Anapausis is Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.
This gathering is centered on worship immersion—where music carries the message and Scripture and reflection are woven throughout the songs rather than delivered in a traditional sermon. It’s an intentional space to slow down, breathe, and be present with God in the middle of the week. No rush, no pressure—just music, prayer, and room to listen. If life feels loud, if Sundays feel full, or if your soul could use a reset, come find rest with us at Anápausis.
This gathering is centered on worship immersion—where music carries the message and Scripture and reflection are woven throughout the songs rather than delivered in a traditional sermon. It’s an intentional space to slow down, breathe, and be present with God in the middle of the week. No rush, no pressure—just music, prayer, and room to listen. If life feels loud, if Sundays feel full, or if your soul could use a reset, come find rest with us at Anápausis.
Welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd
Birmingham & Berkley First is pleased to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd as Associate Pastor and Campus Pastor of Berkley First.
We are grateful that God has called Pastor Elizabeth to serve alongside us and look forward to the gifts, leadership, and pastoral care she will bring to our congregation and community. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins this new chapter of ministry and be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her in the weeks ahead.
We are grateful that God has called Pastor Elizabeth to serve alongside us and look forward to the gifts, leadership, and pastoral care she will bring to our congregation and community. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins this new chapter of ministry and be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her in the weeks ahead.
School Supply Drive for Redford Brightmoor
The Birmingham & Berkley First 45 (4th, 5th, 6th graders) Christians group is once again collecting school supplies for students in the Redford Brightmoor community. You can help by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List by clicking here. Items may be shipped directly to Birmingham First (1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009) or dropped off in the collection bins located in the Christian Life Center or by the Welcome Desk. Thank you for supporting this mission and helping local students begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
The Birmingham & Berkley First 45 (4th, 5th, 6th graders) Christians group is once again collecting school supplies for students in the Redford Brightmoor community. You can help by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List by clicking here. Items may be shipped directly to Birmingham First (1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009) or dropped off in the collection bins located in the Christian Life Center or by the Welcome Desk. Thank you for supporting this mission and helping local students begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
GriefShare Support Group
GriefShare, a Christ-centered support group for those navigating the loss of a loved one, meets Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at our Berkley First Campus, led by Sarah Minas. Join anytime: upcoming dates include July 25; August 1, 15, 22, 29. This 13-week program offers a thoughtful blend of workbook study and video teaching from Christian counselors and pastors, providing practical, biblically grounded guidance and support through the grief journey.
GriefShare, a Christ-centered support group for those navigating the loss of a loved one, meets Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at our Berkley First Campus, led by Sarah Minas. Join anytime: upcoming dates include July 25; August 1, 15, 22, 29. This 13-week program offers a thoughtful blend of workbook study and video teaching from Christian counselors and pastors, providing practical, biblically grounded guidance and support through the grief journey.
All Church Camp Out: July 23-27
Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation
Come on out to the All Church Camp Out! Dates have been booked at the Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation Area for July 23-27. Book your own sites using the Michigan DNR website, and pass along this information to anyone else who may be interested.
Make it a Day Trip
If you're not able to camp, come out on Sunday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. for worship, stop by for lunch at 12:30 p.m. and make it a fun day trip!
Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation
Come on out to the All Church Camp Out! Dates have been booked at the Portage Lake Campground of Waterloo Recreation Area for July 23-27. Book your own sites using the Michigan DNR website, and pass along this information to anyone else who may be interested.
Make it a Day Trip
If you're not able to camp, come out on Sunday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. for worship, stop by for lunch at 12:30 p.m. and make it a fun day trip!
Men’s Retreat Registration Open
Mark your calendars for this year’s 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. Click here to register.
Mark your calendars for this year’s 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. Click here to register.
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.
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.
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.
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.