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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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TZID:America/Detroit
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230312T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230612T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230309T205052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230309T205457Z
UID:15318-1678618800-1686571200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Saving Jesus
DESCRIPTION:Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right and discarded by the Secular Left? “Saving Jesus” is a DVD-based exploration of a credible Jesus for the 21st century. Join Marcus Borg\, Walter Brueggemann\, Amy-Jill Levine\, John Dominic Crossan\, and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for today. They encourage us to embrace a deeper understanding of our Christian faith that is inclusive and reconciling rather than unique and exclusive. John Clark will facilitate the discussion.  \n\n\n  \n\n\n\nThe class will run for 12 more-or-less consecutive Sundays (except Easter and probably Memorial Day).  That takes us into mid-June! The class will meet at the parlor.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/saving-jesus/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sj2-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230507T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230507T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230504T201221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230506T202957Z
UID:16201-1683453600-1683459000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The New Storyteller
DESCRIPTION:There are many storytellers at work in this brief text from Acts chapter 7 that we will hear on this day in worship. The “old guard” storytellers casting stones at Stephen work to preserve an old narrative. The new storyteller\, Stephen is empowered by the Holy Spirit to tell a story of love and life and resurrection. Luke\, the gospel writer elevates Stephen’s martyred voice in the written word. And then there is the liturgy of our worship grounded in The Great Thanksgiving of our communion celebration telling the story of God’s work throughout human history and in our lives today. We\, the worshipers are challenged\, like Stephen to tell a new story which presses against an old narrative. The new story is one of love seemingly defeated and yet redeemed in resurrection. The old story rejects such powers and cowers behind fear and violence. On this fifth Sunday of Easter which story will you choose?  \nJoin us this week in person or online at 10:00 AM for service! to immerse ourselves in worship and discover the love that makes us whole. All are welcome.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-new-storyteller/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230504_144823817_iOS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230514T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230514T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230511T175456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230514T135156Z
UID:16270-1684058400-1684065600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advocate for Love
DESCRIPTION:“And I will ask the Father\, and he will give you another Advocate\, to be with you forever.” John 14: 16  \n An advocate is one who is called to the side of another as a source of help. Jesus calls the Spirit “another” advocate because through his life\, death\, and resurrection he is the first gift of love from God. The Spirit is then the way that this gift of love is given life in Eastertide\, the time after Easter. We often sing of the Spirit that is the wind beneath our wings\, giving us the capacity to arise and have a faith that is strong and free\, bringing gentleness and creativity to those we encounter and to our movements of love and faith. The Advocate is not only a source of help but completes the circle of love from God the Creator\, to Jesus the Redeemer\, to the Spirit that is Sustainer. Let us celebrate the Love that creates\, redeems and sustains us\, bringing us wholeness and abundant life.  \nJoin us this week in person or online at 10:00 AM for service! to immerse ourselves in worship and discover what being an advocate for love means. All are welcome.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advocate-for-love/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/may14-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230521T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230511T182002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230511T205727Z
UID:16273-1684663200-1684674000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Visiting Missionary: Joy Eva A. Bohol
DESCRIPTION:“If young people are the future of the church\, come hear what a world-wide expert on young people knows about the present.” \nWe are honored to have Joy Eva\, a worldwide authority on youth advocacy and global migration\, join us on Sunday\, May 21st. This event is a rare opportunity to gain insights from someone who has been working on these critical issues all around the world. \n“Joy is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church assigned as Program Executive for Youth Engagement at the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva\, Switzerland. WCC is a community of churches on the way to visible unity in one faith and one eucharistic fellowship\, expressed in worship and in common life in Christ. It seeks to advance towards this unity\, as Jesus prayed for his followers\, “so that the world may believe.” (John 17:21). The UMC is a member of WCC. Her primary role is to ensure youth active involvement and participation all throughout the WCC. She is a former mission intern\, and was commissioned to her present work in October 2015.” \nEva’s work with the World Council of Churches (WCC) has focused on youth advocacy\, demonstrating the significance and impact of young people in shaping our present and future. As a passionate advocate for the younger generation within the church\, she has been instrumental in driving conversations and actions that consider their unique perspectives and needs. She will also be discussing the increasingly important issue of global migration. \nThough she is transitioning her work to UMCOR this July to focus solely on migration issues\, she currently has more to share when it comes to her present work with the WCC. She does\, however\, have some perspective to share about the intersection of global migration and her work with young people in the WCC—and she plans to share this.\n\nThis is an opportunity not to be missed\, as Eva shares her experience and insights on these two fundamental issues – youth advocacy and global migration\, and their impact on the church. Join us in welcoming her and engaging in this vital conversation. \nPlease Check her Bio and learn more about our inspiring guest by clicking the link: https://umcmission.org/missionary-bio/3021829/
