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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://umc-kzo.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo
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BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Detroit
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DTSTART:20210314T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220414T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220414T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220328T070720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220414T221416Z
UID:7535-1649962800-1649966400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Holy Thursday: Finding Jesus
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to Holy Thursday worship to come and listen\, to be silent and to exam our hearts in this holiest of weeks. Breaking the bread and lifting the cup of grace\, Jesus asked that we remember him and dedicate ourselves to a new covenant. This is the Feast of Love\, come kneel at the communion rail and pray that we might be the body of Christ for the world. If you are joining us online\, you are invited to take communion in your own homes with elements that you have available. Come\, let us create sacred space\, that begins with this holy meal on Thursday and continues with earnest prayer on Good Friday. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Holy Thursday (April 14) at 7pm. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices. \nChildcare will be available for Holy Thursday worship. 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/maundy-thursday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/maundythursday.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220415T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220415T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220328T072000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220415T225244Z
UID:7538-1650049200-1650052800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Good Friday: Listening for the Inner Jerusalem
DESCRIPTION:Tonight we will hear the story of Jesus’s passion through the 14 stations of the cross. Sometimes we will listen\, sometimes we will sing\, and sometimes we will be invited to rise and move to new spaces for experiential prayer. This is the night of Jesus’s crucifixion. This is the night Jesus asks us to stay with him remembering the cross he bore\, and trusting in the hope of resurrection to follow. But for now\, we linger with Jesus in the hours of his suffering. Let us worship and remember. \nJoin us in person or online for worship. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices. For those worshiping at home\, if you can\, please have with you at your worship space a pen and paper\, a nail\, and a small cross. These will be used for experiential prayer during worship.  \nChildcare will be available for Good Friday worship. 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/good-friday-listening-for-the-inner-jerusalem/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GoodFriday.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220417T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220417T090000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220328T072718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220414T194332Z
UID:7541-1650182400-1650186000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Easter Sunday 8am Service: Listening for a Stone Rolled Away
DESCRIPTION:After nights of deep darkness\, we come in the bright light of Easter morning celebrating that Christ is risen indeed! Resurrection is possible. It is a glorious morning filled with tulips\, lilies\, brass and timpani\, voices raised in joy\, all proclaiming “Alleluia!” On this glorious morning let us listen for a stone rolled away and the sounds of new life. Let us hear death moved aside for the sounds of life\, wholeness\, and resurrection. Jesus is alive and together we will sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” once again at the 10am worship. \n8am worship is in person only and for our early risers who would like to celebrate Easter earlier in the morning with a smaller gathering. It will be a joyful celebration\, yet quieter than our 10am service. Please review our updated Covid practices prior to joining us for in person worship. Childcare will not be available for 8am Easter Sunday worship.  \nThe ministries we are supporting with this year’s Easter Offering – the Methodist Children’s Home of Costa Rica\, Dr. Desiree Segura-April and Rev. Emily A. Everett – seek to protect and help children. You can assist these ministries by donating online\, by mailing a check with ‘Easter Offering’ in the memo line or by using the Easter envelope you may have received in the mail. Thank you for your support of this important work.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/easter-sunday-8am-service-listening-for-a-stone-rolled-away/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EasterSunday.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220417T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220417T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220328T074011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220417T134933Z
UID:7544-1650189600-1650193200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Easter Sunday 10am Service: Listening for a Stone Rolled Away
DESCRIPTION:After nights of deep darkness\, we come in the bright light of Easter morning celebrating that Christ is risen indeed! Resurrection is possible. It is a glorious morning filled with tulips\, lilies\, brass and timpani\, voices raised in joy\, all proclaiming “Alleluia!” On this glorious morning let us listen for a stone rolled away and the sounds of new life. Let us hear death moved aside for the sounds of life\, wholeness\, and resurrection. Jesus is alive and together we will sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” once again at the 10am worship. \n10am worship will be a festive Easter celebration that will include our choir\, timpani\, brass and the “Hallelujah Chorus” sung by all at the end of worship. Childcare and Godly Play will be available for 10am Easter Sunday worship.  \nJoin us in person or online for worship 10am Easter Sunday worship. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices. \nThe ministries we are supporting with this year’s Easter Offering – the Methodist Children’s Home of Costa Rica\, Dr. Desiree Segura-April and Rev. Emily A. Everett – seek to protect and help children. You can assist these ministries by donating online\, by mailing a check with ‘Easter Offering’ in the memo line or by using the Easter envelope you may have received in the mail. Thank you for your support of this important work.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/easter-sunday-10am-service-listening-for-a-stone-rolled-away/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EasterSunday.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220424T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220424T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220419T061417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220506T033057Z
UID:7880-1650794400-1650798000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Second Sunday of Easter: Hi. Hello. Hey there.
