First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo

Potluck Worship Service - Sunday April 26th (Marathon Sunday) - 6pm
2026-04-26 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Because the Kalamazoo Marathon will be taking place downtown on Sunday, April 26, we will gather for a special evening worship celebration instead of our usual morning service.

You are warmly invited to join us for Potluck Worship on Sunday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. We will share in a time of meaningful worship, fellowship, and a shared meal around the table. Bring a favorite dish to share—all are welcome, whether or not you’re able to bring food. Please note: There will be no nursery, Sunday School, Godly Play or Youth Group that day. Children and youth are encouraged to be a part of this meal.

Susan Mumma Memorial Service
2026-04-29 15:00 - 16:30
A Memorial Service for Susan Mumma

We invite you to gather in loving remembrance of Susan Mumma on Wednesday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo.
Susan’s life was a radiant testament to kindness, courage, and the quiet strength she shared so generously with all who knew her. Her bright spirit, gentle compassion, and joyful heart touched family, friends, and our community in lasting ways. As we come together to celebrate her life and the light she leaves behind, all are welcome to join in this sacred time of gratitude and remembrance.

Mumma, Susan

May 3 Worship Service - Confirmation Sunday
2026-05-03 10:00 - 11:00
This Sunday we celebrate confirmation and communion as we continue our look at the new Vision for The United Methodist Church. As one of our young people stands before the congregation to affirm their Baptismal Vows we’ll look to the scriptures to consider what it means to be courageous leaders grounded in the grace of Jesus Christ at this time in history.

Gilmore Piano Festival - Cameron Carpenter Concert
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:30
Get tickets now! Gilmore Piano Festival Cameron Carpenter at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo
The first organist ever nominated for a GRAMMY for a solo album is coming to The Gilmore Piano Festival, and if you think you know what an organ recital sounds like, think again. 😉
Cameron Carpenter has redefined the instrument with virtuosic arrangements of Bach, Mussorgsky, and more. Dazzling technique, larger-than-life style. Sunday, May 3 at 2 PM.
Experience it for yourself: https://www.thegilmore.org/event/cameron-carpenter/

Ian Maksin Cello Concert - Songs of Peace and Love
2026-05-08 19:30 - 21:00
Songs of Love & Peace: an amazing multilingual journey in search of healing and empowerment through music.
General admission: $30 (limited time and quantity). $40 once the quota is reached and at the door. Book now: ian-maksin-kmz.eventbrite.com

Sunday May 10 Worship Service
2026-05-10 10:00 - 11:00
The past four weeks have examined the new Vision for the United Methodist Church which reads: The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. On this last Sunday in the series, we will turn to Romans 12:1-8 and Matthew 28:16-20 to consider the transformative power of God at work within us, and the commission of the risen Christ to go and make disciples of people.

Children and Family Ministries Euchre Night
2026-05-15 18:00 - 22:00
Join us for a fun-filled Euchre Night hosted by our Children and Family Ministries! Families and friends of CFM are invited to enjoy an evening of friendly card games, laughter, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned Euchre player or brand new to the game, all skill levels are welcome—learning and joy are part of the fun.

Sunday May 17 Worship Service: Ascension of the Lord
2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:00
While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. ~Luke 24: 51
As we come to the close of Eastertide, we remember Christ’s Ascension and celebrate the promise that the risen Jesus does not leave us without blessing, hope, or purpose. Our worship will be an offering of blessing from beginning to end as we receive God’s grace, lift our voices in praise, and pray honestly for our world and one another. Renewed by the gifts of God that gather us in and send us out, we go forth to bless others in Christ’s name through our thoughts, words, and actions. Let’s experience, celebrate, and share God’s love.

Sunday Worship Service May 24 - Pentecost
2026-05-24 10:00 - 11:00
Come, Holy Spirit. On this Pentecost Sunday, we welcome the fire, wind, and breath of God to awaken the Church and send us out in love. We are invited to step into the story of Pentecost and participate in the pouring out of God’s Spirit upon the people. The prophet Isaiah proclaims, the Spirit of God hovers upon God’s anointed, bringing gifts of the Spirit. Come, as the Spirit fills our hearts, steadies our minds, guides our choices, and gives us strong faith as we root ourselves in a renewed reverence for God’s creating ways. Come, Spirit, Come.

