Photo from Choir Camp 2025 Courtesy of Casey Proch

Yeehaw and Amen! Choir Camp Sunday – August 3 at 10:00 a.m.

After a week of faith-filled frontier fun at Wesley Rides Again Choir Camp, our rising 4th–12th graders are ready to bring the spirit of the Wild West to worship! Inspired by John Wesley’s trailblazing faith, our young buckaroos have spent the week singing, learning, praying, and galloping through stories of God’s love and grace—with a few campfire hootenannies and chuck wagon feasts along the way.


Join us in worship on Sunday, August 3, at 10:00 a.m., where the Choir Camp youth will lead us in worship and share the joyful music they’ve prepared throughout the week. Dr. Boayue will offer a message, and together we’ll celebrate the energy, faith, and fun of a generation ready to ride out and share the Good News.


So dust off your boots and come experience the joy and spirit of Choir Camp Sunday—you won’t want to miss it!

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

Click here for our Berkley First Campus Worship Information.

Announcements

First Nurses

Your health matters! First Nurses will be available in Fellowship Hall to check blood pressure after the service on Sunday, August 3 and between services on September 7. This free and friendly service is open to all—no appointment needed!

CLC Annual Updates & Cleaning

The Christian Life Center (CLC) will be closed for the month of August for deep cleaning and updates to the facility and equipment. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to refresh the space for a great fall season ahead. The CLC will reopen on September 8 and we look forward to welcoming you back during our fall hours: Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during Pickleball Leagues.

Summer Ministerial Intern Sendoff Reception

Join us in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 17, from 11:00 -11:45 a.m. as we celebrate and thank ministerial intern Gabriel Ervin for his time with us this summer. Everyone is invited—come enjoy some cake and wish Gabriel well as he heads back to Yale Divinity School for his second year in the master’s program.

Giving Opportunities 

If you’re interested in learning more about life-time gifts and legacy giving such as strategies used for operating budget donations (ministry plan); endowment fund contributions, or donations directed to a designated ministry of your choice, please reach out to Karen Murphy for more information. Karen is our new Development Officer and can be reached directly at (248) 646-1200 ext. 3155, or email at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org. She would be happy to set a time to meet together to discuss further."

Stay Connected

Join us for the Sunday Social! We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, August 24 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 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 August 20 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929.

August 45C Mission: Backpack Packing for RBI

Our August mission for 45C is all about giving back! On Thursday, August 14, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, our 4th and 5th graders will join forces with Ken Hamel and the Missions Committee to pack school supplies into backpacks for the Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI). This free event is open to all—bring a friend! Pizza will be served for dinner, and we’ll finish the evening with ice cream for dessert. Both registrants and volunteers can sign up by clicking the button below.

Help Us Support Brightmoor Kids This Fall!

For the past six years, the Birmingham & Berkley First 45 Christians group (our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders) has provided Redford Brightmoor Initiative with fully stocked backpacks for the new school year. This year, we're inviting the entire church community to help us by donating two essential items: pencils and markers.


All supplies are needed by August 1, and your support will make a real difference for students in Brightmoor. Thank you for being part of this meaningful mission!

Summer Playdates for Families at Birmingham First

 Let’s get together for some summer fun! Families with children from birth through elementary school are invited to two joyful playdates hosted by Children & Family Ministries and the Moms of Young Children group. These casual, come-as-you-are gatherings are a wonderful way to meet other parents while the kids play, laugh, and make new friends.

 

Tuesday, August 5 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. — Popsicles & Play

Tuesday, August 26 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. S'mores & More


Come to one or both—whatever fits your schedule. We’d love to see you there! RSVP with the sign up button below.

