Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

EVENTS & GROUPS  |  CHRISTMAS OUTREACH | WORSHIP INFORMATION | FROM THE ARCHIVES | ANNOUNCEMENTS
Honoring Our Veterans This Veterans Day
Today, we pause with gratitude to honor the men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. To the veterans in our Birmingham & Berkley First church family, and to all who have worn the uniform, we offer our heartfelt thanks. May we honor your service not only with words of appreciation, but through our continued commitment to peace, compassion, and care for one another. Thank you for your service, and may God bless you and your families.

Forward by Faith: Planning for 2027 

Have you made your 2027 pledge? Our Finance Committee is about to begin planning next year's ministry budget, and every pledge matters!

Worship Sunday

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November 15 | 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. preaching
Children of the Light, 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
The Day of the Lord brings uncertainty and judgment for those who are unprepared, but hope and salvation for those who live as children of the light. How do we live faithfully in anticipation of God's promises? We will explore what it means to embrace our identity as children of the light and encourage one another in faith.

Confirmation Sunday
This Sunday, we celebrate six young people who will be confirmed during our 11:00 a.m. worship service. As they affirm their faith and become professing members of the United Methodist Church, we celebrate this important milestone and welcome them into the life of our church family!

For Sunday School, nursery care, altar flower and worship dedications, online worship links, and additional Sunday worship information, click here.

Gather, Connect and Get Involved

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The Power of Bridging: A Conversation with john a. powell
Sunday, November 29 | Following 11:00 a.m. Worship | Fellowship Hall
The Church & Society Committee of Birmingham & Berkley First welcomes acclaimed author, scholar, and civil rights advocate john a. powell for a special conversation about his book, The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong. At a time when division seems to define our world, powell offers a hopeful approach to building connections across differences and creating communities where everyone belongs. The conversation will be moderated by Bankole Thompson, nationally acclaimed journalist, author, and Detroit News columnist. Attend 11:00 a.m. worship, which will be followed immediately by the conversation and luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Lunch is provided; please RSVP here.
Holy Disruption: A Churchwide Advent Study
This Advent, beginning November 29, Birmingham & Berkley First is reading Holy Disruption: Discovering Advent in the Gospel of Mark by Tracy S. Daub—and the whole church is invited to take part! Our Advent sermons will follow themes from the book, and Journey Groups across both campuses will explore how God challenges our expectations and invites us to experience Advent in unexpected ways. Whether you're already part of a group or participating for the first time, everyone is welcome!

Advent Study Opportunities:
  • Berkley First – Sunday Mornings: Rev. Elizabeth Hurd will lead a five-week study beginning Sunday, November 22, from 8:30–9:30 a.m., before worship.
  • Birmingham First – Tuesday Evenings: Rev. Chad Oyer will lead a four-week study on December 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 7–8 p.m., with a Zoom option available.
  • Additional Journey Groups: The Arbon Dennis Men and Tuesday Morning Women will also explore Holy Disruption during their regular gatherings, welcoming newcomers throughout Advent. Other groups may also be participating! Watch our website and Steeple Notes for additional opportunities.

Get your copy and start reading! Books are available for $15 in the church office, or can be purchased online and is also available on Kindle. Get ready for a little Holy Disruption this Advent!
When All Was Still: Carols of a Disruptive Peace
Sunday, December 6 | Chancel Choir and Orchestra | 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
December is loud. Lists, ads, deadlines, headlines, and the endless jingle of the season crowd every quiet corner of our lives. But the peace of Christ isn’t only a memory of one holy night long ago. It’s offered to us now, and it has a way of interrupting everything. Join the Chancel Choir and orchestra on the Second Sunday of Advent for a service of music that moves from clamor to calm. This Advent, don’t wait for the season to slow down. Come and be still, and let that peace find you today.

Advent by Candlelight • RSVP for November 30 
United Women in Faith invites women from Birmingham & Berkley First, along with their friends and guests, to Advent by Candlelight: What the World Needs Now... on Monday, November 30, in the CLC and Sanctuary. Gather for this special evening to prepare your heart for the Advent season. Click here to sign up to host a table, RSVP for the communal table, or attend the Sanctuary program. The Sanctuary program will be livestreamed at 7:00 p.m. and available to watch afterward for those unable to attend in person.

Introducing Brotherhood Breakfast • Wednesday, November 18
Men from Birmingham First and Berkley First are invited to Brotherhood Breakfast, a new monthly men's ministry beginning Wednesday, November 18, from 7:00–8:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall at Birmingham First. Come enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by Chef Hollie, meaningful fellowship, learning, and prayer. Whether you're involved in an existing men's group or looking for a new way to connect, all men are welcome! No RSVP is required, and there is no cost to attend. Donations to support this new ministry are appreciated. Bring a friend!

We’d Love to Be Your Church Family!
If you’re interested in learning more about Birmingham and Berkley First, join us on Sunday, November 22, at 6:00 p.m. at Birmingham First. This one-session class will provide knowledge, resources, and relationships to help you take your next steps. Associate clergy and ministry leaders will attend, offering a relaxed and informative experience to learn more about The United Methodist Church and our community. You’ll also have an opportunity to become a member. We’ll begin by going through the Sunday Evening Dinner line in Fellowship Hall and taking our food to the Martin Room. RSVP by emailing Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or calling 248.646.1200 ext. 3142.

RSVP Today! Sunday Social
Looking for a friendly place to connect with others after worship? Sunday Social is a welcoming gathering where familiar faces and newcomers alike can enjoy a delicious lunch, lively conversation, and a relaxed afternoon together. Whether you're coming with friends or attending for the first time, there's always room at the table! Our next gathering is Sunday, November 22, from 12:15–1:30 p.m. in Thomas Parlor. Cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 18, to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org or 248-342-1929.

Merry Mates • RSVP by November 15

 Join Merry Mates on Friday, November 20, for “What Seniors Need to Know About Scams,” presented by Gina Moody, Community Resource Officer with the Birmingham Police Department. Learn how to recognize common scams and protect yourself from fraud. Fellowship begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner prepared by Chef Hollie at 6:00 p.m. and the program at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP by November 15 to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438. All are welcome, including singles, couples, guests and newcomers!

Blood Drive • Tuesday, December 8 in the Christian Life Center

You're invited to to roll up your sleeves and help save lives at the blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan on Tuesday, December 8, from 12:30–6:30 p.m. in the CLC. Every blood donation can make a lifesaving difference for patients facing surgery, cancer treatment, traumatic injuries, and other medical emergencies. Donated blood helps local hospitals provide critical care when patients need it most.

The goal for this drive is to collect at least 41 units of blood, with 72 appointment slots available. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment and help fill the schedule!

Christmas Outreach

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Angel Tree: Donate. Give. Help. Deliver.
Help bring Christmas joy to more than 250 children and their families across Metro Detroit through the Angel Tree ministry! Beginning Sunday, November 22, stop by Fellowship Hall after worship to select an angel and purchase gifts to return by December 6. There are many other ways to help, too! Donate toward $50 food bags for families, contribute funds for someone to shop on your behalf, volunteer with preparations December 7–11, or help deliver gifts and food on December 12. Click here to learn more, give, or volunteer.

Scout Troop & Pack 1032 Holiday Greens Sale
Scouts Troop & Pack 1032 will be taking orders for holiday greens, including wreaths, porch pots, evergreen roping, and grave blankets, at Birmingham First on Sunday, November 15. Drive-through order pickup will be available in the church parking lot on Saturdays, November 21 and December 5. Pricing and additional details will be available soon. Thank you for supporting our Scouts! Click here for more information and pricing.

Purposeful Play • An Afternoon of Games & Giving Back 
Play with a purpose on Friday, November 27, while supporting Angel Tree, a program helping local children during the Christmas season. Join us for Angels & Tiles, featuring Mah Jongg lessons from noon–2:00 p.m. ($40) or open play from noon–6:00 p.m. ($25). Pickleball enthusiasts can participate in the Serving with Smiles Pickleball Mixer from noon–6:00 p.m. ($30), welcoming all skill levels. Click here to register.

Redford Brightmoor Christmas Stockings • Return November 22
Thank you to everyone who picked up one of the 150 Christmas stockings for the Redford Brightmoor Initiative! Please remember to return your filled stocking by next Sunday, November 22, to help share Christmas blessings with families in our community.
 
