Behold the divine artistry of the stained glass windows at Birmingham First, captured through the lens of photographer Dale Carson! Each panel, crafted by the renowned H.L. Willet Studio, now known as Willet Hauser Architectural Glass, tells a story of faith and light.

Sunlight dances through the glass, illuminating not just the space, but our spirits. There's a touch of magic in how the colors blend, reminding us of God’s presence surrounding us.

Feel the warmth of divine connection here in this sacred space. Together, we are #gatheredhereforgood.

October 20 marks the third Sunday of our annual 2025 stewardship campaign, Gathered Here for Good. We will hear from Parker Roberts, a young adult, as he shares how this congregation has shaped his faith and life. Dr. Boayue will preach from Luke 4:14-21 with a sermon titled, "For", exploring the purpose of the Church in the world and the meaning of Christian discipleship. In this passage, Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue, directing the worshippers to the reason and purpose behind the gathered community of faith. The sermon will reflect on questions of purpose—why do we gather? What is the reason for Christian stewardship?

You are invited to join us for heart-lifting sacred music, congregational singing, intercessory prayer, an invitation to make your financial commitment to our 2025 ministries, and Christian fellowship. Worship services will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., both in person and at 9:30 a.m. online.

Missions Fair & Sweet Treats

For the hungry, the hurting, and the hopeful, our mission extends far beyond these walls. After each service, join us in Fellowship Hall for the Missions Fair, where over 20+ mission projects will be on display. Cider and donuts will be provided by our missions committee, and chef Hollie will treat us to cinnamon rolls, courtesy of our stewardship committee. Together, we honor our purpose and answer the call to serve every person, in every condition.

Children's Worship & Sunday School Schedule

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.

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.

Thank you for your goodness!

What a great crew we had on Saturday! Thanks to everyone who came out to help unload the pumpkin truck. We appreciate you!



Our pumpkin patch is open now through October 31. Stop in or sign up to volunteer. Find all the information on hours and pricing by clicking the button below.

New Study led by Dale Glick

Beginning Thursday, October 24, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at our Birmingham Campus in the Ritter Room (Rm# 217), we will be starting a 6-Week Study of “The Book of James.”

Like many New Testament Books, “The Book of James” is an epistle, a letter written from one person to another person or group of people in the early decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This short letter is said to have been written by James, the brother of Jesus; who himself became an important teacher in the early Church. He wrote it “ to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations”-those who love and serve God, to those who belong to God, wherever they may be found. And that includes us, today!

James is only five (5) chapters long; but it’s weighty and meaty and challenges us to wrestle with how to live our lives in a way that reflects what we profess (our faith); even knowing how much we all fall short. Together we’ll explore the questions of how we should respond when facing personal trials, our treatment of those less fortunate, the way we speak and relate to others, the role that money plays in how we live our lives . James has some important and practical words of wisdom for us on these issues of life. Join us in a lively and meaningful time together.

Berkley Tuesday Women’s Journey Group:

“Help Is Here” by Max Lucado

All women of Berkley & Birmingham First are invited to join this Journey Group as a new session begins on October 22 in the Berkley First Sanctuary from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. This 5 week study on the Holy Spirit, led by the renowned Christian author, Max Lucado, will explore the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

To sign up to attend, click the button below.

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.

Cost: $125 for a 6-class session

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. 

Every year, we support MCHS (Methodist Children’s Home Society) by fulfilling holiday wish lists for children serviced by their programs. This year our church has 75 Foster Children’s Wish Lists. We need your help to make this possible once again, by adopting a foster child’s Wish List, available at both the Birmingham and Berkley campuses.

At the Birmingham campus, please visit our table at the Mission Fair on October 20, or again in Fellowship Hall on October 27 and November 3, to pick up a list, or get more information. Berkley will be distributing lists on October 27. All donated gifts should be returned, unwrapped, to either church campus, on or before Sunday, November 17.

Please contact Connie Pelton (248-219-2520 text/call) or Nancy Overman (248-646-5360) with any questions.

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, they are accepted online or by mail. Go to mchsmi.org, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Donate. Please write “Christmas Wish List” in the “In Honor of” box. Checks may be mailed to MCHS Attn: Eriann Scharer, Development Dept. 26645 W. 6 Mile Rd. Redford Twp., MI 48240. Please write “Christmas Wish List” in the memo.

Thank you for sprinkling God’s love on our precious children!

We’d love for you to join us for a Visitation Volunteer Informational Meeting on Sunday, November 10 from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. in Wright Parlor. Come enjoy lunch and explore whether God might be calling you to this meaningful ministry. We'll chat about best practices and share some great insights together.

Please RSVP by November 4 to Rev. Sarah Alexander at salexander@fumcbirmingham.org or by phone at 248-646-1200. Hope to see you there!

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.

Watch for upcoming sale dates and information!

The church sponsored Boy Scout Troop 1032 will once again be selling holiday greens (wreaths, porch pots, evergreen roping, and grave blankets) during early November at the church, and we will have drive-through pickup of orders in the church parking lot on Saturday afternoons. Details and pricing will be forthcoming. Please consider supporting the Scouts from Troop 1032 by purchasing their holiday greens this season!

MERRY MATES: Friday, November 15

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

We would love to be your church family! If you want to learn more about Birmingham and Berkley First, join us on Sunday, October 20 at Berkley First following the 10:00 am worship service.

Email Mary Feldmaier, mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org to RSVP.

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.