HANDS ON MISSION: August 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Micah 6 Community Garden

Work in the Community Garden at Micah 6, 32 Newberry Street, Pontiac. Bring your own water and gardening gloves; come for the full time or help for whatever amount of time you are able. Dress ready for the weather to work outside in the community garden.  Carpool will leave at 8:30 a.m. from the front of Berkley First church OR meet at Micah 6. Children are always welcome if accompanied by an adult! Gather and be the hands and feet of Christ to lend assistance wherever it may be needed. See you at 32 Newberry Street in Pontiac! Questions? Reach out to Patty Reynolds 248-376-2475, or Leah Blinstrub 517-505-4902.

The United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions is coming up October 5-10. Now’s the perfect time to start cleaning out those closets and setting aside your donation piles! This week-long effort is a fun time of fellowship, and we need volunteers of all ages—women, men, and middle and high school youth—to help make it happen. Please prayerfully consider how you might lend your time and talents. Full details, including drop-off times and volunteer opportunities, are available by clicking the button below. And a quick reminder—there will be no truck pick-up of items this year.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join the Birmingham First Tech Team!  

Are you interested in learning how livestreaming works and helping bring worship and special events to our online community? We’re looking for volunteers to join the Birmingham First Tech Team! Open to anyone middle school aged and older, this is a great opportunity to develop new skills and serve the church in a meaningful way. No experience necessary—training will be provided. If you're interested or would like to learn more, email Michelle Jansen at mjansen@berkleyfirst.org.

Sunday Greeting is for Everyone!  

Help us extend a warm welcome this fall by serving as a Sunday Greeter or Coffee Host. It’s a simple way to share hospitality and brighten someone’s morning! Sign up by clicking the button below, at the Kiosk in Fellowship Hall on Sundays, or contact Melissa Ng at mjoyng@comcast.net. 

Volunteer spots are open through the month of August

Every Sunday through the end of September, a produce table will be set up in Fellowship Hall. Church members may drop off extra flowers and or vegetables for others to purchase. All proceeds will go to the Hunger Ministry.

Save These Dates

We are looking ahead to an exciting fall at Birmingham First! Mark your calendars and plan to join in for a season full of celebration, service, and connection. From Welcome Back Sunday on September 7 to the Missions Fair on October 19—and everything in between—there’s something meaningful for everyone this fall.


September 7: Welcome Back Sunday

September 14: The Good You Do Sunday & BBQ

September 16: Blood Drive

September 21: Hands on Mission Sunday

September 28: Choir Dedication Sunday

September 28: Discover First

October 5-10: Fall Rummage Sale Week

October 19: Missions Fair

November 24: Annual Church Conference

Employment Opportunities

Finance Director (Full-time)

Birmingham and Berkley First is seeking a full-time Finance Director to lead financial strategy, manage day-to-day accounting operations, and support the stewardship of church resources across both campuses. This position plays a key role in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while ensuring compliance and supporting ministry leaders. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience in nonprofit or church finance, and a heart for ministry.


For the full job description, click the button below. Please submit your resume with cover letter to: humanresources@fumcbirmingham.org.

Student Ministries Coordinator (Part-time)

Birmingham First is seeking a part-time Student Ministries Coordinator to support our Middle School and High School programs. This 20-hour-per-week position focuses on building meaningful relationships, planning weekly gatherings and events, and fostering a Christ-centered community for youth. The ideal candidate is passionate about student faith development, works well with volunteers, and communicates effectively with families and staff.


For the full job description, click the button below. Please submit your resume with cover letter to: humanresources@fumcbirmingham.org.

Assistant Teacher for 2-Year-Old Classrooms (Part-time)

Do you love working with young children and creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment? Birmingham First is seeking a part-time Assistant Teacher to support our 2-year-old classrooms. In this role, you’ll work alongside a Lead Teacher to guide developmentally appropriate, faith-based activities, help with daily routines, and ensure a warm, safe space for our littlest learners. If you’re compassionate, patient, and eager to make a difference in early childhood education, we’d love to hear from you!

Clergy On Call

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

Memorial Day to Labor Day

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Monday thru Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday: By Appointment

View This Email as a Webpage

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube  Email  Web