DESCRIPTION:We are now in Eastertide on this Second Sunday of Easter and our scripture this week takes us to the upper room\, on the evening of Jesus’s resurrection. While every Sunday is a “little resurrection” it is always helpful and important to remember that Easter is not one day\, rather Easter is a Season of 50 days leading up to Pentecost. And so in our worship we continue this week in our Easter celebration in the liturgy\, the hymns and the sermon remembering that wonder-filled moment when Jesus came to the disciples in their fear and said\, “Peace be with you.” When has Jesus met you with peace in your places of fear? \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask policy.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/second-sunday-of-easter-first-strings/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/April242022.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220501T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220501T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220428T231134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220506T032800Z
UID:8030-1651399200-1651402800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Third Sunday of Easter: Celebrating Stephen Ministry
DESCRIPTION:“When they had gone ashore\, they saw a charcoal fire there\, with fish on it\, and bread. Jesus said to them\, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” ~John 21: 9-10 \n“Come and have breakfast” the resurrected Christ invites the disciples to a meal of fish and bread on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. A meal is the setting for the reunion following the death of Jesus. It is just as it had happened so often in their life together\, they were breaking bread and fellowshipping with one another. It was a fitting context for Jesus to invite his followers into a deeper invitation to follow him and hear the commission to feed and care for God’s people. We will celebrate our Stephen Ministers in worship and invite people to consider joining the Stephen Ministry Team. Just as the disciples were invited to receive grace and forgiveness from the risen Christ\, we too are invited to commune with Jesus with a meal of bread and juice. If you are worshipping from home\, we invite you to find communion elements that you have in your home. Let us to worship together and share God’s love. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/third-sunday-of-easter-celebrating-stephen-ministry/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SMY_zoom_bkgd_2_resized.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220508T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220508T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220505T185237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220510T211731Z
UID:8168-1652004000-1652007600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Fourth Sunday of Easter: Who Lives\, Who Dies\, Who Tells Your Story
DESCRIPTION:The message for May 8 is called “Who Lives\, Who Dies\, Who Tells Your Story?” (Credit to Lin Manuel Miranda…) We’ll reflect on the 23rd Psalm in song form and we’ll hear a story of resurrection from the book of Acts. With the Psalm we are reminded of God’s presence in the shadows and even to death. With the story from Acts\, we know the good news that God’s love is more powerful than death. As we find ourselves now in the Fourth Sunday of Easter this particular story of resurrection speaks to God’s concern for the most vulnerable\, and even more\, we’ll discover how God resurrects the stories of the vulnerable and the marginalized far beyond our physical lives. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) will also celebrate the coming ordination of Heather McDougal with the gift of a new stole to be worn in worship\, and as this is a Coffeehouse Sunday\, our Change the World offering will go towards the good work with vulnerable woman at our local YWCA. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice. \nWorship note: To give a visual for this morning’s reading from Acts about Tabitha (aka Dorcas)\, the Coffeehouse Planning Team opted to place handmade items that represent ways persons have been offered similar compassion in our midst. There is a prayer quilt\, tied by members of a church to represent prayers being offered for someone with cancer\, and there are prayer shawls\, made by needleworkers in this congregation\, to wrap persons in love going through difficult times. We also were offered shawls made and gifted “just because” to offer the message of love to friends and family. These tangible gifts are one of the many ways love and care may be offered to those in our midst. Just as Tabitha offered herself\, consider all the ways that we may do this for one another and for our community. If you are interested in making prayer shawls for our Caring Committee\, please contact Robin at rentenman@umc-kzo.org.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/fourth-sunday-of-easter-who-lives-who-dies-who-tells-your-story/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/May8Visuals.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220515T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220515T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220512T193702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220514T162532Z
UID:8500-1652608800-1652612400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Fifth Sunday of Easter: Hallelujah\, Praise God\, all ye Dandelions
DESCRIPTION:“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise God from the heights!” All of creation praises God. Let us join in this chorus that interconnects us all. The dandelions are popping up all over! What lessons do they have to teach us? We remember our baptismal vows as we baptize a child into the care of our congregation. Hallelujah\, let us rejoice! \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/fifth-sunday-of-easter-hallelujah-praise-god-all-ye-dandelions/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Dandelions.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220522T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220522T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220519T201737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220521T225751Z
