“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” Galatians 6:10

StreeThreads Team

BBQ on the Green

Student Ministries Tree Runner Event

Choir Dedication Sunday

Good people. Good work. Good things are happening here every day. Let’s keep this goodness growing for generations to come.

Sunday, October 27, marks the final Sunday of our 2025 Stewardship Campaign. You and your fellow members and friends of Birmingham and Berkley First United Methodist Church will have the opportunity to submit pledges in support of mission and ministry—locally, across the United States, and around the world. You are responding to how God is working in your life, inviting you to invest in the life-saving work of God in this world. You see the deep human need for better lives and a more just and equitable world, and your heart longs for the day when mountains are lowered and valleys exalted, creating a plateau where justice rolls like mighty waters and righteousness flows like ever-flowing streams. This Sunday’s sermon, “Good,” will focus on Christ’s mission to heal and save the world, drawing from Luke 4:14-21.

We’re also excited to welcome Sharon Ulep as our guest speaker, sharing about the good people, good work, and goodness of the church. After worship, you’re invited to Fellowship Hall for donuts and cider, courtesy of the Stewardship Committee. As you prayerfully consider your role in this mission, know that God is with you and with us. I look forward to worshipping with you and your family this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in-person and online, or 11:00 a.m. in-person.

Rev. Dr. Charles S. G. Boayue, Jr.

Senior Pastor

Children's Worship & Sunday School Schedule

October 27: Regular Sunday School, (children go directly to classrooms)

November 3: Family worship with a children's moment.

Nursery Care

Nursery Care is offered every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Voice of Hope

The Voice of Hope is a weekly devotional available to you by phone 24 hours a day. This week’s Voice of Hope message will be recorded by Greg LaBrake with the title “Luther, Giant of Reformation.” To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press number 2 when the call is answered by the automated system. 

Most teas that are certified as fair trade come from large plantations where workers have no voice or power. The small farmers who grow Equal Exchange teas control their own land and livelihoods. Come and support these tea growers with a purchase of Equal Exchange tea as well as chocolate and coffee on Sunday, October 27 from 9:00-9:30 a.m. and from 10:30-11:00 a.m.     

Registration is open for our annual Unite 3-on-3 basketball program for elementary aged students. This program runs January thru March and is not just basketball, but a weekly Faith moment is also included! For more information or to register your child, click the button below!

Volunteers are needed for referees, coaches, or for hospitality! Click the button below to sign up!

November Merry Mates

Merry Mates will meet for a catered dinner and program in Fellowship Hall at Birmingham First on November 15. The Rev. Dr. Carl Price will present a slide program featuring his photography, titled "God's Creation." As a former pastor at Birmingham First, Dr. Price is a beloved speaker, and his presentations are always a favorite. This event will be a wonderful lead-in to the Thanksgiving season.

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 $20 per person, payable upon arrival. Singles, couples, guests, and new faces are all welcome!

To make a reservation, please reply to Carol and Jim Rillema by emailing crillema@gmail.com or calling 248-851-6438. Please RSVP by Sunday evening, November 10.

New Study led by Dale Glick

Beginning Thursday, October 24, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at our Birmingham Campus in the Ritter Room (Rm# 217), we will be starting a 6-Week Study of “The Book of James.”

Like many New Testament Books, “The Book of James” is an epistle, a letter written from one person to another person or group of people in the early decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This short letter is said to have been written by James, the brother of Jesus; who himself became an important teacher in the early Church. He wrote it “ to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations”-those who love and serve God, to those who belong to God, wherever they may be found. And that includes us, today!

James is only five (5) chapters long; but it’s weighty and meaty and challenges us to wrestle with how to live our lives in a way that reflects what we profess (our faith); even knowing how much we all fall short. Together we’ll explore the questions of how we should respond when facing personal trials, our treatment of those less fortunate, the way we speak and relate to others, the role that money plays in how we live our lives . James has some important and practical words of wisdom for us on these issues of life. Join us in a lively and meaningful time together.

