Berkley Art Bash Tomorrow
The Berkley Art Bash takes place tomorrow, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed at Berkley First from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to offer hospitality, hand out water, and welcome visitors inside to cool down or use the restrooms. If you are able to help, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you are unable to volunteer, we still encourage you to stop by and enjoy the day!
The Berkley Art Bash takes place tomorrow, June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed at Berkley First from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to offer hospitality, hand out water, and welcome visitors inside to cool down or use the restrooms. If you are able to help, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you are unable to volunteer, we still encourage you to stop by and enjoy the day!
Anapausis Paused for June 17
There has been a change to our regular third Wednesday Anapausis schedule. Due to Brian White's leadership of the Vacation Bible School band next week, Anapausis will not meet on June 17. We invite you to join us again at our next worship gathering on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to worshiping together again next month.
There has been a change to our regular third Wednesday Anapausis schedule. Due to Brian White's leadership of the Vacation Bible School band next week, Anapausis will not meet on June 17. We invite you to join us again at our next worship gathering on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to worshiping together again next month.
New Times Added This Weekend! Get Crafty for VBS!
We need your help as we put the finishing touches on Vacation Bible School. If you have free time on Friday, June 12 until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., or Sunday, June 14 from noon–6:00 p.m., please consider joining us for Rainforest Falls Decorating Days. This year’s VBS is a combined effort between Berkley First and Birmingham First and will be hosted at the Birmingham First campus. Volunteers of all ages are needed as we transform the CLC stage, hallways, and classrooms into the lush, vibrant world of Rainforest Falls. This is where the magic happens—bringing our spaces to life with colorful decorations, creative stage props, and rainforest details. Sign up today and help us create an unforgettable experience for our children.
We need your help as we put the finishing touches on Vacation Bible School. If you have free time on Friday, June 12 until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., or Sunday, June 14 from noon–6:00 p.m., please consider joining us for Rainforest Falls Decorating Days. This year’s VBS is a combined effort between Berkley First and Birmingham First and will be hosted at the Birmingham First campus. Volunteers of all ages are needed as we transform the CLC stage, hallways, and classrooms into the lush, vibrant world of Rainforest Falls. This is where the magic happens—bringing our spaces to life with colorful decorations, creative stage props, and rainforest details. Sign up today and help us create an unforgettable experience for our children.
Samaritas Mission Team Receives UMCOR Migration Grant
Birmingham & Berkley First’s Samaritas Mission Team has been awarded a $2,000 UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant to support virtual ESL classes for New American refugee families in Southeast Michigan. The funding will help provide technology that removes language barriers, expands access to English instruction, and strengthens connections for refugee families rebuilding their lives in our communities.
Click the button below to read the full article and learn how this grant will help sustain and expand this important ministry.
Click the button below to read the full article and learn how this grant will help sustain and expand this important ministry.
Prison Creative Arts Project Exhibit: June 21
Art as Liberation, Art as Reflection: Select Works from the Prison Creative Arts Project Donated Art Collection will be on display at Birmingham & Berkley First this June. This exhibit features artwork donated by incarcerated artists throughout Michigan through the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP). Artists often choose to donate their work because they may not have the space or permission to store finished artwork, allowing these pieces to be shared through classes, fundraisers, and exhibitions like this one. The exhibit will be at Berkley First from June 21–24 and at Birmingham First from June 25–28. All are invited to stop by and experience this thoughtful and impactful collection.
Art as Liberation, Art as Reflection: Select Works from the Prison Creative Arts Project Donated Art Collection will be on display at Birmingham & Berkley First this June. This exhibit features artwork donated by incarcerated artists throughout Michigan through the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP). Artists often choose to donate their work because they may not have the space or permission to store finished artwork, allowing these pieces to be shared through classes, fundraisers, and exhibitions like this one. The exhibit will be at Berkley First from June 21–24 and at Birmingham First from June 25–28. All are invited to stop by and experience this thoughtful and impactful collection.
Berkley Pride
Berkley Pride takes place June 28 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed at Berkley First from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to offer hospitality, welcome and support guests, hand out water, and invite visitors inside to cool down or use the restrooms. If you are able to help, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you are unable to volunteer, we still encourage you to stop by and be part of the day!
Berkley Pride takes place June 28 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed at Berkley First from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to offer hospitality, welcome and support guests, hand out water, and invite visitors inside to cool down or use the restrooms. If you are able to help, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you are unable to volunteer, we still encourage you to stop by and be part of the day!
Noisy Bucket Challenge: June 21
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $783 for the Playground in Honduras during our last Noisy Bucket Sunday. Our next goal is underway as we work to raise $500 to support the Henderson Settlement Christmas Gift Store. These funds will help purchase gifts to be delivered by our missionaries in July. Join us for the next Noisy Bucket Sunday on June 21 as we continue making a difference together.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $783 for the Playground in Honduras during our last Noisy Bucket Sunday. Our next goal is underway as we work to raise $500 to support the Henderson Settlement Christmas Gift Store. These funds will help purchase gifts to be delivered by our missionaries in July. Join us for the next Noisy Bucket Sunday on June 21 as we continue making a difference together.
Disaster Relief Volunteers Needed
Did you know that more than 300 Detroit homeowners are still recovering from the devastating floods of 2023? For the past three years, After The Storm (ATS), a Michigan Conference disaster recovery ministry, has been working alongside affected families and volunteer teams from across the country to help restore homes and hope.
