Forward by Faith
Please return your pledge card by Sunday, November 15. That’s when the Finance Committee begins building next year’s budget, and the more they have in hand, the more confidently they can plan. A pledge is simply your best estimate for the year, and it can change if your life does. Pick up a pledge card at the church, or click the button below to use our new, revised online pledge form.
Christmas Outreach
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.
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.
Share Holiday Blessings with RBI
Stop by Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 8 to pick up a Christmas stocking for the Redford Brightmoor Initiative (only 8 of the 150 left) and fill it with $15 worth of goodies. Help share Christmas joy with our neighbors this season!
MCHS Christmas Gifts • Return November 15
Methodist Children’s Home Society Christmas gifts are due next Sunday, November 15. Please return gifts to the Martin Room.
Stop by Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 8 to pick up a Christmas stocking for the Redford Brightmoor Initiative (only 8 of the 150 left) and fill it with $15 worth of goodies. Help share Christmas joy with our neighbors this season!
MCHS Christmas Gifts • Return November 15
Methodist Children’s Home Society Christmas gifts are due next Sunday, November 15. Please return gifts to the Martin Room.
Scout Troop & Pack 1032 Holiday Greens Sale
Get ready for the holidays while supporting our church-sponsored Scouts! Troop & Pack 1032 will be taking orders for holiday greens, including wreaths, porch pots, evergreen roping, and grave blankets, at Birmingham First on Sundays, November 8 and 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.
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!
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!
Sunday Social: Good Food, Great Conversation
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.
Rescheduled: Navigating the Dementia Journey — Planning Ahead Series
Our November 8 Planning Ahead program, Navigating the Dementia Journey, featuring Deborah Seelhoff, Certified Dementia Practitioner with Dementia Forward, has been rescheduled for after the new year. We look forward to offering this important conversation about understanding dementia, supporting loved ones, and navigating the journey with compassion and confidence. Stay tuned for a new date and registration details!
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!
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.
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:
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!
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.
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.
The Power of Bridging: Creating Connection in a Divided World
Sunday, November 29 | Following 11:00 a.m. Worship | Fellowship Hall
You're invited to a special conversation and luncheon with acclaimed civil rights scholar and author john a. powell as he discusses his book, The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong. At a time when division and polarization seem to surround us, powell offers a hopeful path forward, challenging us to move beyond fear and “othering” to build genuine connections across our differences. As we enter Advent, a season that invites us to reconsider our expectations and discover God at work in unexpected ways, this conversation offers a timely opportunity to explore how we can break down barriers, strengthen our communities, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Lunch will be provided, RSVP now. For questions, contact Karen Plants at 248-895-9825.
Sunday, November 29 | Following 11:00 a.m. Worship | Fellowship Hall
You're invited to a special conversation and luncheon with acclaimed civil rights scholar and author john a. powell as he discusses his book, The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong. At a time when division and polarization seem to surround us, powell offers a hopeful path forward, challenging us to move beyond fear and “othering” to build genuine connections across our differences. As we enter Advent, a season that invites us to reconsider our expectations and discover God at work in unexpected ways, this conversation offers a timely opportunity to explore how we can break down barriers, strengthen our communities, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Lunch will be provided, RSVP now. For questions, contact Karen Plants at 248-895-9825.
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...
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...
Announcements
Pickleball Ladder League Starts on Saturday!
Registration is now open for Pickleball Ladder Leagues in the Christian Life Center! Join us on Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21 and December 5 (no play November 28). Two sessions are available: 1:00–2:30 p.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m. The cost is $40 per session, and registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Register by clicking here.
Caring Crafters • Fridays, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
The Caring Crafters meet every Friday afternoon 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.
The Caring Crafters meet every Friday afternoon 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.
Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall • Great Books, Great Savings
Our bookstore ministry helps nurture faith without breaking the bank! Most books are priced below major online sources, there are no shipping costs, and rounded pricing offers even more savings. Browse Bibles, study guides, devotionals and inspirational books for all ages. Shop the bookstore every Sunday.
Our bookstore ministry helps nurture faith without breaking the bank! Most books are priced below major online sources, there are no shipping costs, and rounded pricing offers even more savings. Browse Bibles, study guides, devotionals and inspirational books for all ages. Shop the bookstore every Sunday.
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.
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.
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.