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/visiting-missionary-joy-eva-a-bohol/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1646736702852.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230521T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230518T150624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230518T194710Z
UID:16388-1684663200-1684674000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Confirmation and Ascension Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday for a very Special day. On this day\, we will gather together to celebrate and acknowledge those who are taking a pivotal step in their spiritual journey. They have made the decision to affirm their faith\, and accepting the responsibilities and blessings of an active Christian life. It is a beautiful sight to witness the confirmation candidates\, having prepared themselves through prayer and study\, ready to affirm their faith in front of family\, friends\, and the wider church community. \nWhen a child is baptized the church promises to nurture\, love\, and pray for that child until the day when they make the decision for themselves to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Confirmation is the moment when the decision is made. And whether or not a young person chooses to be confirmed the promises of the church remain true. On this confirmation Sunday our gospel text is a prayer from Jesus\, to God. Jesus is asking God to protect the disciples\, the ones in whom he has poured all of his love and knowledge into that they may be his faithful witnesses after his death and resurrection. He prays that God protect them. He prays that they may be one. On this day in worship the church commits ourselves not only to those being confirmed but to all of our young people: that our Christian witness may protect them\, make them one\, and continue to nurture them as they grow to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/confirmation-and-ascension-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230517_193544920_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230528T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230528T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230525T182746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230527T234922Z
UID:16424-1685268000-1685273400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Pentecost
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in person or online at 10:00 am. Pentecost has arrived. It is the fiftieth day or the seventh Sunday from Easter Sunday \nAs modern Christians we observe Pentecost as a holiday\, not to celebrate a wheat harvest\, but to remember when the Holy Spirit invaded the church as the story is told in the second chapter of Acts. The Spirit is alive and moves among us as it did in the early church. We are a church that can proclaim resurrection hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. As the spirit is poured out\, the body of Christ moves and shifts and brings an amazing beauty to the world around us. Pentecost is an invitation to allow the wind of grace to carry us always. This wind of grace carries us into the world\, connecting us and offering whispers of restoration. It is Pentecost\, come Spirit of God and be our power and our life!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/pentecost-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20230523_194823578_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230601T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230601T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230601T223053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230601T223125Z
UID:16535-1685613600-1685619000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Trinity Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in person or online at 10:00 A.M \nWe’re reminded of Shadrach\, Meshach\, and Abednego’s courageous faith\, standing unflinching in the face of earthly power\, assured of God’s protection. As we delve into this Scripture\, we witness God’s deliverance from life’s fiery furnaces\, a testament to the divine protection available to all of us. \nIn this worship service\, we are called to reflect upon our own faith. Are we ready to stand firm\, like Shadrach\, Meshach\, and Abednego\, irrespective of the trials we face? Join us as we invite the Spirit of God to empower our faith and guide us through life’s challenges.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/trinity-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cover_Art_June_04_2023-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230611T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230611T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230608T204446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230608T204446Z
UID:16581-1686477600-1686481200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:PRIDE Sunday 
