Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

Worship Information for Sunday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m. 
This week's stained-glass window symbolizes one of the Eight Acts of Mercy: visitation, represented by a basket of fruit and flowers. The image reflects the simple yet meaningful act of visiting another person, a small act of kindness that brings joy. This theme beautifully connects with this Sunday's message, Big Love, Small Moments (Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7), by Rev. Sarah Alexander. In these passages, God often reveals divine love not through pageantry, spectacle, power, or perfection, but through ordinary moments. Through hospitality, shared meals, laughter, waiting, community, tenderness, and intentional presence, Sarah and Abraham encounter God's promise in unexpected ways. As we reflect on this window and this week's scripture, we are reminded that the small moments of life are often where God's grace, joy, and peace reside.

This Sunday also marks Pastor Sarah's final Sunday with Birmingham and Berkley First before her appointment to Ann Arbor First United Methodist Church. We give thanks for her ministry among us and celebrate the many ways she has shared God's love through both extraordinary leadership and the ordinary moments of faithful presence that have shaped our time together. Please join the celebration after worship in Fellowship Hall on Sunday. 

Click here for more Sunday worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times.
Summer Building Hours & VBS Week in the CLC 
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.
 
Vacation Bible School is taking place from June 14-19, and our building will be transformed into a rainforest adventure for hundreds of children and volunteers. As part of the VBS setup, the Christian Life Center (CLC) is closed from Friday, June 12 through Friday, June 19. If your group meets in the CLC, please contact the church office or your group leader for updated room locations and meeting information. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation as we welcome children and families to this exciting week of ministry.

Clergy & Staff Updates

Celebrating Our Clergy and Their Ministries
As we prepare for upcoming pastoral transitions, we invite you to join us in celebrating and giving thanks for the faithful ministry of our clergy and their families. Rev. Sarah Alexander’s celebration will take place on Sunday, June 14 at Birmingham First in Fellowship Hall after worship. Rev. Rachael and Rev. Zack Dunlap's celebration will be on Sunday, June 21 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Berkley First.


Clergy Love Gifts
At each celebration, a card box will be available for you to share cards, memories, and well wishes. A love gift is also being collected as a way of thanking Rev. Rachael, Rev. Sarah, and Rev. Zack for their faithful dedication and ministry to our congregation. Contributions may be made online by clicking the button below, or in-person by cash or check. Checks submitted before June 14 should be made payable to Birmingham First with “Rev. Rachael,” “Rev. Sarah,” or “Rev. Zack” noted on the memo line. If you are bringing your love gift on June 14 or afterward, checks should be made payable directly to each pastor. Please note that love gifts are not tax deductible.
give an online clergy love gift

Welcome Our Summer Ministry Interns: Please join us in welcoming Angela and Gabriel 
Angela H. Montgomery joins us as Ministerial Intern. Angela is a Certified Lay Minister, Lay Leader at Newburg United Methodist Church, educator, attorney, and Master of Divinity student with a passion for missions, Christian education, and community empowerment. 
 
Gabriel Ervin joins us as Pastoral Care Intern. A lifelong United Methodist and Master of Divinity student at Yale Divinity School, Gabriel brings a deep love for the Wesleyan tradition and a commitment to sharing the transforming grace of Christ through pastoral ministry.

Coming Up

There is still time to help! Get Crafty for VBS! 
Rainforest Falls Decorating Days are where the magic begins! Help transform the CLC stage, and the Birmingham First hallways and classrooms into the lush, vibrant world of Rainforest Falls. We need volunteers of all ages. This is the final leg of our jungle journey, where we bring our spaces to life with colorful decorations, stage props, and rainforest details.

