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Volume 77, Issue 11 March 14, 2018
Giving Up Bitterness...Embracing Joy
O ne month ago, 17 children were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
in Parkland, Florida. The incident on February 14 was, by the most conservative
count, the seventh school shooting targeting students or teachers in 2018. Today, March
14, many students around the country are joining a national school walkout for 17 minutes
at 10 a.m. A week from Saturday, on March 24, children and families from around the
country will be marching in Washington, D.C. and in communities around our nation “to
demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and
mass shootings in our schools today.” (www.marchforourlives.com)
As one who worked in schools and provided leadership for school systems, I support the
efforts of students and their families to have their voices heard. As a follower of Jesus
Christ, who proclaimed that children have a special place in God’s realm, I believe that we
need to listen to the voices of our children who are asking us to put them and their safety above other interests.
Today, as the press covers student walkouts, and next weekend, when the March for our Lives takes place, I encourage
you to turn off commentators, critics and lobbyists, and to instead listen to the voices of the children. Listen with
humility. Listen for understanding. Listen for how you can support them. Pray with them. Pray for them.
I do not believe that any of us has a corner on righteousness. I wonder who among us truly know God’s will. In my
experience there is a direct correlation between the level of certainty one brings to an issue and the amount of division
and bitterness that results. I’ve seen it occur on both ends of the spectrum on any number of issues, politically, within
the church, and within families.
In worship in the sanctuary at our Birmingham campus this Sunday, our scripture text will be Luke 15:1-2; 11-32. I’ve
heard these verses referred to as the story of the prodigal son, the lost brothers, the loving father, and even as the
story of the prodigal father. Depending on where we find ourselves in the story, I believe it may be all of the above. I
believe that if we enter God’s story with humility, and seek understanding, leaving certainty to God, what results is the
experience of grace and joy.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!
Blessings,
The Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin
Senior Associate Pastor
Page 2 March 14, 2018
Our Church Family
Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following person, known to be in the hospital on Monday,
March 12: Jack Wells
Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following person, released from the hospital since Monday,
March 5: Lytle Russell
….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Anita Barratt, and next
week’s message is by Lisa Lyon. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is
answered by our automated system.
….that Mid-Week Worship is offered each Wednesday during Lent. Join us in the
Runkel Chapel at 6:00 p.m. In addition, a light supper of soup, rolls and fruit is provided
from 5:30-6:30 for those who’d like to come early. A $5 donation per person is
appreciated.
….that Fair Trade coffee, chocolate, hot cocoa and tea will be available for purchase during the coffee hours on
March 18.
….that Esther Circle will meet on Wednesday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. in Thomas Parlor . All women are invited to
attend. A special spring program is planned. Call Claudia Crosby (248-549-0969) if you have questions.
….that we are now accepting orders for Easter Lilies in memory and honor of loved ones. Cost: $20 each. Forms
are available in your bulletin on Sunday and in the church office, or contact Janet Smylie ([email protected]
or 248-646-6407 ext. 3121). Orders must be received by March 25.
….that the Altar Flowers ($60) are available on April 15, 22 and 29, and the Missions Candle ($30) is available on
March 25, April 8 and 22. Please contact Janet Smylie ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3121) for
more information or to reserve a date.
Did You Know
Intercessory Prayer
The Prayer Team would like to pray for you during times of need and also to praise the Lord
during times of celebration. In addition to your concerns, please let us know of any answered
prayers, family members in the military returning home, births, marriages and other special events.
Contact Lisa Marsh ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3127) or use a Prayer
Request Card, available in the Sanctuary pews and the church office. Cards may be dropped off in
the Prayer Request box across from the Welcome Center or in the church office.
Children, Student and Family Ministries
For information about our Children’s Ministry activities (Crib through 5th Grade),
check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook Birmingham First Kids,
or contact us at [email protected] to receive a monthly email newsletter.
Want to get the inside scoop on First Student Ministries?
The Middle School Newsletter has information for middle school students.
“Make Your Mark” is our newsletter for high school students.
Get your free subscription today! Sign up under “E-News” on the church website.
UMW Scholarship Applications...It’s time to apply for a college scholarship
from United Methodist Women of Birmingham First. The purpose of these
scholarship funds is to assist Christian students in pursuing higher education
while recognizing their involvement at Birmingham First and encouraging future
church affiliation and participation. Applications are available in the church
office and on the church website, and must be submitted by March 16.
High School Ministry—Flamingo Flocking...We hope you have seen the cute pink flamingos out and about in
lawns around town, raising money and awareness for Cass Tiny Homes. High School Ministry will be in Fellowship Hall
on Sunday, March 18 to answer questions, take flocking sign-ups and recruit Flamingo Shepherds. Stop by the table to
flock your neighbor or friend ($25) or sign up to serve as a Flamingo Shepherd. We need lots of help to raise $20,000
with this fundraiser. Questions? Contact Mackenzie Hibbard at [email protected].
