


Sunday Worship at 10:00 a.m. (in-person & online)
On Sunday, October 4, we will celebrate Laity Sunday, a special day recognizing the important role of laypeople in the life and ministry of the church.
We welcome Justin Work as our guest speaker as we celebrate the many ways our congregation shares their gifts, serves others, and lives out their faith.
This Too Is Meaningless: A Message of Hope
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10
Join us as we celebrate the laity of our church and the many ways God works through each of us.
We welcome Justin Work as our guest speaker as we celebrate the many ways our congregation shares their gifts, serves others, and lives out their faith.
This Too Is Meaningless: A Message of Hope
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10
Join us as we celebrate the laity of our church and the many ways God works through each of us.
Attend worship Sunday at 10:00 a.m., in-person at 2820 12 Mile Road in Berkley, or online. Click a button below to attend worship online.
What's Happening at Berkley First
Prayer Team Members Needed
“Wealthy is the person who has a praying friend.” The Birmingham & Berkley First Prayer Team is looking for new members who feel called to pray for those in our congregation during times of need. Team members receive a confidential list of prayer requests by email each week and lift those individuals and concerns in prayer. If you feel called to this ministry or would like to learn more, contact Barbara Glick at barbaraglick@hotmail.com.
“Wealthy is the person who has a praying friend.” The Birmingham & Berkley First Prayer Team is looking for new members who feel called to pray for those in our congregation during times of need. Team members receive a confidential list of prayer requests by email each week and lift those individuals and concerns in prayer. If you feel called to this ministry or would like to learn more, contact Barbara Glick at barbaraglick@hotmail.com.

Parents' Night Out | Registration Closes Today
Parents, ready for a break? Drop the kids off for an evening of fun at Parents' Night Out at Berkley First on Friday, October 9, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Kids through 5th grade will enjoy a bounce house, games, a movie, pizza, drinks, and snacks while parents enjoy a few hours of well-deserved downtime. The cost is just $7 per child. Be sure to register by October 2 to reserve your child's spot! Click here to register.
Parents, ready for a break? Drop the kids off for an evening of fun at Parents' Night Out at Berkley First on Friday, October 9, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Kids through 5th grade will enjoy a bounce house, games, a movie, pizza, drinks, and snacks while parents enjoy a few hours of well-deserved downtime. The cost is just $7 per child. Be sure to register by October 2 to reserve your child's spot! Click here to register.

K-Groups
Looking for a way to connect and grow in faith this fall? K-Groups bring together 8–10 people for one hour each week, October through May, to reflect on their walk with Jesus, share how God is at work in their lives, and pray together. New and returning participants are welcome! Complete the K-Group interest form to share your preferences and availability for the 2026–27 year.
Looking for a way to connect and grow in faith this fall? K-Groups bring together 8–10 people for one hour each week, October through May, to reflect on their walk with Jesus, share how God is at work in their lives, and pray together. New and returning participants are welcome! Complete the K-Group interest form to share your preferences and availability for the 2026–27 year.

Cider Mill Meet Up at Three Cedars Farm
Celebrate fall with Berkley First at Three Cedars Farm (7897 Six Mile Road in Northville, MI) on Saturday, October 17. Meet up from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for free cider and donuts, then stick around to explore the farm, tackle the corn maze, or take a hayride to the pumpkin patch. We’ll gather for a group photo at 4:00 p.m. for anyone who’s still around. Bring your family and friends and come enjoy a fun fall afternoon together!
Celebrate fall with Berkley First at Three Cedars Farm (7897 Six Mile Road in Northville, MI) on Saturday, October 17. Meet up from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for free cider and donuts, then stick around to explore the farm, tackle the corn maze, or take a hayride to the pumpkin patch. We’ll gather for a group photo at 4:00 p.m. for anyone who’s still around. Bring your family and friends and come enjoy a fun fall afternoon together!

Pizza and Pumpkins
Have a fun-filled evening of pizza and pumpkin carving on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. We will be outside if the weather is nice! Bring your own pumpkin and leave the mess behind—we’ll have all the carving and decorating supplies ready for you. Come enjoy good food, creative fun, and great company. Bring friends, all are welcome!
Have a fun-filled evening of pizza and pumpkin carving on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. We will be outside if the weather is nice! Bring your own pumpkin and leave the mess behind—we’ll have all the carving and decorating supplies ready for you. Come enjoy good food, creative fun, and great company. Bring friends, all are welcome!

