BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://umc-kzo.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Detroit
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20230312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20231105T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240623T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240623T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240620T181436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240623T000207Z
UID:21507-1719136800-1719140400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Juneteenth Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online for worship. This Sunday we honor Juneteenth\,. We want to honor and celebrate this important date in the history of our country—one that often goes unexplained or unnoticed by the mainstream. However\, this day holds immense importance as a significant stepping stone in the progress of our nation. \nWe will observe Juneteenth as a sign of solidarity and hope for all of God’s people. On June 19\, 1865 a Union soldier rode into Galveston\, Texas\, declaring that all Confederate legislative acts of the previous four years were void. Freedom was announced to the slaves\, overdue by centuries\, freedom had finally come. Juneteenth is the oldest and most well-known American holiday\, celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.   \nOur Creator God is with those who suffer\, calling us to be attentive\, concerned\, and active to end suffering in all the ways we are able. Job has endured the longevity of suffering and laments with his friends as they seek to find the answer to Job’s suffering. Into this drama\, God reminds Job that God is Creator. The work of creating\, even amid suffering\, is never done. We are called to be co-creators with God\, laboring for the liberation of those who are oppressed. Let us hear from the cosmos the clang of the freedom bell.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/juneteenth-sunday/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_132708871_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240630T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240630T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240627T174515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240628T182421Z
UID:21580-1719741600-1719747000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Outta My Way Satan
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online for a special worship service as we close the month of June. This week\, we reflect on the themes of inclusion\, community\, love\, and justice\, drawing inspiration from Mark 3:20-35. \nIn this passage\, we witness a profound moment where Jesus redefines the concept of family\, not by blood but by the shared commitment to doing God’s will. He emphasizes that true kinship transcends traditional boundaries and is found in the collective pursuit of righteousness and love. \nAs we gather\, let us embrace the spirit of unity that Jesus exemplified. Let us be a community that welcomes everyone as brothers and sisters\, forming a family bound by the desire to support one another\, spread love\, and uphold justice in all our actions. \nThis Sunday\, we celebrate the strength found in our diversity and the beauty of a community that comes together to honor every individual’s worth. We affirm our commitment to being a place of refuge and acceptance\, where all are invited to join the family of faith.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/outta-my-way-satan/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_134322953_iOS_1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240707T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240707T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240703T154516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240703T182950Z
UID:21747-1720346400-1720350000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:A Sent Community: Giving Freely 
DESCRIPTION:This midsummer worship series will find us leaning into the challenges and the joys of being a Christ-centered community sent into the world to serve with love and generosity. The lectionary readings for July lead us to explore the Biblical threads of “sentness” and dependence upon God as we go out into the world. The sending of God is always to service. As we are sent\, we are called to trust in the providence of God and those around us. The world is a treacherous place. Evil\, injustice\, and oppression are expressed in many forms. We are called to resist in love\, by love\, and for love as we are sent out in Jesus’ name. As we share God’s love we thrive when we commit ourselves to an abundant God and live as citizens of God’s reign.    \nAfter Worship this week\, we want to honor and celebrate our Outreach Team Ministry (it’s a big one)\, so stop by after church and learn how you can get involved in the many teams this ministry has. Make sure to check the insert in this bulletin for more detailed information and a form you can fill out.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/a-sent-community-giving-freely/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/c-Mumma-016-6-30-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240714T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240714T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240711T190647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240714T125047Z
UID:21921-1720951200-1720954800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:What Herod Heard ~ ASP
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. \n“King Herod heard about this…” Jesus has sent the disciples out in pairs to share the good news of the gospel and Herod on his seat of power heard about it\, was threatened\, and became fearful of the Jesus movement. We are sent then into a call back to John the Baptist’s arrest and execution. On either side of the story there is movement towards the Kingdom of God. Disciples are sent\, 5\,000 are fed with a few loaves and some fish. So goes the work of God; goodness and newness often interrupted with resistance. This Sunday we examine the Christian life generous in its commitment to sharing the good news yet sure to meet resistance. We also celebrate and commission those Youth and Adults headed to Eastern Kentucky to volunteer with Appalachian Service Project. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/what-herod-heard-asp/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/c-Mumma-010-7-7-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240804T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240804T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240801T183803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240802T233459Z
UID:22147-1722765600-1722769200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Worship: A Royal Waste of Time?