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in-person or online. \nOn this second Sunday after Pentecost\, we are reminded of the ways we might be filled with the sudden and fiery Spirit of God. \nArising from the spirit of bold resistance\, Pride month began through the action of trans women of color following a violent police raid on the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969. As a Reconciling Congregation we set a table of grace that welcomes all. \nWe believe the Spirit of God is poured out upon us\, each one\, and compels us to seek wholeness\, healing\, and vitality for all\, recognizing that “no one is free until we all are free” as Dr. Martin Luther King declared. Let us worship as an inclusive church that strives to embody and exemplify the kingdom of God. Please wear your rainbow colors as we celebrate.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/pride-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230606_221926619_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230618T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230618T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230615T143556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230618T135310Z
UID:16640-1687082400-1687087800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Juneteenth and Graduation Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation a Union general named Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston\, Texas to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom. The date was June 19\, 1865. Ever since that moment black people in The United States have celebrated Juneteenth through prayers and worship\, with parades and picnics. With the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the energizing of the Black Lives Matter movement attention to the holiday became widespread and acknowledgement of black liberation became a prominent point of attention in our nation. In June 2021 President Biden declared Juneteenth to be a Federal Holiday. \nFUMC determined last summer that we would acknowledge Juneteenth in our worship and that we would set it aside as a time to reaffirm our own congregational commitment to antiracism. As Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of Black People from slavery\, Antiracism seeks the liberation of all people through the particular work of dismantling racism and its impact on our community and its institutions. \nThis Sunday in worship we will celebrate Juneteenth and our commitments to antiracism in liturgy\, in the sermon and in our hymns and we hope highlight the ways the gospel calls us to this work. \nWe will also celebrate our graduates this Sunday by hearing a bit about where they are heading and sending them off with a blessing. What a joyous day it will be in worship. Please join us!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/juneteenth-and-graduation-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230613_185644533_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230625T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230625T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230622T173416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230622T182053Z
UID:16694-1687687200-1687692600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Call of Life  “Take the Plunge”
DESCRIPTION:The mission of Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church is to “Experience\, Celebrate and Share God’s Love. Our mission is love. Love is our calling and our vocation as individual participants of our church and as a body. \nIt is our strong conviction that God’s love changes us and has the capacity to change others who come alongside of God and our body of believers. If we immerse ourselves deeply into God’s love and grace then it means we will desire to turn away from sin and evil. We will want to live in harmony with God’s life-giving grace. Our baptism is an invitation to this immersion of love\, day by day\, breath by breath. Let us jump in and renew our faithfulness. \nJoin us this Sunday in-person or online!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-call-of-life-take-the-plunge/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230621_131943523_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230702T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230702T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230630T135713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230701T191343Z
UID:16711-1688292000-1688295600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Representing
DESCRIPTION:“Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple — truly I tell you\, none of these will lose their reward.” ~Matthew 10:42  \nWhat are you thirsty for? What is the thirst of our neighbor\, our world? Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that you need more water. Thirst is a strong urge and at times a cup of cold water is just what our body demands. Perhaps\, you have eaten spicy or salty food\, or you have been in the heat or completed a good workout. Thirst will not stop its demand until it is quenched. Our spirits get thirsty as well. We thirst for righteousness\, justice\, hope\, or simply an act of kindness. The cup is a powerful symbol in Scripture and often means “all that we have” is given from the grace of God. We are to offer and receive the cup\, we are meant to acknowledge the thirst found in another and we are to take the cup of blessing offered by Jesus at the communion table. This giving and receiving of the cup is a sign of hospitality\, a welcome to another. As we worship\, let us receive the cup knowing we are welcomed by God and then turn offering this welcome to our neighbor. Let us experience God’s love!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/representing/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230625_152513786_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230709T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230709T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230706T195956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230706T205605Z
UID:16836-1688896800-1688900400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Way of Jesus
DESCRIPTION:This week\, come be a part of the Second Sunday Worship Team’s service. Pastor Matt will be delivering a sermon called “The Way of Jesus\,” drawing from Matthew\, Chapter 11. \nAdditionally\, we are privileged to have Dr. Chalae Davis\, the Executive Director of ISAAC (Interfaith Strategy for Action and Advocacy in the Community)\, who will be discussing the ongoing justice efforts in Kalamazoo. \nWe will also be taking up a special “Change the World” collection during the service\, the proceeds of which will be used to fund our yearly membership dues for ISAAC.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-way-of-jesus/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230702_154157666_iOS_1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230716T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230716T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230713T201113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230713T201113Z
