Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

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September 20
No Ledger, Matthew 18:21-35 NIV
Rev. Chad Oyer preaching
Thanks to the American pastime game of Baseball, we are familiar with "Three strikes, you're out." In biblical times, rabbis taught that an offender should be forgiven three times.  In both scenarios, keeping track of strikes and offenses is of great importance. Jesus' teaching puts forth a radical propoal for our relationships of "No ledger. "

Please note: This is a change to our previously published preaching schedule. Dr. Boayue has been called out of town due to a change in his mother Fannia’s health. Please keep Dr. Boayue, his mother Fannia, and the entire Boayue family in your prayers during this time.

Featured Stained Glass Window
BULLETIN COVERThis week’s window represents one of the Twelve Spiritual Act of Mercy –  Freeing the Enslaved. It embodies the following sentiment: God’s mercy meets us in the very place where sin tries to hold us captive. When guilt whispers that we are too far gone, mercy speaks a better word: we are not beyond the reach of God’s love. The chains of sin are powerful, but they are not stronger than the cross. Through Christ, mercy forgives what we could never undo, and grace gives us strength to walk in a new way. We are no longer defined by shame, failure, or fear. We are held by a Savior who breaks every chain and calls us beloved, redeemed, and free.
[located in the Sanctuary east wall, north window, far right tracery]

Click here for more Sunday worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times/classroom information.

Events & Gatherings

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Church BBQ on the Lawn is Sunday, September 20

In the event of inclement weather, or if the lawn is too saturated following Saturday’s rain, the BBQ will move indoors to the CLC.
Make plans to be part of our Church BBQ on the Lawn, Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. Contact Sharon Ulep at sharonulep@hotmail.com to sign up to host a table or reserve a seat. Reservations will also be available in Fellowship Hall on September 20. Enjoy an evening of good food, conversation, and fun. The church will provide the main course, and each guest is asked to bring a side dish to share.

September Sunday Social
We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, September 27 at 12:15 p.m. for a delicious lunch and fellowship. The cost is $20.00 per person, and it is a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. RSVP by Wednesday, September 23 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929. 
New Monthly Prayer Group 
Join us for a new opportunity to gather in prayer on the first Sunday of each month from 10:35–10:55 a.m. in the Ward Library, Room 105. Meeting between worship services makes it easy for those attending either service to participate. Our first gathering is Sunday, October 4. Questions? Contact Judy Lowery at 248-792-7821.

Check out Judy's words of encouragement, "Good News! with Judy" by visiting our devotionals page.

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.
Pick Up a Book, Join the Conversation with Pastor Chad 
Theo of Golden 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. Pick up your copy in the bookstore this Sunday.
Registration Open: Pickleball with a Purpose
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. 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.

This Sunday, September 20 in Fellowship Hall, stop by the Hunger Ministry table to check out the silent auction items and sign up to bid. Choose from gift cards, local specialty gifts, salon and nail services, pickleball equipment, drop-in play passes, and more, all supporting our Hunger Ministry.
 
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.
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:
  • Make Fleece Blankets for Samaritas New Americans in Fellowship Hall after worship.
  • Assemble Meal Kits & Brown Bag Lunches for neighbors in need in Fellowship 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.
Fall Food and Supply Drive
The Hunger Committee invites you to participate in the Food and Supply Drive, supporting local agencies including Gleaners, Lighthouse, Baldwin Center, Freedom House, Redford Brightmoor, Cass Community Social Services, and the Berkley Food Pantry. Donation bags with a list of needed items will be distributed on Sunday, September 20 and collected on Sunday, September 27.  Volunteers are needed to help distribute bags, sort donations, and assist with pickup. Download a food & supply list, or sign up to help by clicking here.
Men’s Retreat – Don't miss out!
Register now for the 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. To register and for more information, click here.

