For worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times, click the button below.

Click here for our Berkley First Campus Worship Information.

Fellowship Hall This Sunday

Stop by Fellowship Hall on Sunday for delicious treats and meaningful purchases that make a difference! Enjoy baked goods prepared by our Tuesday Morning Women’s Group—all proceeds support the Hunger Ministry. Pick up a 3 oz bottle of Haitian Vanilla for $5, benefiting the Haiti Education Fund, and browse our Equal Exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate—perfect holiday gifts that support fair trade and organic farming around the world. Plus, don’t miss Scout Troop 1032’s annual Holiday Greenery Sales—a great way to bring festive cheer home while supporting our scouts!

Featured Announcements

Planning Ahead Series

On Sunday, November 9 at Noon, join Schulter & Hughes’, Hailey Burrell and Jamie Oldham, for a timely and informative session highlighting how estate planning and care management come together to create peace of mind for families. Lunch is generously provided by an Endowment Grant.


We’ll talk about: 

▪ Understanding key legal documents - wills, trusts, power of attorney and advance directives

▪ How to build a “professional family” of trusted advisors

▪ Ways to align financial, medical, and family resources

Supporting Our Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity

Beginning November 1, some in our community may experience a reduction in SNAP benefits, creating gaps in access to food and essentials. Local food pantries offering support include Berkley First’s Free Little Pantry (outside the building—take what you need or help keep it stocked), Berkley Cares Food Pantry, Zion International Ministries/Community Outreach (Ferndale), Renaissance Vineyard Church (Ferndale), and Community Choice Market. In response, our Church and Society and Hunger Ministries teams are partnering to provide grocery store gift cards for those directly affected. If you or someone you know could benefit, please contact Rev. Sarah Alexander confidentially at salexander@fumcbirmingham.org. To contribute, select "Give Now" at www.gatheredhereforgood.org/waystogive and select “Hunger” from the drop-down menu. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes without.

Dementia Support Group

A safe place of compassion, hope & understanding. Join us for a welcoming & faith-centered Dementia Support Group designed for Caregivers, family members & loved ones of those living with some form of Dementia.

 

We share experiences, ask questions, and receive emotional support. Meetings are led by compassionate volunteers & professionals who understand the challenges of caregiving. Together we listen, learn & lift one another up. Whether you're seeking guidance, encouragement, or simply someone who understands, you are not alone. Seating for attendees in a casual setting in Room #104 - Wright Parlor (or Room #101 - Martin Room)

 

Please RSVP to Kyra Jackman at 248-644-8100 or kjackman@arden-courts.com.

Unite 3-on-3 Basketball-Registration is Open

Join us for a season of fun, faith, and basketball! This skill-based league meets Saturday mornings during the winter months and is open to players from young 5’s through 4th grade (and 5th grade girls). Each week includes practice time, game time, and a short faith moment, along with a seasonal mission focus that encourages teamwork and service. Our goal is for players to grow in both basketball and life skills in a positive, faith-filled environment. All community families are welcome—no church membership required! For registration or more information, go to: https://www.gatheredhereforgood.org/unite.

Christmas Plant Delivery

Christmas is coming, and so are the beautiful plants! All of our wonderful 50+ year members, our seniors, and those who've lost a loved one will receive a Christmas plant. You make this possible. To sign up, click the button below, or stop by the Kiosk in Fellowship Hall on Sunday to sign up. It is a wonderful way to make new friends! Contact Rev. Rachael Dunlap for more details.

Holiday Greens Sale

Scout Troop 1032’s annual Holiday Greenery Sales are here! This year, we are proud to partner with Michigan-based family vendors for all our holiday products, and we are keeping our prices the same as 2024! We’ll be taking pre-orders on three Sundays: November 2, 9, and 16, in Fellowship Hall, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To confirm your order, we kindly ask for payment at the time of placing your order (cash or checks payable to Boy Scout Troop 1032).

If you are unable to place your order on the listed Sundays, please contact Marco DelPizzo with your order or any questions at Troop1032greens@gmail.com or 248-207-6902. For a list of prices, go to: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/holidaygreens. For your convenience, we’ll offer drive-through pickup for your orders on Saturday afternoons, November 22 and December 6, in the church parking lot.

 

For additional announcements, volunteer opportunities, and ways to serve & connect, click the Church Bulletin Board button below.

