Volume 79, Issue 5 February 5, 2020

The Local Church is My Politics

R eligion and politics! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say

that if you want to keep the peace, these are the two subjects that should

be avoided at all costs. In the Church, we are grounded in our conversations about

religion. But what about politics?

I’m not talking about conversations about which candidate should earn your vote.

There are laws that govern a separation between the Church and State on these

matters. On the other hand, there are plenty of religious issues and topics that

many also view as political. When preachers or teachers in the Church talk about

those issues, we’ll often hear a few complaints, either directly or “through the

grapevine,” that we’ve crossed a line into “preaching and teaching politics.”

The scriptures, and Jesus more directly, often address a variety of social issues that could be viewed as highly political

both in that time as well as today. For instance, I think that perhaps most Christians would agree that the Bible is filled

with reminders to care for the poor and the vulnerable in our midst. On the other hand, when we talk about how we

might do that as a people and even as a nation, we cross over a variety of different political perspectives. While we

may have differing opinions, most of us would claim our views are grounded in our faith.

Does our faith have anything to say about the social issues of our day? Might we differ in our responses as we seek to

be faithful? How can we move into the space beyond making enemies over issues that are also deeply spiritual? Or

should we just continue to avoid the conversations?

David Fitch, the author of The Church of Us vs. Them, points out that even Jesus’ disciples came from a variety of

political opinions. Some of them were supporters of Rome, others were zealots who fought Rome, and still others

wanted to live the ascetic life away from Roman control. Even still, Jesus invited them beyond their personal political

perspectives into a new politic of the kin-dom of God.

This Sunday, I invite you to join me in the main sanctuary as we conclude our Beyond Us vs. Them series with “The

Local Church is My Politics.” I look forward to seeing you soon. Let’s pray for one another.

Blessings,

Elbert Dulworth

Senior Pastor

Page 2 February 5, 2020

Our Church Family Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following person, known to be in the hospital on Monday,

February 3: Janet Schoon

Our Prayers for Good Health are shared with the following person, released from the hospital since Monday,

January 27: Harold Lanning

Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with the family and friends of Phyllis Holmes, who died on

January 28 in Massachusetts.

Intercepted Note of Thanks….We would like to thank all who purchased pies and quiches to make the Pie and

Quiche Day fundraiser a success. Thanks to the congregation, our gift to the three children’s missions was $3,800. We

would also like to thank the pastors and amazing staff whose wonderful assistance made our endeavor easier. We are

grateful that together we helped the children of the Methodist Children’s Home in Redford, the Baldwin Center in

Pontiac, and the Methodist Children’s Home in Costa Rica. —Unfinished Christian Women

….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Andy McMillan, and next week’s

message is by Judy Lowery. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and press 2 when your call is

answered by our automated system.

….that the Christian Classic Book Club meets tonight (Wednesday, February 5) to

discuss Middlemarch by George Eliot. All are invited to join the discussion at 7:00 p.m. in the

Wesley Room #214. You are welcome to join us even if you have not read the book.

….that this Sunday, February 9, you are invited to a time of individual prayer with a

pastor. Share your joys and concerns privately with one of our pastors, and then share time

in prayer together. Prayer will take place in the Sanctuary transept for 15 minutes following the postlude after each

worship service.

….that Pastor Shawn Lewis-Lakin will lead a Financial Peace University course for nine weeks beginning this

Sunday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. Dave Ramsey’s well-known class is for anyone and everyone, whether you want to

eliminate debt, manage your money, learn to save and spend wisely, or plan for college or retirement. Cost: $20. As

needed, childcare will be provided. Pre-registration with payment is required in the church office or on the church

website.

….that it’s time for StreeThreads to return to Central UMC to serve lunch to the folks at NOAH. They enjoy a hot

meal at this time of year, so we’re not asking for donations of sandwiches. However we do need and appreciate

donations of fruit and cookies. Please drop those off in the church kitchen, labeled for StreeThreads, by Sunday,

February 9. We welcome anyone who’d like to join us at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, February 10 when we take the food,

clothing and toiletries to Central. We’re usually back to the church by noon, feeling blessed to have been able to serve

our neighbors there. Please contact Sue Walters (ssuewalters@hotmail.com) or Merry Beth Valiquett

(mbvaliquett@aol.com) if you’re able to help or have questions.

….that registration for the 2020 Desert Sisters Retreat, Storycatchers: Soul Gifts, Sacred Space, Life Journeys, opens

on February 17 for all women of Birmingham and Berkley First who are first-time Desert Sisters. Registration for

returning sisters begins March 2. The retreat will take place September 15-18 at Northport Bay Retreat House located

north of Traverse City. Co-leaders are Sarah Hescheles and Gwen Moore. Cost is $325. Please do not let finances

keep you away. Limited scholarships are available. Registration forms are available in the church office at both campuses

and on the church website.

