This Sunday is the long-awaited Heralds of Christmas concert! At 3:00 p.m., come back to the Sanctuary for an afternoon filled with joy and celebration. This concert brings together the full scope of our music ministry for a beautiful start to the season’s festivities.

Then at 4:00 p.m., Christmas Town fills the Christian Life Center (CLC) with indoor fun for all ages—hot cocoa, crafts, kettle corn, a petting zoo, and a special “Nazareth to Bethlehem” journey.

Bring family and friends for an afternoon that truly embodies the joy of Advent!

Heralds of Christmas Watch Party
We’re trying something new this year, and we hope you’ll check it out! During the 3:00 p.m. Heralds of Christmas concert, Caring Ministries will host a Watch Party in Fellowship Hall. The concert will be livestreamed, and you can enjoy treats while taking in the music in a more social, conversational setting. If you’d enjoy experiencing Heralds with friends, mingling a bit, and savoring some holiday hospitality, this new option is just for you—we’d love to host you!

God Bless the Child
A free night of music. A chance to change lives.

On December 12 at 7:30 p.m., Maestro Alvin Waddles and Blue Note recording artist Dave McMurray are sharing the stage at 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.

Grab your people and come be part of something beautiful.  Attend this concert online by clicking here.

Abide with Me: A Healing Service of Comfort
Set aside time to attend this healing service on Monday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m. 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.

Wednesday Morning Worship
This Advent season, pause with us for the last midweek worship on Wednesday, December 17. The 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

Equal Exchange Sale Sunday
Hot chocolate is back in stock just as the polar vortex settles over Michigan. There is a new Maple Hot Chocolate to purchase as well as a lovely assortment of coffee, tea, and other chocolate products which make great stocking stuffers or gift baskets. Cash or checks will be cheerfully accepted. Your purchases promote social and environmental justice by supporting fair trade and organic farming practices around the world.

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.

Merry Mates 
Sunday, December 14 is the last day to RSVP for the Merry Mates Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Join us for a festive evening featuring a catered dinner and master storyteller Bev Hannett-Price presenting “Do I Have a Story for You!”  The cost is $25 per person. Singles, couples, guests, and newcomers are warmly welcomed. RSVP to Carol & Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or call 248-851-6438.

Poinsettia Orders 
If you would like to order a Christmas poinsettia in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one, click here to order online, or complete the order form that can be found in the rear of the Sanctuary then drop it off in the office, or mail it to Dorothy Duensing, 1589 W. Maple, Birmingham, MI 48009. The cost is $24 per plant, please make checks payable to Birmingham First. Orders must be received by Sunday, December 14.

First Kids Preschool
Registration opens on December 11 for current families and church members, and 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!

IXOYC Alumni Choir Sings Christmas Eve
All former IXOYC Choir members are invited to join the Alumni Choir for the 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.  Rehearsal will be on Christmas Eve at 8:30 p.m.  We hope to see you there!

Be a Usher or Greeter
Help us extend a warm welcome this holiday season by serving as a Sunday Greeter, Usher, or Coffee Host. It’s a simple way to share hospitality and brighten someone’s morning—and we especially need friendly faces to help welcome guests on Christmas Eve.

Sign up with the Sign Up Genius by clicking here, at the kiosk in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, or contact Melissa Ng at mjoyng@comcast.net.

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!

If you’re short on time but still want to give, you can shop directly from our online Christmas Mission wish lists for RBI One Stop Shop, Micah 6 Santa’s Workshop, and the Cass Community Social Services Christmas Store.

There are hands-on ways to serve this season:

• Cass Community Social Services – Serve on December 20, 21, or 22 (Contact: Karla Bole – karla.bole@yahoo.com)
• Micah 6 Santa’s Workshop – December 20, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (Contact: Steve Read – seread66@gmail.com)

Whether you give online or in person, your support helps share Christ’s love in meaningful, practical ways this Christmas.

Christmas Eve, December 24
11:00 a.m. (In-person and Online)

Join us for a joyful, family-friendly service where children and families experience the story of Jesus’ birth as the Nativity comes alive before their eyes. Kids are invited to participate with interactive moments and may choose to be an angel, shepherd, or king as part of the story. The service will include a special Christmas message for all ages, bringing warmth and wonder to our celebration of Christ’s birth. (Nursery care will not be available, as children from birth to adult are welcome to worship together.)

Christmas Eve, December 24
2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. (In-person & Online)
11:00 p.m. (In-person)
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching
· Sermon title: Good News
· Scripture lesson: Luke 2: 1-14

Luke 2 establishes the historical context for Jesus' birth by detailing Caesar Augustus's decree for a census, which forces Mary and Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born. The good news here is that God's plan for the salvation of the world unfolds with perfect timing, using earthly rulers and their decrees to fulfill God’s divine purpose. Dr. Boayue preaches on how God works all things together for good to those who love God and are called according to His divine purpose.