Children and Family Ministries—Diapers for Detroit...Unite Basketball just ended their season on March 10, but
not before making a HUGE impact with our Diapers for Detroit Mission project. The players and their families donated
over 5,000 diapers to this mission. Our goal is 15,000 diapers so we are well on our way. Please consider picking up a
package of diapers the next time you are at the grocery store or purchasing your weekly household Items. You can
even order them online and have them shipped to the church. These diapers will help children in the Brightmoor and
Cass communities know they are loved. Collection bins are located outside of the Children’s Ministry Office, the Choir
Room and the CLC. Any size diapers are accepted, but sizes 3-6 are preferred.
Page 3 First United Methodist Church
The Opioid Crisis Knows No Boundaries: Addiction 101 Although many believe the opioid epidemic is only a problem in other
communities, make no mistake, the opioid crisis is everywhere. With a goal
to educate, challenge preconceptions and offer resources, First Nurses, Faith
Formation and High School Ministries have partnered together to present an
ongoing series relating to addiction: The Opioid Crisis Knows No
Boundaries.
Adults of all ages are encouraged to join us in Fellowship Hall on Sunday,
March 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the first of the series: Addiction 101. James Balmer, President of Dawn Farms, a non-
profit organization offering compassionate care, professional treatment and peer support for families, will walk us
through the progression of alcohol/other drug use, review addiction as a brain disease, and discuss the process of
recovery. Pizza and salad provided. RSVP requested for dinner to Sue Dale (248-646-6407 ext. 3160 or
[email protected]). Walk-ins always welcome for the program.
Page 4 March 14, 2018
Taizé Worship
Come worship in a quiet, contemplative and sacred way of communing with God, have a
private prayer with Pastor Suzanne Walls, or experience Reiki healing touch. Taizé worship
is Thursday, March 15 in the Runkel Chapel at 6:45 p.m.
We are called to be in ministry and to give of our gifts, time, presence and talents to the church. There are lots of
opportunities for you to get involved and be in ministry at Birmingham and Berkley First. We would like to add to the
following areas of ministry:
Greeting on Sunday, before and after worship services
Ushering for Sunday worship and special events
Greeting at the Main Entrance Welcome Center on weekday afternoons
Cashiers on Sundays in the Circuit Rider Bookstore
Connecting/Hospitality Ministry Team members
We would love to hear how you would like to be involved. Contact Mary Feldmaier
(248-646-6407 ext. 3142) with your “yes” to participate in one of these areas.
Every Member in Ministry
Brightmoor has several new opportunities for volunteers! We can be flexible to match your schedule. Please contact
Mary Pickett (248-229-1459 or [email protected]) if you would like to be involved.
Perfect for the early riser—you will be home by 8:15 a.m. on Saturday! We need a driver to pick up a carload of
donated produce and bread from a home near Pierce Elementary School at 7:00 a.m. and drop it off in Brightmoor,
where volunteers will unload it and you can be on your way home. We are looking for additional drivers for the
team which drives this much-needed food to Brightmoor twice a month, all year round.
If you prefer a later start to the day, we have just opened our new computer lab in Brightmoor and are looking for
volunteers to help the adults who are getting their first introduction to computers. No need for a graduate degree
in computer science, just a desire to help and a basic knowledge of browsing the web, doing email, and using Word.
The lab is open 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. We are looking for volunteers willing to be there once or
twice a month to help people who are very excited about this opportunity. What’s more, lunch is provided!
Opportunities to Serve Others
Experience the Dawn on Good Friday Join us on Good Friday evening at 7 p.m. for a powerful experience of music and scripture. The evening will feature the
Chancel Choir and professional orchestra performing the latest work from Birmingham First favorite composer, Dan
Forrest. This new work entitled Lux; The Dawn from on High explores various facets of light in texts ranging from
ancient liturgical texts to scripture to modern secular love poetry. The music draws on sources as diverse as ancient
chant, modern minimalist composers, and jazz to make a work that is engaging and moving. On a day when we
commemorate the death of Christ, how might these texts and this music enhance our living experience of Christ as
the light of the world? We hope you will join us to find out.
Page 5 First United Methodist Church
We celebrate communion each and every week at the Berkley campus, but this Sunday we
will be delving into the meaning behind the Lord’s Supper. Is it significant that Jesus
instituted communion at the Jewish celebration of Passover? Why do Protestant churches
consider communion one of only two sacraments? What might it have felt like to be around
the table in the Upper Room with Jesus and his closest followers for that final meal before
Jesus’ betrayal? Explore these questions with us, then stick around for brunch after worship.
