On Sunday, October 13, we will welcome Rev. Chad Oyer back to the pulpit at Birmingham First for a message reflecting on his time here as Associate Pastor and the good that he has taken with him as he’s continued in ministry. We are looking forward to an inspiring message from Rev. Oyer that will challenge us to live into our theme of Gathered Here for Good even more fully. After his message, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. will speak with him about the importance of "here" in the Christian life of faith.

As our congregation prayerfully commits to advancing the work of God in 2025, let us embrace our responsibility as God's ambassadors of reconciliation in the world. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to let "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Here, in this world, we must usher in God's will as it is in heaven.

As you reflect on your role in building God's kingdom of justice and righteousness here on earth, come and let us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Then, between worship services, gather in Fellowship Hall as our Stewardship Committee hosts a pancake breakfast by Chris Cakes. We will recognize our Rummage Sale volunteers who have worked tirelessly all week to make this sale a success!

Children's Worship & Sunday School Schedule

October 13: Regular Sunday School, (children go directly to classrooms)

October 20: Bible Sunday for K and 3rd: Regular Sunday School  

(Children go directly to classrooms, except k/1 and 2/3 who will meet outside the Narthex.)

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

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

Our First Nurses will provide blood pressure checks between services in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 13. All are welcome to take part in the complementary service. 

Thank you for your goodness!

Don't miss the Pancake Breakfast hosted by our Stewardship Committee on Sunday, October 13, between worship services as we recognize our Rummage Sale volunteers!

What an amazing week we are having at the Rummage Sale to benefit missions. Hundreds of volunteers have worked tirelessly since Sunday to sort and price all of the items that our community has generously donated. Our church kitchen has also been very busy with our Rummage Cafe! These men and women have dedicated the week to feeding our volunteers and staff delicious and nutritious meals! Their goodness knows no boundaries!

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.

Quilts of Comfort: Helping Hands for Hurricane Relief 

Calling all quilters and stitchers! If you are interested in helping to sew twin-sized quilts for those affected by the recent hurricanes, please contact Chris Schulte at cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org, or come to the informational meeting on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 p.m. in Wright Parlor. 

Gather with 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! 🥯

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.

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.

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!

NEW TIME ADDED!

Better Balance Physical Therapy

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

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 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

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.