For questions, contact Dale by email: dglick@michiganfinancial.com 

Berkley Tuesday Women’s Journey Group:

“Help Is Here” by Max Lucado

All women of Berkley & Birmingham First are invited to join this Journey Group as a new session began this week in the Berkley First Sanctuary but it's not too late to join in. This 5 week study on the Holy Spirit, led by the renowned Christian author, Max Lucado, will explore the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

To sign up to attend, click the button below.

RSVP Deadline TODAY!

Sunday Social is on October 27. Gather in Thomas Parlor from 12:15 a.m. 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 relaxing afternoon together. To reserve your spot, please contact Mary Feldmaier by Wednesday, October 23 at 248-342-1929 or mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org. We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

Every year, we support MCHS (Methodist Children’s Home Society) by fulfilling holiday wish lists for children serviced by their programs. This year our church has 75 Foster Children’s Wish Lists. We need your help to make this possible once again, by adopting a foster child’s Wish List, available at both the Birmingham and Berkley campuses.

At the Birmingham campus, please visit our table in Fellowship Hall on October 27 and November 3, to pick up a list, or get more information. Berkley First will be distributing lists on October 27. All donated gifts should be returned, unwrapped, to either church campus, on or before Sunday, November 17.

Please contact Connie Pelton (248-219-2520 text/call) or Nancy Overman (248-646-5360) with any questions.

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, they are accepted online or by mail. Go to mchsmi.org, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Donate. Please write “Christmas Wish List” in the “In Honor of” box. Checks may be mailed to MCHS Attn: Eriann Scharer, Development Dept. 26645 W. 6 Mile Rd. Redford Twp., MI 48240. Please write “Christmas Wish List” in the memo.

Thank you for sprinkling God’s love on our precious children!

We’d love for you to join us for a Visitation Volunteer Informational Meeting on Sunday, November 10 from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. or on Tuesday, November 12 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Wright Parlor. Come enjoy lunch and explore whether God might be calling you to this meaningful ministry. We'll chat about best practices and share some great insights together.

Please RSVP by November 4 to Rev. Sarah Alexander at salexander@fumcbirmingham.org or by phone at 248-646-1200. Hope to see you there!

What time is it?

It's time to support our Hunger ministry by going to Miner's Den Jewelers in Royal Oak to get your watch battery changed! During the month of October, the good folks at Miner's Den will donate to our Hunger Ministry for every watch battery they change! They're located at 3417 Rochester Road in Royal Oak. Click here to visit their website.

Support Scout Troop 1032 with Your Holiday Greenery Purchase! It’s that time of year again—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.



We’ll be taking pre-orders on three Sundays: November 10, 17, and 24, in Fellowship Hall, both before and after worship services. 

SUNDAY SOCIAL: Sunday, November 17

DISCOVER FIRST AT BIRMINGHAM FIRST: Sunday, November 17

ANGEL TREE SUNDAY: Sunday, November 24

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT: Monday, December 2

CHURCH CONFERENCE: Monday, December 9

Donating appreciated securities offers substantial benefits, including an immediate charitable deduction for the full market value of the stock and the avoidance of capital gains taxes that would typically apply if sold.

Instructions for donating appreciated assets to Birmingham First can be found at www.fumcbirmingham.org/donatestock/.

If you’d like to learn more, Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Associate Pastor for Planned Giving, is available to discuss this and other tax-advantaged giving strategies. You can reach him at slewis-lakin@fumcbirmingham.org or 734-717-8947.

Berkley First seeks a part-time custodian to work in the afternoons or evenings Monday through Thursday. Duties include cleaning, sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and removal of trash. 10 hours/week. Interested parties may send an application to Pastor Zack at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org.

Labor Day – Memorial Day

Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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Give

Mail your donation to the church.

Give online to www.fumcbirmingham.org/give

Text to give at 248-368-0033:

1. Get a list of available funds by texting the word “keyword” to 248-368-0033.

2. Text any dollar amount (no dollar sign) and fund name. Examples: 50 Birmingham, 20 Missions

Caring Ministries

For after hours pastoral emergencies, call the Minister on Call cell phone at 248-408-0038.

Submit prayer requests at www.fumcbirmingham.org/pray.