Forward by Faith
In the first week since Commitment Sunday, 238 households have committed $1.39 million for next year’s ministry, and 25 of them pledged for the first time. Every one of these cards is a family stepping forward in faith. Thank you.
If your pledge card is still on the kitchen counter, this is the week to send it in. If you’ve never pledged, there’s no minimum, and a small pledge makes a difference. We’d love for this to be your year.
Please return your card by Sunday, November 15. That’s when the Finance Committee begins building next year’s budget, and the more they have in hand, the more confidently they can plan. Drop it in the offering plate, drop it in the mail, bring it to the church office, or pledge online--it takes about two minutes by clicking the button below. A pledge is simply your best estimate for the year, and it can change if your life does.
If your pledge card is still on the kitchen counter, this is the week to send it in. If you’ve never pledged, there’s no minimum, and a small pledge makes a difference. We’d love for this to be your year.
Please return your card by Sunday, November 15. That’s when the Finance Committee begins building next year’s budget, and the more they have in hand, the more confidently they can plan. Drop it in the offering plate, drop it in the mail, bring it to the church office, or pledge online--it takes about two minutes by clicking the button below. A pledge is simply your best estimate for the year, and it can change if your life does.
Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. (in-person & online)
Generations
Differences in age and experience can make it feel like people of other generations are living in completely different worlds. Understanding—or even talking with—one another can be hard. Yet if we are open, God offers a way through these impasses: a community that embraces both wisdom and innovation, where we can grow up and go gray, and where our differences become blessings rather than barriers.
Differences in age and experience can make it feel like people of other generations are living in completely different worlds. Understanding—or even talking with—one another can be hard. Yet if we are open, God offers a way through these impasses: a community that embraces both wisdom and innovation, where we can grow up and go gray, and where our differences become blessings rather than barriers.
November 1: All Saint's Day
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
Generations: Standing on the Promises, Luke 2:25-38
As every generation stands together in the hope of Christ, bearing witness for God's enduring promise, their gifts and experiences become a blessing to all. As we read the story of Simeon and Anna, encountering the baby Jesus, we see the importance of witnessing to new generations about the hope and promise we have in God. Today, we will also take time in service to remember those from whom we have received the gifts of love and grace, and whose lives shaped our lives. Come and remember your loved ones through prayer and lighting of candles.
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
Generations: Standing on the Promises, Luke 2:25-38
As every generation stands together in the hope of Christ, bearing witness for God's enduring promise, their gifts and experiences become a blessing to all. As we read the story of Simeon and Anna, encountering the baby Jesus, we see the importance of witnessing to new generations about the hope and promise we have in God. Today, we will also take time in service to remember those from whom we have received the gifts of love and grace, and whose lives shaped our lives. Come and remember your loved ones through prayer and lighting of candles.
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.
What's Happening at Berkley First
Bible Sunday
Sunday, November 8 • 10:00 a.m.
Deep Peace Singing Bowls
Friday, November 6 • 6:30–7:30 p.m.
MCHS Christmas Wish Lists
Sunday, November 1 • After Worship
Fulfill a Christmas wish lists for children served by Methodist Children’s Home Society (MCHS) Visit our table after worship to pick up a wish list or learn more.
Anaupasis
Wednesday, November 18 • 6:30 p.m.
A Time For Prayer
Sunday, November 1 • 11:20 a.m.
Tuesday Evening Discussion Group
Tuesday, November 3 • 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Advent by Candlelight
United Women in Faith warmly invites women of all backgrounds and identities to Advent by Candlelight on Monday, November 30, at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI). This cherished tradition brings women together for an evening of fellowship, reflection and worship as we prepare for the coming of Christ. This year’s theme, What the World Needs Now…, invites us to reflect on the hope and love of the Advent season. The evening begins with fellowship and beautifully decorated tables in the Christian Life Center, followed by a special Advent worship service in the Sanctuary and dessert with friends. Whether you’d like to host a table, reserve a seat at the communal table or attend the Sanctuary program only. Learn more and RSVP by clicking here.
United Women in Faith warmly invites women of all backgrounds and identities to Advent by Candlelight on Monday, November 30, at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI). This cherished tradition brings women together for an evening of fellowship, reflection and worship as we prepare for the coming of Christ. This year’s theme, What the World Needs Now…, invites us to reflect on the hope and love of the Advent season. The evening begins with fellowship and beautifully decorated tables in the Christian Life Center, followed by a special Advent worship service in the Sanctuary and dessert with friends. Whether you’d like to host a table, reserve a seat at the communal table or attend the Sanctuary program only. Learn more and RSVP by clicking here.
Pickleball Ladder Leagues • Registration Open!
Registration is now open for Pickleball Ladder Leagues in the Christian Life Center (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Join us on Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21 and December 5 (no play November 28). Two sessions are available: 1:00–2:30 p.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m. The cost is $40 per session, and registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Register here.
Mah Jongg Open Play • Through November 28
Drop in for Mahjong at the Christian Life Center! Play Mondays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. or Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.–noon. Cost is $10 per person, or $5 if you bring your own board. Pay at the door.
Registration is now open for Pickleball Ladder Leagues in the Christian Life Center (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Join us on Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21 and December 5 (no play November 28). Two sessions are available: 1:00–2:30 p.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m. The cost is $40 per session, and registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Register here.
Mah Jongg Open Play • Through November 28
Drop in for Mahjong at the Christian Life Center! Play Mondays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. or Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.–noon. Cost is $10 per person, or $5 if you bring your own board. Pay at the door.
Pumpkin Patch is Open at Birmingham First
The Birmingham First Pumpkin Patch is open now through October 31. Pick out the perfect pumpkin while supporting our Hunger Ministry. And don’t forget your camera! The patch makes a beautiful fall backdrop, so gather the family, coordinate those pumpkin shirts and snap a few festive family photos while you’re here.
Help make the Pumpkin Patch to benefit Hunger Ministry happen! Volunteers are needed for daily two-hour sales shifts, with morning, afternoon and evening opportunities perfect for individuals and families. Click here for hours, pricing or to sign up as a volunteer.
The Birmingham First Pumpkin Patch is open now through October 31. Pick out the perfect pumpkin while supporting our Hunger Ministry. And don’t forget your camera! The patch makes a beautiful fall backdrop, so gather the family, coordinate those pumpkin shirts and snap a few festive family photos while you’re here.
Help make the Pumpkin Patch to benefit Hunger Ministry happen! Volunteers are needed for daily two-hour sales shifts, with morning, afternoon and evening opportunities perfect for individuals and families. Click here for hours, pricing or to sign up as a volunteer.
SAVE THESE DATES (Birmingham First Campus)
Friday, November 27 from 12:00-6:00 p.m.: Pickleball and Mahjongg Mixer for Angel Tree
Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.: Annual Church Conference
Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m.: Bethlehem Marketplace
Friday, November 27 from 12:00-6:00 p.m.: Pickleball and Mahjongg Mixer for Angel Tree
Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.: Annual Church Conference
Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m.: Bethlehem Marketplace