December 14
Children's Christmas Pageant
Rev. Rachael M. Dunlap preaching

Advent is a season of anticipation — a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ Jesus.
Join us at Berkley First as Pastor Rachael Dunlap shares an inspiring message of Hope, and we experience the wonder of the Christmas story brought to life by the voices of our children and youth in this year’s Christmas Pageant.
Come celebrate the joy, the promise, and the true meaning of the season with us!

This week, there will be no Sunday School, as we gather for full family worship during the Christmas pageant. If any children would like to join the pageant, they are welcome to come Sunday morning, find a costume, and be part of the celebration.

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.

A Holiday Concert to Benefit Cass Community Social Services
Tonight, Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m., Maestro Alvin Waddles and Blue Note recording artist Dave McMurray light up Birmingham First for a one-night-only concert benefiting Cass Community Social Services. Free admission. Donations encouraged to support Cass’s work providing food, housing, health services, and jobs in Detroit. To attend online, click the button below.

Thank you to everyone who purchased gifts, stuffed stockings, and volunteered for the Redford Brightmoor (RBI) ONE STOP SHOP HOLIDAY EVENT. Nearly 300 shoppers received new linens, houseware, groceries, stuffed stockings and most importantly TOYS! Thank you to all who supported this event - it was a huge success!

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.

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!

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!

This Advent season, pause with us for midweek worship on Wednesday morning at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham) on December 17. Service will be from 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m., wrapping up in time for you to go out to breakfast or get into the office. Our talented music staff will lead us in song and Pastor Zack Dunlap will unpack scriptures from Isaiah and Matthew, exploring ways that we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s arrival.
 
December 17: Isaiah 42:1-4, Matthew 2:1-8 – The Use of Power

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. 

Birmingham First Campus
December 16, 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.