Did You Know

First United Methodist Church Page 3

Sunday Social….Seniors are invited to join us this Sunday, February 9, for an early Valentine’s Day Sunday Social. We

gather at 12:15 p.m. and sit down to our meal at 12:30. Chef Hollie is preparing a warm chicken salad, with a special

salad, rolls, and chocolate mousse for dessert. We look forward to seeing all of you and celebrating the possibility of an

early spring as the groundhog did not see his shadow. Please RSVP with Lisa Marsh (248-646-6407 ext. 3160 or

lmarsh@fumcbirmingham.org) no later than Thursday, February 6 so we can prepare enough food for everyone.

Merry Mates….Pastor Susie Hierholzer will be our speaker on Friday, February 21. She will share a presentation with

pictures of people and places on her journey in answering the call to ministry. All are welcome to join our group of all

ages, singles and couples, at 6:00 p.m. with dinner ($15) at 6:30. RSVP to Sharon and Bob Pierce (248-364-4438 or

sharonbobpierce@gmail.com) by early evening on Sunday, February 16.

Opportunities for Fellowship

Ash Wednesday Worship is offered at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m.,

6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to help prepare your heart and mind for Lent. Each

30-minute service is open to anyone who would like to attend and includes

hymns, a meditation by Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin, and the opportunity for

imposition of ashes. Childcare for children 4 years and younger is offered in

the nursery for the 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. services.

UMW Ash Wednesday Brunch….UMW invites you to worship with us at the 10:00 a.m. service, then come to

Fellowship Hall for a delicious brunch compliments of UMW. Please RSVP for brunch in the church office or by calling

Sue Schowalter (248-938-8827). It will be a morning of fellowship and humbleness as we remember how Christ has

forgiven all of our sins. We surely can celebrate and sing Alleluia.

Empty Bowls Soup and Cereal Supper is offered on Ash Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. You

know the soup and bread will be delicious, and we are including cereal to make the event more family friendly. We will

have gluten-free cereal options and an alternative to dairy milk. Dairy free, gluten free, vegan or vegetarian soup

options will also be available. Child cereal tickets are $5. Adult soup tickets are $10. Family tickets for soup and cereal

are $25. We also have a carry-out option. Tickets are available during the coffee hours, in the church office during the

week, on the church website, and at the door. We need your help! If you would like to volunteer during the event,

please sign up through the church website. Questions? Contact Janine Friend (jfriend9966@aol.com or 248-770-8162).

Ash Wednesday is February 26

Hunger Sunday….February 9 is the second Sunday of the month, and all loose change in the offering will be credited

to our Hunger Ministry. Please remember to bring your loose change to add to the offering this Sunday. For checks

and bills, use an offering envelope and mark the Hunger line. All donations go toward hunger relief. Thank you for your

support.

The Home Foods Table returns to Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 9. Delicious

homemade goodies will be provided by the Chancel Choir. February is a time for love,

chocolate and goodies, and for sharing with those less fortunate. Your dollars help share some

love and food with families who would not have much without help. All donations go to our

Hunger Ministry which disperses funds to local agencies and food pantries providing hunger

relief in our community. Every little bit helps; thank you for your support.

Hunger Sunday

What brings you true joy? Is it spending time with family and friends? Or do you find joy in

traveling? Do you experience joy when reading a good book or curling up by the fire? When

life is crazy-busy, and when things on the news can cause division, where do you find your

joy?

This Sunday we will have a joyful time in worship as we welcome our 4th grade students.

They will be sharing with us the Ten Commandments. I hope you’ll join us for worship in

the Christian Life Center at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday to experience the JOY of our children

leading in worship!

Pastor Lindsey Hall

Worship in the CLC: Joy

God equips each and every Christian to be about his good work in the world. This Sunday

at Berkley First, we continue our discussion of spiritual gifts. Come on out, and you will

walk away with greater knowledge of your own personal gifts. If Sunday doesn’t work for

you, join us this Thursday and every first Thursday of the month for The Table, with a

home cooked meal at 6:00 p.m., and worship and discussion from 6:30-7:30. God has good

work for you to do—and he’s gifted you do to it!

Pastor Zack Dunlap

Berkley First: Each Part

Page 4 February 5, 2020

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 have two Discover First sessions scheduled:

Sunday, February 9 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Birmingham Campus

or

Sunday, March 2 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Berkley Campus

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) for more details.

Discover First

Happening This Week Wednesday, February 5

6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group

7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood

9:30 a.m. GRIP Elementary

10:15 a.m. Prelude Class

11:00 a.m. Aware!

