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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220828T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220828T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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:20260403T174116
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221023T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221023T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221021T150911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221028T155641Z
UID:12439-1666519200-1666522800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Are We Really That Different?
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in worship as we hear from our local Wesley Foundation Director\, Rev. Jeremy Simpson. Jeremy is not only the Wesley Foundation Campus Minister\, but he is also an accomplished organist\, pianist\, choir director and all-around church musician. Also in worship this Sunday our 3rd graders will be gifted with new Bibles\, and we’ll hear from Molly Williams sharing about our stewardship theme: Living Grace-Filled: The Joy of Stewardship. \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/are-we-really-that-different/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AreWeReallyThatDifferent.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221030T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221030T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221028T160016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221030T134715Z
UID:12652-1667124000-1667127600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sing Out Sunday
DESCRIPTION:In this final Sunday of our “Stewards of a Grace-filled Life” Stewardship Season\, we turn to the story of Zacchaeus. This is a man whose encounter with Jesus led to radical life transformation manifested through generous giving to his community. On this Sunday\, the congregation is invited to determine how we are each being called to respond to God’s grace at work in our lives by making financial pledges to God’s work in the world through First United Methodist Church. This will also be a music-filled Sunday with music from the chorus of First UMC AND First Congregational Church. Come and sing\, come and celebrate\, come and practice the grace-filled life. \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/sing-out-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ConsecrationSunday.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221106T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221104T035105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221106T144154Z
UID:12795-1667728800-1667732400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:All Saints Day
DESCRIPTION:All Saints is a day of remembrance for the saints. We celebrate the communion of saints as we remember the dead and celebrate our connectedness as Christians. The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual connection between those on heaven and on earth. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude to God for the lives and deaths of all the saints that have influenced and shaped our lives. On this Sunday we hear the prayer of the Ephesians epistle is “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints\, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers\, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ\, the Father of glory\, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him\, so that\, with the eyes of your heart enlightened\, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you\, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints…” \nOn this All Saints Day\, we remember\, we weep\, we celebrate and we look to the promised possibilities of life beyond death and are reassured that Christ stands with God to wipe away tears and turn us in hope toward the resurrection that is possible. \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. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/all-saints-day-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AllSaintsResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221113T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221111T152450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221113T140138Z
UID:12984-1668333600-1668337200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:I'll Have What He's Having
DESCRIPTION:Join us for worship on this special Second Sunday. Pastor Matt and the Second Sunday team will guide us to contemplate Jesus‘s words “I am the bread of life“ and consider what it means for Jesus to be the nourishment of our souls along with our real need to be physically nourished. Our change the world offering is an invitation for everyone to bring food items\, listed below\, to be presented at the altar during worship and then sorted into bags after worship and donated to Spring Valley Elementary for families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. A cash offering will also be taken to purchase extra food items. God is Good! \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. \nSuggested donation items: \nRolls\nBag of Russet Potatoes\nSweet Potatoes\nCranberry Sauce\nJars/Cans of Turkey Gravy\nCanned Vegetables (variety)\nStove Top Dressing Mix\nBag of Apples or Oranges\nBox Cake Mix\nCan of Frosting \nAdditional suggested donation items: \nPancake syrup\nFlour\nSugar\nBrown sugar\nCooking spray or cooking oil\nChicken or beef broth\nCream of mushroom\, chicken\, celery etc. soups\nVanilla extract\nBaking soda\nTaco seasoning\nCondiments: Ketchup\, barbecue sauce\, ranch dressing\, etc.\nBaking mixes: brownies\, cake\, etc.\nHoney\nBreakfast cereal for kids\nHot cocoa mix\nCookie decorating items: frosting\, sprinkles\, sugar cookie mix\nChocolate chips\nSmall marshmallows
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/ill-have-what-hes-having/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SecondSundayResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221120T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221120T230000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221117T160728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221120T150044Z
