Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

Sunday, August 2 - Choir Camp Sunday
NPC No More, Isaiah 43:1
Rev. Chad Oyer preaching
On August 2nd, our Choir Campers will be back from camp and ready to lead us in worship through music and reflections on their time at camp.  Rev. Chad Oyer will bring it all together in a message drawing on this year's camp theme, NPC No More.  Come find out what that means!  And discover, as our campers did that in God's story, no one is a background character.

Click here for more Sunday worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times.
Christian Life Center August Closure 
The Christian Life Center will be closed for the month of August, reopening on Monday, September 14. This scheduled closure will allow time for deep cleaning and much-needed updates throughout the facility. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September!
Summer Building Hours
Summer building hours are now in effect through Labor Day. The main building will be open Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For building access on Fridays during the summer, please contact the church office to schedule an appointment by emailing office@fumcbirmingham.org or calling 248-646-1200.

Dr. Boayue in Liberia
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. is currently in Liberia and will be away for the next few weeks, returning to Birmingham First for worship on Sunday, August 23. Please keep Dr. Boayue, his travels, and the ongoing mission work in Liberia in your prayers during this time. While he is away, Pastor Chad Oyer is available for pastoral care by email at coyer@fumcbirmingham.org or by phone 248-646-6407 ext. 3164. For other congregational needs, please contact the church office at 248-646-1200. 

Gather Together

Leading a Group This Fall? We Need Your Information!
If you will be leading a Journey Group, Bible study, small group, or other ministry group this fall, please make sure your meeting dates are on the church calendar and your facility space is reserved. Our building fills up quickly in the fall, and we want to make sure your group has the room and resources it needs. To confirm your dates and reserve your space, contact Dorothy Duensing in the church office at office@fumcbirmingham.org or 248-646-1200. If you would like to add your group to the Journey Group handout and webpage, contact Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org.
45C Summer Mission Day 
Children entering 4th and 5th grades are invited to join us for a 45C Summer Mission Day on Thursday, August 13, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.! We’ll begin the day serving our Redford Brightmoor Initiative mission partners by filling backpacks with school supplies, enjoy lunch together, and then head to Whoa Zone at Bald Mountain for an afternoon on the floating obstacle course. Cost is $10 per child. Registration is due Monday, August 10. Younger siblings may attend only if a parent is volunteering. Register by clicking here.
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.
Men’s Retreat – Don't miss out!
Register now for the 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. To register and for more information, click here.
Berkley CruiseFest at Berkley First
Heading to Berkley CruiseFest on Friday, August 14? Make Berkley First your home base! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a front-row view of the Classic Car Parade from the church. We will also have classic cars on display courtesy of Bob & Mary Feldmaier and friends! From 6:30–7:30 p.m., we'll be serving as a community rest stop with air conditioning, complimentary bottled water, and open restrooms to help you stay cool and comfortable. After the parade, stick around 12 Mile for all that CruiseFest has to offer, including food trucks, live music from Bandwagon, family activities, and an outdoor showing of A Goofy Movie beginning at 7:30 p.m. in front of Neighbor's Shoppe. Whether you're stopping in to cool off or making an evening of it, we'd love to welcome you to Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley).
August Sunday Social
We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, August 23 at 11:15 a.m. for a delicious lunch and fellowship. The cost is $20.00 per person, and it is a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. RSVP by Wednesday, August 19 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929. 

Faith in Action

CLC Evening Volunteer Opportunity
Looking for a meaningful way to serve? We're seeking volunteers to help welcome members and guests during our busy Adult Basketball and Yoga evenings in the Community Life Center (CLC). This opportunity is every other Tuesday from 7:00–9:00 p.m., with volunteers serving on a rotating schedule of one week on, one week off. Responsibilities include assisting with member and guest registration and helping open and close the CLC. If you're interested in joining this friendly volunteer team, please complete the volunteer application by clicking here. For questions, email the CLC welcome desk, clcstaff@fumcbirmingham.org. 
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.
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. 
Make a Difference This Summer: Volunteer with Children & Family Ministries
Families, help make this summer special for our kids by volunteering with Children and Family Ministries. We are looking for enthusiastic adults to support Summer Sunday School and the Nursery, offering a fun and meaningful way to connect and give back. Sunday School will follow a relaxed one room format in the Children’s Center with a short lesson, activity, snack, and playground time. If you are 18 or older and have a background check on file, you are ready to serve. Join us in creating a welcoming and joyful experience for every child this summer. Sign up here.
Angel Tree for Missions: Christmas in July
It is never too early to begin thinking about the love and generosity of the Christmas season. Angel Tree will return to Birmingham and Berkley First this fall, with a goal of supporting more than 300 angels and their families through gifts and food bags. Volunteers will be needed in a variety of ways. Please plan to join us in helping make Christmas brighter for families in need this November. Make a donation or sign up to volunteer click here.
Harvest Produce Table Volunteers Needed
Help support local hunger ministries this summer by volunteering at the Harvest Produce Table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Donate flowers or garden produce, shop for fresh items, or sign up to help staff the table. All proceeds benefit local food banks and soup kitchens. Sign up to volunteer by clicking here.

Featured at the Circuit Rider Bookstore
Feeling overwhelmed by the stress and busyness of everyday life? Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekah Lyons offers a pathway toward greater peace and purpose. Drawing from her own experiences with depression and anxiety, Lyons introduces four life-giving rhythms designed to quiet inner chaos and create space for a flourishing life. Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall after worship to pick up a copy. 

Sign Up for Scouting This Fall 
Looking for a great way for your child or teen to build friendships, develop leadership skills, serve others, and grow in confidence? Scouting at Birmingham First welcomes new members this fall! Cub Scouting, for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, and Scouts BSA, for youth ages 11–17, meet on Wednesdays at Birmingham First. Our Scouting programs offer opportunities for adventure, service, learning, and fun while encouraging the values of faith and leadership. Learn more and get connected by clicking here.
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.

Save These Dates: October 4-9

Mark your calendars for October 4–9 as the United Women in Faith Fall Rummage Sale for Missions returns. 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.

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 must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.