Worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. | |
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Dear Friends,
Worship in the Birmingham First Sanctuary on Sunday, September 10, will focus on the sermon, “Nicodemus,” based on the Gospel according to John 3:1-17. As we welcome members and friends from their vacations and travels around the world, we will reflect on the character and visit of a leader of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, who paid a visit to Jesus Christ one night. His visit highlighted what most people struggle with: how and where to find salvation in this life. When Jesus tells him that salvation is possible and available for those who are born again, Nicodemus flips into puzzlement. How can a person who is already grown up be born again? Would one have to re-enter a mother’s womb and be born a second time? Although he is a member of the Jewish religious elite, and a teacher of the Law, Nicodemus does not understand spiritual things. And Jesus explains the difference between physical and spiritual things. Apart from the fact that an esteemed teacher of the Law does not fully understand this major tenet of the Law, Jesus offers counsel and insight to help him and any others who need this kind of help. This Sunday, we will examine this help. Perhaps, some of us need this counsel and insight as we struggle with the question of sin and salvation.
I invite you to worship at 9:30 a.m., in-person or online, or at 11:00 a.m. in-person to reflect upon Jesus’ guidance and insight into how we might be saved. Also, you will have an opportunity to fellowship with sisters and brothers of the same household of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. As we resume our post-summer year, come, let us worship God! Come, let us adore God’s sacred name!
I am looking forward to worship with you.
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The Rev. Dr. Charles S. G. Boayue, Jr.
Senior Pastor
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Sunday School and Nursery Care are available at 9:30 a.m.
Nursery Care is available at 11:00 a.m.
Click a button below to watch worship online Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
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Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and in In loving memory of Theodoshia Burnside by Sara Burnside, Sylvia Hagenlocker and family.
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Sympathies
Our prayers of sympathy and support are shared with the family of Evaline Calhoun on her death, August 30.
Our prayers of sympathy and support are shared with Steve and Cathy Hilfinger and family on the death of Steve's brother, Kurt Hilfinger on August 27. Services will be held on Thursday, September 7 at the Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio.
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By some counts, God makes nearly 7,500 promises to humanity in the Bible. Over the next five weeks at Berkley First, we will explore ten of these Scripture passages. This Sunday we begin with the promise of God's presence. Invite someone to join you as we remember afresh that God is with us through all of life's joys and hardships. This Sunday we will also lift up a special blessing for the educators among us.
Worship on Sunday, September 10 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, September 3 | |
Watch a recording of worship from last Sunday, Septemer 3 by clicking on one of the buttons below. | |
Please remember to bring your loose change to add to the offering this Sunday, September 10 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. | |
This Sunday, features a full dinner by Chef Greg Ervin. Donations will be accepted as you are able. Looking for an old fashioned family dinner without the cooking or the dishes? Too busy Sundays preparing for the week to get dinner on the table? Join us for Sunday dinner with your church family beginning September 10 at 6:00 p.m. | |
Fair Trade Equal Exchange | |
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Get your Fair Trade chocolate and coffee on the second Sunday of every month beginning on Sunday, September 10 in Fellowship Hall following the 9:30 a.m. service. Fair Trade organizations make sure the farmer gets a fair fraction of the price, and often helps them improve their farming and business methods.
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Monthly Mission - Saturday, September 9 | |
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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 and trash removal during their BLOCK BLITZ on Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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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 Open House, showcasing the updates that have occurred this summer; new gym floor, refreshed bathrooms, redone stairwells, 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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Fall Classes Begin in the CLC | |
The Christian Life Center is offering a wide range of classes for wellness of body, mind, and spirit, including; Walking Wednesdays, Yoga N Beyond, Heart & Soul Flow Yoga, Tend Strength & Toning, Better Balance, Stitching Together, T Flynn Yoga, Body Balance, Adult Full Court Basketball, and of course our Walking Track! Click the button below for a full class schedule. | |
Missionary Visit - Will Faircloth | |
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On Sunday, September 17 during the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services, we will welcome Missionary Will Faircloth.
Will and his wife Ella have been connected with our Missions Ministry since 2008, when they were living in Costa Rica as missionaries with the Methodist Church there. Our Missions Ministry was an important early partner with the building of the Methodist Children’s Home, as well as a supporter of the Seminary. Will now directs the Wesley Heritage Foundation, providing Spanish-language resources for Methodist churches throughout the Americas, particularly in the areas of translation and teaching. He sees much hope for a renewed and reinvigorated Methodism through connections between English- and Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters, as they share lessons from God‘s work in their midst.
If you would like to make a donation to the Wesley Heritage Foundation, click the button below.
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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 five-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, or co-ed groups. 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 games.
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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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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 four 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]. | |
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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'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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Sunday School Volunteers Needed | |
Shepherds are needed for our sheep! We are looking for 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! | |
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. Questions? Contact the Music Ministry at music@fumcbirmingham.org. Click the button below for more information.
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Please join Merry Mates for a catered dinner and program Friday, September 15. 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). Click the button below for a flyer, or to register.
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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. in the CLC.
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 collected 34 pints and the July drive collected 33 pints.
Click the button below to reserve your time to give!
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Qualified Minimum Distributions From Your IRA
If you are 70 and 1/2 years old or older and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to Birmingham First which may reduce your tax bill while supporting life changing mission and ministry. Qualified Charitable Distributions may be used to meet Required Minimum Distributions.
While the age at which you must withdraw money from your IRA is increasing (it was age 72 and is now age 73 for people who turn 72 after December 31, 2022), you can still make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (a QCD) directly to Birmingham First beginning at age 70 and ½. Up to $100,000 per person may be distributed from an IRA directly to a qualified charity each year. For more information, contact the Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Associate Pastor for Planned Giving, at [email protected] or 734-717-8947. You can also visit our planned giving website by clicking the button below.
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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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Crop Walk - Join the Team! | |
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It's not too late to join the Crop Walk Team!
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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Pickleball Coming in October to the CLC | |
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Thanks to the Trustees and our new beautiful CLC floor, we will begin offering introduction classes, drop-in days, and evening court times for Pickleball! Reservations will open soon! Watch Steeple Notes for more updates.
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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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Henderson Settlement - Mission Update | |
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Did you know that from July 9-15, ten people from Birmingham and Berkley First went to Henderson Settlement for the 13th Mission Trip? Did you know that Henderson Settlement is the ONLY place in the United States where we send an adult mission team? Did you know that Henderson Settlement, Kentucky is located in Bell County, the 10th poorest county in the United States? Did you know that Sue Myers and Ann Tenniswood were so inspired that they are planning our 14th Kentucky Mission Trip for July 14-20, 2024? You are invited to join the next Missions Ministry Trip to Henderson Settlement, Kentucky.
Our Missions Team members:
-Teach lessons to local children and youth in the summer recreational program
-Volunteer in the greenhouses, food pantry, baby supply pantry, and thrift store
-Report that spending a short week at Henderson Settlement has been a life-changing experience
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Contemplative Prayer Retreat | |
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Do you feel stuck in your spiritual life? Do you often feel words don’t fully express your prayers? Consider Contemplative Prayer Practices.
The Introduction to Contemplative Prayer Retreat at Lake Huron Retreat Center from October 16-18, is an opportunity for you to discover or reconnect with a number of contemplative prayer practices. This retreat is facilitated by Rev. Cora Glass (daughter of our retired graphic designer Patty Glass), Rev. Dr. April Gutierrez, and Lisa Batten. For more information, or to register, click the button below.
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