UID:8612-1653213600-1653217200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sixth Sunday of Easter: Evacuation
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday\, we anticipate Jesus’s ascension and the coming of the New City of God. In one text we see God in Jesus going up\, and in the next we see the city of God coming down. The Christian life is what happens in the spaces and time between these times. We’ll also celebrate several new members and Baptism! \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/sixth-sunday-of-easter-evacuation/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/May22Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220529T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220529T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220526T011319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220529T133437Z
UID:8849-1653818400-1653822000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Kin-dom We Long For
DESCRIPTION:On this Sunday\, we remember. It is Memorial Day weekend and so we remember all those who have given their lives in service to our country. We also remember that Covid has taken many lives and the battle for health and well-being continues. We remember that the singing of hymns sustains our faith life and moves us to feel the power of the Holy Spirit. This power that directs and defines us also causes us to care for and bring dignity to our neighbors. We look for the coming of the kingdom and establishing the kin-ship that binds us together. We remember and we yearn to bring forth the kingdom of mercy\, peace\, and justice. Let us worship together! \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/seventh-sunday-of-easter-the-kin-dom-we-long-for/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/May292022_3resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220605T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220605T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220602T173132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220609T194339Z
UID:9038-1654423200-1654426800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Pentecost
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday is Pentecost\, the time when we remember the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples like tongues of fire and giving birth to the church. It is also confirmation Sunday! What a time to welcome and celebrate these commitments of discipleship among a handful of young people. This winter/spring\, these young people have been wrestling with the questions of “Who am I as God’s beloved?” “How do I belong in this church and in God’s kingdom?” And “What is God’s purpose in my life?” May we all be inspired by their voices and challenged to ask these questions of ourselves and we celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit among us. \nAfter worship and in preparation for next Sunday\, Casey Curran will be in our gathering spaces with his camera. He hopes to capture short videos of you answering the question\, “What piece of wisdom would you share?” These short clips will be used to create a video montage for Graduate Sunday on June 12. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/pentecost/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pentecost2022.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220612T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220612T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220609T194333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220612T135616Z
UID:9192-1655028000-1655031600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Dancing in a Circle
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday is Peace with Justice Sunday\, Trinity Sunday and Graduate Sunday! It is a lot to celebrate\, but we are going to make it happen. We will be receiving a special offering for this denominational wide effort of funding ministries that focus on making peace and building justice. Your Peace with Justice Sunday gifts change lives in places where the joy of knowing Christ is mixed with the tragedy of violence. United Methodists relate to this special Sunday by seeking peaceful solutions\, creating and supporting peace-related ministries in their conference and learning about peaceful\, just efforts around the world. We will celebrate our graduates with a blessing and hearing about their accomplishments and future plans. Let us celebrate the love of God! \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/dancing-in-a-circle/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GraduationWeb.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220619T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220619T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220616T190730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220619T123807Z
UID:9384-1655632800-1655636400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Spirit has Something to Say
DESCRIPTION:It is Juneteenth. Through our reconciling ministries\, our call to anti-racism work and our Big Deal Weekend we are committing ourselves to the decisive action of dismantling racism and resisting oppression in all its forms. This parallels denominational efforts. On this Sunday\, we will observe Juneteenth as a sign of solidarity and hope for all of God’s people. Liberation activists remind us that our liberation is bound to the liberation of all. Jesus liberates people. In the Gospel of Luke\, we find Jesus healing a demoniac\, unbinding him\, and redirecting him to the work of God. On this Juneteenth\, let us be redirected to the work that shines the light on justice and bears witness to the unity of salvation for the entire body of Christ. Come\, let us worship a Liberating God. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-spirit-has-something-to-say/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Juneteenth.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220626T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220626T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220623T185420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220626T140527Z
