Steeple Notes Weekly Newsletter

On Sunday, April 12, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr. will preach “That You May Believe” from John 20:19–31. On this Second Sunday of Easter, we reflect on Christ’s appearance to the disciples, where fear and doubt are met with peace, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and a renewed calling to continue his mission. This theme is beautifully reflected in this week’s bulletin cover, which features the small predella medallion in the East Transept window depicting the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to Thomas—an image that reminds us of the journey from doubt to belief and the invitation to trust in the risen Christ. 

A Disciple's Path

Thursdays, April 16; May 7 & 14 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
#240 Arbon Dennis Chapel, via Zoom, led by Rev. Rachael M. Dunlap
A Disciple’s Path is a guided journey for anyone seeking to grow more deeply in their relationship with Christ and the church. Rooted in a Wesleyan understanding of grace and growth, this series explores practical spiritual practices—prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness—in ways that are accessible, meaningful, and honest. Whether you are new to the church or have been walking this road for years, this is a space to reflect, learn, and grow together. Discipleship Path workbooks are available in the office or from Rev. Rachael at no cost.  For questions or a zoom link, email rdunlap@fumcbirmingham.org.

New Evangelism Study with Dr. Boayue

Sundays, April 12-June 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Martin Room, or via Zoom, led by Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr.
Evangelism, is a 12-week study designed to understand how the message of Jesus Christ is shared effectively throughout the world in accordance with the Holy Bible. If you are interested in participating, please sign up in the Senior Pastor’s office with Dorothy Duensing or email office@fumcbirmingham.org to indicate your name, email address, and phone contact. Copies of the study book will be available with Dorothy Duensing by at $14 each. Checks should be written to Birmingham: First UMC with notation in the memo section for Evangelism Study Class. Come and let’s study how and why evangelism is at the heart of the Church’s mission in our world. Our hope is to prepare disciples for participation in the evangelistic thrust of our church into our community.
Volunteer for the Spring Rummage Sale 
The United Women in Faith Rummage Sale for Missions is coming the week of April 26–May 1, and we need your help to make it a success. Women, men, and middle & high school youth are all greatly needed. This is a fun week of fellowship! Please prayerfully consider how you can help with your talents and abilities. You can sign up at the kiosk in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, or click here for more details.

Coming Up

First Nurses Blood Pressure Checks in Fellowship Hall--April 12
Your health matters! First Nurses will be available in Fellowship Hall to check blood pressure between services on April 12. Track and compare your monthly results to be sure you’re staying on top of your health! This free and friendly service is open to all—no appointment needed!
Fair Trade Equal Exchange Sale--April 12
Time to replenish your supply of chocolate, tea, and coffee after the Easter celebrations! Join us on April 12 from 9:00–9:30 a.m. and 10:30–11:00 a.m. to stock up. Every purchase supports social and environmental justice by promoting Fair Trade and organic farming around the world. 
Merry Mates--Friday, April 17
It may be April, but there’s no fooling about our upcoming visit from Senior Pastor Charles. Join us on Friday, April 17, in Fellowship Hall for an evening of friendship, inspiration, and a delicious dinner catered by Brown Iron Brewhouse. Dr. Boayue will present “Envision Liberia: Transforming Vision into Reality,” sharing exciting updates and photos of the progress being made at the School of Excellence in Liberia. We will gather at 5:30 p.m., enjoy dinner at 6:00 p.m., and begin the program at 6:45 p.m. All are warmly welcome—singles, couples, guests, and newcomers alike. Please RSVP by Sunday, April 12 to Carol and Jim Rillema at crillema@gmail.com or 248.851.6438 to help with planning. The cost is $25 per person, payable at the door. 
Planning Ahead Series: Local Experts. Real Answers.
Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 12:30 p.m. in Thomas Parlor for an informative and engaging session where you can ask your questions and receive real answers from a panel of local experts. Topics will include rightsizing, legal and financial planning, Medicare, dementia care, real estate transitions, and senior living options. Featured speakers include Hailey Burrell (Legal and Financial Solutions), Alissa Agnoli (Rightsizing and Estate Sales), Deborah Seelhof (Dementia Education), Diane Paris (Medicare), Stephanie Atias (Senior Real Estate Transitions), and Sue Dale (Senior Living Options). Lunch is provided, thanks to a generous endowment grant. Hosted by Sue Anderson Dale of FamilyPath Senior Solutions—be sure to sign up to reserve your spot by clicking here.

Henderson Settlement Informational Luncheon
Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 12:15 p.m. in the Children’s Center at Birmingham First as we gather with our Henderson Settlement Mission Team to welcome Rev. John Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement, and his wife, Lisa. You'll have an opportunity to hear about our upcoming mission trip, and see how you can join in too!

You can read more about John and Lisa by clicking here. 

Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments as we learn more about the important work of Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky and celebrate our 17-year partnership in ministry.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Sign up by clicking here. You can also sign up at the Henderson Settlement table in Fellowship Hall this Sunday.
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
Interested in joining the Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement this summer? Come learn more at an informational meeting on Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 p.m. in the Ritter Room (Room 217). The trip will take place July 12–18, 2026. All are welcome to attend and learn more about this meaningful opportunity to serve. 
Discover First — Find Your Church Home 
Are you looking for a church home where you can grow in your faith and feel connected? Discover First is a one-session gathering on Sunday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Parlor, offering an introduction to Birmingham & Berkley First and the United Methodist Church. This relaxed, welcoming class is a chance to ask questions and learn more about our community. At the end of the session, those who wish may choose to become members. To RSVP contact Mary Feldmaier at mfeldmaier@fumcbirmingham.org.
All Church Hands on Mission
On April 25 from 9-2 p.m. you're invited to take part in this Hands on Mission: Hands with Detroit, hosted by the Greater Detroit District UMC and Cass Community Social Services. This is open to ages 10 and older, giving everyone a chance to serve together! Lunch will be provided. Be sure to sign up by clicking here.
Blood Drive
Join us for our upcoming Blood Drive on Monday, May 11, from 12:30–6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, and help make a life-saving difference in our community. Our goal is to collect at least 40 units of blood, with 72 appointment slots available—each one representing a patient in need of care, whether facing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, or a medical emergency. Filling these appointments is critical to maintaining a reliable blood supply for local hospitals and ensuring no one experiences delays in care. Sign up today by clicking here and be part of this vital mission.
Spring Tea with Guest Speaker Rev. Elizabeth Hurd
Spring is a season of renewal. As winter fades and the days grow longer, flowers bloom, trees blossom, and God’s creation comes to life. Join United Women in Faith on Saturday, May 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our Spring Tea at the Berkley Campus (2820 12 Mile Road, Berkley). We are delighted to welcome Rev. Elizabeth Hurd, incoming Associate Pastor of our Berkley First campus, as our guest speaker, sharing a message of renewal and hope.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and honor the women of Birmingham and Berkley First. While the event is free, advance registration is appreciated. Bring your mothers, daughters, and friends for an afternoon of fellowship, community, and joy. Guests are welcome, but please register separately. You may host a table or join others at a community table as we gather to celebrate the beauty of spring and all that God has in store. We look forward to sharing this joyful afternoon together. Sign up to attend by clicking here.
Spring Food and Supply Drive
Our Hunger Committee invites you to participate in our Spring Food and Supply Drive, supporting local agencies including Gleaners Food Bank, Hope Shelter, Baldwin Center, Freedom House, Cass Community Social Services, Lighthouse, and the Berkley Food Pantry. Donation bags with a list of needed items will be distributed on Sunday, May 10 and collected on Sunday, May 17 at both the Birmingham and Berkley First campuses. All donations will be sorted and picked up by partner agencies on Monday morning, May 18. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute bags, sort donations, and assist with pickup. For a list of items, or to sign up to volunteer, click here.


Rainforest Falls VBS: Register by May 18 
Hold on to your hats — it’s the most exciting week of summer! Registration is now open for our Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School, where kids will swing into a faith-filled adventure where truth rains down, joy grows wild, and God’s love never runs dry. VBS runs Monday through Friday, June 15–19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is open to children Preschool through 5th grade, and we also offer our Tropical Treetops Toddlers program for older 2-year-olds. All registration is online, so please invite and sign up your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. Don’t let this adventure slip through the leaves! Registration closes May 18.  You can register your child by going to the VBS webpage: www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs. 

VBS Jungle Guide Volunteers Needed 
We need lots of helping hands to make Rainforest Falls VBS flourish during the week of June 15-19. It takes 100+ volunteers during camp week, decorating days, and crafting and prep nights to help us create a wildly wonderful, faith-growing Vacation Bible School experience.  VBS adult and youth volunteers are welcome to serve all five days or any of the days that work for them. For more information and to sign up, go to www.gatheredhereforgood.org/vbs.

Donate Items for VBS Crafts & Decorations
Help us prepare for Vacation Bible School by donating recycled materials for crafts and decorations. We are collecting items through Sunday, April 26. Look for bins labeled “VBS Recycled Donations” at the Main Entrance and the CLC welcome desks.
Items needed:
  • Clean plastic tops and lids (milk, soda, peanut butter, water bottles — all colors welcome)
  • Paper towel rolls
  • Toilet paper rolls
Help Us with VBS Crafts! 
Come get creative as we prepare for Vacation Bible School! This June, 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 on one of the following Tuesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m.: April 14, or April 21. Let’s have fun, build community, and create something amazing together! Sign up by clicking here.

