Pop-Up Free Store
2024-06-19 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us on June 19th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, for our Annual Free Store event, complemented by a hotdog lunch from noon to 2:00 pm.
Starting June 16th, we welcome donations at Wesley Hall. We accept clean clothing, shoes, toys, books, and small appliances. Your generosity supports our community efforts.
Volunteers are needed for sorting donations, assisting guests, and event wrap-up. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated.
Note: We cannot accept car seats, cribs, large furniture, or damaged items.
Thank you for your support.

Juneteenth Sunday
2024-06-23 10:00 - 11:00
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.
We 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.
Our 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.

Outta My Way Satan
2024-06-30 10:00 - 11:30
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.
In 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.
As 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.
This 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.

A Sent Community: Giving Freely
2024-07-07 10:00 - 11:00
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.
After 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.

What Herod Heard ~ ASP
2024-07-14 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
“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.

Worship: A Royal Waste of Time?
2024-08-04 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
What 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.

A Fragrant Offering
2024-08-11 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online
Let 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.

Hymn Festival
2024-08-18 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
Join 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.
We 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.
She 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.

Putting on the Fullness of God
2024-08-25 10:00 - 11:30
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
We 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.

Kindness Campaign: Do Unto Others
2024-09-01 10:00 - 11:30
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
This 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.

Rejoice Sunday
2024-09-05 10:00 - 11:30
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.

Rejoice! Sunday
2024-09-08 10:00 - 11:00

Lose yourself in kindness
2024-09-15 10:00 - 11:30
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.
Sometimes 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.

World Communion Sunday
2024-10-06 10:00 - 12:00
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.
Our 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.

Deep Gladness: Come Into God’s Presence
2024-10-13 10:00 - 11:30
Join Us this Sunday as we continue to delve deeper into our generosity campaign.
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.

Sunday, October 20, 2024 ~ Finding Joy & Making a Joyful Noise
2024-10-20 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Consecration Sunday
2024-10-27 10:00 - 11:00
“Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
~Mark 10: 46-52
Join Us this Sunday as we continue to delve deeper into our generosity campaign.
It 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.

All Saints Sunday
2024-11-03 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
All 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.
In 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.
On 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.

Sunday, November 10, 2024 ~ Deepen Our Faith
2024-11-10 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
Let 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.

Confirmation Sunday
2025-09-14 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
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.

September 21, 2025 Worship
2025-09-21 10:00 - 23:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“ASP Sunday”
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
In 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.

Sept. 28th Worship: Baptism Sunday
2025-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost with Baptism
As 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.

October 5 Worship
2025-10-05 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
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.
We 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!

October 12 Worship
2025-10-12 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Are You One of the Nine?”
“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.

October 19 Worship
2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Continuing our Generosity Campaign ~ How Firm a Foundation: Abounding in Hope
“The Gift of Persistence” led by Rev. Julie Kline (Luke 18:1-8)
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October 26 Worship
2025-10-26 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Consecration Sunday”
led by Rev. Julie Kline (Romans 15:4-13 and Psalm 65)

November 2 Worship
2025-10-30 08:00 - 17:00
“All Saints Day”
Rev. Matt Weiler (Ephesians 1:11-14)

November 9 Worship
2025-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Imagining Possibility” Rev. Julie Kline (Haggai 2:1-2:9)
We 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.

November 16 Worship
2025-11-16 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Drink from the Deep Wells”
Rev. Julie Kline (Isaiah 12:1-6)

November 23 Worship
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Reign of Christ Sunday with Baptism
Rev. Matt Weiler (Colossians 1:11-20)
