Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

This week’s bulletin cover celebrates our 2026 Vacation Bible School theme, “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God.” Throughout the week, our children discovered that God is our Creator, that God knows everything, that God is our safe place, that God is love, and that God is forever. We give thanks for the dedicated staff and volunteers whose faith, creativity, and care made this memorable week possible. As Psalm 136:1 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.”

As we celebrate VBS Sunday with worship in the Sanctuary, these lessons naturally lead into this week’s sermon, “Unacceptable Excuses” (Matthew 10:24–39), preached by Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. In this challenging passage, Jesus speaks plainly about what it means to follow him with courage, commitment, and faith. The same God our children learned to trust throughout the week is the God who calls each of us to live faithfully, even when discipleship is difficult. As we gather on Father’s Day and VBS Sunday, may we give thanks for the next generation, celebrate those who nurture faith in others, and renew our own commitment to follow Christ wherever he leads.

Click here for more Sunday worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times.
Summer Building Hours & VBS Week in the CLC 
Summer building hours are now in effect through Labor Day. The main building will be open Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For building access on Fridays during the summer, please contact the church office to schedule an appointment by emailing office@fumcbirmingham.org or calling 248-646-1200.
 
Vacation Bible School is taking place now until Friday, June 19, and our building has been transformed into a rainforest adventure for hundreds of children and volunteers. As part of the VBS setup, the Christian Life Center (CLC) is closed through Friday, June 19. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation as we welcome children and families to this exciting week of ministry.

England Youth Choir Tour: BON VOYAGE CONCERT

Sunday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Birmingham First Sanctuary

Coming Up

Celebrating Our Clergy and Their Ministries
As we prepare for upcoming pastoral transitions, we invite you to join us in celebrating and giving thanks for the faithful ministry of Rev. Rachael and Rev. Zack Dunlap on Sunday, June 21 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley).


Clergy Love Gifts
At each celebration, a card box will be available for you to share cards, memories, and well wishes. A love gift is also being collected as a way of thanking Rev. Rachael, Rev. Sarah, and Rev. Zack for their faithful dedication and ministry to our congregation. Contributions may be made online by clicking the button below, or in-person by cash or check. If you are bringing your love gift to the celebration on June 21, or dropping off in the office, checks should be made payable directly to each pastor. Please note that love gifts are not tax deductible.
give an online clergy love gift
Sunday Social
We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, June 28 at 11:15 a.m. for a delicious lunch and fellowship. The cost is $20.00 per person, and it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. RSVP by Wednesday, June 24 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929.
Prison Creative Arts Project Exhibit Comes to Birmingham & Berkley First
Art as Liberation, Art as Reflection: Select Works from the Prison Creative Arts Project Donated Art Collection will be on display at Birmingham & Berkley First this June. This exhibit features artwork donated by incarcerated artists throughout Michigan through the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP). Artists often choose to donate their work because they may not have the space or permission to store finished artwork, allowing these pieces to be shared through classes, fundraisers, and exhibitions like this one. The exhibit will be  at Berkley First from June 21–24 and at Birmingham First from June 25–28. All are invited to stop by and experience this thoughtful and impactful collection.
Disaster Relief Volunteers Needed
Did you know that more than 300 Detroit homeowners are still recovering from the devastating floods of 2023? For the past three years, After The Storm (ATS), a Michigan Conference disaster recovery ministry, has been working alongside affected families and volunteer teams from across the country to help restore homes and hope.

Birmingham & Berkley First is exploring ways to partner with this ongoing recovery effort. Join us on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Room at Birmingham First to learn how you can serve alongside other United Methodist disaster relief volunteers. Representatives from After The Storm will share information about current projects and volunteer opportunities.
No previous experience is necessary, training will be provided on site, and volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Opportunities are available now for those ready to serve.

Questions? Contact Linda Richards at (248) 761-0756 or Chelesa-Rose Jabboori at (248) 254-2627.
You're Invited to Celebrate with the Boayue Family
Rev. Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Boayue invite members of Birmingham and Berkley First to the 90th Birthday Celebration for Charles' mother, Fannia W. Boayue on Saturday, June 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 1019 Chesterfield Avenue, Birmingham, Michigan 48009. There will be an assortment of Liberian food available to share. Please RSVP your attendance at cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org by June 18. 
Harvest Produce Table Volunteers Needed 
Help support local hunger ministries this summer by volunteering at the Harvest Produce Table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Donate flowers or garden produce, shop for fresh items, or sign up to help staff the table. All proceeds benefit local food banks and soup kitchens. Sign up to volunteer by clicking here.
Blood Drive – July 7
Join us on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 12:30–6:30 p.m. and help save lives through the gift of blood donation. Our goal is to collect at least 41 units of blood, with 75 appointment slots available. Every appointment represents a patient who may be facing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, or a medical emergency. Filling the schedule is critical to maintaining a reliable blood supply for local hospitals, helping prevent delays in care, and ensuring patients in our community receive lifesaving treatment when they need it most. Please consider making an appointment and helping us reach our goal. Sign up by clicking here.

