-Image from Adobe Stock Images | For worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times, click the button below. | | |
Summer Weekday Building Hours
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the building will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Fridays, visits are available by appointment. We look forward to welcoming you and hope these summer hours make it easy for you to connect and participate.
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CLC Summer Hours
From now through June, the CLC will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. During the month of July, we’ll adjust to summer hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The CLC will be closed in August for maintenance, updates and cleaning.
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Senior Pastor Office Hours
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. welcomes walk-in visits during his office hours on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary during this time. To schedule a meeting outside of these hours, please contact Dorothy Duensing, Church Secretary, at 734-646-1200, ext. 3121.
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Equal Exchange Fair Trade Sale
Join us on Sunday, June 8 from 9:30 -10:00 a.m. & 11:00-11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Thank you and congratulations to everyone who has supported Equal Exchange over the years. You have put Birmingham First in the top 100 congregations and community groups in the United States in sales.
Our June Equal Exchange sale will be your last opportunity to purchase coffee, tea, and chocolate before the summer hiatus. We will be back in September!
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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.
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Join us for an unforgettable week of faith, fun, and forest adventures at Vacation Bible School, June 23–27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! With over 250 kids expected, we need a full team of adults and teens to help guide our young explorers on a journey to discover their True North—Jesus! Set in a whimsical forest filled with songs, stories, games, and surprises, this epic week is all about growing in faith and making meaningful connections. Whether you can join us for all five days or just a few, we’ll find a role that fits your schedule. Come be a part of the adventure—we can’t do it without you! | Every Sunday, starting June 15 and going 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. Click the button below to sign up! | | Birmingham and Berkley First seek to care for our congregation members during these times through our Meal Ministry. Whether you’re a master chef or simply skilled at selecting a thoughtful prepared meal, your willingness to serve is what matters most. Volunteers use an easy online scheduling tool that provides important details about recipients, including dietary needs and delivery instructions. If you’d like to volunteer, or if you know someone who could benefit from meal support, please contact Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org or 248-342-1929. | | |
June 8: NOAH Lunches at Berkley First Campus
Help make 300 lunches for NOAH at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road) on Sunday, June 8 after Worship in the Kitchen at 11:15 a.m.
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June 17-19: VBS Decorating Days
This June’s Hands On Mission invites you to help set the scene for an unforgettable adventure! Join us June 17–19 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as we transform the church into The True North for Vacation Bible School. Whether you come one day or all three, your help will create a welcoming, imaginative space for both our Birmingham and Berkley First kids and many children from the community.
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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 will hold their annual Unit Meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Parlor. We will elect the officers and approve the budget for the 2025-2026 year. We’ll enjoy a video trip through the amazing Rummage Sales and programs from the past year. All are welcome to attend. Members of the UWIF will have voting privileges. | | |
Dr. Ritter's Book Release Event
"I hope many will read I Know My Way Home and take to heart the faith that prepares us all for the death we all will face." -Carrol Falberg, Member, Birmingham First UMC
We’re excited to announce the release of I Know My Way Home by Rev. Dr. Bill Ritter, Pastor Emeritus of Birmingham First. Join us on Sunday, June 15, after worship in Fellowship Hall for a special book signing event with Dr. Ritter. Books are $15, with all proceeds supporting the church.
If you’re unable to attend the event, copies will be available after June 15, for purchase in the Circuit Rider Book Store.
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Drop In Pickleball Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.
Due to popular demand, we’re excited to offer extended Thursday night Pickleball hours throughout the month of June! Join us for some fun and friendly competition—drop-in play is just $8, or grab a Pickleball Punch Card for $50 and enjoy 10 visits at just $5 per game with no membership fee required. Punch Cards are still available and never expire, though fees may increase in the future—so now’s a great time to stock up!
| | Howdy, tiny trail riders! Mosey on down to “Wesley Rides Again” Choir Camp Jr. from July 15, 16, & 17, where our pint-sized pioneers, rising K-3rd graders, will embark on a three-day adventure quicker than a jackrabbit on a hot griddle! | | Yeehaw! Hey rising 4th-12th graders, get ready to rustle up some fun at our “Wesley Rides Again” Choir Camp from July 27 to August 2. | | Rising 4th and 5th graders are invited to join us for 45C—our Summer Mission Camp! Each morning is filled with hands-on, age-appropriate mission work, followed by afternoons of fun and cultural adventures. It’s a week of serving, learning, and making memories! | Book your own site at Portage Lake Campground at Waterloo Recreation Area from July 24-27 to stay for the weekend, or daytrip it on July 27 to join us for outdoor worship and a picnic lunch. | | Cub Scouts Pack 1032 (grades K–5) and Scouts BSA Troop 1032 (ages 11–17) offer fun, hands-on experiences that help kids grow in character, leadership, and confidence—all while making memories that last a lifetime. From outdoor adventures to learning new skills, there’s something for everyone. Both groups meet weekly at Birmingham First and welcome new members. For meeting times, contact info, and more, click the button below. | | |
Sabbatical Announcement for Pastor Sarah Alexander
The Staff Parish Relations Committee shares that Pastor Sarah Alexander will be taking a sabbatical (renewal leave) this summer from June 8 to August 17. After six years of dedicated service, Sarah is due for a well-deserved time of rest and renewal. She remains excited for many more years at Birmingham and Berkley First.
Her sabbatical will include several enriching experiences. She plans to finish the Practical Church Leadership Certificate through Dakota Wesleyan University and begin the second year of her MBA program. She also looks forward to planting a garden, helping with landscaping at Arlington Parsonage, enjoying a Michigan vacation with family, and spending time hiking, reading, writing, praying, and resting at her family's cottage.
While she is away, Chris Schulte and Dr. Boayue will support congregational care. Adrienne Trupiano will team up with Gloria Fulton in the CLC, Mary Feldmaier will continue coordinating Discover First classes, and Pastor Zack Dunlap will supervise our ministerial intern.
Pastor Sarah plans to return to the office on August 17 and preach again on August 31 in the Birmingham First Sanctuary.
| | Gift Planning 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. | | |
Need a little encouragement?
Call our Voice of Hope line at 248-646-6407 and press 2 to hear an uplifting message recorded just for you. Whether you're seeking comfort, inspiration, or a gentle reminder of God's love, take a moment to listen. New messages are shared each week—don’t miss your moment of hope today.
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Clergy On Call
For after hours pastoral emergencies, call 248-408-0038.
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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
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