UID:13167-1668938400-1668985200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Reign of Christ Sunday
DESCRIPTION:“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell\, and through him\, God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things…”\nColossians 1: 19a \nWhat does it mean to speak of the Christ who reigns or Christ the king? The Gospels will undoubtedly tell us that Jesus redefined what it meant to be king\, this is his purpose in coming. The one who reigns in our lives was treated as a common criminal by an oppressive government and was executed publicly\, intended to humiliate and destroy. Yet\, Christ reigns. With power\, he is our king that is on the ground with us. He is the reconciler that shows us the power of joy and the way out of darkness. This is the one whom we gather to worship and more importantly\, follow. The one who reigns in our hearts\, our lives and is our ground of being. Come\, let us worship with joy!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/reign-of-christ-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20221116_171201653_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221127T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221127T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221126T230449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221126T230449Z
UID:13396-1669543200-1669546800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advent 2022: Close to Home
DESCRIPTION:On this first Sunday in Advent\, we will set our hearts to the rhythm of a new liturgical season. This practice is the response to our Lukan text imploring us to “…be on guard\, so our hearts are not weighed down…” There is indeed much from which to guard our hearts; the worries of an ongoing pandemic\, political divisions\, and the war in Ukraine\, not to mention those unspoken places of restlessness within our own hearts. And yet Jesus assures us these things will pass\, while God’s word will remain forever. This word promises a day of hope\, love\, joy\, and peace and our worship acknowledges a longing for this day akin to a kind of homesickness. And so\, homesick for a day when God’s promises are fulfilled\, we enter this new season with the hymn on our lips. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10 am. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice. \nLed by: Rev. Matt Weiler \nTodays Bulletin \nluke 21:25-36
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advent-2022-close-to-home/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sunday-December-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221127T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221127T230000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221123T213651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221126T192024Z
UID:13304-1669543200-1669590000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:First sunday of advent
DESCRIPTION:On this first Sunday in Advent\, we will set our hearts to the rhythm of a new liturgical season. This practice is the response to our Lukan text imploring us to “…be on guard\, so our hearts are not weighed down…” There is indeed much from which to guard our hearts; the worries of an ongoing pandemic\, political divisions\, and the war in Ukraine\, not to mention those unspoken places of restlessness within our own hearts. And yet Jesus assures us these things will pass\, while God’s word will remain forever. This word promises a day of hope\, love\, joy\, and peace and our worship acknowledges a longing for this day akin to a kind of homesickness. And so\, homesick for a day when God’s promises are fulfilled\, we enter this new season with the hymn on our lips. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10 am. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice. \n  \nLed by: Rev. Matt Weiler \nTodays Bulletin \nluke 21:25-36 \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/first-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Add-a-heading-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221204T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221204T230000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221201T214901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221201T215107Z
UID:13496-1670148000-1670194800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Laying the foundation. Second Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:As we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent\, we hear of the birth of John the Baptist and the dramatic response of his father\, Zechariah who has been mute throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Zechariah prophesies about God’s salvation that will guide our path into the way of peace. This is a foundation that centers on a way of being that fosters God’s shalom. Let us celebrate the laying of this foundation that is the actions of forgiveness\, mercy\, compassion and peace. Come\, O Come\, Emmanuel\, guide our feet. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10 am. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice. \n  \n\nLed by: Rev. Julie Kline \n\n\nLuke 1:57-66
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/laying-the-foundation-second-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Sunday-December-4-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221218T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221218T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221215T230118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221216T162724Z
UID:13632-1671357600-1671361200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Fourth Sunday of Advent Close to Home: Seeking Sanctuary