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. \nWhat do you hunger for? World peace\, health and wholeness\, a day of rest\, what do you hunger for? We often think of hunger as something to eliminate. Our stomach growls and we begin to contemplate and act for ways in which to quell our hunger. The starvation of millions of people across the globe is not only real but tragic. What if our hunger was motivation both physically and spiritually? What do you hunger for and how then will you act to quell the hunger within and the hunger of the world? Will you offer what you have and trust that in the hands of Christ\, abundance is possible. The little boy gave his lunch willingly to the disciple Andrew who then gave it to Jesus and miracles unfolded. Let us celebrate the love of God and keep the feast.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/worship-a-royal-waste-of-time/
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240811T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240811T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240808T190116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240811T121917Z
UID:22333-1723370400-1723374000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:A Fragrant Offering
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online \nLet us make an offering this Sunday. Because the Christ lives within each one of us\, may it be one of kindness\, loving the truth\, not bitterness. May our offering be a fragrant gift\, just as Christ offered himself\, may we too gift our lives to a holy sweetness that smells of grace. In this offering\, may we be tenderhearted and bend toward forgiveness that brings new life. This is the fragrance of Christ. Let us be imitators of this greatest love and radiate the love of Jesus. This Sunday we take a special offering to support our ministry of Helping Our Neighbors (HON). Our financial gifts are one portion of a love offering\, the rest is dedicating our whole selves to a life filled with love.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/a-fragrant-offering-2/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/c-Mumma-039-8-4-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240818T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240818T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240815T212856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T223726Z
UID:22482-1723975200-1723978800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Hymn Festival
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. \nJoin us this Sunday for the hymn festival meeting at 9:00 a.m. We will sing two pieces for the service at 10:00 a.m. We’ll sing a couple of easy anthems\, so if you would like to be part of the choir for just one day\, please come and sing with us. \nWe will also explore readings by Susan Palo Cherwien. Susan was a poet and musician with a rich educational background\, including a bachelor’s degree in church music and voice from Wittenberg University\, studies in Berlin\, and a Master of Liberal Studies from Mundelein College\, Chicago. \nShe composed numerous hymn texts featured in hymnals across the United States\, Canada\, and Europe. Her writings appeared in publications like The Lutheran and Christian Century. Susan authored several hymn text collections and hymn festival reflections\, and edited a sacred vocal collection. She also contributed to the ELCA Language Consultation for Evangelical Lutheran Worship. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/hymn-festival/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/coconut-.-10.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240825T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240825T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240822T190421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240822T202148Z
UID:22597-1724580000-1724585400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Putting on the Fullness of God
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. \nWe come to the end of the book of Ephesians this week with instructions to the Christian community for guarding ourselves against the forces of evil and the wiles of the devil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. Much of the book of Ephesians is about what it means for us to be people of God. The conclusion informs us that we are to be a people of resistance. We are to be people who live in ways alternative to how the world would have us to live. It comes down to a question of identity. Who are we? Whose are we? We are the beloved children of the living God and we live a world that will try to convince us otherwise and so we must protect and nurture this identity. \n \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/putting-on-the-fullness-of-god/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/c-Mumma-047-8-18-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240901T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240901T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240829T213455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T213455Z
UID:22691-1725184800-1725190200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Kindness Campaign: Do Unto Others  
DESCRIPTION:“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31   \nThis is one of Jesus’ most powerful and impactful teachings which was profound as he taught it to his disciples and has resonated through the generations of disciples that have followed.  It has come to be known as The Golden Rule and is found in almost every world religion. We should treat others as we want them to treat us\, even those with whom we disagree. The essence of this teaching is found in recognizing the dignity of one another. How we conduct our interpersonal relationship with one another matters to God. Kindness matters. This fall\, we will launch a Kindness Campaign along with other churches across the nation\, including Church of the Resurrection led by Rev. Adam Hamilton where this campaign has its origins. The intention of our Kindness Campaign and its core message urges us as a Christ-centered community to not lose sight of the most important message we can proclaim in these tenuous days before a national election. In these days when division can take root\, we must be agents of compassion\, humility\, kindness\, and love. Standing upon what we believe does not have to involve a rancor that further divides. Kindness creates space for understanding to take root as we consider how we want to be treated and how we will treat others. May kindness prevail and may it begin with us.   
