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.

Set aside time to attend this healing service on Monday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). This is a gentle time of worship centered on the theme “Through Cloud and Sunshine” and grounded in Psalm 147:1–11. Amid life’s changes and challenges, this service offers a quiet space to breathe, reflect, and receive God’s tender care. You are invited to rest in sacred stillness, light a candle in remembrance or hope, and find grounding peace in the presence of community. 

Thank You from Cass Community Social Services
Everyone at Cass Community Social Services extends heartfelt thanks to Birmingham & Berkley First for your continued support during these challenging times. From the generous gifts purchased and volunteer hours given for the Christmas Store, to stockings stuffed and attendance at the Friday God Bless the Child holiday concert, your love and care have been deeply felt and are truly appreciated. If you’d like to visit and learn more about their newest Tiny Homes, tours will be available—please click here for a flyer.

Here's one more opportunity to serve this coming week:

• Cass Community Social Services – Serve on December 20, 21, or 22 (Contact: Karla Bole – karla.bole@yahoo.com)

Micah 6 Santa’s Workshop – December 20
Thank you for your generous donations—our collection drive was a huge success! Volunteers are still needed on Saturday, December 20 to help move, organize, and distribute gifts at 32 Newberry, Pontiac. Help is needed anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and you do not need to stay the whole time. This is an outdoor event, so please dress very warmly. Questions? Contact Steve Read at seread66@gmail.com.

Thank You from Samaritas New Americans
On behalf of the Samaritas New Americans mission project at Birmingham and Berkley First, Katy Niglas and Rachel Campbell extend a heartfelt thank you to all who organized and attended this year’s Advent by Candlelight event. Your gifts of time, presence, joy, and generous support created a beautiful beginning to the Christmas season and helped Samaritas New Americans continue their important work of welcoming refugee families and supporting them as they rebuild their lives in Southeast Michigan.

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!

Sign up by December 31: 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. 

Registration opened on December 11 for current families and Birmingham & Berkley First church members. It will open to the public on January 8. Visit our preschool page for more information. First Kids Preschool strives to nurture each child’s individuality and innate curiosities in a loving, Christian environment. Our goal is to instill a desire for lifelong learning as we prepare preschoolers for kindergarten and the world beyond!

Birmingham First Campus, Ritter Room #217
Meets December 22 & 29
Rev. Rachael Dunlap facilitating

Discover the fascinating connections between ancient birth stories and the Nativity of Jesus in this captivating four-week Advent study. The study delves into the narratives of Isaac and Ishmael, Moses, and Samuel to reveal how they foreshadow and enrich the timeless Christmas story in the final chapter. Author Amy-Jill Levine brings her expert knowledge of Scripture and careful consideration of the Christian story to show readers how Scripture's earlier birth stories anticipate the story of Jesus' birth and how the birth resonates, giving new meaning to those earlier stories.  Books are $15, some are available in the office. 

The CLC is YOUR space—bring a friend, invite your family, and make it a season to remember!
Winter Pickleball
Check out the CLC Pickleball updated schedule for drop-in hours, beginner lessons, ladder leagues, and intermediate skills & drills with Coach Steve. You don’t have to be a pro to play here—just come ready to have fun, try something new, and stay active this winter. Whether you’re looking for competition or connection, there’s a spot for you on the courts. 

New to the CLC—Mah Jongg
Discover the fun and strategy of Mah Jongg! We now offer Monday night Mah Jongg Classes (6:00–8:00 p.m.) designed for beginners, or Guided Play for those who want help sharpening their strategy—both require pre-registration. Prefer something more casual? Open Play is available Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in the café, with no registration required. Come learn, play, and enjoy time together around this classic game! Click here for more information.

About the CLC
The Christian Life Center (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham) is a space for Birmingham & Berkley First members, their families, and the wider community. The CLC offers opportunities to stay active, connect, and build community through an indoor walking track, yoga, knitting groups, gentle balance and strength training classes, pickleball, and more. For the CLC winter activities, click here.

Birmingham First Campus
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.  

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.

Click a button below for more information on upcoming events, opportunities, and groups.

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.