Bring a friend or family member and join us for a Craft Night or a Decorating Day. Sign up by clicking the button below.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
Support the Hunger Ministry
June 14 is Hunger Sunday. Contribute your loose change during the offering. For checks and bills, simply use an offering envelope and designate the "Hunger" line. Online donations can be made by clicking here. Once you're redirected to the giving page, be sure to select "Hunger" from the drop-down menu. If you want to give by mail, simply send a check with "Hunger" noted to Birmingham First, 1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009. Your donation will support local food pantries and soup kitchens in Pontiac, Detroit, Redford, and surrounding communities.
TODAY: United Women in Faith Annual Unit Meeting
The United Women in Faith will hold their Annual Unit Meeting on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Parlor at the Birmingham First Campus. During the meeting, members will elect officers and consider the proposed budget for the 2026–2027 year. All are welcome to attend. If you have ever been curious about United Women in Faith, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this vibrant community of women and the ministry they share at Birmingham and Berkley First. We hope you will join us.
Sunday Social
We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, June 28 at 11:15 a.m. for a delicious lunch and fellowship. The cost is $20.00 per person, and it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. RSVP by Wednesday, June 24 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929.
Harvest Produce Table Volunteers Needed 
Help support local hunger ministries this summer by volunteering at the Harvest Produce Table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays beginning June 14. 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.
Prison Creative Arts Project Exhibit Comes to Birmingham & Berkley First
Art as Liberation, Art as Reflection: Select Works from the Prison Creative Arts Project Donated Art Collection will be on display at Birmingham & Berkley First this June. This exhibit features artwork donated by incarcerated artists throughout Michigan through the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP). Artists often choose to donate their work because they may not have the space or permission to store finished artwork, allowing these pieces to be shared through classes, fundraisers, and exhibitions like this one. The exhibit will be  at Berkley First from June 21–24 and at Birmingham First from June 25–28. All are invited to stop by and experience this thoughtful and impactful collection.
You're Invited to Celebrate with the Boayue Family
Rev. Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Boayue invite members of Birmingham and Berkley First to the 90th Birthday Celebration for Charles' mother, Fannia W. Boayue on Saturday, June 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 1019 Chesterfield Avenue, Birmingham, Michigan 48009. There will be an assortment of Liberian food available to share. Please RSVP your attendance at cboayue@fumcbirmingham.org by June 18. 
Blood Drive – July 7
Join us on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 12:30–6:30 p.m. and help save lives through the gift of blood donation. Our goal is to collect at least 41 units of blood, with 75 appointment slots available. Every appointment represents a patient who may be facing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, or a medical emergency. Filling the schedule is critical to maintaining a reliable blood supply for local hospitals, helping prevent delays in care, and ensuring patients in our community receive lifesaving treatment when they need it most. Please consider making an appointment and helping us reach our goal. Sign up 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.

Men’s Retreat – Save the Date
Mark your calendars for this year’s Men’s Retreat at the Colombiere Center, taking place Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24. Registration will open later in June, with additional details coming soon. We invite all men to set aside this time for fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal. Stay tuned for more information.

Samaritas Mission Team Receives UMCOR Migration Grant

Birmingham & Berkley First’s Samaritas Mission Team has been awarded a $2,000 UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant to support virtual ESL classes for New American refugee families in Southeast Michigan. The funding will help provide technology that removes language barriers, expands access to English instruction, and strengthens connections for refugee families rebuilding their lives in our communities.

Click the button below to read the full article and learn how this grant will help sustain and expand this important ministry.
Read the Article

Announcements

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.
Disaster Relief Volunteers Needed
Did you know that more than 300 Detroit homeowners are still recovering from the devastating floods of 2023? For the past three years, After The Storm (ATS), a Michigan Conference disaster recovery ministry, has been working alongside affected families and volunteer teams from across the country to help restore homes and hope.

Birmingham & Berkley First is exploring ways to partner with this ongoing recovery effort. Join us on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Room at Birmingham First to learn how you can serve alongside other United Methodist disaster relief volunteers. Representatives from After The Storm will share information about current projects and volunteer opportunities.
No previous experience is necessary, training will be provided on site, and volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Opportunities are available now for those ready to serve.

Questions? Contact Linda Richards at (248) 761-0756 or Chelesa-Rose Jabboori at (248) 254-2627.
Thank You for Being a Village Fair Sponsor
The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to Birmingham and Berkley First for supporting the 61st Birmingham Village Fair. Community events like the Village Fair bring neighbors together, celebrate local traditions, and strengthen the connections that make Birmingham such a special place to live and serve. We are honored to have played a small part in this long-standing community tradition and appreciate the Chamber's partnership and kind acknowledgment. Thank you for helping make this year's fair a success.
Advertising in the Church Directory 
The new 2026 Birmingham & Berkley First Membership Directory will be published soon. Anyone interested in placing a business advertisement or personal message in support of the directory may contact Jake Allport at 248-545-1415 or jallport@cathedraldirectories.com. Business cards may also be used to create an ad. This is a great opportunity to support the directory while helping others in the congregation learn about local businesses and services within our community. Advertisers do not need to be church members, so feel free to share this opportunity with others. 

Summer Reading Suggestion at the Circuit Rider Bookstore
Get ready for summer reading. Great for teens or young adults. Unblemished by Sara Ella The first book in the The Unblemished Trilogy. Eliyana has a birthmark covering half of her face.  Her mother and Joshua are the only people who treat her normally.  Because of Joshua, she believes she can be loved.  One night her mother does not come home.  Joshua becomes her new legal Guardian.  She is also being stalked.  Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger than she’s ever known. A world forced to remain in a bad situation by a powerful and vile man. Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself? Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall on Sunday to pick up your copies.

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.