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/kindness-campaign-do-unto-others/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/c-Mumma-044-8-18-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240905T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240905T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240905T200453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240905T200453Z
UID:22866-1725530400-1725535800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Rejoice Sunday
DESCRIPTION:It is Rejoice! Sunday. A day that finds us celebrating as we begin another program year in the life of our Christ-centered community. It is with open hearts and rejoicing that we gather to anticipate what God has in store for our faith community as we value love\, community\, inclusion\, and justice. This fall\, we stand upon the common ground of kindness which leads us to live with open hearts that inspire one another as we respond to the Christ who heals and proclaims all things new. Let us rejoice as our Chancel Singers return to lead us musically\, and we come to the table of grace with hearts open to receive the cup of blessing and the bread of life. This Sunday\, we begin new classes for all ages with an open house for children and families and for youth and families. For our Perks Fellowship we are serving root beer floats to celebrate the sweetness of life together. Come\, let us rejoice and proclaim that Christ has done all things well.   
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/rejoice-sunday-3/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DUO_InfluencerStory-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240908T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240908T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240905T210319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T231612Z
UID:22873-1725789600-1725793200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Rejoice! Sunday
DESCRIPTION:It is Rejoice! Sunday. A day that finds us celebrating as we begin another program year in the life of our Christ-centered community. It is with open hearts and rejoicing that we gather to anticipate what God has in store for our faith community as we value love\, community\, inclusion\, and justice. This fall\, we stand upon the common ground of kindness which leads us to live with open hearts that inspire one another as we respond to the Christ who heals and proclaims all things new. Let us rejoice as our Chancel Singers return to lead us musically\, and we come to the table of grace with hearts open to receive the cup of blessing and the bread of life. This Sunday\, we begin new classes for all ages with an open house for children and families and for youth and families. For our Perks Fellowship we are serving root beer floats to celebrate the sweetness of life together. Come\, let us rejoice and proclaim that Christ has done all things well.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/rejoice-sunday-4/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DUO_InfluencerStory-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240915T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240915T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20240912T211411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240912T221210Z
UID:23029-1726394400-1726399800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Lose yourself in kindness
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday for worship in person or online. This week we will continue our kindness campaign where Rev. Matt Weiler will delve deeper into the themes of this campaign. \nSometimes kindness requires that we tread lightly through the world\, showing mercy and compassion\, living with grace and love. Sometimes kindness requires truthfulness that can be as difficult to speak as it is to hear. In the gospel lesson today Jesus tells the disciples the truth – that he will be killed. He also tells the disciples that if they are ashamed of him and his ways that he will be ashamed of them. Peter did not like what Jesus had to say. But what if Jesus had withheld this information from his disciples? It was an act of kindness to reveal these truths to his disciples because telling the truth\, difficult as it can be\, is the kind thing to do. It may also be among the most challenging acts of kindness for Christians in the world today.     
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/lose-youself-in-kindness/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DUO_InfluencerStory-6.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241006T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241006T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20241003T192839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241006T131758Z
UID:23152-1728208800-1728216000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:World Communion Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this Sunday as we continue to delve deeper into our generosity campaign. This week we celebrate World Communion Sunday. Rev. Matt Weiler will give a sermon titled Deep Gladness: The World’s Deep Hunger. We will also be reading from the book of Job. \nOur Generosity Campaign is both a spiritual and practical endeavor. It helps us reflect on our  calling\, implement our heart’s yearning\, and serve our community. This church is a beloved space where we gather to be filled with God’s presence\, renew relationships\, and advocate for justice and inclusion. These holy endeavors require your financial generosity. Throughout October\, we’ll discuss the necessity of supporting this church as a vehicle for our calling. May God guide us in wisdom as we strive to meet the world’s deep hunger with our gladness.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/world-communion-sunday/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Black-Green-Doodle-Sunday-Worship-Service-Events-Presentation.pdf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241013T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241013T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20241010T193625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241010T193924Z
UID:23310-1728813600-1728819000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Deep Gladness: Come Into God’s Presence