Birmingham & Berkley First is exploring ways to partner with this ongoing recovery effort. Join us on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Room at Birmingham First to learn how you can serve alongside other United Methodist disaster relief volunteers. Representatives from After The Storm will share information about current projects and volunteer opportunities. No previous experience is necessary, training will be provided on site, and volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Opportunities are available now for those ready to serve. Questions? Contact Linda Richards at (248) 761-0756 or Chelesa-Rose Jabboori at (248) 254-2627.
Did you know that more than 300 Detroit homeowners are still recovering from the devastating floods of 2023? For the past three years, After The Storm (ATS), a Michigan Conference disaster recovery ministry, has been working alongside affected families and volunteer teams from across the country to help restore homes and hope.
Birmingham & Berkley First is exploring ways to partner with this ongoing recovery effort. Join us on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Room at Birmingham First to learn how you can serve alongside other United Methodist disaster relief volunteers. Representatives from After The Storm will share information about current projects and volunteer opportunities. No previous experience is necessary, training will be provided on site, and volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Opportunities are available now for those ready to serve. Questions? Contact Linda Richards at (248) 761-0756 or Chelesa-Rose Jabboori at (248) 254-2627.
You're Invited to Celebrate with the Boayue Family
Rev. Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Boayue invite members of Birmingham and Berkley First to the 90th Birthday Celebration for Charles' mother, Fannia W. Boayue on Saturday, June 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 1019 Chesterfield Avenue, Birmingham, Michigan 48009. There will be an assortment of Liberian food available to share. Please RSVP your attendance at cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org by June 18.
Rev. Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Boayue invite members of Birmingham and Berkley First to the 90th Birthday Celebration for Charles' mother, Fannia W. Boayue on Saturday, June 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 1019 Chesterfield Avenue, Birmingham, Michigan 48009. There will be an assortment of Liberian food available to share. Please RSVP your attendance at cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org by June 18.
GriefShare Support Group
GriefShare, a Christ-centered support group for those navigating the loss of a loved one, meets Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at our Berkley First Campus, led by Sarah Minas. Join anytime: upcoming dates include July 11, 18, 25; and August 1, 15, 22, 29. This 13-week program offers a thoughtful blend of workbook study and video teaching from Christian counselors and pastors, providing practical, biblically grounded guidance and support through the grief journey.
GriefShare, a Christ-centered support group for those navigating the loss of a loved one, meets Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at our Berkley First Campus, led by Sarah Minas. Join anytime: upcoming dates include July 11, 18, 25; and August 1, 15, 22, 29. This 13-week program offers a thoughtful blend of workbook study and video teaching from Christian counselors and pastors, providing practical, biblically grounded guidance and support through the grief journey.
All Church Camp Out: July 23-27
Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation
Come on out to the All Church Camp Out! Dates have been booked at the Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation Area for July 23-27. Book your own sites using the Michigan DNR website, and pass along this information to anyone else who may be interested.
Make it a Day Trip
If you're not able to camp, come out on Sunday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. for worship, stop by for lunch at 12:30 p.m. and make it a fun day trip!
Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation
Come on out to the All Church Camp Out! Dates have been booked at the Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation Area for July 23-27. Book your own sites using the Michigan DNR website, and pass along this information to anyone else who may be interested.
Make it a Day Trip
If you're not able to camp, come out on Sunday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. for worship, stop by for lunch at 12:30 p.m. and make it a fun day trip!
Join the Next Liberia Missions Journey in 2027
By overwhelming demand, a second Missions Trip to Liberia has been planned. The trip will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the School of Excellence, with the President of Liberia in attendance. Without the support of this church and others, this first school would not have become a reality. The trip will also include a blessing ceremony on the land designated for the future Middle School and High School, which are currently in their infancy stages. Visits to the Judith Craig Orphanage, a Methodist senior center, a local Methodist hospital, and a university are also planned. Guests will bring medical supplies, clothing, rice, and other much-needed items. If you are interested in signing up or learning more, please email Helen Hicks at helenk7306@outlook.com or contact Dr. Boayue, cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org, at your convenience.
By overwhelming demand, a second Missions Trip to Liberia has been planned. The trip will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the School of Excellence, with the President of Liberia in attendance. Without the support of this church and others, this first school would not have become a reality. The trip will also include a blessing ceremony on the land designated for the future Middle School and High School, which are currently in their infancy stages. Visits to the Judith Craig Orphanage, a Methodist senior center, a local Methodist hospital, and a university are also planned. Guests will bring medical supplies, clothing, rice, and other much-needed items. If you are interested in signing up or learning more, please email Helen Hicks at helenk7306@outlook.com or contact Dr. Boayue, cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org, at your convenience.
Thank You for Being a Village Fair Sponsor
The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to Birmingham and Berkley First for supporting the 61st Birmingham Village Fair. Community events like the Village Fair bring neighbors together, celebrate local traditions, and strengthen the connections that make Birmingham such a special place to live and serve. We are honored to have played a small part in this long-standing community tradition and appreciate the Chamber's partnership and kind acknowledgment. Thank you for helping make this year's fair a success.
The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to Birmingham and Berkley First for supporting the 61st Birmingham Village Fair. Community events like the Village Fair bring neighbors together, celebrate local traditions, and strengthen the connections that make Birmingham such a special place to live and serve. We are honored to have played a small part in this long-standing community tradition and appreciate the Chamber's partnership and kind acknowledgment. Thank you for helping make this year's fair a success.