Find Your Group This Fall at Berkley First
Fall is a great time to make new connections and grow in faith at Berkley First! Our Journey Groups offer opportunities for women, men, and adults of all ages to gather for Bible study, prayer, meaningful conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a weekly study, a twice-monthly gathering, or simply a place to connect with others, there’s a group for you. Newcomers are always welcome, and you can join at any time. Explore the groups and find one that fits your schedule this fall by clicking here.
Fall is a great time to make new connections and grow in faith at Berkley First! Our Journey Groups offer opportunities for women, men, and adults of all ages to gather for Bible study, prayer, meaningful conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a weekly study, a twice-monthly gathering, or simply a place to connect with others, there’s a group for you. Newcomers are always welcome, and you can join at any time. Explore the groups and find one that fits your schedule this fall by clicking here.
Birmingham First Campus & The Christian Life Center (CLC)

Rummage Sale Is Next Week, October 4-9
Rummage Sale week is here, and much of the church will be transformed for the sale! If your group or ministry has a meeting scheduled next week, please check with your staff liaison or group leader to confirm whether it is meeting as scheduled, has moved, or has been rescheduled. Coffee Hour is paused on Sunday while Fellowship Hall is being used for the sale, and there will be no Sunday Night Dinner on October 4. The CLC is closed on Friday, October 2.
Fall Rummage Sale • Donate & Shop
Curbside donations will be accepted Sunday, October 4 from 1:00–8:00 p.m. and Monday, October 5, from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Shop Wednesday, October 7 from noon–8:00 p.m., and Thursday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at regular price and 3:00–8:00 p.m. for 50% off and the $10 Bag Sale.
Rummage Sale week is here, and much of the church will be transformed for the sale! If your group or ministry has a meeting scheduled next week, please check with your staff liaison or group leader to confirm whether it is meeting as scheduled, has moved, or has been rescheduled. Coffee Hour is paused on Sunday while Fellowship Hall is being used for the sale, and there will be no Sunday Night Dinner on October 4. The CLC is closed on Friday, October 2.
Fall Rummage Sale • Donate & Shop
Curbside donations will be accepted Sunday, October 4 from 1:00–8:00 p.m. and Monday, October 5, from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Shop Wednesday, October 7 from noon–8:00 p.m., and Thursday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at regular price and 3:00–8:00 p.m. for 50% off and the $10 Bag Sale.

College Care Packets: Get One or Help Make One
As a new school year begins, so does our church tradition that has been caring for our college students for at least 28 years! Students and parents should send a current mailing address to cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org by October 4, even if it hasn’t changed. Did you receive a College Care Packet in years past? Now is your chance to help continue the tradition! Volunteers are needed to donate small items or help assemble packets on October 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Martin Room. To help or donate, contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@beachcom.net or 248-730-3040.
As a new school year begins, so does our church tradition that has been caring for our college students for at least 28 years! Students and parents should send a current mailing address to cschulte@fumcbirmingham.org by October 4, even if it hasn’t changed. Did you receive a College Care Packet in years past? Now is your chance to help continue the tradition! Volunteers are needed to donate small items or help assemble packets on October 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Martin Room. To help or donate, contact Sue Smith at sue.smith@beachcom.net or 248-730-3040.

Planning Ahead: Medicare & Annual Enrollment: What You Need to Know for 2027 (Birmingham First Campus)
Don't miss this on Sunday, October 11 at 12:30 p.m. in Thomas Parlor at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Get clear, practical information to help you understand your options and make confident decisions during this year’s Annual Enrollment period. This session features Diane Paris, Licensed Medicare Specialist with ClearPath Senior Advisors. Topics will include Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap), what’s changing for 2027, understanding your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), prescription drug coverage and out-of-pocket costs, and what to review before making your enrollment decision. This program is part of Planning Ahead: A Series on Aging & Care, offering six complimentary sessions from October through April to help you plan ahead with confidence. The program is free to attend, and lunch is provided. Advance registration is requested by clicking here.
Don't miss this on Sunday, October 11 at 12:30 p.m. in Thomas Parlor at the Birmingham First Campus (1589 West Maple Road, Birmingham). Get clear, practical information to help you understand your options and make confident decisions during this year’s Annual Enrollment period. This session features Diane Paris, Licensed Medicare Specialist with ClearPath Senior Advisors. Topics will include Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap), what’s changing for 2027, understanding your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), prescription drug coverage and out-of-pocket costs, and what to review before making your enrollment decision. This program is part of Planning Ahead: A Series on Aging & Care, offering six complimentary sessions from October through April to help you plan ahead with confidence. The program is free to attend, and lunch is provided. Advance registration is requested by clicking here.