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this Sunday as we continue to delve deeper into our generosity campaign. \nThroughout October our Generosity Campaign unfolds within the life of our church. It is a profound reflection and response of seeking and praying about our deep gladness\, the world’s deep hunger\, and how we are called to that meeting point. Our Generosity Campaign is a spiritual endeavor and a practical endeavor as well. Our vocation\, our calling is positioned in our heart space\, yet often our callings or the yearning of our hearts are implemented through various vehicles.  The practicality of this Generosity Campaign is that this church is a beloved space for all of us that aids us in the endeavors of our calling. We come to this space week after week\, to be filled with the presence and beauty of God that allows us to go into the world with strength\, courage\, and joy.  We come to this place to renew our relationships\, to find ourselves\, and to remember that we are God’s beloved and God loves all the world. As we celebrate our deep gladness this Sunday\, we hear the call to be agents of God’s mercy\, grace\, and friendship. Hearing this call implies there is a Caller\, one who calls us into the work of our heart and calls us to be the body of Christ. We vow to give our presence to the church\, to God\, we must meet God’s presence with our presence. As we worship\, may we make a joyful noise and serve God with gladness.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/deep-gladness-come-into-gods-presence/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Black-Green-Doodle-Sunday-Worship-Service-Events-Presentation-6.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241020T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241020T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20241019T151906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241019T151957Z
UID:23394-1729418400-1729422000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sunday\,  October 20\, 2024 ~ Finding Joy & Making a Joyful Noise
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. Throughout October our Generosity Campaign unfolds within the life of our church. It is a profound reflection and response of seeking and praying about our deep gladness\, the world’s deep hunger\, and how we are called to that meeting point. Our Generosity Campaign is a spiritual endeavor and a practical endeavor as well. Our vocation\, our calling is positioned in our heart space\, yet often our callings or the yearning of our hearts are implemented through various vehicles.  The practicality of this Generosity Campaign is that this church is a beloved space for all of us that aids us in the endeavors of our calling. We come to this space week after week\, to be filled with the presence and beauty of God that allows us to go into the world with strength\, courage\, and joy.  We come to this place to renew our relationships\, to find ourselves\, and to remember that we are God’s beloved and God loves all the world. As we celebrate our deep gladness this Sunday\, we hear the call to be agents of God’s mercy\, grace\, and friendship. Hearing this call implies there is a Caller\, one who calls us into the work of our heart and calls us to be the body of Christ. We vow to give our presence to the church\, to God\, we must meet God’s presence with our presence. As we worship\, may we make a joyful noise and serve God with gladness.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/sunday-october-20-2024-finding-joy-making-a-joyful-noise/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Deep-Gladness.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241027T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241027T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20241023T160440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241024T214752Z
UID:23472-1730023200-1730026800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Consecration Sunday 
DESCRIPTION:“Jesus asked him\, “What do you want me to do for you?” \n~Mark 10: 46-52 \nJoin Us this Sunday as we continue to delve deeper into our generosity campaign. \nIt is Consecration Sunday. This is the day our Generosity Campaign has been leading up to and anticipating. To consecrate means to set apart or declare something as sacred. This Sunday\, we bring our pledge cards forward and place them in the woven basket that represents our vision of God’s holy story woven with ours. The writing and planning of a given amount to the ministries of Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church is our commitment to offer our financial gifts to extend Christ’s transforming love to others. It also spiritually transforms us. Pledging our gifts reminds us to faithfully manage all God has given us. In these acts\, we come before God and ask God to consecrate our deep gladness and to lead and guide us as we meet the deep hungers of the world. Let us celebrate God’s love and be woven into God’s story of restoration and transformation.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/consecration-sunday-2/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Black-Green-Doodle-Sunday-Worship-Service-Events-Presentation-12.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241103T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241103T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20241031T191234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T193112Z
UID:23582-1730628000-1730631600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:All Saints Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. \nAll Saints Sunday is a time to remember and to give thanks for those faithful witnesses of the church who have gone before us and have joined the great cloud of witnesses. In this time of worship\, we speak the names of the saints\, and light a candle for each one. We share the bread and cup of communion and proclaim a day when we all feast together at the table which Christ has prepared. This Sunday also opens the week of a presidential election and so we will take time early in worship to pray for our nation in this tender time. \nIn worship we will light a candle\, ring a bell and after all names have been shared\, we will stand for the saints that have died this year. Often\, we come to All Saints worship remembering the saints that have influenced our lives. We invite you to light a candle for these saints\, even if it is not this year that they have died and for those who may not have been named in worship. There will be tables in the front of the sanctuary\, and you can light a candle before worship\, during the opening hymn or as worship concludes. This practice will express gratitude for all the saints that have influenced and shaped our lives. \nOn this All Saints Day\, we remember\, we weep\, we celebrate as we look to the promised possibilities of life beyond death. We find encouragement to live our lives well before God. Let us experience\, celebrate\, and share God’s love.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/23582/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241110T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241110T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20241107T190255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T191748Z
UID:23635-1731232800-1731236400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sunday\, November 10\, 2024 ~ Deepen Our Faith