UID:16894-1689501600-1689507000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:“The Reckless Sower”
DESCRIPTION:This week in worship Pastor Matt will be reflecting on the Parable of the Sower from Matthew chapter 13 and together we will wonder\, “whom or what is the parable about?” It is easy to decide that the Sower is God\, and we are the soil. But perhaps it’s not so cut and dry. \nAlso\, we’ll be celebrating the end of Mandakini Brophi’s two year run as the Youth and Young Adult Resident\, AND blessing the Kalamazoo Service Project team. Join us this Sunday. \nJoin Us this Sunday in person or online at 10 AM!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-reckless-sower/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/f31935b0-6ed1-a771-1531-ac247c0cf713.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230723T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230723T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230720T163709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230723T134947Z
UID:16969-1690106400-1690111800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:“The mystery of parable”
DESCRIPTION:Last Sunday\, we heard of the “Reckless Sower.” Today we hear the second of seven parables in the Gospel of Matthew\, chapter 13. This parable is also about farming and planting but is concerned with a hostile force who introduces weeds into the field. The challenge of weeds is real. Parables are a vehicle of teaching\, with the hope that the lesson is planted firmly within the heart. Hear this parable which reveals some of the character of God’s reign and of God’s saving work in the world.     \nHe put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep\, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat\, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain\, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him\, ‘Master\, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where\, then\, did these weeds come from?’ He answered\, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him\, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied\, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers\, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned\, but gather the wheat into my barn.'” Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him\, saying\, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered\, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world\, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one\, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age\, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire\, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels\, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers\, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire\, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!  \nThis is what the Spirit is saying to the church.  
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-mystery-of-parable/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230718_224516626_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230730T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230730T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230727T163446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230730T134104Z
UID:17030-1690711200-1690714800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Elusive Kingdom
DESCRIPTION:The Kingdom of Heaven is like a free store where all are welcome\, all the treasures are free\, and abundance is experienced.     \nThe Gospel writer Matthew tells us that Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed\, like yeast\, like treasure hidden\, like a pearl\, like a net full of fish\, and treasure new and old. The realm of God is valuable\, it is ordinary and spectacular at the same time. They are stories about seeking\, finding\, paying attention\, and honoring God’s presence. As we worship this Sunday\, let us accept Jesus’ invitation to bring forth the kingdom. Please join us for our last hymn sing of July after worship in the sanctuary. Step out and grab a cup of coffee if you’d like and then we will gather around the piano. \nJoin us in person or online at 10 am this Sunday.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/elusive-kingdom/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/c-Mumma-071-7-23-23--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230806T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230806T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230803T201758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230806T133208Z
UID:17103-1691316000-1691319600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:“Bless Me!”
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this Sunday in person or online at 10:00 am \nRev. Callie Plunket-Brewton writes this about Genesis 32: 22-31. “This is a profoundly mysterious story with numerous unanswerable questions. A lone human being wrestles through the night with a nameless antagonist and emerges from the night transformed—is one repeated so often in human experience that the reader scarcely realizes this is an ancient story. Because it involves the theme of human transformation\, it is a familiar and compelling narrative to people of all times.” Hear this story this morning that is familiar in both a Biblical context and also as a personal narrative.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/bless-me/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230802_150014797_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230813T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230813T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230810T192906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230810T193727Z
UID:17211-1691920800-1691924400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:God in the Storm
