Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

Sunday, July 26
Control + Alt + Delete
Romans 8:26-39, Philippians 4:6-9
Angela Montgomery, MInisterial Intern preaching
Sometimes one can feel overwhelmed. God's way and his voice seem to disappear in the constant movement of our lives. What would it take to reset? Let's explore the answer together.

This week’s bulletin cover highlights the significance of preaching, which serves as the primary instrument for communicating the Gospel, equipping believers, and transforming lives through the power of God's Word. It provides a dedicated avenue for spiritual renewal, builds up the church community, and continuously points people toward salvation and spiritual maturity in Christ. (Located in the Sanctuary Chancel, west wall, south window)

Click here for more Sunday worship information, including dedications and Sunday School times.

Gather Together

RSVP Today for the Sunday Social
We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, July 26 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, July 22 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929. 
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.
Still a Few Spaces Available: Evangelism in Today’s World
There are still a few spaces available for Evangelism in Today’s World on Thursday, July 30, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Birmingham First. This one-day training, presented by Resurrection Church in Kansas City, will be led by Scott Chrostek, who grew up in our congregation and whose family has long been part of the life and ministry of our church. If you would like to attend, please contact Adrienne Trupiano at atrupiano@fumcbirmingham.org to reserve your spot.
Men’s Retreat – Registration is open!
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.
Walk Indoors This July: CLC at the Birmingham First Campus
Beat the heat and stay active on the CLC Walking Track! Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned space with a smooth, level walking surface—no uneven sidewalks, traffic, or weather to worry about. Whether you're looking for a daily walk, a place to keep moving during the summer, or a comfortable environment to exercise, the track is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come take a walk with us!
Drop-In Pickleball – Beat the Heat This Week
Stay cool and stay active with Drop-In Pickleball on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a fun morning of friendly competition in the comfort of our air-conditioned facility. A new SignUpGenius makes it easy to see when enough players have signed up before you come. The cost is $5 per person to play.
Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing in Your Spiritual Life
Join Ministerial Intern Angela Montgomery for a four-week study exploring how God's "math" is at work throughout Scripture and in our daily lives. Using the Bible and Life Lessons from Luke by Max Lucado as guides, you will discover how God adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides in the stories of Luke's Gospel and reflect on how those same patterns shape their own faith journeys. Meet in the Ward Library on Tuesdays; July 28, August 4, and August 11 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Books are $12 and can be purchased in the church office, or when you register online. To register online, click here. A Zoom option will be available for those who would like to attend online.
Save the Date: Pickleball with a Purpose 
Serve Kindness. Smash Hunger. Save the date 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. Registration opens soon, so mark your calendar and watch for more details! 
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).

Faith in Action

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.
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. 
School Supply Drive for Redford Brightmoor
The Birmingham First 45 Christians group is once again collecting school supplies for students in the Redford Brightmoor community. You can help by purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List by clicking here. Items may be shipped directly to Birmingham First (1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009) or dropped off in the collection bins located in the Christian Life Center or by the Welcome Desk. Thank you for supporting this mission and helping local students begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
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.
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. 
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!

Featured at the Circuit Rider Bookstore
Looking for your next meaningful read? Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall after worship to pick up The Jesus I Never Knew by bestselling author Philip Yancey. Through biblical and historical exploration, Yancey asks how the Jesus of the New Testament compares with the Jesus we think we know. From Bethlehem to the cross, discover a Jesus who challenges assumptions, inspires questions, transforms lives, and invites us into a deeper faith.

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.

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.
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.