Bishop Gregory V. Palmer to Preach on World Communion Sunday
We are honored to welcome Bishop Gregory V. Palmer to Birmingham First on Sunday, October 4, as we join Christians around the globe in celebrating World Communion Sunday.

Bishop Palmer, retired bishop of The United Methodist Church and current Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops, will preach from Luke 9:10–17 with a message titled “Beloved: Taken, Blessed, Broken, Given.” As we prepare to feast at the table of the Lord, Bishop Palmer will explore the framework Jesus offers us for every meal and for a full life.

Bishop Palmer brings decades of pastoral and episcopal leadership to Birmingham First, having served the church in Iowa, Illinois and Ohio and as President of the Council of Bishops. To read more about Bishop Palmer, click here.
Join us for this very special Sunday of worship and Holy Communion. 

Holy Communion
On Sunday, October 4 we will share in Holy Communion during both worship services. All are invited to the table. If you worship online and would like to participate, have bread or crackers and juice available.  If you cannot make it to worship, or would like to deliver to someone who may be homebound, you can pick up communion elements at the Welcome Desk during regular business hours.

Altar Flowers  
he Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, with gratitude for his presence and ministry among us today.
Mission Candle  
he Mission Candle is lit to the glory of God and in celebration of Rich Teets' birthday.

NURSERY CARE at 10:00 a.m.
Infants – 4-years-old

Sunday School Schedule at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, October 4 (Rummage Sale): Family worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday, October 11: Regular Sunday School
Sunday, October 18 (K&3rd grade Bible Sunday): Regular Sunday School
Sunday, October 25: Regular Sunday School
*
Nursery Care ages birth- 4 years is available every Sunday

Middle & High School
The PIT in the CLC at 9:30 a.m.

October 4: World Communion Sunday
Guest Speaker: Bishop Gregory V. Palmer
We are honored to welcome Bishop Gregory V. Palmer as our guest speaker. Bishop Palmer was elected to the episcopacy of The United Methodist Church in 2000 and served episcopal areas in Iowa, Illinois, and West Ohio before retiring in 2024. A respected leader, preacher, and teacher throughout the denomination, he served as President of the Council of Bishops from 2008–2010 and currently serves as Executive Secretary of the Council of Bishops.

A native of Philadelphia, Bishop Palmer is a graduate of George Washington University and Duke University Divinity School. He and his wife, Cynthia, have two children, Monica and Aaron.

October 11
Rev. Chad Oyer preaching
God Makes a Way, Exodus 14
The Israelites had Pharaoh's army behind them and the sea in front of them, and no obvious way out. Moses told them to stand still and watch what God would do. This Sunday we'll look at that story and at what it means that the way through the water didn't appear until the people were willing to walk into it. If you're facing something right now with no clear road forward, this is a good Sunday to be here.
 
October 18
Rev. Elizabeth Hurd preaching
Into the Promise, Joshua 3:14-17
After forty years in the wilderness, a new generation stood at the Jordan River, which was at flood stage. God's instruction was that the water would stop when the priests' feet were in it, not before. This Sunday we'll think about what it means to trust a promise you've only heard about secondhand, and to step in before you're sure. It's a story most of us can find ourselves in.

October 25: Commitment Sunday
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching
Calming Storms, Taking Steps, Matthew 8 and 14
Two storms on the same lake. In the first, Jesus is asleep in the boat while the disciples panic. In the second, Peter climbs out of the boat and walks toward him on the water. This is Commitment Sunday, when we bring our pledges for 2027 forward together. We don't know what next year holds, but we know who called us, and that's the reason we give. We hope you'll be with us.

November 1: All Saints' Sunday