Upcoming Events

Discover First at Berkley First

Join us Sunday, November 9 at 11:15 a.m. in the Parlor (right after worship). Lunch provided. Learn about The United Methodist Church, Birmingham and Berkley First, and next steps on your faith journey—whether you’re new or simply curious. Please RSVP to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org. Berkley First: 2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072.

Stockings for Brightmoor

Pick up an empty Christmas stocking after services at Birmingham First and Berkley First on Sundays, November 16 and 23. Please fill a stocking for a child and return it by November 30. Questions? Contact Patty Reynolds at 248-376-2475 or patty1229@yahoo.com or Leah Blinstrub at 517-505-4902 or leah.blinstrub@gmail.com.

Sunday Social

Join us for the Sunday Social! We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, November 23 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. for a delicious lunch and fellowship. The cost is $20.00 per person, and it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. RSVP by Wednesday, November 19 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929.

Micah 6 Webster Community Center Tour

On Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m., take a tour of the historic Webster School in Pontiac, now being transformed into the Micah 6 Webster Community Center. Executive Director Coleman Yoakum will lead the tour and share the vision for this inspiring space, which will include a food hub, Head Start classrooms, gym, art studios, and more. Meet at the Birmingham First parking lot at 12:30 p.m. to carpool, or drive yourself to 32 Newberry Street, Pontiac by 1:00 p.m. Please note: the building is under construction and involves walking and stairs. Street conditions may be rough due to nearby infrastructure work.

Chai after Church

Stop by Fellowship Hall between services on November 23 to enjoy Chai and Biscuits while doing a little holiday shopping! Beautiful Pashmina scarves, Kantha quilts, and other handmade items from India will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting our India Mission in Bangalore.

Advent By Candlelight

The United Women in Faith will host Advent by Candlelight: Finding Home in Christmas on Monday, December 1, in the CLC and Sanctuary. While all tables are now hosted, there’s still room for you! If you haven’t been invited by a table host, you’re welcome to contact one of the hosts listed on the Sign-Up or add your name to the waitlist by clicking the button below.

Annual Church Conference & Dinner

This is a time to review and celebrate the current year and lift up a vision for the year ahead. It includes the pastor’s annual report, recognition of outgoing and incoming committee members, and presentation of the “Volunteer of the Year” award. 


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 (by reservation) being served at 6:00 p.m. The conference will begin in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. RSVP for dinner by Wednesday, November 19 by clicking the button below, or by signing up at the Kiosk on Sunday morning.

Save These Dates

December 2: Blood Drive (Click here to sign up.)

December 7: New World Angels at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

December 12: Benefit Concert for Cass Community Social Services at 7:00 p.m.

December 14: Baby's First Christmas at 9:30 a.m.

December 14: Heralds of Christmas at 3:00 p.m.

December 14: Christmas Town at 4:00 p.m.

December 22: Abide With Me: A Healing Service of Comfort at 7:00 p.m.

December 24: Christmas Eve Children's Service at 11:00 a.m.

December 24: Christmas Eve Worship at 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

For additional upcoming events, please click the button below.

Find Your Group

Advent Book Study

Discover the fascinating connections between ancient birth stories and the Nativity of Jesus in this engaging four-week Advent study. Author and scholar Amy-Jill Levine reveals how the stories of Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, and Samuel foreshadow and enrich the Christmas story in surprising ways.


Join us in the Ritter Room beginning Thursdays, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Book cost: $15. For more information, email Rev. Rachael Dunlap at rdunlap@fumcbirmingham.org.

Merry Mates-RSVP by November 16

Merry Mates will meet for a catered dinner and program, “Haiti: A Mission Update,” on Friday, November 21 in Fellowship Hall. John and Nancy Smith and Paul and Jackie Keller will share about the Birmingham & Berkley First mission team and their work in the Jérémie area of Haiti. Please join us to hear how our church helps bring hope and dignity to people living in one of the world’s poorest countries. We will gather at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per person, payable upon arrival, and singles, couples, guests, and new faces are all welcome. To reserve your spot, please contact Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438 by Sunday evening, November 16.

New K-Groups

A new wave of K-Groups is starting up through Birmingham and Berkley First, and we would love for you to be a part of it! Short for koinonia or Biblical community, K-Groups meet in homes for an hour once a week. These are “no homework” small groups where the content is your life.

Clergy On Call

For after hours pastoral emergencies, call 248-408-0038.

Building Hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day

Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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

Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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