You can now access worship information—including dedications, Sunday School details, and livestream links—by clicking the button below.

Click here for our Berkley First Campus Worship Information.

Children and Family Ministries is helping you get a jump on next year’s plans! If you have any leftover holiday items—such as unused wrapping paper, bows, name tags, or even artificial Christmas trees (any size)—we’d love to take them off your hands. These items will support next year’s Cass Community Holiday Store and our True North VBS, which will be set in the Alaskan Wilderness!

Donation bins are located at the Welcome Desk and near the CFM offices. If you have any questions, please reach out to Beth Torrey at btorrey@fumcbirmingham.org. Thank you for your generosity!

On Monday, January 20, celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by spreading kindness. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Social Hall at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley, MI), we’ll be coloring pictures and writing letters of gratitude and encouragement for loved ones and those in need. We’ll have addresses, stamps, and all the supplies ready—just drop in anytime during those hours. Kids are welcome, so bring the family and help us spread hope in Dr. King’s spirit of service and compassion!

Discover First – Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM

Thinking about making Birmingham First your church home? Join us for the Discover First class in the Martin Room! This one-session gathering will equip you with the knowledge, resources, and connections to take your next steps with us. You'll be given an opportunity to grab dinner from the Sunday Evening Dinner in Fellowship Hall. RSVP to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Our Church Town Hall

Stay informed and share your input at our upcoming Town Halls! Topics include a financial update for 2024-2025, the vision and strategic objectives for the next 3-5 years, congregational care updates, and a staff update from the SPRC.

• Monday, January 27, 7:30 p.m. at Birmingham First
• Thursday, January 30, 7:00 p.m. at Berkley First

Attend in person or online. To join virtually, email Dorothy Duensing at office@fumcbirmingham.org by January 23 to receive a link and agenda.

Referee Opportunity: Unite 3-on-3 Basketball

Looking for a way to make a real difference in the lives of younger athletes? Unite 3-on-3 Basketball needs a few committed middle and high school students to serve as referees on Saturday mornings, January through March. Training is provided, hours are flexible, compensation is available, and the community is fantastic! Interested? Reach out to Beth Torrey at btorrey@fumcbirmingham.org. You don’t have to be a church member—all are welcome to participate!

Discover the Christian Life Center (CLC) at Birmingham First

Looking for a place to stay active, have fun, and connect with others? The CLC offers a variety of classes and programs, including Tend Strength and Toning, Better Balance Physical Therapy, Loop Band Strength Training, and Basic Yoga. You can also enjoy an indoor walking track, and Pickleball—perfect for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re seeking a social way to meet new people or a supportive environment to achieve your wellness goals, you’ll find just what you need at the CLC. Click the button below for all classes and activities.

Sunday Greeters Wanted!

Now is your opportunity to sign up as a Sunday Greeter or Coffee Host for upcoming Sundays. You can sign up for a spot with the Sign-Up Genius link below, or visit the Kiosk on Sunday mornings, or reach out to Melissa Ng at mjoyng@comcast.net. We’re looking forward to having you join the ‘Greeters Team’!

Adult Sunday School & Ecclesia Journey Group with Dr. Boayue 

Senior Pastor, Dr. Boayue invites you to two exciting groups to deepen your faith. The Adult Sunday School class is for adult men & women and provides a time of spiritual growth and fellowship where you can explore biblical teachings. This group meets at 12:15 p.m. every Sunday in the Martin Room. The Ecclesia Journey Group is specifically designed for parents of children and youth. This is a bible-based dialogue and discussion group that meets every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in the Martin Room. Feel free to drop in anytime. 

Looking to Deepen Your Faith or Build New Relationships?

Consider joining a Home-Based K-Group—short for “Koinonia,” meaning Biblical community—where the focus is on sharing life together through conversation and prayer. One of our K-Groups is already full, but two more have room for you: one meets on Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Bloomfield Hills, and the other on Mondays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. in Berkley. If you’re interested or have any questions, please email Pastor Zack at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org zdunlap@berkleyfirst.orgto find the group that best fits your schedule. We’d love to have you join us in growing closer to God and each other!

Tuesday Women’s Group: Book Study

Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring study of Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved) by Kate Bowler. This engaging book study meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Martin Room. Explore themes of faith, life’s challenges, and finding meaning alongside the Tuesday Morning Women’s Group. We look forward to rich discussions and shared insights! This study runs until March 4. Contact Rev. Sarah Alexander for more information: salexander@fumcbirmingham.org.

