Weekly Newsletter

Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. (in-person & online)

May 24
Unshakable, Hebrews 12:26-29
Michelle Jansen, Guest Speaker
All our lives can be defined by pivotal moments that shape everything that comes after.  In the same way, Christianity as a movement has experienced multiple seismic shifts that have shaken the paradigm and left behind a church that is purer and less encumbered than what had existed before.  The biggest of these shifts have historically happened every 500 years or so and we’re on the cusp of one right now.  At a moment when the beauty of our faith, at times, feels at risk of being overshadowed, we can take comfort in the fact that God’s plan for us is Unshakable. 
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.
Coming up at Berkley First, you will not want to miss these inspiring pastors and guest speakers as they bring the message each Sunday. Join us on on May 31st with Rachel Alpert. In June, hear from Rev. Sarah Alexander on the 7th, Rev. Chad Oyer on the 14th, Jeremiah Wade-Olsen on the 21st, and our Seminary Intern on the 28th. We then welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd on July 5. 

Announcements

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 our clergy and their families. Rev. Sarah Alexander’s celebration will take place on Sunday, June 7 at Berkley First in the Social Hall after worship, and on Sunday, June 14 at Birmingham First in Fellowship Hall. Rev. Rachael and Rev. Zack Dunlap's celebration will be on Sunday, June 21 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Berkley First.


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. Checks submitted before June 14 should be made payable to Birmingham First with “Rev. Rachael,” “Rev. Sarah,” or “Rev. Zack” noted on the memo line. If you are bringing your love gift on June 14 or afterward, checks should be made payable directly to each pastor. Please note that love gifts are not tax deductible.


We are working on a very special gift for the Dunlap family, and we would love your help. If you have photos of Zack, Rachael, or the kids, please email them to dunlapcelebration@gmail.com

Advertising in the Church Directory
The new 2026 Birmingham & Berkley First Membership Directory will be published soon. Anyone interested in placing a business advertisement or personal message in support of the directory may contact Jake Allport at 248-545-1415 or jallport@cathedraldirectories.com. Business cards may also be used to create an ad. This is a great opportunity to support the directory while helping others in the congregation learn about local businesses and services within our community. Advertisers do not need to be church members, so feel free to share this opportunity with others.

Haiti Mission Update
The Haiti Mission Team is excited to share that construction on a new school in the village of David will begin in June, with hopes of opening for the September school year. Six years after building a new church in the same village, the team is now helping provide a proper school for local children. The team is also collecting backpacks and school supplies through an Amazon Wish List that can be viewed by clicking here. Items will be shipped directly to the missionary flight hanger in Venice, Florida, with flights to Haiti departing every two weeks. Donations are needed by July 31 and are deeply appreciated as many families struggle to afford tuition, uniforms, and basic supplies. Questions? Contact Nancy Smith at 248-568-5190 or nancyasmithrn@gmail.com.

Get Crafty for VBS at Birmingham First
Come get creative as we prepare for Vacation Bible School! We’ll transform the church into a vibrant rainforest—and we need your help to bring it to life. Bring a friend or family member to the Birmingham First campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham) and join us for a Craft Night or a Decorating Day. Sign up by clicking here.

Thank You from Samaritas
On behalf of the Samaritas Refugee Youth Mentorship Program, Rachel Campbell and Katy Niglas extend their heartfelt thanks to the congregation, especially the administrative and facilities staff and volunteers, for helping make the May 16 Refugee Youth Career Fair a success. Students learned from professionals in business, engineering, healthcare, and finance, and also received school supplies, lunch, and gift cards for clothing. Samaritas staff shared that families felt welcomed and encouraged, noting the experience will help students make positive future career decisions.
Gardeners Wanted
If you love to garden or simply enjoy being outdoors, we could use your help! We’re looking for volunteers to assist with pulling weeds, freshening up the landscaping, and planting pots of flowers to help keep our grounds looking welcoming and beautiful. If you’re interested, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org.

