You’re invited to the Grand Opening of the Micah 6 Webster Community Center on March 20 from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at 640 Huron Street in Pontiac, with a ribbon cutting at 2:00 p.m. This newly renovated space, located in the historic Elmer R. Webster School building, will serve as a vibrant hub for neighborhood programs, partnerships, and community resources. A project of Micah 6 Community, the center reflects a continued commitment to strengthening and supporting the Pontiac community. 

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.

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.

Sign up by March 7 for UMCOR Early Response Team (ERT) training and be prepared to serve when disaster strikes. This eight-hour training, held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.) at St. Paul’s UMC in Rochester Hills, will equip you with the basics of entering a disaster zone as a volunteer. Participants will receive a three-year certification badge, a Michigan ERT T-shirt, a training manual outlining appropriate response guidelines, and lunch. Certified through United Methodist Committee on Relief, you will join trained volunteers who stand ready to respond when called by the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Coordinator or other United Methodist conferences—ERT teams do not self-deploy. The work may include mucking out basements, removing drywall, tarping roofs, and clearing debris, all in service as the hands and feet of Christ. The cost is $35, payable at the door (checks made to MI Conference Disaster Response). Pre-registration is required; contact Jody Pratt at prattgji09@gmail.com or 616.292.4908 to register. 

The Christian Life Center is looking for volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30–6:00 p.m., as well as substitute volunteers to help fill morning, afternoon, and evening shifts. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the many people who use and enjoy the CLC each week. As a thank-you, volunteers may participate in drop-in pickleball and Mah Jongg at no cost. If you are interested or have questions, please email clc@fumcbirmingham.org. 

If you would like to place a lily in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one, please click here to order online or pick up an order form from the church office on Sunday morning. Completed forms may be mailed to Dorothy Duensing at 1589 W. Maple, Birmingham, MI 48009, or returned to the church office with a check payable to First United Methodist Church. 

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!

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 

Birmingham First February 23: Thanks to your generosity and willingness to give, our February Blood Drive was a tremendous success. Together, we impacted 111 lives. With a goal of 40 units, donors contributed 35 whole blood donations and 3 double red donations, for a total of 41 units collected—goal crushed! Thank you for helping make a life-saving difference. Mark your calendar for our next Blood Drive on Monday, May 11.

Berkley First, February 16: Great job supporting our recent blood drive! Because of your generosity, this drive will help impact 42 lives across our community. With a goal of 15 units, we collected 14 units total, including 8 whole blood donations and 3 double red donations, and welcomed 4 first-time Versiti donors. Thank you for ensuring blood is on the shelves today so lives can be saved tomorrow.  

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. 

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!

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! 

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! 

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.