Welcoming Rev. Elizabeth Hurd

Birmingham & Berkley First is pleased to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd as Associate Pastor and Lead Campus Pastor of Berkley First. Pastor Elizabeth will begin her ministry with the congregation on July 1 and will preach at Berkley First beginning Sunday, July 5. 
Read the Article

Announcements

Celebrating Refugees
Ten years ago, many members of our church opened their hearts to two refugee families from Syria. One was the Farawati family: a mother, father, and two teenage sons, Ahmad and Hashem. With leadership from the Church and Society Ministry, church members provided housing, financial support, connections to healthcare, and guidance through high school for the teenagers. While the parents found it challenging to learn English, the sons adapted quickly, excelled in school, and helped their parents. Ahmad and Hashem have both graduated from college, secured good jobs, and recently purchased a home. The second family was a single mother, Duha, and her young son, Ahmed. Ahmed has just completed his freshman year of high school, and Duha works in the high school cafeteria. All members of both families are now U.S. citizens. The experience has been a blessing for everyone involved. Church and Society went on to furnish homes for more than 100 Afghan refugees. Carol and Frank Driscoll and Rex and Sue Smith provided outstanding leadership for this ministry.

Our commitment to welcoming refugees continues through the Samaritas New Americans Mission Project, led by Katy Niglas and Rachel Campbell. Church volunteers support our ESL program, Refugee Youth Career Fair, and donation drives. To learn more or get involved, contact FUMCSamaritas@gmail.com.
Make a Difference This Summer: Volunteer with Children & Family Ministries
Families, help make this summer special for our kids by volunteering with Children and Family Ministries. We are looking for enthusiastic adults to support Summer Sunday School and the Nursery, offering a fun and meaningful way to connect and give back. Sunday School will follow a relaxed one room format in the Children’s Center with a short lesson, activity, snack, and playground time. If you are 18 or older and have a background check on file, you are ready to serve. Join us in creating a welcoming and joyful experience for every child this summer. Sign up here.
Men’s Retreat – Save the Date
Mark your calendars for this year’s Men’s Retreat at the Colombiere Center, taking place Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24. Registration will open later in June, with additional details coming soon. We invite all men to set aside this time for fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Stay tuned for more information.

Visit the Circuit Rider Bookstore on Sunday
Looking for a meaningful Father's Day book to share with a little one? The Lord's Prayer by Tim Ladwig brings the beloved prayer to life through beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story. Set in a modern city, the book follows a father and his young daughter as they help a neighbor in need, offering a fresh and meaningful perspective on the words of the Lord's Prayer for today's generation. Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore after worship to pick up your copy.

Join the Next Liberia Missions Journey in 2027
By overwhelming demand, a second Missions Trip to Liberia has been planned. The trip will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the School of Excellence, with the President of Liberia in attendance. Without the support of this church and others, this first school would not have become a reality. The trip will also include a blessing ceremony on the land designated for the future Middle School and High School, which are currently in their infancy stages. Visits to the Judith Craig Orphanage, a Methodist senior center, a local Methodist hospital, and a university are also planned. Guests will bring medical supplies, clothing, rice, and other much-needed items. If you are interested in signing up or learning more, please email Helen Hicks at helenk7306@outlook.com or contact Dr. Boayue, cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org, at your convenience.

Save These Dates: October 4-9

Mark your calendars for October 4–9 as the United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions returns. Now is the perfect time to begin planning your fall cleanout and setting aside items for donation days on October 4 and 5. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, including youth and adults. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve, connect with friends, and support mission work while having fun and working together.

Newsletter & Sermon Archive Content
Are you looking for information from a past Steeple Notes? Or a past sermon recording? Email Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-646-6407 ext: 3130.
Communication Submission Deadlines
To submit content for church communications, please complete the online form by clicking here. Submissions for the weekly Steeple Notes are due by Mondays at 5:00 p.m. Bulletin announcements must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.