

Sermon Information for March 22
God's Higher Math, Matthew 18:21-35
Rev. Dr. Jack Harnish preaching
Keeping Count
I'm not very good at math. Judy handles all our finances, and when I count people in worship I usually overestimate. So Jesus' teaching about forgiveness confounds me. Without a computer, I'd have a hard time telling you what "70 times 7" equals. But of course that's exactly the point. Jesus is not giving us the latest calculation to determine how far we should go in forgiving. Unlike some people who seem to harbor grievances and nurse grudges, Jesus is just saying, "Stop counting. Just forgive." It's not easy, but it's what we would like God to do for us, right? It's not about keeping count; it's about receiving and offering grace.
In preparation for Sunday, read Matthew 18:21–35, and leave your calculator at home.
See you in worship,
Rev. Jack Harnish
Rev. Dr. Jack Harnish preaching
Keeping Count
I'm not very good at math. Judy handles all our finances, and when I count people in worship I usually overestimate. So Jesus' teaching about forgiveness confounds me. Without a computer, I'd have a hard time telling you what "70 times 7" equals. But of course that's exactly the point. Jesus is not giving us the latest calculation to determine how far we should go in forgiving. Unlike some people who seem to harbor grievances and nurse grudges, Jesus is just saying, "Stop counting. Just forgive." It's not easy, but it's what we would like God to do for us, right? It's not about keeping count; it's about receiving and offering grace.
In preparation for Sunday, read Matthew 18:21–35, and leave your calculator at home.
See you in worship,
Rev. Jack Harnish
Attend worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m., in-person at 2820 12 Mile Road in Berkley, or online. Click a button below to attend worship online.
Annual Partners in Missions Appeal
Birmingham and Berkley First is in a dedicated time of asking for your generosity through our Annual Partners in Missions Appeal. March is the only time in 2026 that Missions will ask for your financial support, however you can donate anytime throughout the year. We unite our giving to support our 22 Missions Ministries with which we are privileged to partner —locally, nationally, and globally.
These partnerships reflect who we are. Through them families are strengthened, schools and housing are built and/or improved, food and medical supplies are provided, crises are met with compassion, and Christ’s love reaches far beyond our campuses.
These partnerships reflect who we are. Through them families are strengthened, schools and housing are built and/or improved, food and medical supplies are provided, crises are met with compassion, and Christ’s love reaches far beyond our campuses.
Holy Week
We invite you to journey with us through Holy Week at Birmingham and Berkley First as we walk the path of Christ—from celebration to sacrifice to resurrection—together in worship, reflection, and hope.

Help Fill Easter Eggs & Donate Trinkets and Candy
We need your help! Join us on Sunday, March 15, after service as we fill thousands of plastic Easter eggs for the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Berkley! Your help ensures a fun and exciting experience for kids in our community. If you’d like to donate candy or small trinkets, contact Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Julie White, at jwhite@berkleyfirst.org, or click here to purchase items from the Amazon Wish List.
You're invited to the Easter Egg Hunt
Hosted by Berkley First UMC at Oxford Park (2100 Bacon, Berkley)
Saturday, April 4 | Hunt Begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP
Get ready for an egg-citing day! The hunt kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with three designated areas for different age groups, so everyone can join in on the fun. Don’t forget your Easter Basket! Arrive at 9:30 a.m. to get a good spot, or stay after to enjoy donuts and drinks from the food truck, and make memories with the Easter Bunny. Be sure to bring your camera for those timeless moments!
Saturday, April 4 | Hunt Begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP
Get ready for an egg-citing day! The hunt kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with three designated areas for different age groups, so everyone can join in on the fun. Don’t forget your Easter Basket! Arrive at 9:30 a.m. to get a good spot, or stay after to enjoy donuts and drinks from the food truck, and make memories with the Easter Bunny. Be sure to bring your camera for those timeless moments!
An Adventure Where Faith Takes Root: Rainforest Falls VBS at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham)
Our Vacation Bible School week is June 15–19, and we can’t wait to have the best week ever. Registration is now open. You can register your child by going to the VBS webpage: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs. Have older kids? We need middle and high schoolers to serve as group leaders. Adults, we need you too. Sign up to be a station leader, crafter, kitchen helper, nursery volunteer, and so much more.
Our Vacation Bible School week is June 15–19, and we can’t wait to have the best week ever. Registration is now open. You can register your child by going to the VBS webpage: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs. Have older kids? We need middle and high schoolers to serve as group leaders. Adults, we need you too. Sign up to be a station leader, crafter, kitchen helper, nursery volunteer, and so much more.
Building Hope: School of Excellence Rises in Liberia
A mission team led by Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. recently traveled to Liberia to visit the School of Excellence currently under construction. The elementary school, expected to open this summer, will provide students with access to technology, core academics, and STEM education. During the trip, the team also delivered food, clothing, medical supplies, and other support to local ministries including the Judith Craig Orphanage and Ganta United Methodist Hospital. Click to read the full story.

College Care Packages, A Ministry of Connection for Nearly Three Decades
For nearly three decades, our church community has been sending a little piece of encouragement to college students across the country through the College Care Package ministry. What began as a simple service project for young children in the late 1990s has grown into a beloved tradition that reminds students they are remembered, supported, and prayed for by their church family, no matter where their studies take them. Through handwritten notes, thoughtful items, and the faithful work of volunteers, these packages continue to bring comfort and connection to dozens of students each year.