12:30 p.m. Mahjong

12:30 p.m. Sisters

5:00 p.m. Unite 3 on 3 Open Basketball

6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack1032

7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers

7:00 p.m. Christian Classic Book Club

8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir

8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study

Thursday, February 6

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood

9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley

10:00 a.m. Memoir Writing

10:15 a.m. Prelude Class

11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life

1:00 p.m. Purl Girls

4:15 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

5:30 p.m. Scout Troop 76648—Berkley

6:00 p.m. The Table Worship—

Berkley

7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women

Friday, February 7

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

11:00 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga—Berkley

6:30 p.m. Card Making—Berkley

Saturday, February 8

9:00 a.m. Unite 3 on 3 Basketball

Sunday, February 9

8:15 a.m. Sanctuary Worship

9:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship

9:30 a.m. CLC Worship

10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship—

Berkley

11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship

8:15 a.m. Nursery

9:30 a.m. Nursery

9:30 a.m. Faith Builders

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

10:00 a.m. Sunday School—Berkley

10:45 a.m. 20s and 30s Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Nursery

11:30 a.m. Confirmation Class—Berkley

12:00 p.m. 3rd, 4th, 5th Grades Offsite

12:30 p.m. Sunday Social

2:00 p.m. Family Movie—Berkley

5:00 p.m. Discover First

5:00 p.m. Middle School Handbells

5:30 p.m. Genesis Choir

6:30 p.m. Financial Peace University

6:30 p.m. IXOYC Choir

7:30 p.m. High School Handbells

Monday, February 10

8:45 a.m. StreeThreads

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley

11:00 a.m. Gentle Flow Yoga—Berkley

11:30 a.m. Grieg with Grace

6:00 p.m. Compass

6:30 p.m. Singing Bowls—Berkley

7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Nominating

Committee

7:00 p.m. Monday Night Bible Study

7:15 p.m. Board of Trustees

7:15 p.m. SPRC

Tuesday, February 11

6:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Men’s Group

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

9:30 a.m. Bridge

9:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Study

9:45 a.m. COW Children of the Word

10:00 a.m. WOW Women of the Word

10:15 a.m. Prelude Class

11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life

11:30 a.m. WOW Coffee

12:00 p.m. GRIP Tweens and Teens

1:00 p.m. Women at One

4:15 p.m. Caring Christian Kids—Offsite

5:30 p.m. Childcare for Journey Groups

6:00 p.m. Gentle Mat Yoga—Berkley

6:00 p.m. Giving Group

6:00 p.m. Beyond Us vs. Them Journey

Group

6:00 p.m. Love and Logic Journey Group

6:15 p.m. Moms Journey Group—

Berkley

7:00 p.m. GRIP 2.0

7:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Study—

Berkley

7:30 p.m. Adult Basketball

7:30 p.m. WOW at Night

Wednesday, February 12

6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group

7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood

9:30 a.m. GRIP Elementary

9:30 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga

10:15 a.m. Prelude Class

11:00 a.m. Aware!

12:30 p.m. Mahjong

12:30 p.m. Sisters

1:00 p.m. Rummage Committee

5:00 p.m. Unite 3 on 3 Open Basketball

6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack1032

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, February 13

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood

9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley

10:15 a.m. Prelude Class

11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life

1:00 p.m. Purl Girls

4:15 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

7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women

Friday, February 14

9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym

11:00 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga—Berkley

First United Methodist Church Page 5

1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009

248-646-1200 • www.fumcbirmingham.org office@fumcbirmingham.org

Elbert Dulworth, Senior Pastor

Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Senior Associate Pastor

Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Susie Hierholzer, and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors

Sarah Alexander, Deacon

John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti

2820 12 Mile Road • Berkley, MI 48072

248-399-3698 • www.berkleyfirst.org

Zack Dunlap, Pastor

The Liturgists are Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin at 8:15, Rev.

Suzanne Walls at 9:30 and 11:00, Rev. Susie Hierholzer in

the CLC, and Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin at Berkley.

The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God

and given by Mark and Ruth Theobald in thanks for his

mother, Eloine Theobald, who turns 90 on Sunday in

Kalamazoo.

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Worship in the Sanctuary 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

John 8:2-11

Beyond Us vs. Them:

“The Local Church is My Politics”

Rev. Elbert Dulworth

Hymns

“Maker, in Whom We Live”

“Christ Has Broken Down the Wall”

“How Can We Name a Love”

Anthems

“The Day is Coming” - IXOYC Choir

“I Will Sing” - Genesis Choir

“Come Dwell in Solomon’s Walls” - Chancel Choir

Worship in the Christian Life Center 9:30 a.m.

Psalm 100

“Joy”

Pastor Lindsey Hall

Songs

“How Great Thou Art”

“Come Thou Fount”

“At Your Name”

“My Hope”

“Abide with Me”

“Our Great God”

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Ephesians 4:11-16

Spiritual Gifts:

“As Each Part Does Its Work”

Rev. Zack Dunlap

Page 6 February 5, 2020

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

Our Welcoming Statement: Embracing the example of

Jesus, we welcome you here with hearts that know no

boundaries of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,

ability, or economic circumstance.