Coming Up
Spring Tea with Guest Speaker Rev. Elizabeth Hurd
Spring is a season of renewal. As winter fades and the days grow longer, flowers bloom, trees blossom, and God’s creation comes to life. Join United Women in Faith on Saturday, May 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our Spring Tea in the Social Hall. We are delighted to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, incoming Associate Pastor of Berkley First, as our guest speaker, sharing a message of renewal and hope.
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and honor the women of Birmingham and Berkley First. While the event is free, advance registration is appreciated. Bring your mothers, daughters, and friends for an afternoon of fellowship, community, and joy. Guests are welcome, but please register separately. You may host a table or join others at a community table as we gather to celebrate the beauty of spring and all that God has in store. We look forward to sharing this joyful afternoon together. Sign up to attend by clicking here.
Spring is a season of renewal. As winter fades and the days grow longer, flowers bloom, trees blossom, and God’s creation comes to life. Join United Women in Faith on Saturday, May 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our Spring Tea in the Social Hall. We are delighted to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, incoming Associate Pastor of Berkley First, as our guest speaker, sharing a message of renewal and hope.
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and honor the women of Birmingham and Berkley First. While the event is free, advance registration is appreciated. Bring your mothers, daughters, and friends for an afternoon of fellowship, community, and joy. Guests are welcome, but please register separately. You may host a table or join others at a community table as we gather to celebrate the beauty of spring and all that God has in store. We look forward to sharing this joyful afternoon together. Sign up to attend by clicking here.
Spring Rummage Sale at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham)
Mark your calendars! The United Women in Faith Spring Rummage Sale for Missions is just under two months away.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed April 26 through May 1, and we would love your help—please visit our website for full sale details at: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/rummage.
Donate
We gratefully welcome your donations curbside (please note there will be no truck pickup) on Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Shop
Then plan to shop the Spring Sale: Wednesday, April 29 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at regular prices; and Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at regular prices, followed by 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Bag Night and 50% off. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support missions and find some great treasures!
Mark your calendars! The United Women in Faith Spring Rummage Sale for Missions is just under two months away.
Volunteer
Volunteers are needed April 26 through May 1, and we would love your help—please visit our website for full sale details at: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/rummage.
Donate
We gratefully welcome your donations curbside (please note there will be no truck pickup) on Sunday, April 26 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Shop
Then plan to shop the Spring Sale: Wednesday, April 29 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. at regular prices; and Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at regular prices, followed by 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. for Bag Night and 50% off. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support missions and find some great treasures!
Spring Food and Supply Drive
Our Hunger Committee invites you to participate in our Spring Food and Supply Drive, supporting local agencies including Gleaners Food Bank, Hope Shelter, Baldwin Center, Freedom House, Cass Community Social Services, Lighthouse, and the Berkley Food Pantry. Donation bags with a list of needed items will be distributed on Sunday, May 10 and collected on Sunday, May 17 at both the Birmingham and Berkley First campuses. All donations will be sorted and picked up by partner agencies on Monday morning, May 18. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute bags, sort donations, and assist with pickup. For a list of items, or to sign up to volunteer, click here.
Our Hunger Committee invites you to participate in our Spring Food and Supply Drive, supporting local agencies including Gleaners Food Bank, Hope Shelter, Baldwin Center, Freedom House, Cass Community Social Services, Lighthouse, and the Berkley Food Pantry. Donation bags with a list of needed items will be distributed on Sunday, May 10 and collected on Sunday, May 17 at both the Birmingham and Berkley First campuses. All donations will be sorted and picked up by partner agencies on Monday morning, May 18. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute bags, sort donations, and assist with pickup. For a list of items, or to sign up to volunteer, click here.
Rainforest Falls VBS at the Birmingham First Campus: Register by May 18
Hold on to your hats — it’s the most exciting week of summer! Registration is now open for our Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School, where kids will swing into a faith-filled adventure where truth rains down, joy grows wild, and God’s love never runs dry. VBS runs Monday through Friday, June 15–19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is open to children Preschool through 5th grade, and we also offer our Tropical Treetops Toddlers program for older 2-year-olds. All registration is online, so please invite and sign up your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Don’t let this adventure slip through the leaves! Registration closes May 18. You can register your child by going to the VBS webpage: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.
VBS Jungle Guide Volunteers Needed
We need lots of helping hands to make Rainforest Falls VBS flourish during the week of June 15-19. It takes 100+ volunteers during camp week, decorating days, and crafting and prep nights to help us create a wildly wonderful, faith-growing Vacation Bible School experience. VBS adult and youth volunteers are welcome to serve all five days or any of the days that work for them. For more information and to sign up, go to www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.
VBS Shuttle Bus from the Berkley Campus
VBS is held exclusively at our Birmingham First Campus, and we would love your child to join us for an exciting week of faith-filled discoveries! For families who live farther from the campus, we are pleased to offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from. Please note that children riding the shuttle must be able to use a booster seat or be old enough to ride safely without one. Unfortunately, we are unable to install car seats for infants or children who are not yet eligible for a booster seat. Families will need to provide a booster seat at drop-off if their child requires one. To sign up, or for more information, go to www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.