Pumpkin Patch Opens October 11
The Birmingham First Pumpkin Patch is back! Stop by the front lawn along Maple Road from October 11–31 to pick out the perfect pumpkin while supporting our Hunger Ministry. And don’t forget your camera! The patch makes a beautiful fall backdrop, so gather the family, coordinate those pumpkin shirts and snap a few festive family photos while you’re here.
Help make the Pumpkin Patch to benefit Hunger Ministry happen! Volunteers are needed for daily two-hour sales shifts, with morning, afternoon and evening opportunities perfect for individuals and families. Help is also needed for setup Friday, October 9, and to unload the pumpkin truck Saturday, October 10. Visit our pumpkin patch page for more details and to sign up.
The Birmingham First Pumpkin Patch is back! Stop by the front lawn along Maple Road from October 11–31 to pick out the perfect pumpkin while supporting our Hunger Ministry. And don’t forget your camera! The patch makes a beautiful fall backdrop, so gather the family, coordinate those pumpkin shirts and snap a few festive family photos while you’re here.
Help make the Pumpkin Patch to benefit Hunger Ministry happen! Volunteers are needed for daily two-hour sales shifts, with morning, afternoon and evening opportunities perfect for individuals and families. Help is also needed for setup Friday, October 9, and to unload the pumpkin truck Saturday, October 10. Visit our pumpkin patch page for more details and to sign up.

Fall Festival at Birmingham First: New Event for All Ages
Celebrate the season at our Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on the Birmingham First front lawn! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fall fun featuring bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin carving, kettle corn, a petting farm, and more. This free, family-friendly event is open to the entire community, so invite your friends and neighbors and come enjoy a fun fall afternoon at Birmingham First!
Celebrate the season at our Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on the Birmingham First front lawn! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fall fun featuring bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin carving, kettle corn, a petting farm, and more. This free, family-friendly event is open to the entire community, so invite your friends and neighbors and come enjoy a fun fall afternoon at Birmingham First!

First Steps: Exploring the Bible • Begins October 15
Want to feel more comfortable and confident reading the Bible? First Steps: Exploring the Bible offers a welcoming place to begin or return with fresh curiosity. Led by Roz Townes, this five-week class explores the Bible’s big story, God’s love and pursuit of people, and the light of Christ woven throughout Scripture. Meets Thursdays, October 15–November 12, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in Arbon Dennis Chapel, Room 240, or via Zoom. Books are available at no cost in the church office.
Want to feel more comfortable and confident reading the Bible? First Steps: Exploring the Bible offers a welcoming place to begin or return with fresh curiosity. Led by Roz Townes, this five-week class explores the Bible’s big story, God’s love and pursuit of people, and the light of Christ woven throughout Scripture. Meets Thursdays, October 15–November 12, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in Arbon Dennis Chapel, Room 240, or via Zoom. Books are available at no cost in the church office.
SAVE THESE DATES
Friday, November 27 from 12:00-6:00 p.m.: Pickleball and Mahjongg Mixer for Angel Tree
Monday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m.: Advent by Candlelight
Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.: Annual Church Conference
Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m.: Bethlehem Marketplace
Friday, November 27 from 12:00-6:00 p.m.: Pickleball and Mahjongg Mixer for Angel Tree
Monday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m.: Advent by Candlelight
Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.: Annual Church Conference
Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m.: Bethlehem Marketplace
CLC Volunteer Opportunity
The Christian Life Center is looking for volunteers on weekday mornings and afternoons, as well as substitute volunteers to help fill morning, afternoon, and evening shifts when needed. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the many people who use and enjoy the CLC each week. As a thank-you, volunteers may participate in drop-in pickleball and Mah Jongg at no cost. If you are interested or have questions, please stop by the CLC or email clc@fumcbirmingham.org. 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.
The Christian Life Center is looking for volunteers on weekday mornings and afternoons, as well as substitute volunteers to help fill morning, afternoon, and evening shifts when needed. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the many people who use and enjoy the CLC each week. As a thank-you, volunteers may participate in drop-in pickleball and Mah Jongg at no cost. If you are interested or have questions, please stop by the CLC or email clc@fumcbirmingham.org. 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.
Community Connections
Berkley First is more than a place to worship—it’s a place to grow, create, and connect with others.
Throughout the week, our building comes alive with opportunities for all ages to learn, move, recover, and belong. Whether you're seeking community, creativity, or a fresh start, there’s something here for you!
Throughout the week, our building comes alive with opportunities for all ages to learn, move, recover, and belong. Whether you're seeking community, creativity, or a fresh start, there’s something here for you!
More Ways To Connect
Click a button below for more information on upcoming events, opportunities, and groups.
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 for the Birmingham First campus must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.
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 for the Birmingham First campus must be submitted at least one week prior to the requested publication date.



