Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. (in-person & online)
Sermon Series: Why Church?
Coming from ShareChurch resources out of the Church of the Resurrection in Leewood, Kansas, Why Church is a series that explores what it means to be the Church. Each week, we'll explore the characteristics that Jesus asks his followers to embody, and how being in a church community helps us live as Jesus asks.
August 2
Why Church: To be Servants, Matthew 20:25-28
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
When the mother of two of his disciples asks for them to inherit positions of greatness sin the kingdom, Jesus reminds his disciples that greatness in the Kingdom of God looks different than greatness in the world. While the world calls those who hold power and authority great, God calls those who serve great. One of our roles as the church is to humble ourselves before God, and serve the world as God calls us to serve.
Coming from ShareChurch resources out of the Church of the Resurrection in Leewood, Kansas, Why Church is a series that explores what it means to be the Church. Each week, we'll explore the characteristics that Jesus asks his followers to embody, and how being in a church community helps us live as Jesus asks.
August 2
Why Church: To be Servants, Matthew 20:25-28
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
When the mother of two of his disciples asks for them to inherit positions of greatness sin the kingdom, Jesus reminds his disciples that greatness in the Kingdom of God looks different than greatness in the world. While the world calls those who hold power and authority great, God calls those who serve great. One of our roles as the church is to humble ourselves before God, and serve the world as God calls us to serve.
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.
Berkley CruiseFest
Heading to Berkley CruiseFest on Friday, August 14? Make Berkley First your home base! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a front-row view of the Classic Car Parade from the church. We will also have classic cars on display courtesy of Bob & Mary Feldmaier and friends! From 6:30–7:30 p.m., we'll be serving as a community rest stop with air conditioning, complimentary bottled water, and open restrooms to help you stay cool and comfortable. After the parade, stick around 12 Mile for all that CruiseFest has to offer, including food trucks, live music from Bandwagon, family activities, and an outdoor showing of A Goofy Movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. in front of Neighbor's Shoppe. Whether you're stopping in to cool off or making an evening of it, we'd love to welcome you to Berkley First.
Heading to Berkley CruiseFest on Friday, August 14? Make Berkley First your home base! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a front-row view of the Classic Car Parade from the church. We will also have classic cars on display courtesy of Bob & Mary Feldmaier and friends! From 6:30–7:30 p.m., we'll be serving as a community rest stop with air conditioning, complimentary bottled water, and open restrooms to help you stay cool and comfortable. After the parade, stick around 12 Mile for all that CruiseFest has to offer, including food trucks, live music from Bandwagon, family activities, and an outdoor showing of A Goofy Movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. in front of Neighbor's Shoppe. Whether you're stopping in to cool off or making an evening of it, we'd love to welcome you to Berkley First.
45C Summer Mission Day (Birmingham First Campus)
Children entering 4th and 5th grades are invited to join us for a 45C Summer Mission Day on Thursday, August 13, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.! We’ll begin the day serving our Redford Brightmoor Initiative mission partners by filling backpacks with school supplies, enjoy lunch together, and then head to Whoa Zone at Bald Mountain for an afternoon on the floating obstacle course. Cost is $10 per child. Registration is due Monday, August 10. Younger siblings may attend only if a parent is volunteering. Register by clicking here.
Children entering 4th and 5th grades are invited to join us for a 45C Summer Mission Day on Thursday, August 13, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.! We’ll begin the day serving our Redford Brightmoor Initiative mission partners by filling backpacks with school supplies, enjoy lunch together, and then head to Whoa Zone at Bald Mountain for an afternoon on the floating obstacle course. Cost is $10 per child. Registration is due Monday, August 10. Younger siblings may attend only if a parent is volunteering. Register by clicking here.
Leading a Group This Fall? We Need Your Information!
If you will be leading a Journey Group, Bible study, small group, or other ministry group this fall, please make sure your meeting dates are on the church calendar and your facility space is reserved. Our building fills up quickly in the fall, and we want to make sure your group has the room and resources it needs. To confirm your dates and reserve your space, contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you would like to add your group to the Journey Group handout and webpage, contact Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org.