UID:9548-1656237600-1656241200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Third Sunday After Pentecost: Reconciling Sunday
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday\, we will celebrate the work we’ve done as a Reconciling Congregation and share the important work that lies ahead. From the Big Deal Weekend earlier this year to our new storytelling collective\, The Narrative (which begins on Wednesday\, June 29)\, we are committed to answering our call to be an inclusive church that exemplifies the kingdom of God. We strive to move toward reconciling relationships with all\, affirming those who are marginalized for any reason\, including sexual orientation or gender identity. We welcome all with open hearts\, open minds\, open doors. Join us as we celebrate our Reconciling Work of the Past and our Expanding Work for the future! \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/third-sunday-after-pentecost-reconciling-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ReconcilingSunday2022.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220703T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220703T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220630T145807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220707T163753Z
UID:9751-1656842400-1656846000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Humble Channels
DESCRIPTION:“Listening is much more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond…The beauty of listening is that\, those who are listened to start feeling accepted\, start taking their words more seriously and discovering their own true selves. Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality by which you invite strangers to become friends.” ~Henri Nouwen \nTo deeply listen opens the door to transformation. When we feel listened to by one another\, by God\, and when we listen to our true selves\, transformation is possible. Listening brings connection\, not listening brings separation. Listening to understand means we fear less and the less we fear\, the more we trust\, the more love can flow. As we worship\, let us consider the humble voices that are not frequently listened to consistently. In this listening\, may we be transformed and guided to paths of wellness and strength. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated mask practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/humblechannels/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/July3Worship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220710T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220710T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220707T190859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220710T135530Z
UID:9906-1657447200-1657450800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Compassion of God: Poor in Spirit and Meek
DESCRIPTION:For second Sunday worship\, we will begin a new six week series in the Beatitudes from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes are remembered as among Jesus’ most essential teachings and for this series we have divided these blessings into three parts: The Compassion of God\, the Goodness of God\, the Justice of God. This Sunday we’ll consider the compassion of God in the 1st and 3rd Beatitudes – “Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” and “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth…” We will also participate in the Baptism of two adults\, Cooper Betke and Christine VanOstran. We hope you come and join us for this new series and this blessed occasion of Baptism.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/poor-in-spirit-and-meek/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220705_192908874_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220717T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220717T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220714T140912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220714T182731Z
UID:10166-1658052000-1658055600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Compassion of God: Those Who Mourn 
DESCRIPTION:“As a deer longs for flowing streams\, so my soul longs for you\, O God. My soul thirsts for you the living God.” ~Psalm 42: 1 \nTimes of mourning or grieving will be something we will all experience at some point in our lives. We will find ourselves yearning for comfort\, longing to be drawn into the shelter of a living God who intimately knows what it is to suffer. This darkness invites us to a new depth of trust and reliance upon God. Jesus teaches\, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” A season of grief is a liminal time. As Jesus promises\, this time of transition will be a threshold that will usher us into something new and there will be comfort as we move through this time. In this worship series on the Beatitudes\, we continue to experience the compassion of God in our mourning and in our finding comfort. We will offer anointing as a reminder of healing\, as a blessing for all who mourn. If you are worshiping from home\, please find oil or lotion to join us as we pray in this ancient way of reassurance.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-compassion-of-god-those-who-mourn/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/July17.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220724T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220724T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220721T203207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220724T135223Z
UID:10366-1658656800-1658660400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Goodness of God: Righteousness & Mercy
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday our series in The Beatitudes moves us from the Compassion of God to the Goodness of God as we consider Jesus’s blessings for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and those who are merciful. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to find oneself so captivated by the love of God they have an insatiable need to live into that love through personal devotion and outward action. The merciful are those who at their very core see the suffering of others and their hearts break with compassion until they cannot help but go and insert mercy into a merciless situation. They know the goodness of God and they want to be like Jesus. This Sunday in worship will explore the inward and outward movements of lives thirsting for righteousness\, and mercy.   \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-goodness-of-god-righteousness-mercy/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/July24Worship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220731T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220731T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220728T191948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220731T134313Z
UID:10537-1659261600-1659265200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Goodness of God: The Pure in Heart
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday our series in The Beatitudes continues with the Goodness of God as we consider Jesus’s blessings for the Pure in Heart. What does it mean to be pure in heart? In “The Cost of Discipleship\,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that the pure in heart are “Only those who have surrendered their hearts completely to Jesus that Jesus may reign in them alone…their hearts are not ruled by their conscience\, but by the will of Jesus.” While this seems to be a lofty ideal we can look to\, Bonhoeffer himself whose desire to be ruled only by the will of Jesus led him to be a martyr during the Second World War for his role in the confessing movement\, and as part of the resistance to Hitler. While the pure in heart may sound like comforting beatitude\, it may mean costly discipleship. In our worship we will explore the depths of this blessing\, the will of God\, and the cost of a heart attuned fully to Jesus. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-goodness-of-god-the-pure-in-heart/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/July31Worship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220807T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220807T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220729T062802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220810T190743Z
UID:10565-1659866400-1659870000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Justice of God: The Peacemakers
DESCRIPTION:In the Beatitudes\, Jesus stands our world on its head. We believe in personal pride; Jesus blesses poverty of spirit. We seek pleasure; Jesus blesses those who mourn. We see the prosperity of aggressive people; Jesus blesses the meek. We love good food and drink; Jesus blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. As we continue to move through our summer series\, we begin to explore the justice of God in the remaining Beatitudes. The first four beatitudes describe the heart of the person who is rightly related to God. The remaining beatitudes describes how such a person relates to other people. Jesus exemplifies the characteristics belonging to kingdom people. He is a peacemaker. On many occasions\, he calls us to the work of making peace. As we worship this week\, let us answer courageously and be agents of peace. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-justice-of-god-the-peacemakers/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/August7Worship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220814T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220814T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220810T194021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220821T011737Z
UID:11008-1660471200-1660474800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Justice of God: Peacemakers & Persecuted
DESCRIPTION:“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” ~The Message \n“Blessed are we when we treasure the wisdom of the earth\, receiving survival strategies whispered underground by bristlecone pine and sequoia\, returning the praise songs of nuthatch and titmouse\, flocking together with the murmuration maps of bees and bats and butterflies\, and pollinating possibilities for living in these beautiful ruins.” ~Enfleshed \nOn this Second Sunday\, our worship will be a celebration that includes thankfulness for all that God has given in the wonder and beauty of creation. We celebrate God’s gracious work as Creator of the earth and all its amazing biological life. Second Sunday worship finds us seeking ways to be interactive so that the Spirit may move\, restore\, and engage us in expanded ways. As we acknowledge the persecution of the earth and the most vulnerable of the earth\, we respond to the mandate that humans care for the creation. As we honor the gift of creation\, let us look for ways to recommit ourselves to the proper care and stewardship of the earth and those who vulnerable in our midst. Our Change the World offering will be given to our Helping Our Neighbors ministry that weekly helps people to stay in their homes by helping with utility costs. Blessed are we when we experience\, celebrate\, and share God’s love. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-justice-of-god-peacemakers-persecuted/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/August14Worship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220821T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220821T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220818T154040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220821T135046Z
UID:11144-1661076000-1661079600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Why are We Christian?
