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.

Featured Announcements

College Care Packets

At the beginning of February, we will be sending out another college care packet to our church’s college students. If you are a student, or if you have a student, and your address has changed since the last mailing—or if you would like to be added to the mailing list—please update your information by emailing cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org. If you would like to volunteer or donate an item for the care packages, please contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@beachcom.net. Thank you for helping us show our students love and support!

Support Equal Exchange: Coffee, Tea, & Chocolate Sale

For more than 35 years, Equal Exchange has invested in our planet’s future by supporting organic agriculture. Let’s join in their mission! On Sunday, January 19, you can purchase coffee, tea, and chocolate from 9:00–9:30 a.m. or 10:30–11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Your support makes a real difference in promoting sustainable farming practices around the globe.

Share Love, Spread Kindness on MLK Day!

On Monday, January 20, celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by spreading kindness. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Social Hall at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley, MI), we’ll be coloring pictures and writing letters of gratitude and encouragement for loved ones and those in need. We’ll have addresses, stamps, and all the supplies ready—just drop in anytime during those hours. Kids are welcome, so bring the family and help us spread hope in Dr. King’s spirit of service and compassion!

Holiday Hand-me-downs!

Children and Family Ministries is helping you get a jump on next year’s plans! If you have any leftover holiday items—such as unused wrapping paper, bows, name tags, or even artificial Christmas trees (any size)—we’d love to take them off your hands. These items will support next year’s Cass Community Holiday Store and our True North VBS, which will be set in the Alaskan Wilderness!


Donation bins are located at the Welcome Desk and near the CFM offices. If you have any questions, please reach out to Beth Torrey at btorrey@fumcbirmingham.org. Thank you for your generosity!

Our Church Town Hall

Stay informed and share your input at our upcoming Town Halls! Topics include a financial update for 2024-2025, the vision and strategic objectives for the next 3-5 years, congregational care updates, and a staff update from the SPRC.


  • Monday, January 27, 7:30 p.m. at Birmingham First
  • Thursday, January 30, 7:00 p.m. at Berkley First


Attend in person or online. To join virtually, email Dorothy Duensing at office@fumcbirmingham.org by January 23 to receive a link and agenda.

New Knitting Group beings Friday, February 7

This Knitting Group is welcome to anyone. They meet every Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center Café. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, this group offers a welcoming space to gather, share, and create. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and work on your projects in a relaxed and supportive environment. Bring your yarn and needles, and come enjoy some fellowship while you knit! Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Discover the Christian Life Center (CLC) at Birmingham First

Looking for a place to stay active, have fun, and connect with others? The CLC offers a variety of classes and programs, including Tend Strength and Toning, Better Balance Physical Therapy, Loop Band Strength Training, and Basic Yoga. You can also enjoy an indoor walking track, and Pickleball—perfect for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re seeking a social way to meet new people or a supportive environment to achieve your wellness goals, you’ll find just what you need at the CLC. Click the button below for all classes and activities.

CLC Classes & Activities

Sunday Greeters Wanted!

Now is your opportunity to sign up as a Sunday Greeter or Coffee Host for upcoming Sundays. You can sign up for a spot with the Sign-Up Genius link below, or visit the Kiosk on Sunday mornings, or reach out to Melissa Ng at mjoyng@comcast.net. We’re looking forward to having you join the ‘Greeters Team’!

Sign Up

Groups

Adult Sunday School & Ecclesia Journey Group with Dr. Boayue 

Senior Pastor, Dr. Boayue invites you to two exciting groups to deepen your faith. The Adult Sunday School class is for adult men & women and provides a time of spiritual growth and fellowship where you can explore biblical teachings. This group meets at 12:15 p.m. every Sunday in the Martin Room. The Ecclesia Journey Group is specifically designed for parents of children and youth. This is a bible-based dialogue and discussion group that meets every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in the Martin Room. Feel free to drop in anytime. 


Looking to Deepen Your Faith or Build New Relationships?

Consider joining a Home-Based K-Group—short for “Koinonia,” meaning Biblical community—where the focus is on sharing life together through conversation and prayer. One of our K-Groups is already full, but two more have room for you: one meets on Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Bloomfield Hills, and the other on Mondays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. in Berkley. If you’re interested or have any questions, please email Pastor Zack at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org zdunlap@berkleyfirst.orgto find the group that best fits your schedule. We’d love to have you join us in growing closer to God and each other!

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 meets every Tuesday 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 until March 4. 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.

Sign Up Now

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!

Save These Dates

Friday, February 21: Merry Mates


Monday, February 24: Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall


Wednesday, March 5: Ash Wednesday Brunch


Wednesday, March 5: Empty Bowls


Friday, March 14 - Sunday, March 16: Women's Retreat

(Registration Opens on February 1)


Saturday, April 5 & Sunday, April 6: Carrie Newcomer Concert & Workshop


Sunday, April 27-Friday, May 2: Spring Rummage Sale


Monday, June 23-Friday, June 27: Vacation Bible School

(Registration Opens in February)

Employment Opportunity

Birmingham & Berkley First seeks a part-time Worship Tech Coordinator: Application Closes January 30


Birmingham and Berkley First, a multi-site United Methodist Church in Metro Detroit, seeks a part-time (20 hr/wk) staff person to coordinate worship technology across both campuses. The role will include oversight of livestreaming, audio, video, projection, and lighting at both locations and will require developing, equipping, and managing a team of volunteers and some paid staff. Interested applicants can reach out to Rev. Zack Dunlap zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org or to Executive Director of Worship and Music Casey Proch cproch@fumcbirmingham.org.


Full Job Description

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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.

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