Pastor Zack Dunlap
Berkley First: Lead Me To the Cross
This Sunday we are going to be looking at the spiritual discipline of prayer as we continue our
Lenten Awaken series. We will talk about prayer in the Bible, talk about how prayer is not
limited to one form or function, and participate in a few different forms of prayer together. I
hope you will join us!
Thanks to all who came out to our movie night. It was a great evening! We will have more
info soon about a makeup movie night to show the movies that were changed or cancelled
due to snow.
Pastor Dan Hart
Contemporary Worship: Finding God in Prayer
Join Rev. Elbert Dulworth for Discover First, a one-session class that will
provide you with the knowledge, resources and relationships needed to
take your next steps at Birmingham and Berkley First. Associate clergy
and ministry leaders will also attend. The session will be relaxed and
informative as you learn more about the United Methodist Church and
Birmingham and Berkley First. Near the end of the session there will be
a short joining ceremony for those who decide to become members.
We will meet at the Berkley First campus on Sunday, March 18 from
5:00-7:00 p.m. We would love to be your church family! There is a place
for you at Birmingham and Berkley First! Contact Mary Feldmaier (248-646-6407 ext. 3142).
Discover First
Page 6 March 14, 2018
Holy Week Worship
Palm Sunday, March 25
Traditional Worship - 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Elbert Dulworth preaching
Shine Contemporary Worship - 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Dan Hart preaching
Berkley First Worship - 10:00 a.m.
Rev. Zack Dunlap preaching
Holy Week begins with special music and a children’s palm parade.
Palms distributed to every worshiper.
Maundy Thursday, March 29
Worship - 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Elbert Dulworth preaching
Our unique service of Holy Communion as we remember
the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples.
Music provided by IXOYC Choir.
Childcare through age four; reservations appreciated
by March 23 (248-646-6407 ext. 3141).
Good Friday, March 30
Community Worship - 12:00 p.m.
Birmingham First Sanctuary
Come join with sisters and brothers from other churches in Birmingham
in this sacred service of remembrance.
Concert - 7:00 p.m.
Birmingham First Sanctuary
Join us for an evening of sacred music reflecting on the life of Christ,
featuring Dan Forrest’s new major work, Lux: Dawn from on High,
performed by Chancel Choir and professional orchestra.
You will be inspired and moved by this profound music.
Easter Sunday, April 1
Sunrise Service - 7:15 a.m.
Chambliss Outdoor Worship Center
Rev. Suzanne Walls preaching
Traditional Worship - 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Elbert Dulworth preaching
Shine Contemporary Worship - 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Dan Hart preaching
Berkley First - 10:00 a.m.
Rev. Dan Hart preaching
Page 7 First United Methodist Church
Happening This Week Friday, March 16
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Hatha Yoga—Berkley
2:00 p.m. Peggy Sayed Memorial
5:00 p.m. 45 Christians Lock-In
6:00 p.m. Merry Mates
Saturday, March 17
9:30 a.m. Beginner Karate
10:00 a.m. Advanced Karate
Sunday, March 18
8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Big Chapel
9:30 a.m. Confirmation Parent Coffee
9:30 a.m. Sunday School: children/youth
9:30 a.m. Faith Builders
9:30 a.m. Parents of Adolescents
10:00 a.m. Sunday School—Berkley
10:30 a.m. College Care Packets
11:00 a.m. Sunday School: thru 5th grade
11:00 a.m. Fresh Insights/L
11:00 a.m. Potluck Brunch—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Sunday Scholar
5:00 p.m. Discover First—Berkley
5:00 p.m. HS Youth Group
5:00 p.m. MS Bell Choir
5:30 p.m. Genesis Choir
6:30 p.m. IXOYC Choir
6:30 p.m. MS Parent Lenten Study
6:30 p.m. MS Youth Group
7:00 p.m. WOW/ Women of the Word
7:30 p.m. HS Bell Choir
Monday, March 19
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Canasta
11:00 a.m. Mahjong
11:30 a.m. Grief with Grace
11:30 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
12:45 p.m. Parents of HS & College/L
1:00 p.m. Mexican Train
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Steeple Stock
6:30 p.m. The Cinema and the Bible
7:00 p.m. Adult Karate
*L = Lenten Study
Wednesday, March 14
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group/L
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women/L
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
8:45 a.m. GRIP Childcare
9:00 a.m. GRIP/GRIP Elementary
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Aware!
12:30 p.m. Bridge in the Afternoon
12:30 p.m. Mahjong
1:00 p.m. Rummage Committee
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
1:00 p.m. Sisters
5:00 p.m. Unite Open Basketball
5:30 p.m. Lenten Supper
6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts/Blue & Gold
Banquet
6:00 p.m. Lenten Service
6:45 p.m. Lenten Study
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #1032
7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, March 15
8:45 a.m. GRIP Childcare
9:00 a.m. GRIP
9:00 a.m. Mother’s Study
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:00 a.m. Thursday Study/L—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Prelude: 24-36 Months
10:15 a.m. Prelude: Walkers-24 Months
11:00 a.m. Prelude: Newborns-Walkers
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Purl Girls
2:30 p.m. Spark Workers Hang Out
4:00 p.m. 200th Anniversary Team
4:00 p.m. SPARK
4:15 p.m. Covenant Choir
4:15 p.m. Disciple Choir
4:15 p.m. Sonshine Choir
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir
5:00 p.m. Children’s Bells
6:00 p.m. Spark Family Dinner
6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. Karate
6:45 p.m. Taize Worship
7:00 p.m. Adult Karate
7:00 p.m. FORWARD Planning Team
7:00 p.m. HS Basketball
7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women/L
7:00 p.m. Hunger Committee
7:00 p.m. Lenten Study—Offsite/Work’s
7:00 p.m. Monday Night Bible/L
Tuesday, March 20
6:30 a.m. Tuesday Men’s Bible Study/L
8:00 a.m. WOW Leaders’ Meeting
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Bridge
9:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Study/L
9:45 a.m. COW/Children of the Word
10:00 a.m. WOW/Women of the Word
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Bridge on Tuesday
2:00 p.m. Safety Committee Meeting
3:00 p.m. HS Hang Out
4:15 p.m. MS Lenten Study
6:00 p.m. Compass
6:00 p.m. Hatha Yoga—Berkley
6:00 p.m. Lenten Study—Berkley
7:00 p.m. Ballroom/Social Dance/Berkley
7:00 p.m. Church & Society
7:00 p.m. Preschool Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m. Tuesday Study—Berkley
7:30 p.m. Adult Basketball
Wednesday, March 21
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis (Sundholm)/L
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women/L
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
8:45 a.m. GRIP Childcare
9:00 a.m. GRIP/GRIP Elementary
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Hatha Mat Yoga—Berkley
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:00 a.m. Jeremie Haiti Meeting
10:30 a.m. Esther Circle
11:00 a.m. Singing Bowls
12:30 p.m. Bridge in the Afternoon
12:30 p.m. Mahjong
1:00 p.m. Rummage Committee
1:00 p.m. Senior Volleyball
1:00 p.m. Sisters
2:30 p.m. Ruth Ellis Dinner Prep
5:00 p.m. 3 Yr Old Parent Conferences
5:00 p.m. Unite Open Basketball
5:30 p.m. Lenten Supper
6:00 p.m. Lenten Service
6:45 p.m. Lenten Study
7:00 p.m. Eagle Court of Honor—Boy
Scout Troop #1032
7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers
7:00 p.m. Trustees
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
The Liturgists are Rev. Elbert Dulworth at 8:15, Rev.
Suzanne Walls at 9:30 and 11:00, and Rev. Elbert
Dulworth and Rev. Lindsey Hall at Shine.
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God
and placed by Barbara Solms in loving memory of Donald.
The Welcome Center Flowers are placed by Lon
Bone in loving memory of his father, Howard Bone.
The Missions Candle is lit in loving memory Dick
Hameister by his children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
Steeple Notes is published weekly by First United Methodist Church.
Notices should be in writing and submitted to Janet Smylie in the church office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
Fifth Sunday of Lent March 18, 2018
Traditional Worship 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Luke 15:1-2: 11-32
“Giving Up...Bitterness:
Embracing Joy”
Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin
Hymns
“Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing”
“It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord”
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
Anthems
“Hello Everybody/Cool Cat” – Cherub Choir
“Hymn of Promise” – Sonshine Choir
“Crossroads” – Celebration Ringers
“Kyrie” – Chancel Choir
Shine Contemporary Worship 11:00 a.m. in the Christian Life Center
Psalm 13
Awaken:
“Awaken Prayer”
Rev. Dan Hart
Our Purpose:
To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Jesus Christ
for ministry and mission in the world.
Our Core Values:
Welcome All
Put Love Into Action
Honor God Through Excellence
Embrace Bold Vision
Encourage Lifelong Spiritual Growth
Support One Another
1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-646-1200 • fumcbirmingham.org [email protected]
Elbert Dulworth, Senior Pastor
Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Senior Associate Pastor
Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Dan Hart and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors
John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti
2820 12 Mile Road • Berkley, MI 48072
248-399-3698 • berkleyfirst.org
Zack Dunlap, Pastor
Weekly Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Luke 22:14-23
Lead Me to the Cross:
“Passover”
Rev. Zack Dunlap
Page 8 March 14, 2018