Berkley Women's Group

All women of Berkley & Birmingham First are invited to join this Journey Group. This new 8-week session begins on Thursday, January 16 in the Berkley First Sanctuary from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. We will be reading, ‘Gut Level Compassion’ by Lisa Harper. Many of us believe that we aren’t good enough to meet other people’s expectations. Maybe you can’t wrap words around why, but lurking beneath the surface of the carefully curated façade you present in public, it’s there. Journey through these ideas and more with this fantastic group of women. Register to attend by clicking the button below or email Jill Brouhard:  jill.brouhard@gmail.com.

Sunday Social

Sunday Social is on January 26. 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 email Mary Feldmaier by Wednesday, January 22 at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or by phone 248-342-1929. We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

Merry Mates

Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, please join us for “Charles’ Journey”—a special program presented by our senior pastor, The Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. Pastor Charles has an incredible story to share about his life’s journey—from his birthplace in Liberia to his ministry in the United States, where he now serves as the leader of our two-campus church. You won’t want to miss this inspiring and powerful story, told by a man whose strong Christian faith guides his calling each and every day.

Merry Mates will meet for a catered dinner and program in Fellowship Hall at Birmingham First on January 17, 2025. We 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. We welcome singles, couples, guests, and all new faces to this gathering. To reserve your spot, please contact Carol and Jim Rillema by email at crillema@gmail.com or by phone at 248.851.6438. Kindly RSVP by Sunday evening, January 12.

Birmingham & Berkley First seeks a part-time Worship Tech Coordinator: Application Closes January 30

Birmingham and Berkley First, a multi-site United Methodist Church in Metro Detroit, seeks a part-time (20 hr/wk) staff person to coordinate worship technology across both campuses. The role will include oversight of livestreaming, audio, video, projection, and lighting at both locations and will require developing, equipping, and managing a team of volunteers and some paid staff. Interested applicants can reach out to Rev. Zack Dunlap zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org or to Executive Director of Worship and Music Casey Proch cproch@fumcbirmingham.org.

Monday, February 24: Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, March 5: Ash Wednesday Brunch

Wednesday, March 5: Empty Bowls

Saturday, April 5 & Sunday, April 6: Carrie Newcomer Concert & Workshop

Sunday, April 27-Friday, May 2: Spring Rummage Sale

Monday, June 23-Friday, June 27: Vacation Bible School

Why Is There a Giant Leaf Pile at the East End of Our Parking Lot?

The Landscape Team is trying a new approach to save on mulch costs and reduce waste. Every spring, we typically purchase over 20 yards of mulch for the church grounds—an expense covered by our budget and volunteer labor. Meanwhile, our lawn service collects leaves from the property and usually pays to dispose of them elsewhere. This year, we asked them to deposit the semi-shredded leaves in that large pile instead. Over time, these leaves will decompose into a rich soil amendment and mulch—saving money and resources. Although this pile may not be ready by spring, it’s a start toward a more sustainable and cost-effective landscaping plan. Another step we’re taking is planting more “living mulch,” or ground cover, to reduce bare soil (and thus weeds) in our garden beds.

If you have any old potting soil at home, feel free to drop it on top of the leaf pile. A little help from snow and rain should speed up the decomposition, moving us closer to a greener, healthier landscape!

Church Calendar & Facility Use

Dorothy Duensing, our church secretary, manages the church calendar. The best way to request the use of the church facility, whether you’re a staff member, group leader, or part of an outside group, is by going to www.fumcbirmingham.org/facilityuse

Once this form is submitted it will be reviewed by Dorothy for approval, if she needs more information, she’ll reach out directly. While emailing Dorothy is always an option for questions, please use the form for scheduling whenever possible to avoid missed requests. Exceptions to this process are for funerals and weddings, which Dorothy will handle directly. Dorothy’s email is office@fumcbirmingham.org, or you can reach her by phone during regular business hours at 248-646-1200.

Promotion & Communications Requests

There are many ways to share your event, meeting, or message with the congregation. To ensure your request is considered, please submit an online Communications Request Form at: www.fumcbirmingham.org/communications. If you have any questions, please contact our Communications Specialist, Adrienne Trupiano by email at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200. 

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.