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM in person or online! \nThis week\, we join the disciples on their journey of ministry following the feeding of the 5\,000. \nAs Jesus goes to pray\, they heed his instruction and set off in their boat on the Sea of Galilee\, heading towards Gennesaret where they will continue their work together. Once in open water\, the disciples encounter a great storm. Battered by the wind and waves and without their teacher\, they huddle in fear. Suddenly\, a figure approaches\, proclaiming himself to be Jesus\, walking on the water. In fear and disbelief\, Peter says to the figure\, “Lord\, if it is you\, command me to come to you on the water.” At Jesus’ call\, Peter steps out of the boat\, only to find himself sinking. Jesus immediately reaches out\, saving the “Peter of little faith.” \nTogether\, we will explore what it means to have faith in Jesus\, how we can confront the storms of life and ministry with God’s help\, and what our faith in action might look like. Come prepared to reflect\, rejoice\, and join in fellowship with God and one another!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/god-in-the-storm/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230809_143244562_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230820T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230820T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230817T210026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230817T210207Z
UID:17327-1692525600-1692529200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Genesis 45:1-15
DESCRIPTION:In this passage\, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. They had sold him into slavery many years earlier out of jealousy\, thinking they had rid themselves of him for good. However\, through a series of events\, Joseph had risen to a position of great power in Egypt\, becoming the second-in-command to Pharaoh. \nWhen a famine strikes the region\, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food. Joseph recognizes them but they do not recognize him. After testing them over a few encounters\, in this chapter\, Joseph can no longer contain his emotions and makes himself known to his brothers. \nOverwhelmed with emotion\, Joseph weeps loudly enough that the Egyptians in the palace hear him. He tells his brothers not to be distressed or angry with themselves for selling him into slavery\, asserting that it was God’s plan to send him ahead of them to save lives in the face of the devastating famine. \nJoseph’s revelation is met with shock and disbelief by his brothers. However\, after their initial surprise\, Joseph reassures them of his love and forgives them for their past actions. He encourages them to bring their father Jacob and the rest of their families to Egypt where he would provide for them. \nThis chapter highlights themes of forgiveness\, providence\, and reconciliation\, showcasing the transformation of a family torn apart by jealousy and betrayal into one that is united and cared for.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/genesis-451-15/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Service-Reminder-7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230827T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230827T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230824T204141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230827T135329Z
UID:17422-1693130400-1693134000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Exodus 1:8-2:10
DESCRIPTION:Last week we heard the narrative of Joseph at the end of the Book of Genesis. It was a narrative culminating in God’s newness\, abundance\, safety\, and a promise of wellness for Joseph and his family. \nThis Sunday we find ourselves at the beginning of Exodus the story picks up and we find Joseph’s descendants are enslaved and oppressed. What happened? A new Pharaoh happened. And this new Pharaoh didn’t know the God of Joseph and did not remember how God used Joseph for the good of Egypt. Even more\, this new Pharaoh was fearful of Joseph’s descendants and so enslaved them. The new Pharaoh had become forgetful of God\, fearful of the people\, and so created an oppressive system. This is the modern formula for injustice: when people of power are forgetful of God\, fearful of people\, and so create oppressive systems. In the Exodus story some unlikely heroes emerged – midwives practicing civil disobedience in the face of Pharaoh’s injustice.  And God is always raising up unlikely subversive heroes in the midst of injustice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/exodus-18-210/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20230823_182847099_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230903T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230903T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230831T161945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230903T135610Z
UID:17525-1693735200-1693738800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:“Love Opens the Door”
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in-person or online at 10 AM \nWe are called to: Experience God’s love. Celebrate God’s love. Share God’s love. This is the mission of Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church that was discerned by church leadership in 2001. Since this time\, we have been discerning and discovering how it is that we are called\, marked and defined by the love of God. As we celebrate Labor Day this weekend\, we remember the works of labor that have contributed to the development of our society. As we worship this Sunday\, let us re-commit ourselves to the labors of love that transform our lives. May we present ourselves to the God of Love as a living sanctuary to be renewed and dedicated to a transforming love that delights God and brings a sense of wholeness and goodness. Let us be a labor of love with God\, for God and in God. 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/love-opens-the-door/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230910T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230910T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230907T165648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230907T182850Z
UID:17630-1694340000-1694343600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Rejoice Sunday