Announcements

2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception - Save the Date
Legacy Society members are invited to the 2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m., to be held at the parsonage of Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. Legacy Society members are those who have included the church in their planned giving donations and/or have included the church in their wills. If you have already made this commitment—or would like more information about becoming a member and the process involved—please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155. We look forward to gathering together and hope you will join us.
Legacy Society members are invited to the 2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m., to be held at the parsonage of Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. Legacy Society members are those who have included the church in their planned giving donations and/or have included the church in their wills. If you have already made this commitment—or would like more information about becoming a member and the process involved—please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155. We look forward to gathering together and hope you will join us.

Micah 6 Webster Community Center Grand Opening
You’re invited to the Grand Opening of the Micah 6 Webster Community Center on March 20 from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at 640 Huron Street in Pontiac, with a ribbon cutting at 2:00 p.m. This newly renovated space, located in the historic Elmer R. Webster School building, will serve as a vibrant hub for neighborhood programs, partnerships, and community resources. A project of Micah 6 Community, the center reflects a continued commitment to strengthening and supporting the Pontiac community.
You’re invited to the Grand Opening of the Micah 6 Webster Community Center on March 20 from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at 640 Huron Street in Pontiac, with a ribbon cutting at 2:00 p.m. This newly renovated space, located in the historic Elmer R. Webster School building, will serve as a vibrant hub for neighborhood programs, partnerships, and community resources. A project of Micah 6 Community, the center reflects a continued commitment to strengthening and supporting the Pontiac community.
CLC Volunteer Opportunity
The Christian Life Center (1589 West Maple Rd., Birmingham) is looking for volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30–6:00 p.m., as well as substitute volunteers to help fill morning, afternoon, and evening shifts. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the many people who use and enjoy the CLC each week. As a thank-you, volunteers may participate in drop-in pickleball and Mah Jongg at no cost. If you are interested or have questions, please email clc@fumcbirmingham.org.
The Christian Life Center (1589 West Maple Rd., Birmingham) is looking for volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30–6:00 p.m., as well as substitute volunteers to help fill morning, afternoon, and evening shifts. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the many people who use and enjoy the CLC each week. As a thank-you, volunteers may participate in drop-in pickleball and Mah Jongg at no cost. If you are interested or have questions, please email clc@fumcbirmingham.org.

Henderson Settlement Informational Luncheon
Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 12:15 p.m. in the Children’s Center at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Rd., Birmingham) as we gather with our Henderson Settlement Mission Team to welcome Rev. John Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement, and his wife, Lisa.
Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments as we learn more about the important work of Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky and celebrate our 17-year partnership in ministry.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Sign up by clicking here.
Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 12:15 p.m. in the Children’s Center at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Rd., Birmingham) as we gather with our Henderson Settlement Mission Team to welcome Rev. John Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement, and his wife, Lisa.
Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments as we learn more about the important work of Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky and celebrate our 17-year partnership in ministry.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Sign up by clicking here.

Hands with Detroit: A Hands on Mission
Save the Date: Hands with Detroit 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will gather (at 1945 Webb, Detroit) before heading out to serve through a variety of hands-on projects supporting the community. Opportunities will include working in the Cass Kitchen, landscaping, parking lot line painting, document destruction, donation organization, assembling hygiene kits, and other handy person projects. Lunch will be provided, and pre-ordered event T-shirts will be available. Registration through the Greater Detroit District UMC opens soon.
Save the Date: Hands with Detroit 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will gather (at 1945 Webb, Detroit) before heading out to serve through a variety of hands-on projects supporting the community. Opportunities will include working in the Cass Kitchen, landscaping, parking lot line painting, document destruction, donation organization, assembling hygiene kits, and other handy person projects. Lunch will be provided, and pre-ordered event T-shirts will be available. Registration through the Greater Detroit District UMC opens soon.
Spring Rummage Sale at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham)
Mark your calendars! The United Women in Faith Spring Rummage Sale for Missions is just under two months away.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed April 26 through May 1, and we would love your help—please visit our website for full sale details at: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/rummage.
Donate
We gratefully welcome your donations curbside (please note there will be no truck pickup) on Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Shop
Then plan to shop the Spring Sale: Wednesday, April 29 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at regular prices; and Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at regular prices, followed by 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Bag Night and 50% off. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support missions and find some great treasures!
Mark your calendars! The United Women in Faith Spring Rummage Sale for Missions is just under two months away.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed April 26 through May 1, and we would love your help—please visit our website for full sale details at: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/rummage.
Donate
We gratefully welcome your donations curbside (please note there will be no truck pickup) on Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Shop
Then plan to shop the Spring Sale: Wednesday, April 29 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at regular prices; and Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at regular prices, followed by 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Bag Night and 50% off. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support missions and find some great treasures!
Community Connections
Berkley First is more than a place to worship—it’s a place to grow, create, and connect with others.
Throughout the week, our building comes alive with opportunities for all ages to learn, move, recover, and belong. Whether you're seeking community, creativity, or a fresh start, there’s something here for you!
Throughout the week, our building comes alive with opportunities for all ages to learn, move, recover, and belong. Whether you're seeking community, creativity, or a fresh start, there’s something here for you!
More Ways To Connect
Click a button below for more information on upcoming events, opportunities, and groups.
Newsletter & Sermon Archive Content
Are you looking for information from a past Steeple Notes? Or a past sermon recording? Email Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-646-6407 ext: 3130.
Communication Submission Deadlines
To submit content for church communications, please complete the online form by clicking here. Submissions for the weekly Steeple Notes are due by Mondays at 5:00 p.m. Bulletin announcements for the Birmingham First campus must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.
Are you looking for information from a past Steeple Notes? Or a past sermon recording? Email Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-646-6407 ext: 3130.
Communication Submission Deadlines
To submit content for church communications, please complete the online form by clicking here. Submissions for the weekly Steeple Notes are due by Mondays at 5:00 p.m. Bulletin announcements for the Birmingham First campus must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.