DESCRIPTION:Mary has received the news from the angel Gabriel that she will bear a son named Jesus\, and he will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary then travels to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home to find refuge and absorb her new calling. With Elizabeth she receives a safe haven which allows her to open her heart and sing praises. Sanctuary is essential for all and is established anywhere God’s love dwells freely and abundantly. \nPraises on this morning will be sung by the First Beats musical ensemble as they present the Christmas musical “Room for Christmas.” Through this musical the children will lead us to discover the true joy and wonder of Christmas by making room for what really matters. Come and worship and let us experience the love and wonder offered by the advent of Christ. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10 am. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/fourth-sunday-of-advent-close-to-home-seeking-sanctuary/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Copy-of-First-United-Methodist-Church.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221222T181204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221224T174920Z
UID:13757-1671897600-1671901200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:4:00 pm service  Children & Family Worship (4 pm and 11 pm services are canceled. We will still have 7 pm)
DESCRIPTION:This service will include a sweet and simple retelling of the night of Jesus’ birth and the singing of Christmas Carols. \nMary and Joseph are journeying even though she is in the last stages of her pregnancy. They travel to be counted in the census; it is a fulfillment of their civic duty. As the time comes for the birth\, they need a safe place. There is no room and yet\, one person finds a space\, extends an unexpected and holy invitation. Jesus is born into this world without an invitation\, but his birth only comes into fruition because repeatedly\, humanity says “yes” to unexpected blessings and guests. On this Christmas Eve\, may we make room in our own lives for the holy. As we raise our candles amid a darkened night\, we sing our hopes of a dawn of redeeming grace. Let us celebrate this holiest of nights and find ourselves invited home. \nChildcare will be available during this service.    \nJoin us in person for this special Christmas Eve service. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/400-pm-service-children-family-worship/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Add-a-subheading.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221222T182144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221224T233316Z
UID:13762-1671908400-1671913800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service: Lessons & Carols
DESCRIPTION:Important update for the 4pm and 11Pm Service! \nDue to inclement weather\, the 4pm and 11pm services on Christmas Eve have been cancelled. However\, we will still be holding a service at 7pm\, which will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. We are still having Sunday service at 10 am tomorrow. \nScripture lessons and Christmas carols with the choir\, organ\, and brass ensemble. Make sure you join us in person or online\, this Service will be livestreamed. \nMary and Joseph are journeying even though she is in the last stages of her pregnancy. They travel to be counted in the census; it is a fulfillment of their civic duty. As the time comes for the birth\, they need a safe place. There is no room and yet\, one person finds a space\, extends an unexpected and holy invitation. Jesus is born into this world without an invitation\, but his birth only comes into fruition because repeatedly\, humanity says “yes” to unexpected blessings and guests. On this Christmas Eve\, may we make room in our own lives for the holy. As we raise our candles amid a darkened night\, we sing our hopes of a dawn of redeeming grace. Let us celebrate this holiest of nights and find ourselves invited home. \nJoin us in person or online for worship. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/700-pm-christmas-eve-service-lessons-carols/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Add-a-subheading.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221225T003000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221222T182659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221224T174857Z
UID:13765-1671922800-1671928200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:11:00 pm Service Carols & Communion (4 pm and 11 pm services are canceled. We will still have 7 pm )
DESCRIPTION:Lessons\, Carols\, and Communion.Nursery not available \nMary and Joseph are journeying even though she is in the last stages of her pregnancy. They travel to be counted in the census; it is a fulfillment of their civic duty. As the time comes for the birth\, they need a safe place. There is no room and yet\, one person finds a space\, extends an unexpected and holy invitation. Jesus is born into this world without an invitation\, but his birth only comes into fruition because repeatedly\, humanity says “yes” to unexpected blessings and guests. On this Christmas Eve\, may we make room in our own lives for the holy. As we raise our candles amid a darkened night\, we sing our hopes of a dawn of redeeming grace. Let us celebrate this holiest of nights and find ourselves invited home. \nJoin us in person or online for worship. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/1100-pm-service-carols-communion/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Add-a-subheading.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221225T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221225T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221223T164120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221223T164330Z
UID:13791-1671962400-1671966000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Christmas Day