Welcoming Rev. Chad Oyer to Birmingham & Berkley First

We are pleased to welcome Rev. Chad Oyer as he returns to Birmingham & Berkley First, beginning June 1; he will preach at Birmingham First on Sunday, June 7, and at Berkley First on Sunday, June 14. 

Coming Up

Parents, ready for a break? Sign up by June 1.
Drop your kids off for an evening of fun at Parents’ Night Out! On Friday, June 5, from 5-8 pm, let us take care of the entertainment while you enjoy some well-deserved downtime. This Parents Night Out will have a BUBBLE THEME with a bounce house, games and a movie! For just $7 per child, ages up to 5th grade, your little ones will enjoy pizza, drinks and snacks. More information and registration can be found by clicking here.
RSVP for the Annual Endowment Dinner by May 31
Don’t miss the Annual Endowment Dinner on June 5 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple, Birmingham), sponsored by the Endowment Board! This special dinner and program event is free and open to the congregation and will share highlights of the ministries and programs supported by the endowment, as well as how you can make a gift to the endowment that will last a lifetime. Incoming associate pastor, Rev. Chad Oyer will be our guest speaker. RSVP is required no later than May 31 by clicking here, or the link in the electronic invitation sent to your email, by calling Karen Murphy at extension 3155, or by emailing kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org. Endowment Board Member Beverly Hannett-Price will greet guests that day at the check-in table and provide additional information and name tags. We hope to see you there! 
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 May 23, 30; June 6; July 11, 18, 25; and 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. 
Forest Bathing: Rooted and Relaxed
Be rooted in God’s creation on Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., led by Rev. Rachael Dunlap. Through an experiential and contemplative pause in nature, participants will find relaxation and peace. We will gather at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Nature Center, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy a picnic to follow. Please RSVP by clicking here.
Berkley Art Bash
The Berkley Art Bash takes place June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed at Berkley First from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to offer hospitality, hand out water, and welcome visitors inside to cool down or use the restrooms. If you are able to help, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you are unable to volunteer, we still encourage you to stop by and enjoy the day! 
Berkley Pride
Berkley Pride takes place June 28 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed at Berkley First from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to offer hospitality, welcome and support guests, hand out water, and invite visitors inside to cool down or use the restrooms. If you are able to help, please contact Rachel Alpert at ralpert@berkleyfirst.org. If you are unable to volunteer, we still encourage you to stop by and be part of the day!
Wednesday, June 17: Pause. Reflect. Reset.
Join us for Anápausis, our midweek worship gathering held June 17 at 6:30 p.m. and lasting about 45 minutes.
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.
Noisy Bucket Challenge: June 21
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $783 for the Playground in Honduras during our last Noisy Bucket Sunday. Our next goal is underway as we work to raise $500 to support the Henderson Settlement Christmas Gift Store. These funds will help purchase gifts to be delivered by our missionaries in July. Join us for the next Noisy Bucket Sunday on June 21 as we continue making a difference together. 
Prison Creative Arts Project Exhibit: June 21
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. 
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!
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip: July 12-18
Adults are invited to be part of this summer’s mission trip to Henderson Settlement, taking place July 12–18. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve alongside a long-standing mission committed to meeting the needs of the surrounding Appalachian community. Volunteers may assist with a variety of hands-on and relational ministries, including working in the Henderson Settlement store, helping distribute food and essential items, supporting home repair or maintenance projects, and offering hospitality to those who come for assistance. Whether you are organizing supplies, lending a hand with physical work, or simply showing up with a spirit of care and compassion, every role contributes to strengthening the community. Sign up by clicking here.

Save These Dates

Welcome to Pastor Elizabeth Hurd: Sunday, July 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Berkley Cruise Fest: Friday, August 14

Community Connections

Berkley First is more than a place to worship—it’s a place to grow, create, and connect with others.
Throughout the week, our building comes alive with opportunities for all ages to learn, move, recover, and belong. Whether you're seeking community, creativity, or a fresh start, there’s something here for you!

More Ways To Connect

Click a button below for more information on upcoming events, opportunities, and groups.
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 for the Birmingham First campus must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.