DESCRIPTION:On REJOICE SUNDAY we celebrate and we anticipate all that God will accomplish in and through First UMC in the days ahead. We lift up our mission to EXPERIENCE\, CELEBRATE\, and to SHARE God’s love. We make a conscious choice among all the other choices available to come together as the church. So what makes us the church? What makes us unique from all the other forms of community available to us? The answer is JESUS. Simple right? Well\, maybe. When Jesus asked Peter “Who do you say that I am” he confessed\, “You are the Messiah.” For this Peter was blessed and given the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. \nThe question becomes for the church\, “Who do we say Jesus is?” Our answer to the question has everything to do with how will live\, and specifically\, how we will be a visible alternative to all other choices for community.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/rejoice-sunday-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230905_172436922_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230924T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230924T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230921T164332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230922T130055Z
UID:17784-1695549600-1695553200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:God Sized Vision & Provision
DESCRIPTION:The first week of our worship series\, “Braiding Our Stories: Aligning our Values\, Vision\, Mission\, and Generosity” finds us in the Book of Exodus discovering the gifts of God’s provisions. This portion of the Exodus story reveals a people who are distraught with the worry of how they might survive. Their doubts grow and they begin to complain to their leaders. God listens and answers their concerns. As we begin a discerning process for the future of Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church\, let us open our hearts to the question of “what is God doing?” and then listen carefully. Come\, celebrate that God is love.     \nThis week\, we particularly want to spotlight the Altar visual. Much like our new worship series\, the altar is undergoing a series of transformations\, culminating in its final form to be unveiled on October 21st at our workshop. On the altar this week\, you’ll find individual pieces of fabric/cloth. Each originates from different places\, served its own unique purpose\, and holds its own distinct story. What will this pieces become? \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/god-sized-vision-provision/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230919_183317666_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231001T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231001T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20230928T181014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230928T190106Z
UID:17891-1696154400-1696158000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:World Communion ~ Shalom
DESCRIPTION:“The wrong first question is\, What do we need to do? The right first question is\, Who do we need to become?”  \n        ~ Benjamin McBride  \n“Your kingdom come\, your will be done\, on earth as it is in heaven.”  \n         ~Matthew 6: 10  \n“Blessed are the peacemakers\, for they will be called the children of God.” \n        ~Matthew 5:9 \nIn the breaking of the bread\, Jesus reveals the value and reality of God’s radical inclusiveness. Each time that Jesus shared a meal\, he rebuked the barriers that excluded many which made a few safe and comfortable. Jesus proclaimed through word and deed that all are welcome. As we are radically welcomed to the table of grace this Sunday\, we participate in the vision of God’s Shalom. As we leave the table with the taste of wholeness and grace upon our lips\, how will we turn to the world and be the bearers of God’s Shalom? You are called to the table. Come\, now is the time to be bread for the world.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/world-communion-shalom/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230924_165420287_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231008T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231008T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231005T211854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231008T133448Z
UID:17995-1696759200-1696764600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Second Sunday  |  Philippians 3:4b-14
DESCRIPTION:Please Join us this Sunday online or in person at 10:00 am \nIn our worship this Sunday\, we reflect on the words found in Philippians 3:4b-14\, where the Apostle Paul speaks of his own journey of faith and the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. \nwe are called to remember our past\, acknowledging the achievements and identities we once held dear\, echoing Paul’s initial self-assuredness. However\, like Paul\, we now understand that true fulfillment comes not from earthly accomplishments but from knowing and being known by Christ.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/17995/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231004_175101896_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231015T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231015T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231012T180425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231012T180425Z
UID:18106-1697364000-1697367600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Euodia and Syntyche
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this Sunday October 15th in-person or Online at 10:00 am for worship \nThis Sunday the scriptures call us into a practice of discovering who God is and therefore who we are. And as we come to these two texts we learn that we are a people meant to live decidedly alternative to how the world tends to operate; not from a place of scarcity or and brokenness\, rather\, from our belovedness. We are God’s beloved. This identity is found is God’s actions towards us and affirmed in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Our response to this identity is to live like we are God’s beloved – with hearts set on that which is true\, honorable\, just\, pure\, pleasing\, commendable – minds set on all that is worthy of God’s praise. This is who we are. This is who we are called to be.   