DESCRIPTION:For this first in our brief series in “Questions of Faith” we will wrestle with the question of “Why are we Christian?” using two New Testament texts. The first\, from Philippians is thought to be among the earliest of Christian Hymns\, serving the dual purpose of singing\, and as a statement of faith. It is the Apostle Paul’s effort to answer both the WHY and and HOW of being a follower of Jesus Christ. The second text is a parable spoken by Jesus when his authority was questioned by religious elites. It is a parable challenging traditional assumptions about WHO will enter the Kingdom of God. In this sermon I will ask another question: It is one thing to confess and to believe in Jesus\, but do we believe in the things that Jesus believed in? How we answer this question may be the answer to WHY we are Christian. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/why-are-we-christian/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Questioning_Raised_Hands_resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220828T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220828T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220824T030530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220827T164557Z
UID:11287-1661680800-1661684400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:What is Heaven?
DESCRIPTION:Jesus was no stranger to questions. He was asked questions repeatedly in his ministry and he also asked many questions himself. “Do you love me?” “What are you looking for?” “Do you believe this?” These are just a few of the over 300 questions that Jesus asked in the Gospels. If Jesus had this many questions and used them to explore faith\, it seems good and natural for us to wrestle with questions as well. Nicodemus asked Jesus\, “How can these things be?” as he visits him in the dark wondering if Jesus has come from God. Jesus hears Nicodemus’ questions\, leans into his doubts and Jesus\, and provokes him to consider the mystery of God’s reign on earth and in heaven. As we lean into the question of the existence of heaven\, we consider how this mystery has affected the ways in which we work for God’s reign on earth now. Heaven is somehow not just a future hope\, but a current reality. As we worship\, may our questions\, our prayers and praise move us closer to God. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/what-is-heaven/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/August21Worship.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220904T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220904T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220901T173051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220915T183738Z
UID:11439-1662285600-1662289200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Why Can't We Get Along Without Hurting Others?
DESCRIPTION:In this third and final week of our series “Questions of Faith\,” we look today to a very present and relevant question: How do we get along without hurting one another? In recent years\, the experience of family division and church divisions over political and theological ideals has become all too painfully common. We’ll look to the Gospel of Mark and Jesus’s own life’s patterns for guidance to stop hurting one another when we disagree. However\, where our instincts may compel us to retreat\, or to push back\, Jesus offers a third way of living into our faith convictions while maintaining a posture of embrace towards those with whom we disagree. We’ll also share in the celebration of the Eucharist\, remembering the way in which Christ has embraced each one of us. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask required practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/why-cant-we-get-along-without-hurting-others/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/September4Worship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220911T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220911T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220909T030431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220915T184113Z
UID:11590-1662890400-1662894000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Rejoice Sunday
DESCRIPTION:“Rejoice with me\, for I found that which was lost.”  Luke 15: 6a \nSeeking\, finding\, and rejoicing! Jesus teaches through two parables in the Gospel lesson\, this message of the ways of God and a rhythm of faith that is seeking\, finding\, and rejoicing. As we welcome this season of fall that finds us engaging more fully in ministries for all ages we do rejoice. God is ever seeking us and desiring to be in relationship that brings restoration\, renewal and at-one-ment that brings joy. Come and join us for Rejoice Sunday! \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice. \nFeatured art: La drachme perdue (The Lost Drachma) by James Tissot. (1836 – 1902) Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray woven paper.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/rejoice-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The_Lost_Drachma_Image_Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220918T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220918T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220915T193212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220917T215722Z
UID:11759-1663495200-1663498800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Rooted: Kalamazoo Service Project Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in worship as we hear the story and celebrate Kalamazoo Service Project! This year\, 40 youth from FUMC Kalamazoo and Portage Chapel Hill joined together along with 20+ adults from our church to serve in mission all around Kalamazoo. In worship you will see a beautiful video capturing all of the projects and hear testimony from the young people who served. We will also hold a special offering that will go towards future Youth Mission projects. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/rooted-kalamazoo-service-project-sunday-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/A149C97F-A45D-4286-9D38-D771C3E4BDFD.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220925T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220925T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220923T013812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220925T140258Z
