Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

Worship Information for Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.

This week’s bulletin cover features a stained-glass panel from the Psalms of David collection, reflecting Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Traditionally attributed to King David following his confession of sin, this powerful prayer expresses a longing for forgiveness, renewal, and restoration before God. The window is located at the west Pleasant Street entrance next to Runkle Chapel.

This theme of grace and renewal carries into this Sunday’s sermon, “Who Wants to Throw the First Stone?” (John 8:2–11), by our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Gary Haller. In this powerful story, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus by bringing before him a woman caught in adultery and demanding judgment according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responds, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” In doing so, he turns the focus from condemnation to mercy, challenging both the crowd and us to examine our own hearts. As we reflect on this scripture together, we are reminded that God’s desire is not simply punishment under the law, but forgiveness, transformation, and the creation of a clean heart within each of us.

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

One Worship Service for the Summer Season

Join us for one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m., offered both in person and online. Summer is a wonderful season to gather as one community in prayer, music, scripture, and fellowship as we continue growing in faith together. Whether you are reconnecting after a busy season or inviting someone new to worship alongside you, we look forward to sharing this meaningful time together in God’s presence. Our regular two-service worship schedule will resume after Labor Day. 

Important Update Regarding Mailed Giving Envelopes
If you receive your giving envelopes through the mail, please note that there was a printing error and the wrong envelopes were sent for June. Our printer is aware of the mistake and is currently reprinting them. Corrected envelopes should arrive in your mailbox soon. Please discard or recycle the incorrect envelopes once the new set arrives. Until the corrected envelopes are received, please use a general offering envelope available in the pews. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Summer Choir Begins Sunday, May 31

Love to sing, but short on time? Join the Summer Choir for a relaxed and joyful way to share your voice! Meet in the Choir Room at 9:30 a.m. on any Sunday morning from May 31 through July 26. We’ll learn a simple anthem together and sing it during the service. No robes are needed; music and folders will be provided. Everyone is welcome!

Clergy & Staff Updates

Celebrating Our Clergy and Their Ministries
As we prepare for upcoming pastoral transitions, we invite you to join us in celebrating and giving thanks for the faithful ministry of our clergy and their families. Rev. Sarah Alexander’s celebration will take place on Sunday, June 14 at Birmingham First in Fellowship Hall after worship. Rev. Rachael and Rev. Zack Dunlap's celebration will be on Sunday, June 21 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Berkley First.


Clergy Love Gifts
At each celebration, a card box will be available for you to share cards, memories, and well wishes. A love gift is also being collected as a way of thanking Rev. Rachael, Rev. Sarah, and Rev. Zack for their faithful dedication and ministry to our congregation. Contributions may be made online by clicking the button below, or in-person by cash or check. Checks submitted before June 14 should be made payable to Birmingham First with “Rev. Rachael,” “Rev. Sarah,” or “Rev. Zack” noted on the memo line. If you are bringing your love gift on June 14 or afterward, checks should be made payable directly to each pastor. Please note that love gifts are not tax deductible.
give an online clergy love gift

Staff Update

With gratitude for her service, we share that Karen Murphy has resigned as Development Officer at Birmingham & Berkley First, effective June 8. Karen has been a gift to our community this past year, and we are deeply grateful for her many contributions, including her work in developing our major gifts program and in forming the Development Leadership Team. We are glad Karen will continue to volunteer on the Development Leadership Team, and we wish her every good thing in what comes next.

Welcoming Rev. Chad Oyer to Birmingham & Berkley First

We are pleased to welcome Rev. Chad Oyer as Senior Associate Pastor as he returns to Birmingham & Berkley First beginning June 1. Rev. Oyer will preach at Birmingham First on Sunday, June 7, and at Berkley First on Sunday, June 14.

Read the Article
More information about Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, who will serve as Associate Pastor at Birmingham & Berkley First beginning July 1, will be shared soon. 

Ministerial Intern: Angela H. Montgomery

This summer, Angela will serve at Birmingham & Berkley First as Ministerial Intern beginning June 1.

Angela Montgomery is the current Lay Leader at Newburg United Methodist Church and a Certified Lay Minister. She is active in the church’s Missions Ministry, serving on mission trips to God’s Country in Newberry, Michigan, Salud y Paz in Guatemala, and the Tennessee/Kentucky area. Angela is also a rotating Sunday School teacher for the Children’s Ministry Primary Class and volunteers with other programs within the church. A lover of Christian education, Angela also teaches Lay Servant Ministry classes offered by the Greater Detroit District. She is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity degree.

Professionally, Angela is a solo practice attorney with a passion for community development and empowerment. She spends a significant amount of time assisting small businesses and nonprofits with business organization and development, fund development through partnerships and grants, and sustainability planning. She also assists indigent families with estate planning. In addition, she serves as a board member for a local nonprofit organization in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood and volunteers as a robotics mentor.

But balance is important. Angela enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, camping, playing video games, building with LEGO bricks, and enjoying the peace of doing nothing. And if you really want to make her happy, offer her a cup of coffee.

Pastoral Care Intern: Gabriel Ervin

This summer, Gabriel will serve at Birmingham & Berkley First as the Pastoral Care Intern beginning June 8.

Gabriel Ervin is a lifelong United Methodist who has called this Church home from his earliest days. Now a Master of Divinity student at Yale Divinity School, he brings to this ministry internship a deep love for the Wesleyan tradition and a conviction that the Gospel speaks to the whole of human life, its joys, its struggles, and its greatest questions. Formed by years in the pew before ever stepping into the pulpit, Gabriel’s studies in theology, biblical studies, and homiletics have only deepened his commitment to the people called Methodist and to the transforming grace at the heart of their witness. He is grateful and honored to serve this congregation. 

