a word from five young people claiming the Christian faith for themselves through the process of confirmation. We’ll also unpack the Great Commission in light of God’s view of greatness: empathy, humility, and grace in action. With the world getting smaller, you don’t have to hop on a plane to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Discipleship starts right here.
Worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at Berkley First in-person or online via livestream, Facebook, YouTube, or BerkleyFirst.org.
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IMPACT: Generosity Campaign | |
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Thank you for your generosity. Without it, we would not be able to have the impact we do on our community and the world. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make a positive impact.
There is still time to return your Estimate of Giving cards for 2024. If you received the EOG card in the mail, please mail it back in the self-addressed envelope included. Or, bring it with you on Sunday and drop it in the offering plate. If you’re at the church during the week, please leave your EOG card in the church office basket on the counter.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Director of Finance and Operations, Frank Turco at [email protected] or by phone at 248-646-1200 ext. 3133.
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Meet up with us for dinner on Sunday, November 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall with a full meal prepared by Chef Greg Ervin. Donations will be accepted as you are able. All are invited to attend. Our last Sunday Dinner for the season will be November 19. | |
On Thursday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, the Church & Society Ministry, as part of its ongoing Gun Safety/Gun Violence Reduction Project, will present “How safe are our schools?” The purpose of this event is to raise our awareness of the prevalence of gun violence in our schools and the danger it presents to our children. | |
Composer Festival concert is Saturday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. This year’s Composer Festival features Detroit’s own Stacey Gibbs. Known for powerful and innovative arrangements of the great American spirituals, Stacey Gibbs’ music is performed internationally by premier choral ensembles. Join us at our Composer Festival concert for your chance to meet Stacey and hear this acclaimed music conducted by the composer himself. No RSVP required, just show up and enjoy! | |
Advent by Candlelight is Monday, November 27 at 7:00 p.m. We are looking forward to the community of women at Birmingham and Berkley First and friends to enter into this year’s Advent season by starting with Advent by Candlelight! | | |
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This four-week study explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with the Holy Family, the shepherds and the Magi. This Advent we are offering the book Making Room, Sharing the Love of Christmas by Ed Robb, as a resource for impacting your faith through this season. Upcoming sermons at both campuses will be based on this book. Rev. Susie will be leading a discussion group at the Birmingham campus on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. on November 26, December 3, 10 & 17. Registration is not necessary. Come for 1 week or come every week. Books are available in the main office. | |
Beginning next week, copies of Heaven and Earth will be available in the Circuit Rider Bookstore! | | |
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Join Pastor Shawn for a four week Advent Study. Together we will read and discuss Heaven and Earth, Advent and the Incarnation by Author Will Willimon. Willimon is a retired United Methodist Bishop who now serves as Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Duke Divinity School. Prior to his election as a Bishop, Willimon was Dean of the Chapel at Duke Divinity School for twenty years. He will be speaking at Birmingham First on Friday, April 5, as the keynote speaker for our Annual Endowment Dinner. | |
The Church Annual Conference will be on Monday, December 4. You are invited to connect with one another before the Conference and share a delicious meal prepared by Chef Hollie. The gathering begins at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall with dinner at 6:00 p.m. To RSVP for dinner click the button below. The Conference will begin in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. To attend via Zoom, email Kim Fitzgerald, [email protected]. | |
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Big Music Sunday with Orchestra: Sunday, December 3 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
The Heralds of Christmas: Sunday, December 10 at 3:00 p.m. followed by Bethlehem Marketplace from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve | Sunday, December 24
Traditional Christmas Eve Worship in the Sanctuary at 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Children and Family Worship with Christmas Pageant is at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
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Please join Merry Mates for a catered dinner and program on Friday, November 17. Bob Feldmaier will take us on the second half of his trip along Route 66, going from Texas to California in his '57 Chevy BelAir.
Merry Mates is a social group for singles and couples in their 60's - 90's who enjoy a catered dinner, fellowship and an informative program. For a reservation call Sharon or Bob Pierce at 248-364-4438 by Sunday evening, November 12. We gather in Thomas Parlor at 5:30, dinner is at 6:00, and the program follows. Our cost is $20 per person payable upon arrival.
Part 1 of this program was enjoyed by all, so join us for Part II!
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We would love to be your church family! If you want to learn more about Birmingham First and Berkley First, join us for Discover First, Sunday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Thomas Parlor at our Birmingham First Campus. We believe that any baptized person is baptized into the “whole” church. Any person who has been confirmed or joined a church has joined the “whole” church. The local church is where we are fed and challenged to grow as disciples. There is a place for you here.