UID:11956-1664100000-1664103600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:When We Are Living: JFON Celebration
DESCRIPTION:“Besides\, in all these matters there is a huge chasm set between us so that no one can go from us to you even if he wanted to\, nor can anyone cross over from you to us.” \n~Luke 16:26 \n“My soul magnifies the Lord\, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… \nHe has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; \nhe has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. \n~Luke 1: 1 and 52-53 \nThis week\, the parable found in the Gospel of Luke is of a world turned upside down\, or rather it is a tale of right living. Luke opens his Gospel with a song of Mary that proclaims that the poor will be filled with good things and the rich will be sent way\, empty handed. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man we hear Jesus speaking of the powerful being brought down and the lowly lifted up. It is a call for justice. It is a call for holy living. It is an invitation to build the kingdom of God. As we celebrate God’s love we will hear of the work and ministry of Justice for Our Neighbors. JFON of Kalamazoo is housed in our church as we partner with them to help provide pro bono legal services to immigrants living in Michigan communities. Let us hear the call to create expanse love guided by the Holy Spirit. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/when-we-are-living-jfon-celebration/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/20220918_133326495_iOS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221002T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221002T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20220929T210316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221001T193344Z
UID:12026-1664704800-1664708400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:World Communion Sunday
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday in worship we are celebrating World Communion Sunday and we are beginning our new season of Stewardship titled Living Grace-Filled: The Joy of Stewardship. The Eucharist (God’s gift of grace)\, otherwise known as communion\, is the central act of Christian worship. In this meal we receive the grace of the living God and we are sent to go and be God’s grace in the world. Communion is our central act of worship because in the celebration of this meal we practice Christian living by receiving and responding in gratitude. Our text for the morning is about the healing of several individuals\, only one of whom took the time to give thanks to Jesus. That one experienced a more holistic healing than the rest. May this time of worship and receiving of the Eucharist generate within each of us a response of gratitude to God who calls us together. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/12026/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/WorldCommunionSundayResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221009T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221009T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20221007T055110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221010T134148Z
UID:12164-1665309600-1665313200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Dream Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this special Second Sunday worship service where we will celebrate the culmination of the Dream. The Dream Team ministry of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo has partnered with area organizations to address equitable housing around Kalamazoo. Come and hear their story and celebration of what God has accomplished. Enjoy the Second Sunday Worship Band and a sermon focused on the Prophet Jeremiah. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-dream-celebration/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Oct92022Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221016T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221016T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T205814
CREATED:20221014T061413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221016T135459Z
UID:12274-1665914400-1665918000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Disability Awareness Sunday
DESCRIPTION:As he walked along\, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him\, ‘Rabbi\, who sinned\, this man or his parents\, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered\, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. ~John 9:1-3 \nJesus said\, ‘I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see\, and those who do see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him\, ‘Surely we are not blind\, are we?’ Jesus said to them\, ‘If you were blind\, you would not have sin. But now that you say\, “We see\,” your sin remains. ~John 9:39-41 \nThis week we celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday. Through the story of Jesus and the ‘Man Born Blind’ found in John’s Gospel\, we confront commonly held ideas about disability and challenge each other to look more deeply. In doing so\, we celebrate the transformational power of Jesus’ message\, hear his call to challenge harmful stereotypes\, and recognize the gifts of our brothers and sisters with disabilities. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. Before you join us for in person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice. \nArt: “Sight” © John Bramblitt | www.bramblitt.com | Facebook and Instagram @bramblitt
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/disability-awareness-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sight_John-Bramblitt_Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR