Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

Welcome Pastor Elizabeth to the Birmingham First Pulpit
This Sunday, August 16, we are delighted to welcome our new Associate Pastor and Berkley First Campus Pastor, Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, as she preaches for the first time at Birmingham First. Pastor Elizabeth’s message, “Jesus Crumbs,” draws from Matthew 15:21–28 and the story of a Canaanite woman who persistently seeks Jesus’ help. Her story challenges us to consider those who hunger for the love and goodness of Jesus: Will we offer only crumbs, or will we open the doors wide, pull up a chair, and welcome everyone to the table? We hope you’ll be here to welcome Pastor Elizabeth and hear her message.

This Week's Featured Stained Glass Window
“Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith!’” (Matthew 15:28)
The cross stands as the foremost symbol of Christian faith, proclaiming Christ’s sacrifice, redeeming love, and victory over death. Other enduring biblical symbols include the fish (Ichthys), representing the Christian faith; the dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit; the lamb, reflecting purity and Christ’s sacrificial nature; and the anchor, a sign of steadfast hope in God. This week’s window features the anchor, reminding us that faith is firmly grounded in God’s promises and sustained by hope. As Hebrews 6:19 declares, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
(located in the lower left panel of the South Entrance trinity window set)

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

Gather Together

Don't miss 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).
August Sunday Social
We’ll gather in Thomas Parlor on Sunday, August 23 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, August 19 to Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org, or call 248-342-1929. 
Meet Pastor Elizabeth: Michigan Conference Onboarding 
Help Pastor Elizabeth learn more about the people, ministries, and life of Birmingham and Berkley First at this all-church gathering on Thursday, September 3, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley). The evening begins with pizza and salad at 6:00 p.m. and will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne, a certified Michigan Conference Onboarding Facilitator. A donation of $5 per person or $20 per family is requested. To sign up to attend, click here.
Fantasy Football for Missions
Join the fun this NFL season while supporting Birmingham and Berkley First missions! A $30 donation is all it takes to participate, with 100% of proceeds supporting our missions teams locally and around the world. No fantasy football experience is necessary, and team drafting and lineup management can be automated. Sign up with Mark Adams in Fellowship Hall between worship services on August 23 or 30, or email adams400@aol.com. The live draft is Sunday, August 30, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the CLC, and NFL Week 1 begins September 9.

Last year, Pat Hubert won the FF4M Championship and claimed the Pettibone Trophy. Will it be YOU this year? 
Give Blood. Give Hope.
Our next Versiti Blood Drive is Tuesday, September 15, from 12:30–6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The need for blood never takes a break. Local hospitals rely on a steady supply every day for patients facing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries, medical emergencies, and other serious health needs. One donation can help save multiple lives, and every appointment helps ensure blood is there when someone in our community needs it most. Click here to schedule your time to give.
Merry Mates Opens a New Season
Merry Mates kicks off the season on Friday, September 18, with Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, Lead Pastor of Berkley First, sharing her Jeopardy!-inspired story, “Methodist Pastors for $1,000, Ken.” Gather and socialize at 5:30 p.m., enjoy dinner catered by Chef Hollie at 6:00 p.m., followed by the program at 6:45 p.m. Singles, couples, guests, and newcomers are all welcome. Please RSVP to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248-851-6438 by Sunday, September 13. Cost is $25 per person, payable at the door.
Registration Open: Pickleball with a Purpose
Serve Kindness. Smash Hunger. Registration is now open 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. Click here to register to play.

Not a pickleball player? Volunteers are needed, too! Help us make this event a success by lending a hand throughout the day. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
Save the Date: Sunday, September 27
Come be the hands and feet of Jesus by participating in the Hands On Mission Volunteer Day, "The Church Has Left the Building." Alongside other United Methodist churches throughout our Greater Detroit District, Birmingham and Berkley First will serve our neighbors through a variety of hands-on mission projects. Volunteers will help make fleece blankets for Samaritas New Americans, assemble meal kits and brown bag lunches, travel to Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI) to sort donated clothing and household items, or serve with UMCOR’s After the Storm team, helping Detroit homeowners who are still recovering from devastating flooding. There are opportunities for many ages and abilities, and you are welcome to serve for as little or as long as your schedule allows. More information will be available soon.
Church BBQ on the Lawn
Celebrate the start of the fall season with food and fun on the lawn, Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m.! Bring your favorite dish to pass and enjoy a relaxed evening together. All are welcome, so bring your neighbors, family, and friends! 
Men’s Retreat – Don't miss out!
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.

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.

Faith in Action

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.
Roll Up Your Sleeves to Help Others! 
Do you know how to take blood pressure? Volunteer for just 30 minutes after the worship service a few times each year to help provide this important ministry. Monthly blood pressure screenings are a valued service for many in our congregation. Sign up by clicking here, or contact Deb Hamel at 248-882-6965 for more information. 
Make Space for God in Your Day
Whether you have a few quiet minutes in the morning, need a moment of peace in the middle of a busy day, or want to end your evening in prayer, a daily devotional can help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with God. We’ve gathered a collection of United Methodist devotional resources offering Scripture, prayer, reflection, and encouragement to help nurture your faith and make space for God each day. Click here to explore our Devotionals page and find a resource that speaks to you.
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. 
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.
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.

Featured at the Circuit Rider Bookstore
Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall on Sunday after worship to pick up Miracles by C.S. Lewis. In one of his most philosophical works, Lewis explores a fundamental question: If there is a God, how does God interact with creation? Through his examination of naturalism, deism, the Incarnation, and biblical miracles, Lewis offers a thought-provoking exploration of faith, reason, and the possibility of the miraculous. 

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.
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.