Coming Up

RSVP for the Annual Endowment Dinner
Don’t miss the Annual Endowment Dinner on June 5 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, sponsored by the Endowment Board! This special dinner and program event is free and open to the congregation and will share highlights of the ministries and programs supported by the endowment, as well as how you can make a gift to the endowment that will last a lifetime. Incoming associate pastor, Rev. Chad Oyer will be our guest speaker. RSVP is required no later than May 31 by clicking here, or the link in the electronic invitation sent to your email, by calling Karen Murphy at extension 3155, or by emailing kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org. Endowment Board Member Beverly Hannett-Price will greet guests that day at the check-in table and provide additional information and name tags. We hope to see you there!
Choir Camp, Jr.: July 14–16 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon: Registration Closes June 1
Registration is now open for Choir Camp Jr.: This summer, your child becomes the main character in a week full of music, faith, and fun, experiencing all the best parts of the traditional “big” Choir Camp in a day camp setting at Birmingham First. Campers will take part in chapel, music-making, recreation, crafts, and snacks, and will be placed in small “cabins” for devotionals, activities, and their own hero’s quest. Click here for more information and to register. 
Choir Camp: July 26 – August 1: Registration Closes June 1
Registration is now open for Choir Camp 2026: NPC No More — You Were Never Background, taking place July 26 through August 1. This unique experience invites students in grades 4–12 to step into the story, exploring the world of first century Judea, the forces that shaped it, and the one person who continually called ordinary people into extraordinary purpose. Click here for more information and to register.
Parent's Night Out at Berkley First: RSVP by June 1
Drop your kids off at Berkley First (2820 12 Mile, Berkley) for an evening of fun at Parents’ Night Out! On Friday, June 5, from 5-8 pm, let us take care of the entertainment while you enjoy some well-deserved downtime. This Parents Night Out will have a BUBBLE THEME with a bounce house, games and a movie! For just $7 per child, ages up to 5th grade, your little ones will enjoy pizza, drinks and snacks. More information and registration can be found by clicking here. 
Forest Bathing: Rooted and Relaxed
Be rooted in God’s creation on Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., led by Rev. Rachael Dunlap. Through an experiential and contemplative pause in nature, participants will find relaxation and peace. We will gather at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Nature Center, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy a picnic to follow. Please RSVP by clicking here.
Prison Creative Arts Project Exhibit Comes to Birmingham & Berkley First
Art as Liberation, Art as Reflection: Select Works from the Prison Creative Arts Project Donated Art Collection will be on display at Birmingham & Berkley First this June. This exhibit features artwork donated by incarcerated artists throughout Michigan through the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP). Artists often choose to donate their work because they may not have the space or permission to store finished artwork, allowing these pieces to be shared through classes, fundraisers, and exhibitions like this one. The exhibit will be  at Berkley First from June 21–24 and at Birmingham First from June 25–28. All are invited to stop by and experience this thoughtful and impactful collection.
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
Adults are invited to be part of this summer’s mission trip to Henderson Settlement, taking place July 12–18. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve alongside a long-standing mission committed to meeting the needs of the surrounding Appalachian community. Volunteers may assist with a variety of hands-on and relational ministries, including working in the Henderson Settlement store, helping distribute food and essential items, supporting home repair or maintenance projects, and offering hospitality to those who come for assistance. Whether you are organizing supplies, lending a hand with physical work, or simply showing up with a spirit of care and compassion, every role contributes to strengthening the community. Sign up today by clicking here.

Announcements

Advertising in the Church Directory 
The new 2026 Birmingham & Berkley First Membership Directory will be published soon. Anyone interested in placing a business advertisement or personal message in support of the directory may contact Jake Allport at 248-545-1415 or jallport@cathedraldirectories.com. Business cards may also be used to create an ad. This is a great opportunity to support the directory while helping others in the congregation learn about local businesses and services within our community. Advertisers do not need to be church members, so feel free to share this opportunity with others. 

Summer Reading Suggestion at the Circuit Rider Bookstore
Pick up a copy of Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben P. Job. In this insightful book, Job offers a modern interpretation of John Wesley’s General Rules, encouraging readers toward mutual respect, unity, and a deeper daily relationship with God. Stop by the Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall on Sunday to get your copy. 

Get Crafty for VBS 
Come get creative as we prepare for Vacation Bible School! We’ll transform the church into a vibrant rainforest—and we need your help to bring it to life. Bring a friend or family member and join us for a Craft Night or a Decorating Day. Sign up by clicking here.
Haiti Mission Update 
The Haiti Mission Team is excited to share that construction on a new school in the village of David will begin in June, with hopes of opening for the September school year. Six years after building a new church in the same village, the team is now helping provide a proper school for local children. The team is also collecting backpacks and school supplies through an Amazon Wish List that can be viewed by clicking here. Items will be shipped directly to the missionary flight hanger in Venice, Florida, with flights to Haiti departing every two weeks. Donations are needed by July 31 and are deeply appreciated as many families struggle to afford tuition, uniforms, and basic supplies. Questions? Contact Nancy Smith at 248-568-5190 or nancyasmithrn@gmail.com.
Thank You from Samaritas
On behalf of the Samaritas Refugee Youth Mentorship Program, Rachel Campbell and Katy Niglas extend their heartfelt thanks to the congregation, especially the administrative and facilities staff and volunteers, for helping make the May 16 Refugee Youth Career Fair a success. Students learned from professionals in business, engineering, healthcare, and finance, and also received school supplies, lunch, and gift cards for clothing. Samaritas staff shared that families felt welcomed and encouraged, noting the experience will help students make positive future career decisions. 
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.
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.