DESCRIPTION:We want to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to join us for our Christmas day service. \nWe will come together as a community to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the love and hope that His arrival brings. The service will be filled with the sounds of carols and the readings of beloved scripture passages\, as well as a message of joy and peace. \nWe believe that Christmas is a time to come together and remember the greatest gift of all: the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Whether you are a regular attendee or are new to our community\, we would love for you to be a part of this special day with us. \nWe hope that you will consider joining us for this celebration of faith and love. We look forward to seeing you there! \nAs we open ourselves to worship\, remember that this is not really our day or the family’s day. This is about Jesus. First and foremost\, this is the day when the distance between heaven and earth was removed and God set up camp among us; God moved into the neighborhood or “tented among us\,” which is proclaimed in the Gospel of John. It is about the closeness of the living presence of God\, incarnate in the one we call Jesus. \n  \nThis Service will not be live streamed!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/christmas-day/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Kalamazoo-First-United-Methodist-Church.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230101T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230101T233000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20221229T214413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230101T045159Z
UID:13922-1672567200-1672615800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Chosen Home: First Sunday after Christmas
DESCRIPTION:Join us for worship on New Year’s Day\, the 2nd Sunday of Christmas. We will continue singing some of the favorite Christmas carols in our hymnal\, hear the story of the Wise One’s who followed the star to Bethlehem\, and share the bread and cup of communion. Pastor Matt will be preaching a sermon titled “Plagiarized Epiphany”\, as we look towards the season of Epiphany.\n\n\nThere will not be Nursery\, Godly Play\, or Sunday School for children. But children are welcome to attend worship on these two holidays Sundays in the sanctuary with their families! Nursery\, Godly Play\, and Sunday School return Sunday\, January 8\, 2023.\n\nJoin us in person or online for worship. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/chosen-home-first-sunday-after-christmas/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Untitled-design-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230108T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230108T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230105T223550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230108T143446Z
UID:14013-1673172000-1673175600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Baptism of the Lord
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in worship as we learn of the Baptism of the lord. \nAs we celebrate the love of God\, let us set aside the struggle and instead embrace acceptance – both for ourselves and for others. Let us remember that Jesus was named and claimed by God\, and we too are called to live into this same identity. May the splash of baptismal water upon our foreheads serve as a reminder of the love and grace that surrounds us\, and may we carry this love into the world as we offer acceptance and belonging to all those around 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 optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/baptism-of-the-lord/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230104_173908518_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230115T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230115T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230112T212348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230115T145658Z
UID:14175-1673776800-1673780400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:2nd Sunday After the Epiphany
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday! \n On this Second Sunday after the Epiphany we continue in a line of Gospel readings through which we either discover\, or are encouraged to seek out Jesus\, the one who has come as a light for the world. This week our text picks up following Jesus’s Baptism\, with John the Baptist pointing away from himself and towards Jesus. We hear a playful exchange between Jesus and two of his earliest disciples asking Jesus\, “Where are you staying?” Jesus’s response sets the tone for the entire Gospel of John answering them\, “Come and see.” This is the invitation of Jesus to us in this New Year\, in this season of Epiphany – to “Come and See”\, to discover where Jesus may be leading\, and to know God more fully. Along with Jesus’s invitation to Come and see” let the opening line of our Psalm be our guide\, “I waited patiently for the Lord…”   \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/2nd-sunday-after-the-epiphany/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230111_190509911_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230122T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230122T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230119T160500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230122T150411Z
UID:14340-1674381600-1674385200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:January 22\, 2022  The Invitation
DESCRIPTION:“Jesus went throughout Galilee\, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.” ~Matthew 4: 23  \nJesus is on the move. He has emerged from the wilderness\, and he begins his ministry with an undeniable energy. His movement is invitational\, and he meets people right where they are living their lives in ordinary ways. His invitation beckons people to dare to believe in the possibility of collective change. He feeds those who are hungry for justice\, and he claims those who have been outcast and despised. He is love on the move. This Spirit of Christ still moves in and around us. We are invited each day\, to come and follow and allow the life of Christ to grow in us. Will we hear the summons and answer?  
