On Sunday, May 17, our congregation will join more than 30,000 United Methodist churches around the world in observing Miracle Sunday, a special offering for the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.

Bishop David Alan Bard has asked Pastor Charles to serve the Michigan Conference as Coordinator of this initiative, and it carries particular weight for him: his own theological education in the 1980s was made possible through the generosity of United Methodist congregations in Florida and North Carolina.

The need is real. Today, 71% of U.S. United Methodist clergy hold a master's degree — compared to only 5% of clergy outside the U.S. The Endowment will support the education of 500 new clergy leaders in regions where the church is growing fastest.

Musical Theater Revue & England Choir Tour Fundraiser: May 3 at 4:00 p.m.
Join us on Sunday, May 3  at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary for an afternoon of showstoppers from the best of American and British musical theater, performed by our choirs as we prepare for this summer's England Choir Tour. You won't want to miss our very special guest taking the stage — Pastor Charles himself! A freewill donation will be collected at the door to help ensure every singer can participate in the tour. Stay afterward for a dinner celebration with the choirs.

Spring Clean-Up Day: May 2 at 9:00 a.m.
Birmingham First sits on 9 acres, and we would love your help getting it ready for spring. Join us on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to noon to spruce up the grounds by cutting back grasses, pulling weeds, picking up branches, and edging garden beds. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with others. Yard waste bags, donuts, and coffee will be provided. Please bring gloves, a hat, weeding tools, and a bucket if you have them. To volunteer or ask questions, contact Jane Carvell at 248 379 2662 or jcarve55@gmail.com. 

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.

Spring Tea with Guest Speaker Rev. Elizabeth Hurd: May 9 at 11:30 a.m.
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 at the Berkley Campus (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley). We are delighted to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, incoming Associate Pastor of our Berkley First campus, 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.

Blood Drive: May 11 from 12:30-6:30 p.m.
Join us for our upcoming Blood Drive on Monday, May 11, from 12:30–6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, and help make a life-saving difference in our community. Our goal is to collect at least 40 units of blood, with 72 appointment slots available—each one representing a patient in need of care, whether facing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, or a medical emergency. Filling these appointments is critical to maintaining a reliable blood supply for local hospitals and ensuring no one experiences delays in care. Sign up today by clicking here and be part of this vital mission.

Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
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 today by clicking here.

Celebrate the Heart of Baldwin: May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Baldwin Center, one of our 22 mission partners, invites you to be a difference maker by attending the Baldwin Center Gala on May 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Grande Banquet Facility in Pontiac. This special evening supports vital services including hot meals, coats, showers, afterschool programs, and more for our neighbors in need. Guests will enjoy a strolling supper, silent auction, awards, entertainment, and meaningful opportunities to give. For tickets go to baldwincenter.org.

Annual Endowment Dinner
The Annual Birmingham & Berkley First Endowment Dinner will be held on Friday, June 5, 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This dinner event is free and open to all members of our congregation and is sponsored by our Endowment Board. Stay tuned regarding more details! Please be sure to RSVP by clicking here.

Choir Camp, Jr.: July 14–16 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Registration is now open for Choir Camp Jr.: This summer, your child becomes the main character in a week full of music, faith, and fun, experiencing all the best parts of the traditional “big” Choir Camp in a day camp setting at Birmingham First. Campers will take part in chapel, music-making, recreation, crafts, and snacks, and will be placed in small “cabins” for devotionals, activities, and their own hero’s quest. Click here for more information and to register. 

Choir Camp: July 26 – August 1
Registration is now open for Choir Camp 2026: NPC No More — You Were Never Background, taking place July 26 through August 1. This unique experience invites students in grades 4–12 to step into the story, exploring the world of first century Judea, the forces that shaped it, and the one person who continually called ordinary people into extraordinary purpose. Click here for more information and to register.

Rainforest Falls VBS: 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.

Ministry Shares Appreciation Letter
We invite you to read a special letter from Bishop David A. Bard, offering gratitude for the faithful support of Ministry Shares across the Michigan Conference. His message highlights how our shared giving strengthens the connection of United Methodist churches and supports ministry locally and around the world. Take a moment to read the full letter and reflect on the impact we are making together.

Career Fair Volunteers Needed
Join us for a meaningful service opportunity at the Samaritas Refugee Youth Mentorship Program Career Fair on May 16 from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Samaritas New Americans Missions Project at Birmingham and Berkley First is seeking adult volunteers to share their career journeys with students in a fun, high-impact setting. Volunteers will speak in small groups about their education and career paths and answer questions from youth eager to learn and grow. Lunch will be provided, along with time to connect with students. All professions are welcome, with a particular need for those in healthcare, education, business, finance, engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting the event, please contact Rachel Campbell at rachelcwaltz@gmail.com.