“The Greatest Question” 

John 21:15-17

Sermon by Rev. Zack L. Dunlap

Greatness holds a sort of magnetic attraction. The GOATs in sport, theater, and music intrigue and captivate audiences of all ages. They offer something not only to enjoy, but to aspire to.

In Scripture, you’re likely familiar with the Great Commission. Encircling the Agnus Dei on our Sanctuary’s stained glass rose window are these words from the Great Commission: “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature.” You’re also well acquainted, I am sure, with the Great Commandment, compelling us to love both God and neighbor. But of all the questions in Scripture that are asked, answered, or left unanswered, what may perhaps be the greatest?

This Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., I look forward to worshiping with you at Birmingham First as we explore one of Jesus’ questions for Peter, and its significance for us today. It’s a simple question, really, but one with profound significance.

We will also celebrate the sacrament of baptism, and bid farewell after worship to our Director of Children and Family Ministries, Kim Bowyer. Join us in-person if you can make it, or online if you will be at home or traveling.

Holy Baptism Sunday

Our prayers of joy and celebration are shared with Damien and Natalie Crawford as we celebrate the baptism of their daughter, Winslet Kaye.

After Worship Celebration

Let’s celebrate the nearly 11 years of dedicated service from our Children & Family Ministries Director, Kim Bowyer, in Fellowship Hall this Sunday after worship. Kim and her husband, Steve, will be moving to North Carolina. Please stop by to wish her well and share your gratitude for all she has done! 

Children's Worship and Sunday School

On September 22, children will go to their Sunday School classrooms before the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Nursery Care is available at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Middle School and Youth group should meet up in the CLC Pit at 9:15 a.m.



On September 29 and 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.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS!

Get involved in classes, choir, Journey Groups, Sunday School,

CLC activities, and these September events!

It’s time to gather at this place again. Time to return to the goodness that happens here. It’s time to respond to the good causes and engage in the good work that needs us here. Time to rejoice in the abundance of hope and grace found here. And time to invest in the future of God’s good plan being realized here. We can’t wait to see you! It’s gonna be so good!

Sunday, September 22

Tapas Sunday

Have you ever seen the TV show Chopped where a chef is given the challenge of preparing a meal from a random basket of ingredients? Well, that’s just what we’ve done for our own Hollie Kotwicki. To kick-off this year’s fall food drive, we’ve given Hollie an assortment of non-perishable goods and asked her to make us a small bite buffet. You can find out what she came up with on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. 

Be sure to take home a Food Drive bag to fill and bring back. So good!

Saturday, September 28

Chanticleer Concert

Join us on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Birmingham First for an exquisite evening with the world-renowned ensemble Chanticleer. The program will feature music from the Renaissance, a newly commissioned work by GRAMMY-nominated composer Ayanna Woods, along with a fresh arrangement of the jazz standard "Without a Song" by last year’s Composer Festival guest, Stacey Gibbs.

Sunday, September 29

Choir Dedication and Food Drive

Join us to celebrate every choir and every voice! Bring back your Food Drive bag AND a friend!

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! 

Journey Groups are starting in September, and we invite you to be a part of this welcoming community. Whether you're a parent, a man or woman looking for connection, or simply someone who wants to explore and grow in your faith, there’s a group for you. Led by a diverse range of leaders, these groups offer a supportive environment where you can create meaningful connections, share life experiences, and deepen your understanding of faith. Joining a Journey Group is an opportunity to find your place, make new friends, and be part of something positive. We’d love to have you with us!

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.

This Adult Sunday School, led by Dr. Boayue, provides a dedicated time for spiritual growth and fellowship, where you can explore biblical teachings and their practical applications. It’s a welcoming environment for adults to engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and enrich their faith.

The first book will be Psalms: Prayers of the Heart by Eugene H. Peterson. We have 20 copies of the book for $10 per book. You can purchase your book at the Welcome Desk or on the first day of class.

Contact Dorothy Duensing at office@fumcbirmingham.org for Zoom information.

Sunday Social is on September 29. 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 Tuesday, September 24 at 248-342-1929 or mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org.

We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

Ecclesia is a new Bible-based dialogue and discussion group designed specifically for parents of children and youth, led by Senior Pastor Dr. Boayue. The group meets on Sundays thru November 24 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. (excluding October 6 due to the Rummage Sale) at Birmingham First in the Martin Room. No need to register for the group, just drop in as you are able.

For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is available—simply email office@fumcbirmingham.org for a link. Childcare will be provided during the sessions. Please pre-register for childcare by clicking the button below.

Scout me in! Cub Scout Pack 1032 meets Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Boy Scout Troop 1032 meets Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Birmingham First. If you would like to know more information, reach out to Linda Engler at llengler.1013@gmail.com.

PUMPKIN PATCH

Our Annual Pumpkin Patch is from October 13-31. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

FAMILY FUN DAY AT YATES CIDER MILL: Sunday, October 12

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

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 lewlakfam@gmail.com lewlakfam@gmail.com or 734-717-8947.

You can now make an online donation by using PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay. Credit, debit or ACH are still accepted too!

We're excited to introduce the new online giving form for Birmingham & Berkley First! This user-friendly platform is designed to make your donation process as seamless as possible. Whether you're a first-time giver or a regular contributor, our new form allows you to donate as a guest or create a sign in with a username and password.  This flexibility ensures that you can support our community in the way that works best for you. Help make a difference—giving has never been easier! Click here for instructions on how to use the new online giving form.

We invite you to share your prayer requests with us at any time, day or night.

Your needs and concerns are important to us, and we are here to support you through the power of prayer. Simply click the button below to submit your prayer request, and rest assured that our dedicated team will lift your intentions up in prayer. You can also email your request to our prayer team at prayers@fumcbirmingham.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.

Children and Family Ministries

Contact Kim Bowyer at kbowyer@fumcbirmingham.org