Announcements

April Showers for NOAH
Throughout the month of April, we invite you to support our neighbors in need by donating t-shirts, socks, and underwear for NOAH in partnership with The WAVE Project. The WAVE Project’s mobile shower unit provides a safe, clean, and private space for individuals experiencing homelessness, along with hygiene supplies, fresh clothing, and connection to community services. We are seeking new men’s socks (white, black, or gray only), as well as men’s and women’s underwear (sizes M–3XL) and t-shirts (sizes M–3XL). Please prioritize quality over quantity when donating. Items may be dropped off in the Christian Life Center or in the bin near the Welcome Desk. 
Spring Clean-Up
Did you know that Birmingham First sits on 9 acres? While much of that space is home to our buildings, there is still plenty of property to care for. Join us on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to noon as we spruce up the grounds after a long winter. Tasks will include cutting back grasses, pulling weeds, picking up trash and fallen branches, and edging garden beds. Yard waste bags, donuts, and coffee will be provided. Please bring your own gloves, hat, weeding tools, and a bucket. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to help! To volunteer or ask questions, contact Jane Carvell at 248-379-2662 or jcarve55@gmail.com.
Support the Hunger Ministry While You Shop
Did you know you can support the Hunger Ministry just by doing your regular grocery shopping? Through the Kroger Community Rewards program, we receive about $200 each quarter—at no extra cost to you. By linking your Kroger card to the church, a portion of your purchases is automatically donated to support our ministries. It’s simple to sign up and makes a meaningful difference. Click here to get started and turn your everyday shopping into ongoing support.
Spring Cleaning for Samaritas New Americans 
It’s the season for Easter lilies, April showers, and spring cleaning! Help our refugee neighbors in Southeast Michigan by donating new, unopened household cleaning supplies. Drop items at the Welcome Desk. Most needed: paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent, sponges, all-purpose cleaner, mops, brooms, and trash bags. Click here for the Amazon Wish List.
Career Fair Volunteers Needed
Join us for a meaningful service opportunity at the Samaritas Refugee Youth Mentorship Program Career Fair on May 16 from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Samaritas New Americans Missions Project at Birmingham and Berkley First is seeking adult volunteers to share their career journeys with students in a fun, high-impact setting. Volunteers will speak in small groups about their education and career paths and answer questions from youth eager to learn and grow. Lunch will be provided, along with time to connect with students. All professions are welcome, with a particular need for those in healthcare, education, business, finance, engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting the event, please contact Rachel Campbell at rachelcwaltz@gmail.com.
Celebrate the Heart of Baldwin 
The Baldwin Center, one of our 22 mission partners, invites you to be a difference maker by attending the Baldwin Center Gala on May 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Grande Banquet Facility in Pontiac. This special evening supports vital services including hot meals, coats, showers, afterschool programs, and more for our neighbors in need. Guests will enjoy a strolling supper, silent auction, awards, entertainment, and meaningful opportunities to give. For tickets go to baldwincenter.org.
Discover the Wisdom of E. Stanley Jones
Does a preacher from the previous century have anything to say to this generation? Absolutely.
The legacy of E. Stanley Jones continues to speak with clarity and relevance today, shaped by his friendship with Mahatma Gandhi and influencing leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.. In a new book by John E. Harnish, readers will find 30 short, inspiring stories from Jones’ life and ministry that highlight the timeless, love-centered wisdom at the heart of Christianity. These reflections can be used as daily devotionals or as a resource for small groups, Sunday school classes, and congregational study, and the book includes a discussion guide and access to introductory videos. Stop by Circuit Rider Bookstore in Fellowship Hall this Sunday to pick up your copy. 

Legacy Society

Did you know?...
The Development Leadership Team is available to meet with you to explore planned giving opportunities and how you can support the church through thoughtful, lasting gifts. Team members include Tom Aubrey, Mary Feldmaier, Dale Glick, Rob Grabiel, Karen Murphy, John Stevens, Esq., Matt Vorce, and Tim Weeks. To schedule a conversation, contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155.
Did You Know?
There are two types of trusts that can benefit the church—either upon the death of the grantor or when funded during their lifetime. These trusts may also provide income to the donor and/or their heirs, along with potential immediate tax benefits. For more information, please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or 248-646-6407 ext. 3155. 
2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception - Save the Date
Legacy Society members are invited to the 2nd Annual Legacy Society Reception on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m., to be held at the parsonage of Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Boayue, Jr.

Legacy Society members are those who have included the church in their planned giving donations and/or have included the church in their wills. If you have already made this commitment—or would like more information about becoming a member and the process involved—please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy@fumcbirmingham.org or call 248-646-1200 ext. 3155. We look forward to gathering together and hope you will join us. 
More Upcoming Events
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.