MCHS Christmas Gifts • Return November 15
Thank you to everyone who participated in the MCHS Christmas Wish List outreach! All 90 wish lists were distributed and will be fulfilled thanks to your generosity. Please remember to return your unwrapped gifts, along with their wish lists, to the Martin Room today, November 15. 

Announcements

CHRISTMAS OUTREACH| WORSHIP INFORMATION | FROM THE ARCHIVES | EVENTS & GROUPS |TOP OF PAGE

Download Our Church App!

Simply open your app store, search “Birmingham First,” and download the Birmingham & Berkley First app today.
Stay connected with Birmingham & Berkley First wherever you are! The First UMC app makes it easy to find everything you need in one convenient place. Explore upcoming events, access worship services, read Steeple Notes, follow along with Scripture, visit our website, and more—all right from your phone! Getting started is easy! The app is free and available for Apple and Android devices.  Worship. Events. Scripture. Church News. All at your fingertips!

Equal Exchange Fair Trade Sale • Sunday, November 15
Shop Equal Exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate Sunday in Fellowship Hall! These items make wonderful gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Your purchases promote social and environmental justice by supporting fair trade and organic farming around the world.

Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall • Great Books, Great Savings
Available Sunday after worship in the Circuit Rider Bookstore: Making Room by Dr. Ed Robb. This Advent book and study explores the spirit of welcome at Christmas through the stories of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. Just as Jesus welcomed those often overlooked or pushed to the margins, Robb invites readers to reflect on how we can open our hearts and make room for others this Christmas season. 
Caring Crafters • On Display Until December 7 in the CLC
Thank you to everyone who stopped by The Caring Crafters table in Fellowship Hall last Sunday. They will again be displaying their crafts to purchase in the Christian Life Center until December 7. This group meets every Friday afternoon from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center (CLC) to share their love of crafting, creativity, and fellowship. Thanks to generous donations, the group has an abundant supply of yarn, needles, and hooks available to participants—a supply that, much like the five loaves and two fish, never seems to run out! But Caring Crafters offers much more than free supplies. Whether you're interested in learning a new yarn craft, need help finishing a project, or simply enjoy creating alongside others, you'll find friendship, encouragement, and a welcoming place to spend your Friday afternoon.
New Assistive Listening System for Sanctuary Worship
We now offer Auracast Bluetooth audio, a new assistive listening system designed to help you hear worship more clearly through compatible hearing aids, earbuds, headphones and other listening devices. Scan the QR code on the back of the bulletin this Sunday to get connected.
First Nurses: Roll Up Your Sleeves to Help Others Roll Up Theirs!
Do you know how to check blood pressure? If so, the First Nurses could use your help! Volunteers are needed for about 30 minutes after the 9:30 a.m. worship service just a few times a year to provide blood pressure checks for our congregation. This simple service is offered once a month, and many of our members rely on it as a helpful way to keep an eye on their blood pressure. Sign up for a date through May 2027 by clicking here, or contact Deb Hamel at 248-882-6965 with questions or to volunteer.

Help Us Offer a Warm Welcome on Sunday Mornings 
Sunday Morning Greeters are always needed at several key places in the church, at both the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. Your presence, smile and warm welcome make a lasting impression on all attendees. Sign up by clicking here, or visit the Kiosk during coffee hour every Sunday (and be sure to take a chocolate as a little "thank you"). Also, at the Kiosk each Sunday, you can order your official Name Badge, if you do not have one yet. It's a great way for everyone to learn more names as we gather together! 

Preschool Traffic Reminder
Preschool is now in session September through May. Monday–Friday from 8:30–9:30 a.m., please do not enter the east parking lot from Maple Road. All CLC and church visitors should use the Pleasant Street entrance during this time, as preschool curbside drop-off traffic will be traveling against the usual signs and directional arrows.

From the Archives

“When Capt. Claude R. Streb of the U. S. Army sent in ‘Steeple Notes’, it came with a little sketch of our Church as he remembered it, to show how the name could be used.”
Discover how Steeple Notes got its name! Discover the story behind the name and explore the first issue published under the Steeple Notes name in December 1944—a tradition that continues more than 80 years later.
Read more about this piece of Birmingham First history...
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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.
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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.