If you will be leading a Journey Group, Bible study, small group, or other ministry group this fall, please make sure your meeting dates are on the church calendar and your facility space is reserved. Our building fills up quickly in the fall, and we want to make sure your group has the room and resources it needs. To confirm your dates and reserve your space, contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you would like to add your group to the Journey Group handout and webpage, contact Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org.
Angel Tree for Missions: Christmas in July
It is never too early to begin thinking about the love and generosity of the Christmas season. Angel Tree will return to Birmingham and Berkley First this fall, with a goal of supporting more than 300 angels and their families through gifts and food bags. Volunteers will be needed in a variety of ways. Please plan to join us in helping make Christmas brighter for families in need this November. Click here for more information.
It is never too early to begin thinking about the love and generosity of the Christmas season. Angel Tree will return to Birmingham and Berkley First this fall, with a goal of supporting more than 300 angels and their families through gifts and food bags. Volunteers will be needed in a variety of ways. Please plan to join us in helping make Christmas brighter for families in need this November. Click here for more information.
Make Space for God in Your Day
Whether you have a few quiet minutes in the morning, need a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day, or want to end your evening in prayer, a daily devotional can help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with God. We’ve gathered a collection of United Methodist devotional resources offering Scripture, prayer, reflection, and encouragement to help nurture your faith and make space for God each day. Click here to explore our Devotionals page and find a resource that speaks to you.
Whether you have a few quiet minutes in the morning, need a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day, or want to end your evening in prayer, a daily devotional can help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with God. We’ve gathered a collection of United Methodist devotional resources offering Scripture, prayer, reflection, and encouragement to help nurture your faith and make space for God each day. Click here to explore our Devotionals page and find a resource that speaks to you.
Voice of Hope
Need a little encouragement? Call our Voice of Hope line at 248-646-6407 and press 2 to hear an uplifting message recorded just for you. Whether you're seeking comfort, inspiration, or a gentle reminder of God's love, take a moment to listen. New messages are shared each week—don’t miss your moment of hope today.
Need a little encouragement? Call our Voice of Hope line at 248-646-6407 and press 2 to hear an uplifting message recorded just for you. Whether you're seeking comfort, inspiration, or a gentle reminder of God's love, take a moment to listen. New messages are shared each week—don’t miss your moment of hope today.
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 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 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.
Men’s Retreat Registration Open
Mark your calendars for this year’s Men’s Retreat at the Colombiere Center (9075 Big Lake Rd., Clarkston, Michigan), taking place Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24. We invite all men to set aside this time for fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Click here to register.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Men’s Retreat at the Colombiere Center (9075 Big Lake Rd., Clarkston, Michigan), taking place Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24. We invite all men to set aside this time for fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Click here to register.
Registration Open: Pickleball with a Purpose
Serve Kindness. Smash Hunger. Registration is now open for the Hunger Ministry Pickleball Mixer Fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Join us for a fun day of pickleball, fellowship, and friendly competition, all while raising funds to support the Hunger Ministry and its work serving our neighbors. Click here to register to play.
Not a pickleball player? Volunteers are needed, too! Help us make this event a success by lending a hand throughout the day. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
Serve Kindness. Smash Hunger. Registration is now open for the Hunger Ministry Pickleball Mixer Fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Join us for a fun day of pickleball, fellowship, and friendly competition, all while raising funds to support the Hunger Ministry and its work serving our neighbors. Click here to register to play.
Not a pickleball player? Volunteers are needed, too! Help us make this event a success by lending a hand throughout the day. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
Fall Rummage Sale: October 4-9
Mark your calendars for October 4–9 as the United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions returns to the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Now is the perfect time to begin planning your fall cleanout and setting aside items for donation days on October 4 and 5. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, including youth and adults. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve, connect with friends, and support mission work while having fun and working together.
Mark your calendars for October 4–9 as the United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions returns to the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Now is the perfect time to begin planning your fall cleanout and setting aside items for donation days on October 4 and 5. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, including youth and adults. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve, connect with friends, and support mission work while having fun and working together.
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.