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/january-22-2022-the-invitation/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230119_150008245_iOS-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230129T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230129T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230126T192637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230129T143501Z
UID:14508-1674986400-1674990000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Laity Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in worship  \nThis is Laity Sunday\, and our worship will be based on Paul’s first letter to Corinthians (1: 10-18) \nIn his first letter to the Corinthians\, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony within the community of believers. He writes in chapter 1\, verse 10\, “I appeal to you\, brothers and sisters\, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ\, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you\, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. Paul goes on to explain that this unity is not just a nice idea\, but is essential for the effectiveness of the church’s mission. \nThe Corinthian church like our current society was plagued by divisions and factions\, with different groups fighting for power and recognition. In his letter Paul reminds them that this kind of behavior is not in line with the teachings of Jesus\, and that true unity can only be achieved through humility and a shared commitment to the gospel. \nLay Leaders\, Tammy Eaton and Donna Dunyak\, will be putting effort into organizing and promoting small group activities this year to create community and a means to build relationships within our congregation. \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/laity-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230125_172505197_iOS-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230205T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230202T210803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230205T134551Z
UID:14672-1675591200-1675594800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Grief & Being Present to the Process in Hope: Prayers
DESCRIPTION:“While he lived on earth\, anticipating death\, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God.“ ~Hebrews 5: 7   \nJoin us this Sunday in worship \nWe are beginning to move forward after the intensities of pandemic living. Yet\, we may experience lingering grief. Grief is more easily named if we have experienced a great loss but when the loss comes about more subtlety\, or it is layered we may be confused by our lack luster approach to living. Grief is inevitable because loss and disappointment are inevitable experiences of life. This week we begin a short series on grief\, and we ask ourselves “how do we let grief heal us rather than devastate us in the long run?” Jesus sighs\, cries\, laments\, even groans but does not let sorrow hinder his passion for life. His responses to grief and the grief of others can help us to heal and to help others who grieve. Prayer is healing and facilitates a release of the multitude of emotions felt in grieving. Let us pray. Let us heal. Let us worship Christ\, the healer of our every ill.  \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/grief-being-present-to-the-process-in-hope-prayers/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/White-Minimalist-Travel-Magazine.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230212T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230212T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230209T210802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230212T150049Z
UID:14845-1676196000-1676203200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Grief & Being Present to the Process in Hope: Releasing
DESCRIPTION:light candles? How can we be open to the spirit moving through us as we move through darkness? How do we find space for rest? Anointing?   \nGrief can come with being overwhelmed by life’s demands. During the pandemic the lines between “home space” and “workspace” were blurred and remain so. When the world opened up\, for many\, the pace of life moved quickly from zero to one hundred and it feels as though we cannot catch up or catch a break. We grieve for a slower time\, and for the opportunities to notice one another\, to pay attention\, to love\, and to be loved. God’s intention was never for us to work and consume 24/7. God’s intention was\, and is\, for us to have space to rest\, to play\, to release\, and to renew. It’s called SABBATH\, and it is a practice grounded firmly within our scriptures. Come to worship this day and learn to live a SABBATH Centered Life.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/grief-being-present-to-the-process-in-hope-releasing/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/White-Minimalist-Travel-Magazine.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230219T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230216T201411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230218T225649Z
UID:14971-1676800800-1676806200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Grief & Being Present to the Process in Hope: The Blessing of Light
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in worship. We celebrate the transfiguration of Jesus as we ascend the mountain with Peter\, James\, and John to witness Jesus the Christ revealed in dazzling glory. The disciples may have other mountain treks on their minds\, as mountaintop experiences are marked with significance\, change\, and greater understandings of the one named “I Am.” This week we conclude our worship series on “Grief and Being Present to the Process in Hope.” As we are present to our past and current grief\, we also embrace the grace of transfiguration that offers us eyes and hearts to see the divine presence within the world and within ourselves. As we seek to be reflections of divine love and light\, we light individual candles of prayer that will join in a collective light that is a witness to the potential of resurrection. If you worship with us online\, please bring a candle to your worship space. Let us experience this dazzling light and trust that God can transfigure 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 optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/grief-being-present-to-the-process-in-hope-the-blessing-of-light/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20230213_165643944_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230226T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230226T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T174116
CREATED:20230223T165557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230223T194433Z
UID:15080-1677405600-1677405600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:SEEKING: HONEST QUESTIONS FOR A DEEPER FAITH
DESCRIPTION:“Who Will You Listen To?” \nAre you distracted? What are the messages that fill your days? Do you listen to the demands of “do more” and “be more?” The season of Lent calls us to slow our pace\, make space for silence and reflection\, and have ears and hearts to listen to the still\, small voice of God. Our worship series for Lent is about the spiritual discipline of seeking and asking the questions that will lead us to a deeper faith. On this first Sunday of Lent\, we ask\, “Who will you listen to?” To be faith filled seekers we must maintain a posture of listening that allows us to stay open and curious rather than closed and calloused. Our Ash Wednesday worship was cancelled due to an ice storm. We will have an imposition of ashes as part of our worship. If you are joining us online\, please find something to symbolize ashes. Come\, worship and hear Love calling your name.   \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/seeking-honest-questions-for-a-deeper-faith/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20230222_163432340_iOS-scaled.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR