Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. (in-person & online)
August 23
Small, Quiet Resistance, Exodus 1:8-20
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
When the Pharaoh orders that midwives kill Hebrew boys, two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refuse to obey his orders, because they fear God. When questioned, the deceive the Pharaoh. In doing so, they likely saved the life of Moses and the lives of countless of other Hebrew boys. This story reminds us that even small, quiet acts of resistance against unjust systems can have a big impact in the world.
Small, Quiet Resistance, Exodus 1:8-20
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
When the Pharaoh orders that midwives kill Hebrew boys, two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, refuse to obey his orders, because they fear God. When questioned, the deceive the Pharaoh. In doing so, they likely saved the life of Moses and the lives of countless of other Hebrew boys. This story reminds us that even small, quiet acts of resistance against unjust systems can have a big impact in the world.
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.
Find Your Group This Fall at Berkley First
Fall is a great time to make new connections and grow in faith at Berkley First! Our Journey Groups offer opportunities for women, men, and adults of all ages to gather for Bible study, prayer, meaningful conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a weekly study, a twice-monthly gathering, or simply a place to connect with others, there’s a group for you. Newcomers are always welcome, and you can join at any time. Explore the groups and find one that fits your schedule this fall by clicking here.
Fall is a great time to make new connections and grow in faith at Berkley First! Our Journey Groups offer opportunities for women, men, and adults of all ages to gather for Bible study, prayer, meaningful conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a weekly study, a twice-monthly gathering, or simply a place to connect with others, there’s a group for you. Newcomers are always welcome, and you can join at any time. Explore the groups and find one that fits your schedule this fall by clicking here.
After the Storm: UMCOR Volunteer Opportunity
Help bring hope and practical assistance to Detroit residents recovering from flooding through an After the Storm/UMCOR volunteer workday on Thursday, August 27. Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Birmingham First South Parking Lot before heading out to serve.
This workday will include helping an elderly wheelchair user clear flood-damaged belongings from a first-floor bedroom. No furniture needs to be moved, but volunteers will help remove boxes and other damaged items. She also needs a compassionate volunteer to sit with her as she goes through family photographs, listening to the memories and helping her decide what can be saved and what needs to be let go. Her caregiver will be on site throughout the project. If time allows or additional volunteers are available, the team may also assist with yard work.
There are meaningful ways to serve that involve both helping hands and a caring presence. For questions or additional information, contact Linda Richards at 248-761-0756 or lrichards@richardscg.com.
Help bring hope and practical assistance to Detroit residents recovering from flooding through an After the Storm/UMCOR volunteer workday on Thursday, August 27. Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Birmingham First South Parking Lot before heading out to serve.
This workday will include helping an elderly wheelchair user clear flood-damaged belongings from a first-floor bedroom. No furniture needs to be moved, but volunteers will help remove boxes and other damaged items. She also needs a compassionate volunteer to sit with her as she goes through family photographs, listening to the memories and helping her decide what can be saved and what needs to be let go. Her caregiver will be on site throughout the project. If time allows or additional volunteers are available, the team may also assist with yard work.
There are meaningful ways to serve that involve both helping hands and a caring presence. For questions or additional information, contact Linda Richards at 248-761-0756 or lrichards@richardscg.com.
Youth Group is Back on August 30
Youth Group is back for a new season of Jesus talk, games, plenty of laughs, and a place to hang out and be yourself! We’ll kick things off on Sunday, August 30, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Come reconnect after summer, meet some new people, and bring a friend along for the fun. Questions? Contact Brian White at bwhite@berkleyfirst.org.
Youth Group is back for a new season of Jesus talk, games, plenty of laughs, and a place to hang out and be yourself! We’ll kick things off on Sunday, August 30, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Come reconnect after summer, meet some new people, and bring a friend along for the fun. Questions? Contact Brian White at bwhite@berkleyfirst.org.
Fantasy Football for Missions
Join the fun this NFL season while supporting Birmingham and Berkley First missions! A $30 donation is all it takes to participate, with 100% of proceeds supporting our missions teams locally and around the world. No fantasy football experience is necessary, and team drafting and lineup management can be automated. Sign up with Mark Adams by email at adams400@aol.com. The live draft is Sunday, August 30, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the CLC, and NFL Week 1 begins September 9.
Last year, Pat Hubert won the FF4M Championship and claimed the Pettibone Trophy. Will it be YOU this year?
Join the fun this NFL season while supporting Birmingham and Berkley First missions! A $30 donation is all it takes to participate, with 100% of proceeds supporting our missions teams locally and around the world. No fantasy football experience is necessary, and team drafting and lineup management can be automated. Sign up with Mark Adams by email at adams400@aol.com. The live draft is Sunday, August 30, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the CLC, and NFL Week 1 begins September 9.
Last year, Pat Hubert won the FF4M Championship and claimed the Pettibone Trophy. Will it be YOU this year?
Meet Pastor Elizabeth: Michigan Conference Onboarding
Help Pastor Elizabeth learn more about the people, ministries, and life of Birmingham and Berkley First at this all-church gathering on Thursday, September 3, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley). The evening begins with pizza and salad at 6:00 p.m. and will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne, a certified Michigan Conference Onboarding Facilitator. A donation of $5 per person or $20 per family is requested. To sign up to attend, click here.
Help Pastor Elizabeth learn more about the people, ministries, and life of Birmingham and Berkley First at this all-church gathering on Thursday, September 3, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley). The evening begins with pizza and salad at 6:00 p.m. and will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne, a certified Michigan Conference Onboarding Facilitator. A donation of $5 per person or $20 per family is requested. To sign up to attend, click here.
Give Blood. Give Hope.
Our next Versiti Blood Drive is Thursday, September 24 from 2:30–7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The need for blood never takes a break. Local hospitals rely on a steady supply every day for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and other serious health needs. One donation can help save multiple lives, and every appointment helps ensure blood is there when someone in our community needs it most. Click here to schedule your time to give.
Our next Versiti Blood Drive is Thursday, September 24 from 2:30–7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The need for blood never takes a break. Local hospitals rely on a steady supply every day for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and other serious health needs. One donation can help save multiple lives, and every appointment helps ensure blood is there when someone in our community needs it most. Click here to schedule your time to give.
Merry Mates Opens a New Season
Looking for a great way to meet new people and enjoy an evening of good food and an interesting program? Merry Mates is a gathering of adults from Birmingham & Berkley First, with singles and couples alike warmly welcome. The group meets once a month at the Birmingham First campus, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, for dinner, conversation, and a special program. The new season begins Friday, September 18, with Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, Lead Pastor of Berkley First, sharing her Jeopardy!-inspired story, “Methodist Pastors for $1,000, Ken.” Gather and socialize at 5:30 p.m., enjoy dinner catered by Chef Hollie at 6:00 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. Whether you’ve participated in Merry Mates for years or have never attended before, you’re invited to come and see what it’s all about. Singles, couples, guests, and newcomers are all welcome. Cost is $25 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438 by Sunday, September 13.
Looking for a great way to meet new people and enjoy an evening of good food and an interesting program? Merry Mates is a gathering of adults from Birmingham & Berkley First, with singles and couples alike warmly welcome. The group meets once a month at the Birmingham First campus, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, for dinner, conversation, and a special program. The new season begins Friday, September 18, with Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, Lead Pastor of Berkley First, sharing her Jeopardy!-inspired story, “Methodist Pastors for $1,000, Ken.” Gather and socialize at 5:30 p.m., enjoy dinner catered by Chef Hollie at 6:00 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. Whether you’ve participated in Merry Mates for years or have never attended before, you’re invited to come and see what it’s all about. Singles, couples, guests, and newcomers are all welcome. Cost is $25 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438 by Sunday, September 13.
It's our Annual Church BBQ on the Lawn at Birmingham First
Celebrate the start of the fall season with food and fun on the lawn, Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to pass and enjoy a relaxed evening together. All are welcome, so bring your neighbors, family, and friends! Located at Birmingham First campus, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham.
Celebrate the start of the fall season with food and fun on the lawn, Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to pass and enjoy a relaxed evening together. All are welcome, so bring your neighbors, family, and friends! Located at Birmingham First campus, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham.
Hands on Mission Sunday
Come be the hands and feet of Jesus by participating in the Hands On Mission Volunteer Day, “The Church Has Left the Building.” Alongside other United Methodist churches throughout our Greater Detroit District, Birmingham & Berkley First will serve our neighbors through a variety of hands-on mission projects. Volunteers can make fleece blankets for Samaritas New Americans, assemble meal kits and brown bag lunches, or travel to Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI) to sort donated clothing and household items. Patty Reynolds will lead the group serving at Brightmoor, with carpooling available from Berkley First.
Volunteers can also serve with UMCOR’s After the Storm team, helping Detroit homeowners who are still recovering from devastating flooding. The After the Storm group will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Birmingham First South Parking Lot before heading out to work on projects including debris removal, lawn care, grass seeding, and light carpentry. For questions about the After the Storm opportunity, contact Linda Richards at 248-761-0756 or lrichards@richardscg.com.
There are opportunities for many ages and abilities, and you are welcome to serve for as little or as long as your schedule allows.
Come be the hands and feet of Jesus by participating in the Hands On Mission Volunteer Day, “The Church Has Left the Building.” Alongside other United Methodist churches throughout our Greater Detroit District, Birmingham & Berkley First will serve our neighbors through a variety of hands-on mission projects. Volunteers can make fleece blankets for Samaritas New Americans, assemble meal kits and brown bag lunches, or travel to Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI) to sort donated clothing and household items. Patty Reynolds will lead the group serving at Brightmoor, with carpooling available from Berkley First.
Volunteers can also serve with UMCOR’s After the Storm team, helping Detroit homeowners who are still recovering from devastating flooding. The After the Storm group will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Birmingham First South Parking Lot before heading out to work on projects including debris removal, lawn care, grass seeding, and light carpentry. For questions about the After the Storm opportunity, contact Linda Richards at 248-761-0756 or lrichards@richardscg.com.
There are opportunities for many ages and abilities, and you are welcome to serve for as little or as long as your schedule allows.
Make Space for God in Your Day
Whether you have a few quiet minutes in the morning, need a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day, or want to end your evening in prayer, a daily devotional can help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with God. We’ve gathered a collection of United Methodist devotional resources offering Scripture, prayer, reflection, and encouragement to help nurture your faith and make space for God each day. Click here to explore our Devotionals page and find a resource that speaks to you.
Whether you have a few quiet minutes in the morning, need a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day, or want to end your evening in prayer, a daily devotional can help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with God. We’ve gathered a collection of United Methodist devotional resources offering Scripture, prayer, reflection, and encouragement to help nurture your faith and make space for God each day. Click here to explore our Devotionals page and find a resource that speaks to you.
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.
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.
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 August 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 August 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.
Don't miss out on the Men's Retreat
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fall Rummage Sale: October 4-9
Mark your calendars for October 4–9 as the United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions returns to the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Now is the perfect time to begin planning your fall cleanout and setting aside items for donation days on October 4 and 5. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, including youth and adults. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve, connect with friends, and support mission work while having fun and working together.
Mark your calendars for October 4–9 as the United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions returns to the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Now is the perfect time to begin planning your fall cleanout and setting aside items for donation days on October 4 and 5. Volunteers of all ages are needed throughout the week, including youth and adults. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve, connect with friends, and support mission work while having fun and working together.
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.