We welcome you to worship on Sunday, October 6 (World Communion Sunday) at Birmingham First, with services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary and 9:30 a.m. online. As Christians around the world celebrate Holy Communion and residents of the southeastern United States recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, our worship will also mark the start of the annual Stewardship Campaign. This campaign invites each member and friend of Birmingham First to make financial commitments to support our local, national, and global ministries in 2025.

In response to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene, we ask you to consider making a special contribution toward the United Methodist Church’s hurricane relief efforts in the Southeast.

Our worship will include Holy Communion, the opportunity to support hurricane relief, a call for prayerful consideration of our ministries in 2025, and heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to God. We will also hear from the Rev. Dr. Charles S. G. Boayue, Jr., who will deliver a sermon based on our Stewardship Campaign theme, “Gathered Here for Good.” This Sunday’s sermon, titled “Gathered,” is drawn from Luke 4:14-21, where Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, returns to Galilee, enters the synagogue for worship, and reads from the Prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

We will reflect on what Jesus’ words mean for us today and how they shape the journey of faithful discipleship.

We are also pleased to welcome Catherine Turnbull, Chair of the Stewardship Committee, as our guest speaker.

Between worship services, you are invited to Fellowship Hall for Pastries by The Sweetest Gourmet.

Come, let us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Children's Worship & Sunday School

On October 6 children will worship with their families. It is with open hearts and joyful spirits that we warmly welcome all children into the worship service, where the love of community and shared faith create a sanctuary for us all. Nursery Care is available.

On October 13, 20, 27, children will begin with worship in the Sanctuary. Then after the Children's Moment they will be dismissed to attend Sunday School according to their grade. Middle School and Youth group should meet up in the CLC Pit at 9:15 a.m. Nursery Care is available.

Our First Nurses will provide blood pressure checks during Coffee Hour between services in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 13. This is a change from their usual first Sunday due to Rummage Sale. All are welcome to take part in the complementary service. 

Thank you for your goodness!

Jane McKee would like to extend a special thank you to all the members who sent her birthday cards in celebration of her 100th birthday. 

My family joins me in thanking Birmingham & Berkley First for the many calls, cards, gifts, and charitable donation we received honoring the life of Charlie Sanders who died on July 2, 2024 at the age of 95. You have been a beautiful blessing to each of us. Charlie and I recently celebrated our union of 71 years and someday we will be reunited "Somewhere over the rainbow." -Carolyn Sanders

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the Food & Supply Drive!

Several local organizations were blessed as they received the generous donations you provided. Your contributions will make a lasting impact on families and individuals in need, serving as a powerful testimony of God's love at work through our community. Each item collected is a reminder of the compassion and care we share with our neighbors, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

Together, we are truly gathered here for good, making a difference in the lives of others.

The Tuesday Morning Women’s group will have a table set up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 20 after and between services, with homemade baked goods. The donations received will go to Hunger Ministry, which funds local agencies providing hunger relief in our community.

Sunday School & Nursery Care Volunteers

We invite you to volunteer with Children & Family Ministries to foster a safe and enjoyable environment for children during worship. We are looking for caring, fun, and enthusiastic individuals to support our preschool to elementary school-aged children. Please know that our staff will make volunteering SO FUN and EASY! 

Supporting educators through donations to their Amazon Wish Lists is a meaningful way to make a direct impact on classrooms and provide support from our congregation! These wish lists often include essential supplies and resources that can enhance learning experiences and foster a positive environment for students. By contributing to these lists, you provide teachers with the tools they need to support their students effectively, often filling gaps that might otherwise go unaddressed. Additionally, it shows God's love when it comes from our church! If you are a church member and you'd like your list included, please reach out to Pastor Sarah at salexander@fumcbirmingham.org.

On October 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. join us for a rewarding Family Work Day at Cass Community Services! We invite families to roll up their sleeves and make a difference together. Bring your own water, work gloves, and yard tools such as weed whackers. We’ll meet at 12025 Woodrow Wilson Blvd., Detroit. For those interested, a group will be leaving from Berkley First at 8:30 a.m. for carpooling or caravanning, and we’d love to coordinate a group from Birmingham if anyone is interested in leading.

Children of all ages are welcome to participate, but please note that the tasks will be best suited for older children. This is not a drop-off event—children will work alongside their parents, so come ready for a day of teamwork and community spirit! Questions? Please contact Patty Reynolds at patty1229@yahoo.com.

Missions Fair at Birmingham First

is on Sunday, October 20

Do you know what the Good Word of God’s love looks like in our current world?

Do you know that a group of adults from our church built three small homes in the Honduras in July, and that for the residents this was the first time they had a solid door, with a lock on it?

You are invited to come and hear about this impactful experience from the church members who were there – as well as updates on the many other Missions that Birmingham and Berkley First participate in, both locally and across the globe.

The Missions Fair will be set up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning, October 20 after all worship services. Each Mission will have a table and a representative so that you can see what GOOD they are up to – and will be happy to answer any questions. Plus, we’ll have cider and doughnuts for you to enjoy as you walk around and learn more about the many important missions that we as a church are passionate about.

Get ready to fall in love with autumn! 🍁

Join Birmingham and Berkley First Children & Family Ministries for a delightful time of fun, fellowship, and complimentary cider and donuts from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12 at Yates Cider Mill (1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI). Let’s gather at this historic cider mill and enjoy the season together! 🥯

Merry Mates

Merry Mates, a group of senior friends, will host a catered dinner and program in Fellowship Hall at Birmingham First on October 18. Our featured speaker, Mark Colonese, will present his award-winning video, "This Is the Church." The video, narrated and featuring people and activities at our church during the 1980s and 1990s, offers an uplifting and engaging pictorial history of our congregation.

The evening schedule is as follows:

• Gathering: 5:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
• Program: 6:45 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person, payable upon arrival. We warmly welcome singles, couples, guests, and newcomers to join us for this special dinner and program.

To make a reservation, please contact Carol and Jim Rillema by email at crillema@gmail.com or by phone at 248.851.6438. Reservations are due by Sunday evening, October 13.

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!

Better Balance Physical Therapy

Tuesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 19, and 26.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the CLC



This class is designed and run by doctors of physical therapy and is structured with a walking warm up followed by an educational component, specific balance exercises and drills. Each educational piece will be literature supported, focused on the importance of balance, what we can do to improve our balance as we age and what factors play a role in our balance status. You will develop an understanding of your personal balance status with specific skilled testing procedures and the ability to track your progress.

Walk-ins Welcome

Cost: $35 per class 

To register, click the button below or contact Dr. Casey by phone 248-467-4793 or email drcasey@dthomaspt.com.

We ask that all participants complete a one-time Christian Life Center (CLC) registration form to expedite their entry into the CLC. 

BIBLE SUNDAY FOR KINDERGARTEN & 3RD GRADERS: Sunday, October 20

DISCOVER FIRST AT BERKLEY FIRST: Sunday, October 20

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

Individuals aged 70½ or older can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $105,000 from their IRA directly to Birmingham First, without incurring income tax on the withdrawal.

This contribution can satisfy part or all of the individual's required minimum distribution. By making a QCD, you avoid paying taxes on what would otherwise be a taxable distribution, and you can still claim the standard deduction. The tax benefits of Qualified Charitable Distributions are substantial.

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.

Birmingham and Berkley First: A United Methodist Church seeks a part-time Connections Coordinator for its Children & Family Ministries department at the Birmingham campus. Collaborate as part of a passionate, creative team to recruit volunteers, implement programs, and help children from birth through 5^th grade become committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Click the button below for a full job description. Applicants can send their resume to Rev. Zack Dunlap 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.