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. \nLet us pray. This is a familiar line to our Christ-centered community. Our responses are different\, one from another. Some may quickly bow their heads\, fold their hands\, and wait for heartfelt words. Others may raise their heads and eyes\, or gaze into the eyes of another\, while holding hands. All are postures of prayer\, and all are good and right as we seek the Lord of All Hopefulness. As Christ followers\, we turn to prayer in our thanksgiving and praise and in our despair and grief. Our prayers hold so much of who we are\, what we believe and who we belong to. On this Sunday that holds great uncertainty\, we pray. We gather as one body\, one hope\, one spirit and we speak aloud our prayers. In this mighty act of faith\, we rest and restore our faith\, and we re-align ourselves with the abundance of God\, believing that it is enough for all. Let us gather and let us pray.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/sunday-november-10-2024-deepen-our-faith/
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250914T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250914T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20250912T160708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T181302Z
UID:23916-1757844000-1757847600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Confirmation Sunday
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday in worship two students will be confirmed and one baptized. You may recall we had the strange experience of canceling worship due to the power outages in May and postponing confirmation\, so we look forward doubly to this opportunity! Our text for the day recalls the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin told in response to some Pharisees complaining that Jesus was eating and spending time with people of “doubtful reputation” (The Message Translation). Jesus told stories in response to demonstrate the extent of God’s welcome to all. And being parables\, there was also a twist – there was always a twist. Are we the lost or are we the ones complaining about the extent of God’s welcome? The good news\, all belong and all are welcome in the fold of God’s love. 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/confirmation-sunday/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609_132708871_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250921T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250921T230000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20250918T174835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T180627Z
UID:23926-1758448800-1758495600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:September 21\, 2025 Worship
DESCRIPTION:“ASP Sunday” \nSixteenth Sunday after Pentecost \nIn July FUMC sent a large group of youth and adults to Johnson County Tennessee for another summer mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. This year’s theme verse was Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world…” Our worship will feature participants from our trip telling the story of how they experienced the light of Christ and shined the light of Christ through photos\, storytelling and music. A special offering will be held to support next year’s ASP trip.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/september-21-2025-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250928T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250928T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20250926T143819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T180337Z
UID:23939-1759053600-1759057200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sept. 28th Worship: Baptism Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost with Baptism \nAs we gather this Sunday\, we are invited to reflect on the deep hunger within us all—a hunger not for material wealth\, but for compassion\, connection\, and purpose. Let us come together to share in the richness of community\, to open our hearts to one another\, and to seek a life overflowing with grace and love. In this sacred space\, may we find the courage to confront our own fears and desires\, and commit ourselves to living with intention and generosity. Together\, let us embrace the call to respond to the needs around us\, to share what we have\, and to be a voice for justice and compassion in a world that longs for hope. Join us as we worship\, pray\, and lift our voices in gratitude for the opportunities we have to make a difference. It is not too late for us—let us take this moment to ask ourselves: How will we respond? Come\, let us worship together as we welcome a child into our church community through baptism.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/sept-28th-worship-baptism-sunday/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251005T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251005T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251003T180405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T175418Z
UID:23958-1759658400-1759662000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:October 5 Worship
DESCRIPTION:World Communion Sunday.  Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday. Our worship reminds us that we are part of a global family\, called to share God’s love through our prayers\, presence\, gifts\, service and witness. We will take a special denominational offering which is dedicated to nurturing diverse leadership within the church by allocating funds for scholarships and leadership training for under-represented students. \nWe invite you to join us this October as we embrace our annual Generosity Campaign. Throughout this month\, we celebrate the spirit of gratitude and the foundation laid by those who came before us\, enabling us to foster hope in these challenging times. As a Christ-centered community\, we’re called to uplift and support one another\, commit to supporting our church and outreach efforts\, reflecting our values of love\, inclusion\, community\, and justice. Every contribution\, no matter how small\, strengthens our collective mission and uplifts those around us. Together\, let us embrace the spirit of generosity and unity on this meaningful Sunday. We look forward to worshiping with you!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/october-5-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251012T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251012T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251003T185605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T153047Z
UID:23959-1760263200-1760266800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:October 12 Worship
DESCRIPTION:“Are You One of the Nine?” \n“He thanked him….and he was a Samaritan” In this brief verse the Gospel writer holds seemingly opposing realities. A man has given glory to God AND he was a Samaritan. Also\, much like other Gospel texts there were two healings. The first was a physical healing (they were made clean)\, and the second was salvific (your faith has made you well). There is in this text a relationship found between our gratitude and our spiritual wholeness. God longs to heal us as Jesus healed the ten. But wholeness is more than physical healing. It comes from the reciprocal nature of our faith practice. God’s mercy in our lives responded to in acts of gratitude and praise.  
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/october-12-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/gen-logo-square.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251026T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251026T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251023T190628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T190628Z
UID:23984-1761472800-1761476400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:October 26 Worship
DESCRIPTION:“Consecration Sunday” \nled by Rev. Julie Kline (Romans 15:4-13 and Psalm 65)
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/october-26-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Abounding Hope: How Firm a Foundation,Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251030T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251030T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251030T202758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T202758Z
UID:24006-1761811200-1761843600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:November 2 Worship
DESCRIPTION:“All Saints Day” \nRev. Matt Weiler (Ephesians 1:11-14)
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/november-2-worship/
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251106T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251106T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251106T194441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T194441Z
UID:24014-1762416000-1762448400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:November 9 Worship
DESCRIPTION:“Imagining Possibility” Rev. Julie Kline (Haggai 2:1-2:9) \nWe will inevitably face disappointments and problems in life. It is ours to believe that we are not alone in these hard times; God is with us. As we worship\, we’ll lift our prayers\, sing our praises\, and reflect on the lessons of perseverance that unite us as siblings in faith\, reminding us that hope can flourish even in challenging times. The Holy Spirit leads us from problems to possibilities if we dare to imagine and embrace the potential of a spirit-filled life. Come\, as we embark on this spiritual journey together\, and let the power of worship renew our spirits and embolden us to face the future with confidence and joy. Let us envision that our stories are woven with God’s story.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/november-9-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251116T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251116T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251113T213423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T213423Z
UID:24019-1763287200-1763290800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:November 16 Worship
DESCRIPTION:“Drink from the Deep Wells” \nRev. Julie Kline (Isaiah 12:1-6)
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/november-16-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251120T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251120T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251120T211054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T211054Z
UID:24026-1763625600-1763658000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:November 23 Worship
DESCRIPTION:Reign of Christ Sunday with Baptism \nRev. Matt Weiler (Colossians 1:11-20)
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/november-23-worship/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251228T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251228T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251224T191340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251224T191340Z
UID:24138-1766916000-1766919600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:December 28 Worship Service @10:00 a.m.
DESCRIPTION:December 28\, 2025 ~ Lessons & Laughter  \nRev. Julie Kline \nJoin us as we celebrate the Christmas season\, a time of great joy. Our worship is inspired by a “Lessons & Carols” format and will embody a spirit of “Lessons & Laughter.” We’ll explore three Scripture lessons\, each paired with beloved hymns and a creative response rooted in joy. Together\, we will respond to the good news just as they did so long ago: the angels sang\, the shepherds ran and Mary cherished the miracle of Christ’s birth. Come\, let us gather together in a celebration of hope\, joy\, and community.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/december-28-worship-service-1000-a-m/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260104T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260104T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133102
CREATED:20251229T195044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T175617Z
UID:24147-1767520800-1767524400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:January 4\, 2026 Sunday Worship @10:00 a.m.
DESCRIPTION:Today is the Sunday in which we celebrate the Epiphany; the season of looking for and discovering the light of the Christ Child marked by the Wise Men’s arrival to pay him homage after years of following the bright star. This day also brings an end to our Advent and Christmas Series\, “What do you fear?” As we end the series\, Herod is still in power. Christ is born\, yet it feels as if the world has not changed. The temptation to give up is strong\, especially in the face of violence. But the magi don’t let Herod’s fear-driven demands stop them from honoring the newborn Christ or returning home by a different way. They model for us what it looks like to be led by hope\, moving through fear without letting it paralyze us. As this series ends and a new year begins\, we proclaim: our journey continues\, and fear won’t have the last word.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/january-4-2026-sunday-worship-1000-a-m/
LOCATION:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo\, 212 S. Park St.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR