The United Women in Faith provided funds to projects and individuals that align with their mission of positively impacting women, children and/or youth. Grant funding is now open!  Grant applications are due no later than March 1, 2026. Visit our UWF Page to download an application.

We’re excited to introduce the Noisy Bucket Challenge! Each quarter, we’ll invite our children to bring in coins and offerings to help us reach a special giving goal.
For our first quarter, our goal is $300, which will be donated to our mission partners in La Corosa, Honduras, to help fund new playground equipment. Throughout February and March, noisy buckets will be available each week for children to fill with their spare change.
To wrap it all up, on the last Sunday in March, the children will take part in a Noisy Bucket Run through the Sanctuary — our final, joy-filled push to reach our goal!
Questions? Email Julie White at jwhite@berkleyfirst.org.

Click here for more information.

We are pleased to extend an invitation to all members of Birmingham First or Berkley First to apply for the United Women in Faith Scholarship. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing education or training beyond high school, recognizing their involvement in our church communities and encouraging future church affiliation and participation.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MARCH 15, 2026 

During office hours on weekdays, our Church Secretary, Dorothy Duensing, can help you purchase one 10 Books left by former Senior Pastor/Guest Preacher, Rev. Dr. Bill Ritter called, "I Know My Way Home" for $15 per paperback, and one of 28 Books left by last week's Guest Speaker/WJR's own co-author Jack Krasula, and co-author, Dale Buss, for $25 per hardcover. Dr Ritter already donated proceeds to our Music ministries, and  Jack Krasula is generously donating all his proceeds to UMCOR ministries. 

As part of our Lenten Dinner and Program on Sunday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center, we invite Birmingham & Berkley First members to share their creative gifts in a special art exhibit. Artwork in all mediums is welcome, and artists are encouraged to submit pieces that reflect their own creative expression. This exhibit celebrates the many ways creativity is lived and shared within our faith community. If you are interested in submitting a piece for the exhibit, please contact Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org. 

On January 27, the Torrey family experienced a devastating house fire. We are grateful to share that everyone is safe, with only minor injuries, though the loss has understandably turned their lives upside down. Beth Torrey serves as our Children & Family Ministry Coordinator and UNITE 3-on-3 Basketball Coordinator, and her family is deeply woven into the life of our church. Their children are active in many areas, including volunteering, youth group, and Sunday School. Pastors have been present for immediate needs, and family members are providing temporary shelter as longer-term housing options are explored. If you feel called to help, click here.

On Sunday, February 1, after each worship service, join us for a tour of the Christian Life Center (CLC). This will be a great time to learn about the many opportunities (walking track, balance classes, knitting, puzzles, and much more) that are available for all of us. Meet Judy Turner & Margaret Maddox at the Kiosk in Fellowship Hall to take the tour of your CLC.  

Click here for more information.

Our United Women in Faith invite you to begin cleaning out closets and gathering items to donate. Volunteers are greatly needed throughout the week, including women, men, and middle and high school youth. This is a fun week of fellowship and service—please prayerfully consider how your time, talents, and abilities can help support our mission work. Easy drop-off donation days are April 26 & 27. There is no truck pick-up of donated items.

Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall after worship on Sudnays and find meaningful books that make wonderful additions to Easter baskets. For children, Snuggle Time Easter Stories offers gentle rhymes that introduce our youngest readers to the true meaning of Easter, while ’Twas the Morning Before Easter joyfully shares the story of Jesus’ resurrection through colorful illustrations and engaging, rhyming text. For adults, Why Easter Matters by Andy Stanley invites readers to explore the powerful people and moments surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Come browse, be inspired, and take home a story that speaks to the season. 

Click here to sign up!

Help us create a warm, welcoming experience for all! Sign up to serve as a greeter in 2026—make coffee and lemonade, set up beverage stations, welcome worshipers with a smile, answer questions, or greet at the Sanctuary doors, main doors, and Circle Drive near the Choir Room. You can also help staff the kiosk between services to recruit other greeters. Join us in sharing Christ’s hospitality—sign up today!

Click here for more information.
Those interested in UMCOR Early Response Team (ERT) certification are invited to participate in a training on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The session will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with check-in at 8:30 a.m. for pre-registered participants, and will include lunch, breaks, a participant manual, and a t-shirt. The cost is $35, payable at the door, with checks made out to MI Conference Disaster Response. Training will be held at St. Paul’s UMC in Rochester Hills and is limited to 20 participants, with pre-registration required by March 7. This training is for those seeking certification through UMCOR for early response deployment. Thank you to Linda and Chelsea Rose for sharing their Mission Moment in worship. 

Cass Community Social Services is in urgent need of the following items: sweatshirts and sweat pants in all sizes (children's to XXL). Donations may be sent directly to Cass Community Social Services, c/o Sue Pethoud, 11475 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit, MI 48206.

The Liberia Mission Trip in February will include a visit to the Judith Craig Orphanage and the Home for the Aging, both United Methodist ministries. We invite you to support this mission by donating needed items that will be packed and carried in suitcases. Donation bins will be located by the front Welcome Desk doors. Items needed include children’s underwear (24 months–size 14/16), socks, children’s flip flops, crayons, markers, and coloring books for the orphanage, as well as cotton underwear for men and women, flip flops, and crossword puzzles or small games for the Home for the Aging.

As If the Heart Mattered expounds on John Wesley's image of religion as a house by exploring three main parts: the porch of repentance, the door of faith, and holiness (the house itself). Stop by the bookstore in Fellowship Hall today after worship to pick up your copy.  


Visit our Circuit Rider Bookstore Page for more information.

Potluck Sunday is the third Sunday of every month. Bring a dish to pass and join us in the Social Hall downstairs after worship for a wonderful time to connect with friends new and old.

Want to help set up? Email Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. 

Altar Flower & Mission Candle Dedications
Altar Flower and Mission Candle dedications are a meaningful way to honor loved ones, mark special occasions, or give thanks to God. Altar Flower dedications ($75) are available for February 8 and February 15. Mission Candle dedications ($30) are available for January 25; February 1, February 8; February 15; and March 1. To reserve a date or learn more, please contact Dorothy Duensing at the church office, or email office@fumcbirmingham.org.

Birmingham & Berkley First
Have you found comfort in grief or hope in God’s word? Do you love sharing how Jesus has worked in your life? Use your voice to inspire others! Take turns recording a weekly phone message of encouragement. Call Judy Lowery at 248-792-7821 to learn more. Your voice could be the hope someone needs! 

Birmingham & Berkley First
Call the Voice of Hope at 248-646-6407, then press 2 to hear an uplifting message recorded just for you! Whether you’re looking for comfort, inspiration, or a reminder of God’s love, take a moment to listen and be encouraged. New messages are shared weekly—don’t miss out on a little hope today! 

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION 
Discover the fun and strategy of Mah Jongg with new offerings in the CLC! Join us for 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 also available with no registration required. Come learn, play, and enjoy time together around this classic game!

Need to borrow an umbrella, snow scraper, or even a pair of reading glasses after a service or meeting? We’ve got you covered! Umbrellas and snow scrapers are available at three main locations: the Main Entrance, Kitchen Door, and Circle Drive. Reading glasses can be found at the Welcome Center near the rear of the Sanctuary. Please be sure to return any borrowed items when you’re finished so they’re ready for the next person who may need them. 
 

If you’re interested in learning more about life-time gifts and legacy giving such as strategies used for operating budget donations (ministry plan); endowment fund contributions, or donations directed to a designated ministry of your choice, please reach out to Karen Murphy for more information. Karen is our new Development Officer and can be reached directly at (248) 646-1200 ext. 3155, or email at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org. She would be happy to set a time to meet together to discuss further. 

Be sure to stop by Fellowship Hall between worship services on the following Sundays: February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 7. Save these dates to stock up on your favorite Fair Trade chocolate, tea, and coffee. Equal Exchange supports a more ethical and sustainable marketplace by ensuring small-scale farmer cooperatives receive fair prices for their products. Your purchase helps create a better world—one cup (or chocolate bar) at a time! 

Volunteering to teach Sunday School is a meaningful way to invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation, regardless of whether you have a child in the program. It’s an opportunity to share your faith, encourage young hearts, and model Christ-like service in action. We will provide you with all the materials needed to teach Sunday School in advance. If interested in volunteering for Sunday School, please reach out to Beth Torrey btorrey@fumcbirmingham.org and Dayna Ratliff dratliff@fumcbirmingham.org. We have open spots in Preschool, K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-5th grade classrooms.

Nursery Care Volunteer Information
Birmingham First
If you have a passion for caring for our little babies by holding, rocking, and comforting them, we invite you to consider volunteering in our nursery. We are in need of volunteers to help in the nursery during 9:30AM and 11:00AM Sunday services. Your support is greatly appreciated. Click here to sign up!

Your health matters! First Nurses will be available in Fellowship Hall to check blood pressure between services on the first Sunday of every month. Compare your results each month to be sure you’re staying on top of your health! This free and friendly service is open to all—no appointment needed!