Join Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr., associate clergy and staff for a one-session class that will provide you with the knowledge, resources and relationships needed to take your next steps here at Birmingham First and Berkley First. The session will be relaxed and informative as you learn more about The United Methodist Church and Birmingham and Berkley First. Near the end of the session, there will be a short joining ceremony for those who decide to become members. We’ll help you get connected to our church family and encourage you on your faith journey.
God is up to great things here and we’d like for you to be a part of it. Contact Mary Feldmaier if you would like to attend at [email protected] or 248-646-6407 x 3142.
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Sunday Social Fellowship – Sunday, November 26. We will meet in Thomas Parlor from 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. Come for lunch and fellowship with your senior friends. Cost of the lunch will be $15.00. To reserve your place at the table, please make your reservation by Wednesday, November 22 with Mary Feldmaier, 248-646-6407, ext. 3142 or [email protected].
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Our partnership with the people of Honduras continues to thrive! While the Women’s Team under the leadership of Carolyn Kidney is gearing up for their November trip, Josh Denzler is also putting a small team together for a shorter trip January 11-16, 2024.
If you are interested in leaving the snows of Michigan behind and traveling on mission to Honduras this January, connect with Josh at [email protected].
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A women’s mission team is headed to Honduras November 29 - December 6. We will be building two houses, hosting a women’s conference followed by a celebratory meal and free store as well as focusing on building lasting relationships with the women of La Corroza. Our goal is to better understand their needs as Birmingham and Berkley First begins a relationship with this village.
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Help support the Scouting Program at Birmingham First by purchasing your Holiday Greens from the Scout fundraiser. This year we will be doing PRE-ORDERS on Sundays before and after the services on November 12, 19, and 26 at the church. We will have a drive-through pickup of orders in the church parking lot on Saturday, November 18 and Saturday, December 2. For more information or to download a price sheet, click the button below.
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Lest We Forget!—Stories of Those Who Served is now available through Amazon Books. The book can be ordered as a paperback, a hardcover book, and as a Kindle book by scanning the QR code or by clicking the button below. | |
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Children and Family Ministries is seeking a Childcare Coordinator and Childcare Workers. For full job descriptions click the button below. For questions, contact Director of Children and Family Ministries, Kim Bowyer by email at [email protected].
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Children and Family Ministries | | |
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Rolls of wrapping paper and bags of bows are needed for the Cass Gift Wrap Kits mission project! Children & Family Ministries will be collecting donations through December 10. Donation boxes wrapped in Christmas paper are around the church to collect donations in the following locations: outside the CFM office, (under the table) and near the Main Entry door. | | |
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We will celebrate babies born in 2023 on Sunday, December 10 at the 9:30 a.m. worship service. RSVP your baby for this special day and submit a photo by Sunday, November 26 to Director of Children and Family Ministries, Kim Bowyer by email at [email protected]. | | |
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Help support the Brightmoor Thanksgiving Meal Mission.
Donations can be made via Text to 248-368-0033 please use keyword Thanks with your amount (ie. 60 Thanks) or online by clicking the button below (please designate as “Thanks”). You can donate in-person during coffee hour in Fellowship Hall on November 12. Donations can also be mailed or dropped off to the CFM Office.
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Share your love for Christ by playing with toddlers and preschoolers, and holding babies in our nursery care during worship services on Sundays at Birmingham First. Pastor Susie and Kim Bowyer will walk you through the volunteer application process and brief training, which is required for all volunteers working with children & vulnerable adults. If you have questions, please reach out to them. To sign up for a time slot click the button below. | |
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Children and Family Ministries and Student Ministries will be collecting pop cans and bottles. All funds will benefit Living Hope School’s Birthday Party Fund and their Ashawadi Educational Partnership. This non-profit organization supports the educational needs of underprivileged children and youth in Bangalore, India. This drive will go through December 3. The collection bin is outside by the CLC Welcome Desk doors.
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Registration Now Open
Unite 3 on 3 is back in the CLC for another great season of fun, faith and basketball. Don't wait to sign up your K-4th grade (5th grade for girls) player! Spots fill fast! Questions? Reach out to Beth Torrey at [email protected].
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Watch Worship from Sunday, November 5
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Watch a recording of worship from last Sunday by clicking one of the buttons below. | | | | |