Hold on to your hats — it’s the most exciting week of summer! Registration is now open for our Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School, where kids will swing into a faith-filled adventure where truth rains down, joy grows wild, and God’s love never runs dry. VBS runs Monday through Friday, June 15–19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is open to children Preschool through 5th grade, and we also offer our Tropical Treetops Toddlers program for older 2-year-olds. All registration is online, so please invite and sign up your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Don’t let this adventure slip through the leaves! Registration closes May 18. You can register your child by going to the VBS webpage: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.
VBS Jungle Guide Volunteers Needed
We need lots of helping hands to make Rainforest Falls VBS flourish during the week of June 15-19. It takes 100+ volunteers during camp week, decorating days, and crafting and prep nights to help us create a wildly wonderful, faith-growing Vacation Bible School experience. VBS adult and youth volunteers are welcome to serve all five days or any of the days that work for them. For more information and to sign up, go to www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.
VBS Shuttle Bus from the Berkley Campus
VBS is held exclusively at our Birmingham First Campus, and we would love your child to join us for an exciting week of faith-filled discoveries! For families who live farther from the campus, we are pleased to offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from. Please note that children riding the shuttle must be able to use a booster seat or be old enough to ride safely without one. Unfortunately, we are unable to install car seats for infants or children who are not yet eligible for a booster seat. Families will need to provide a booster seat at drop-off if their child requires one. To sign up, or for more information, go to www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.
Announcements
Henderson Settlement Informational Luncheon
Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 12:15 p.m. in the Children’s Center at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Rd., Birmingham) as we gather with our Henderson Settlement Mission Team to welcome Rev. John Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement, and his wife, Lisa.
Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments as we learn more about the important work of Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky and celebrate our 17-year partnership in ministry.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Sign up by clicking here.
Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 12:15 p.m. in the Children’s Center at Birmingham First (1589 West Maple Rd., Birmingham) as we gather with our Henderson Settlement Mission Team to welcome Rev. John Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement, and his wife, Lisa.
Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments as we learn more about the important work of Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky and celebrate our 17-year partnership in ministry.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Sign up by clicking here.
Hands with Detroit: A Hands on Mission
Save the Date: Hands with Detroit 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will gather (at 1945 Webb, Detroit) before heading out to serve through a variety of hands-on projects supporting the community. Opportunities will include working in the Cass Kitchen, landscaping, parking lot line painting, document destruction, donation organization, assembling hygiene kits, and other handy person projects. Lunch will be provided, and pre-ordered event T-shirts will be available. Registration through the Greater Detroit District UMC opens soon.
Save the Date: Hands with Detroit 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will gather (at 1945 Webb, Detroit) before heading out to serve through a variety of hands-on projects supporting the community. Opportunities will include working in the Cass Kitchen, landscaping, parking lot line painting, document destruction, donation organization, assembling hygiene kits, and other handy person projects. Lunch will be provided, and pre-ordered event T-shirts will be available. Registration through the Greater Detroit District UMC opens soon.
Building Hope: School of Excellence Rises in Liberia
A mission team led by Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. recently traveled to Liberia to visit the School of Excellence currently under construction. The elementary school, expected to open this summer, will provide students with access to technology, core academics, and STEM education. During the trip, the team also delivered food, clothing, medical supplies, and other support to local ministries including the Judith Craig Orphanage and Ganta United Methodist Hospital. Click to read the full story.
Legacy Society
Did you know?...
The Development Leadership Team is available to meet with you to explore planned giving opportunities and how you can support the church through thoughtful, lasting gifts. Team members include Tom Aubrey, Mary Feldmaier, Dale Glick, Rob Grabiel, Karen Murphy, John Stevens, Esq., Matt Vorce, and Tim Weeks. To schedule a conversation, contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155.
The Development Leadership Team is available to meet with you to explore planned giving opportunities and how you can support the church through thoughtful, lasting gifts. Team members include Tom Aubrey, Mary Feldmaier, Dale Glick, Rob Grabiel, Karen Murphy, John Stevens, Esq., Matt Vorce, and Tim Weeks. To schedule a conversation, contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155.
2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception - Save the Date
Legacy Society members are invited to the 2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m., to be held at the parsonage of Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. Legacy Society members are those who have included the church in their planned giving donations and/or have included the church in their wills. If you have already made this commitment—or would like more information about becoming a member and the process involved—please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155. We look forward to gathering together and hope you will join us.
Legacy Society members are invited to the 2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m., to be held at the parsonage of Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. Legacy Society members are those who have included the church in their planned giving donations and/or have included the church in their wills. If you have already made this commitment—or would like more information about becoming a member and the process involved—please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155. We look forward to gathering together and hope you will join us.