Donate. Volunteer. Shop.
Fall Rummage Sale for Missions is October 4–9! Donate with easy curbside drop-off on October 4 from 1:00–8:00 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 on Sunday or contact Jane Carvell at 248-379-2662 or jcarve55@icloud.com. 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.  “Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10

Announcements

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Sock-It-to-Me September
Throughout September, help support our neighbors experiencing homelessness through NOAH at Central UMC. We are collecting new men’s socks in white, black, or gray, men’s and women’s underwear in sizes M–3XL, and T-shirts in sizes M–3XL. Please prioritize quality over quantity when donating. Items may be dropped off throughout the month in the collection bin near the Welcome Desk or in the CLC.

Equal Exchange is Back!
Great news on two fronts! Equal Exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate are back, and purchasing your favorites just got easier with a new QR code payment option. Stop by Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 20, from 9:00–9:30 a.m. and 10:30–11:00 a.m. to shop. Every purchase helps promote social and environmental justice by supporting fair trade and organic farming around the world.

Pray for Our Children This School Year 
Children and Family Ministries invites you to pray for one of our children throughout the school year. Pick up a prayer card and pray for that child’s safety, well-being, blessings, and growing faith. More than 800 prayer cards are available in the narthex, Main Office, and at the Welcome Desk, so feel free to take more than one or share with family and friends. Place your card somewhere you’ll see it often as a reminder to lift that child in prayer throughout the year.
Need to Reserve Space at Birmingham First? 

If you need to reserve a room or space for a church-sponsored meeting or event, please use our online facility request form or email Kate Wilcox at calendar@fumcbirmingham.org. A link to the Facility Request Form can always be found in the footer section of our website. 

Thank You, Blood Donors!
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves for our Blood Drive on Tuesday! We collected 27 whole blood donations, 5 double red donations, and 1 platelet donation for a total of 38 units, just three units shy of our goal of 41. We are grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make the drive a success. Our next blood drive is Tuesday, December 8.

Preschool Traffic Reminder
Preschool is now in session September through May. Monday–Friday from 8:30–9:30 a.m., please do not enter the east parking lot from Maple Road. All CLC and church visitors should use the Pleasant Street entrance during this time, as preschool curbside drop-off traffic will be traveling against the usual signs and directional arrows.

Find Your Place in a Journey Group This Fall
Fall is the perfect time to connect, grow, and find community at Birmingham First! Journey Groups offer a wide variety of opportunities for women, men, moms, and adults of all ages, with groups gathering throughout the week for Bible study, prayer, book discussions, fellowship, and meaningful conversation. Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, meet new people, or simply find a group that fits your schedule, there’s a place for you. Many groups welcome you to join anytime and attend as often as you can. Explore the groups at Birmingham First by clicking here.

First Nurses: Roll Up Your Sleeves to Help Others Roll Up Theirs!
Do you know how to check blood pressure? If so, the First Nurses could use your help! Volunteers are needed for about 30 minutes after the 9:30 a.m. worship service just a few times a year to provide blood pressure checks for our congregation. This simple service is offered once a month, and many of our members rely on it as a helpful way to keep an eye on their blood pressure. Sign up for a date through May 2027 by clicking here, or contact Deb Hamel at 248-882-6965 with questions or to volunteer. 

Help Us Offer a Warm Welcome on Sunday Mornings 
Sunday Morning Greeters are always needed at several key places in the church, at both the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. Your presence, smile and warm welcome make a lasting impression on all attendees. Sign up at the Kiosk during coffee hour every Sunday (and be sure to take a chocolate as a little "thank you"). Also, at the Kiosk each Sunday, you can order your official Name Badge, if you do not have one yet. It's a great way for everyone to learn more names as we gather together! 

College Care Packets: Get One or Help Make One 
As a new school year begins, so does a Birmingham First 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, contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@beachcom.net or 248-730-3040.

Spend Your Sunday with Our Littlest Ones!
There’s nothing quite like spending a Sunday morning with our littlest friends! This fall, Children & Family Ministries is looking for caring adults to volunteer in the Nursery. Spend time playing, reading stories, sharing smiles, and helping our youngest children feel happy and at home at church. It’s a fun and meaningful way to serve, whether you volunteer once or make it part of your regular Sunday routine. Volunteers must be 18 or older with a background check on file. Sign up today by clicking here, and come enjoy some time with our littlest ones! 
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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.
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