Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

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

Click for Sunday Worship Information at Birmingham First

Click here for our Berkley First Campus Worship Information.

Holiday Building Hours

The Birmingham First building will be open on December 30 & 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The building will be closed on January 1. The CLC will be closed thru January 1.

Memorial Services

Edwina Anthony: Saturday, January 4, at 10:30 a.m.
Carol and Thomas Lee: Saturday, January 4, at 2:00 p.m.

Please join us as we remember and celebrate the lives of these beloved individuals.

Year End Giving

The Finance Team is in office December 30 & 31 to handle any year end gifts. Please email Frank Turco for more details: fturco@fumcbirminghgam.org.

There’s still time to make a difference. Finalize your gift today and ensure a lasting legacy. To explore your giving options click the button below.

Explore Year End Giving Options

Featured Announcements

First Nurses

Your health matters! First Nurses will be available in Fellowship Hall to check your blood pressure between services on Sunday, January 5. This free and friendly service is open to all—no appointment needed!

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!

Sympathies and funeral notices are sent out to a subscribed email list every Saturday. To receive the most up to date notifications on funeral and death announcements from within our church community, please sign up to receive the weekly sympathies email by clicking the button below.

Groups

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 begins on Tuesday, January 7, 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 from January 7 to March 4, 2025.

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, 2025.

Group & Event Planning for 2025

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.