Weekly Newsletter

"Rejoice! The Lord is Near"
Philippians 4:4-6

December 7
Second Sunday in Advent
Rev. Zack Dunlap preaching

Worship at Berkley First as we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, a day centered on the joy that Christ brings into our lives and our world. Pastor Zack will reflect on the overflowing joy of the season and the hope it stirs within us. It’s also Baby’s First Christmas, a celebration of the youngest among us—adding even more joy to this wonderful morning of worship. Worship online or in-person at 10:00 a.m.



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.
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Get Involved

Berkley Holiday Lights Parade Watch Party

On Saturday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m., come on by Berkley First to enjoy the Berkley Holiday Lights Parade along 12 Mile Road. The parade route starts near Greenfield and ends at City Hall, where the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place. Enjoy festive floats and marching bands. Bring the whole family, or come yourself and be part of our family! We’ll have hot cocoa, and our building will be open so you can warm up or use the restroom. Volunteers are also welcome to help set up or hand out hot cocoa—contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org if you’d like to help.

Thank You for Supporting MCHS Foster Children!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your incredible generosity! Together, we provided gifts for 96 foster children this year—through the kindness of individuals, families, small groups, Sunday School classes, and Preschool classrooms. What a beautiful blessing for these children and their foster families. Thank you for shining God’s light and love on them. -Nancy Overman & Connie Pelton

Online Wish Lists & Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re short on time but still want to give, you can shop directly from our online Christmas Mission wish lists for RBI One Stop Shop, Micah 6 Santa’s Workshop, and the Cass Community Social Services Christmas Store.

There are also several hands-on ways to serve this season:
  • RBI One Stop Shop – Volunteer this weekend! (Contact: Ken Hamel – khamel2@me.com)
  • Cass Community Social Services – Serve on December 20, 21, or 22 (Contact: Karla Bole – karla.bole@yahoo.com)
  • Micah 6 Santa’s Workshop – Gift wrapping on December 20, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (Contact: Steve Read – seread66@gmail.com)

UNITE Referees Needed

We are looking for middle and high school students who would like to ref for the UNITE 3-on-3 league Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Make money for a mission trip, spending money or community service hours! You don't need to be a basketball expert! We will train you!

Being a ref is so much fun and making a positive difference for kids! Saturday morning's 9:00-noon, January 10-March 14 in the Christian Life Center. Reach out to Beth Torrey at btorrey@fumcbirmingham.org with questions. Click here to fill out the interest form.

God Bless the Child at Birmingham First Campus

Join us at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham) on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. for this extraordinary holiday concert. Enjoy a musical celebration unlike anything else in town. And contribute to the loving work being done by Cass Community Social Services in the City of Detroit.

Don't Miss Out

Cass Tiny Homes Work Day

Last year, Berkley First sponsored the creation of a Cass Tiny Home. We may not be able to solve housing affordability or income inequality everywhere, but we can do for one person what we wish we could do for everyone. The walls are now up at 1559 Cortland, Detroit, and we have the opportunity to help finish the project.

We’ll be on site December 6 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with additional workdays to follow. Volunteers are needed to prime, paint, install vinyl plank flooring, hang cabinets, and install doors and trim. We’ll begin with priming and painting on December 6. Email Pastor Zack at zdunlap@berkleyfirst.org to let us know you can help.

Karaoke Night with the Berkley First Crew

On Friday, December 19 at 8:00 p.m., join the staff of Berkley First for a fun and relaxed Karaoke Night at the Berkley American Legion (2079 West 12 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072). Food and drinks will be available for purchase. All are welcome!

2026 Liberia Mission Trip

Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr., will lead a mission group to his homeland of Liberia from February 3–14, 2026. The trip will include a visit to the site of the school our church is helping to build, along with opportunities to participate in meaningful hands-on mission work. Anyone who may be interested in joining this journey, please contact Helen Hicks at helenk7306@outlook.com, as several important arrangements need to be made soon. 

Advent & Christmas

Children's Christmas Pageant

All kids are invited to take part in our Berkley Children’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m., both online and in person at Berkley First! Children who would like to be in the pageant are asked to attend a rehearsal on Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. To sign up or learn more, please contact Julie White at jwhite@berkleyfirst.org.

Christmas Eve Worship

This Christmas Eve, December 24, you’re invited to pause, breathe, and enter the story of Christ’s birth with us in worship. Pastor Zack will share a message centered on the wonder and hope of Jesus’ arrival—God’s light entering a world that still longs for peace.

Whether you come early in the afternoon or later in the evening, you’ll experience beautiful music, familiar carols, and the timeless story of Christmas. Bring family, invite friends, or come on your own—there is a place for you here this Christmas Eve.

2:00 p.m.: In-person & Online, Nursery Care Available
4:00 p.m.: In-person, Full Children's Programming Offered
6:00 p.m.: In-person, Worship Together as a Family

Noon Year's Eve Party

On Wednesday, December 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., families with children are invited to our free Noon Year’s Eve Party! Enjoy a super fun countdown and balloon drop at noon, along with games, crafts, a bounce house, and plenty of fun to ring in the new year early. Come celebrate with us! 

Birmingham First Campus

This Advent season, pause with us for midweek worship on Wednesday mornings at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham) on December 3, 10, and 17. Services will be from 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m., wrapping up in time for you to go out to breakfast or get into the office. Each week, our talented music staff will lead us in song and Pastor Zack Dunlap will unpack scriptures from Isaiah and Matthew, exploring ways that we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s arrival.
 
December 10: Isaiah 40:1-5, Matthew 3:1-2 – Prepare the Way
December 17: Isaiah 42:1-4, Matthew 2:1-8 – The Use of Power

Dementia Support Group

Birmingham First Campus
December 16, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21
A safe place of compassion, hope & understanding. Join us for a welcoming & faith-centered Dementia Support Group designed for Caregivers, family members & loved ones of those living with some form of Dementia. We share experiences, ask questions, and receive emotional support. Meetings are led by compassionate volunteers & professionals who understand the challenges of caregiving. Together we listen, learn & lift one another up. Whether you're seeking guidance, encouragement, or simply someone who understands, you are not alone. Seating for attendees in a casual setting in Room #104 - Wright Parlor (or Room #101 - Martin Room). Please RSVP to Kyra Jackman at 248-644-8100 or kjackman@arden-courts.com.  

GriefShare Support Group

Birmingham First Campus
Join Pastor Rachael in the second floor Steven’s room on Thursdays from 9:30–11:00 a.m., beginning January 8 through April 16, for a weekly GriefShare support group. This is a Christ-centered, 13-week program offering biblical guidance, video teaching, and supportive conversation for those grieving the loss of a loved one. To register, click here. For questions, please email rdunlap@fumcbirmingham.org.

Save These Dates

Advent Events at Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham) 

December 14: Heralds of Christmas, 3:00 p.m.
December 14: Christmas Town, 4:00 p.m.
December 22: Abide With Me: A Healing Service of Comfort, 7:00 p.m.

More Ways To Connect

Click a button below for more information on upcoming events, opportunities, and groups.
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Advent & Christmas Calendar

Click the button below to view our Advent & Christmas Calendar, featuring seasonal events, special worship opportunities, Christmas Eve worship times, as well as livestream links for both the Birmingham First and Berkley First campuses, concerts, and more. 
Advent & Christmas Calendar