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/euodia-and-syntyche/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231009_172140542_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231022T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231022T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231019T213105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231019T213105Z
UID:18178-1697968800-1697972400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Us
DESCRIPTION:“Sing to the Lord\, a new song”  \n -Psalm 96: 1a  \n“He will come ready to clean the grain\, separating the good grain from the chaff.” \n -Luke 3: 17a  \nThe process of letting go can be painful\, it can also be liberating as space is made for something new. We often think that we can be in control of much within our lives. Until we are not. It is an act of spiritual discipline to let go of our controlling ways and allow God to guide\, lead\, display newness which brings wonder and discovery. Henri Nouwen has written\, “Wholeheartedness requires conscious resistance to things that take up the wrong kind of space in our hearts.” As we worship in this season of discerning our vision\, values\, mission\, and generosity may we seek a wholeheartedness that is willing to let go and receive a new song from God. \nJoin us this Sunday in person or online at 10 am! \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/letting-go-of-what-no-longer-serves-us/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/c-Mumma-010-10-8-23--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231029T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231029T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231026T191549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231029T130308Z
UID:18267-1698573600-1698579000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Consecration Sunday 
DESCRIPTION:“They are like trees planted by streams of water\, which yield their fruit in its season\, and their leaves do not wither. In all they do\, they prosper.” ~Psalm 1: 3 \n“Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.”  Matthew 22:3 \nIn Matthew’s telling of the story\, Jesus was involved in a long series of disputations with Sadducees\, lawyers\, chief priests\, elders\, scribes\, Pharisees\, and their disciples. In each confrontation\, he proves himself more careful\, clever\, and inspired than his adversaries. A legal expert from among the Pharisees asks Jesus one last question in order to test him. For him to answer wisely will be a confirmation of his teaching authority.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/consecration-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231026_140344166_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231105T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231105T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231102T182420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231105T145425Z
UID:18320-1699178400-1699183800@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 those who have died and give thanks for our connectedness as Christians. The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual bond between those on heaven and on earth. This day gives us the 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 a passage from the first letter to the Thessalonians written by Paul\, encouraging the early Christ followers: “With each of you we were like a father with his child\, holding your hand\, whispering encouragement\, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God\, who called us into his own kingdom\, into this delightful life.”   \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/all-saints-day-3/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231101_154802836_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231112T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231112T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231109T213333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T142322Z
UID:18375-1699783200-1699786800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sing Out Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this Sunday in person or online at 10am for Sunday Service. \nLet us begin by acknowledging that Peter actually walked on the water. This miracle is not to be overlooked. Peter trusted Jesus enough to get out of the boat and put his feet on water. When the strong winds blew that is when Peter started sinking because he was afraid. And in that moment Peter was in the space between fear and trust. It is a space we find ourselves in frequently; trusting the good God has waiting for us until our minds are filled with all the reasons this thing simply won’t work. We become afraid. The good news\, is just as Jesus reached for Peter’s hand\, Jesus reaches for our hand and pulls us in. And\, likely\, we’ll find ourselves right back in the space once again between trust and fear. The difference is\, now we can remember the God whom we can trust\, and perhaps we can step a little further before sinking.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/sing-out-sunday-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/c-Mumma-004-11-5-23--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231119T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231119T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T191616
CREATED:20231116T215725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T215819Z
UID:18434-1700388000-1700393400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Sunday: Rejoice & Give Thanks
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this Sunday at 10am in-person or online! \nThe Romans could chain Paul’s body\, but they could not chain Paul’s heart. In his letter to the people of Philippi he shares his heart and his way of getting through the most difficult circumstances. It is his love and devotion to Christ that brings a song to his lips and a joy that spills over. Hear these words from Philippians\, chapter 4\, verses 4-13.  \n“Rejoice in the Lord always; again\, I will say\, rejoice!”   \nAs we enter this week of Thanksgiving\, it is timely that we find the underlying foundation of joy. This is not a fleeting happiness but a deep joy that is grounded in the grace of God that brings fullness of life to all circumstances. This is gratitude woven together with joy\, binding us to God’s story as we discover our own stories. Rejoicing in the love of God is pervasive in the lives of Christ followers. We gather to rejoice\, delight in our connectedness\, and claim the vision that God has for a joy filled life for the people of God. Come let us experience celebrate\, share God’s love as we rejoice and give thanks. 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/thanksgiving-sunday-rejoice-give-thanks/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231115_154654368_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR