Find Your Group This Fall at Berkley First
Fall is a great time to make new connections and grow in faith at Berkley First! Our Journey Groups offer opportunities for women, men, and adults of all ages to gather for Bible study, prayer, meaningful conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a weekly study, a twice-monthly gathering, or simply a place to connect with others, there’s a group for you. Newcomers are always welcome, and you can join at any time. Explore the groups and find one that fits your schedule this fall by clicking here.
Fall is a great time to make new connections and grow in faith at Berkley First! Our Journey Groups offer opportunities for women, men, and adults of all ages to gather for Bible study, prayer, meaningful conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a weekly study, a twice-monthly gathering, or simply a place to connect with others, there’s a group for you. Newcomers are always welcome, and you can join at any time. Explore the groups and find one that fits your schedule this fall by clicking here.
Give Blood. Give Hope.
Our next Versiti Blood Drive is Thursday, September 24 from 2:30–7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The need for blood never takes a break. Local hospitals rely on a steady supply every day for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and other serious health needs. One donation can help save multiple lives, and every appointment helps ensure blood is there when someone in our community needs it most. Click here to schedule your time to give.
Our next Versiti Blood Drive is Thursday, September 24 from 2:30–7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The need for blood never takes a break. Local hospitals rely on a steady supply every day for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and other serious health needs. One donation can help save multiple lives, and every appointment helps ensure blood is there when someone in our community needs it most. Click here to schedule your time to give.
Don't miss out on the Men's Retreat
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.
College Care Packets: Get One or Help Make One
As a new school year begins, so does our church tradition that has been caring for our college students for at least 28 years! Students and parents should send a current mailing address to cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org by October 4, even if it hasn’t changed. Did you receive a College Care Packet in years past? Now is your chance to help continue the tradition! Volunteers are needed to donate small items or help assemble packets on October 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Martin Room. To help or donate, contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@beachcom.net or 248-730-3040.
As a new school year begins, so does our church tradition that has been caring for our college students for at least 28 years! Students and parents should send a current mailing address to cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org by October 4, even if it hasn’t changed. Did you receive a College Care Packet in years past? Now is your chance to help continue the tradition! Volunteers are needed to donate small items or help assemble packets on October 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Martin Room. To help or donate, contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@beachcom.net or 248-730-3040.
Merry Mates at Birmingham First
Looking for a great way to meet new people and enjoy an evening of good food and an interesting program? Merry Mates is a gathering of adults from Birmingham & Berkley First, with singles and couples alike warmly welcome. The group meets once a month at the Birmingham First campus, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, for dinner, conversation, and a special program. The new season begins Friday, September 18, with Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, Lead Pastor of Berkley First, sharing her Jeopardy!-inspired story, “Methodist Pastors for $1,000, Ken.” Gather and socialize at 5:30 p.m., enjoy dinner catered by Chef Hollie at 6:00 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. Whether you’ve participated in Merry Mates for years or have never attended before, you’re invited to come and see what it’s all about. Singles, couples, guests, and newcomers are all welcome. Cost is $25 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438 by Sunday, September 13.
Looking for a great way to meet new people and enjoy an evening of good food and an interesting program? Merry Mates is a gathering of adults from Birmingham & Berkley First, with singles and couples alike warmly welcome. The group meets once a month at the Birmingham First campus, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, for dinner, conversation, and a special program. The new season begins Friday, September 18, with Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, Lead Pastor of Berkley First, sharing her Jeopardy!-inspired story, “Methodist Pastors for $1,000, Ken.” Gather and socialize at 5:30 p.m., enjoy dinner catered by Chef Hollie at 6:00 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. Whether you’ve participated in Merry Mates for years or have never attended before, you’re invited to come and see what it’s all about. Singles, couples, guests, and newcomers are all welcome. Cost is $25 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438 by Sunday, September 13.
Church BBQ on the Lawn is Sunday, September 20 at Birmingham First
Make plans to be part of our Church BBQ on the Lawn, Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. Contact Sharon Ulep at sulep@hotmail.com to sign up to host a table or reserve a seat. Enjoy an evening of good food, conversation, and fun on the lawn. Church will provide the main course, and each guest is asked to bring a side dish to share.
Make plans to be part of our Church BBQ on the Lawn, Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. Contact Sharon Ulep at sulep@hotmail.com to sign up to host a table or reserve a seat. Enjoy an evening of good food, conversation, and fun on the lawn. Church will provide the main course, and each guest is asked to bring a side dish to share.
Donate. Volunteer. Shop.
Fall Rummage Sale for Missions is October 4–9! Donate with easy curbside drop-off on October 4 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. and October 5 from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, and volunteers receive special early shopping privileges. Sign up at the kiosk between services today! Then come shop October 7 from noon–8:00 p.m. at regular price and October 8 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at regular price, and 3:00–8:00 p.m. for 50% off and the $10 Bag Sale. More information is available on our website
Fall Rummage Sale for Missions is October 4–9! Donate with easy curbside drop-off on October 4 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. and October 5 from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, and volunteers receive special early shopping privileges. Sign up at the kiosk between services today! Then come shop October 7 from noon–8:00 p.m. at regular price and October 8 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at regular price, and 3:00–8:00 p.m. for 50% off and the $10 Bag Sale. More information is available on our website
Pick Up a Book, Join the Conversation with Pastor Chad at Birmingham First
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is a moving Christian novel about a mysterious stranger whose simple acts of generosity transform the lives of people in a small Southern town. Through stories shared and kindness given, the novel explores what it means to truly see and be seen. Pastor Chad will lead a book discussion on Sunday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham).
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is a moving Christian novel about a mysterious stranger whose simple acts of generosity transform the lives of people in a small Southern town. Through stories shared and kindness given, the novel explores what it means to truly see and be seen. Pastor Chad will lead a book discussion on Sunday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham).
Hands on Mission Sunday, September 27
Come be the hands and feet of Jesus during our Hands On Mission Volunteer Day, The Church Has Left the Building. Alongside United Methodist churches throughout the Greater Detroit District, Birmingham & Berkley First will serve our neighbors through a variety of hands-on projects.
Choose how you’d like to serve:
Come be the hands and feet of Jesus during our Hands On Mission Volunteer Day, The Church Has Left the Building. Alongside United Methodist churches throughout the Greater Detroit District, Birmingham & Berkley First will serve our neighbors through a variety of hands-on projects.
Choose how you’d like to serve:
- Make Fleece Blankets for Samaritas New Americans in the Social Hall after worship.
- Assemble Meal Kits & Brown Bag Lunches for neighbors in need in the Social Hall after worship.
- Serve at Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI) by sorting donated clothing and household items. Patty Reynolds will lead this group, with carpooling available from Berkley First. For questions, contact Patty at 248-376-2475,or email patty1229@yahoo.com.
- Join UMCOR’s After the Storm Team to help Detroit homeowners still recovering from devastating flooding. Projects may include debris removal, lawn care, grass seeding, and light carpentry. This group will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Birmingham First South Parking Lot before heading to the work sites. For questions about After the Storm, contact Linda Richards at 248-761-0756 or lrichards@richardscg.com.
Parents' Night Out
Parents, ready for a break? Drop the kids off for an evening of fun at Parents' Night Out at Berkley First on Friday, October 9, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Kids through 5th grade will enjoy a bounce house, games, a movie, pizza, drinks, and snacks while parents enjoy a few hours of well-deserved downtime. The cost is just $7 per child. Be sure to register by October 2 to reserve your child's spot! Click here to register.
Parents, ready for a break? Drop the kids off for an evening of fun at Parents' Night Out at Berkley First on Friday, October 9, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Kids through 5th grade will enjoy a bounce house, games, a movie, pizza, drinks, and snacks while parents enjoy a few hours of well-deserved downtime. The cost is just $7 per child. Be sure to register by October 2 to reserve your child's spot! Click here to register.
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.
Registration Open: Pickleball with a Purpose at the Christian Life Center
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. at the CLC (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). 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. at the CLC (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). 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.