Dramatic Reading Sunday Service May 31st
2026-05-31 10:00 - 11:00
This Sunday our worship service will include a presentation of “Making a Pivot in the Midst of Life’s Whirlwind”—written and directed by Buddy Hannah, a local playwright and member of our sister church Allen Chapel A.M.E—and starring seven members of our church community. This dramatic reading is part of the ongoing “Our Story Is Never Over” Project and is compiled of bits and pieces from each of the Pivots.

Sunday, June 7 - Worship Service with Children's Musical
2026-06-07 10:00 - 11:00
First Beats will present their annual musical in worship today, directed by Jacqueline Stilger. This year’s musical is entitled “Storms” and was written by composer Mark Burrows. It features the Bible passage of Jesus calming the storm. It also explores the idea that we all go through storms in our lives. Some storms are physical: like floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Others are more figurative, but no less real: fear of illness and loss, insecurity of being ‘good enough’, fear of being bullied, and other anxieties. “Storms” features a group of children who wonder if they have what it takes to overcome storms of their own. Through heartfelt songs, authentic dialogue and a healthy dose of humor, the children discover that they can, with God’s help, weather the storms of life. They even grow empowered to follow Jesus’ example by being there for others going through times of storm. During the show, we will take up a collection for flood relief. This is in support of our church’s Mission of the Month for June.
There will also be bell ringing for child volunteers!

Bach Around The Block
2026-06-08 19:00 - 20:30
OUR 37th BACH AROUND THE BLOCK
Monday 8 June – 7 p.m. – Kalamazoo
The title for this year’s BAB program is “Following the Footsteps of Bach.” It will take us through Bach’s life in three periods:
I. Arnstadt / Mühlhausen
II. Weimar / Köthen
III. Leipzig
We will begin at 7p.m. in St. Luke’s Episcopal (247 W Lovell) and continue to First United Methodist, and finally to First Congregational where a reception will follow the program. Bach Around the Block Tour Itinerary
First Stop – Arnstadt / Mühlhausen
Landmark – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Tour Guide – Kay Ensfield
Performers – Jim Lauck & Marilyn Ossentjuk
Second Stop – Weimar
Landmark – First United Methodist Church
Tour Guide – Michael Montgomery
Performers – Autumn, Omar Padilla
& Callista Brunett
Third Stop – Köthen / Leipzig
Landmark – First Congregational Church
Tour Guide – Brooks Grantier
Performers – Brooks Grantier, Jennifer Aurand
& Omar Padill

Free Store Donation Drop Off Before and After Service
2026-06-14 09:30 - 13:00
YES PLEASE! ~ Items we gladly accept:
Reusable grocery bags for guests to carry their treasures
Clean, good‑condition clothing for adults, teens, children, and infants
Shoes, boots, and socks in good condition (all sizes)
Coats for any season
Hats, scarves, gloves, mittens
Household items, including:
Dishes, pots & pans, silverware
Small working appliances
Lamps
Holiday decorations
Towels, sheets, bedspreads, blankets
Sleeping bags
Water bottles
Clean luggage, backpacks, purses, wallets
Working toys for all ages
Puzzles (must include all pieces)
Clean stuffed animals
Children’s books
Board games (all pieces included)
Adult books (limit 5)
Lawn toys, decorative items, garden tools, sporting equipment
Jewelry, scarves, ties, belts
Clean throw rugs and small area rugs
High chairs, strollers, and similar items in good condition
(No cribs or car seats)
Personal care items (must be UNUSED):
Deodorant, bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes
Lotion
Sanitary pads, tampons
Men’s and women’s underwear
Picture frames, wall art, craft items
Working electronics, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records
NO THANK YOU! ~ Items we cannot accept:
Anything with tears, stains, missing buttons, or broken zippers
Anything broken or needing repair
Cribs
Car seats
Large furniture or mattresses
Partially used cans of paint or other partially used products
Book collections or magazines
Sorting Request
Please group clothing by gender and size before donating.
Please note: “When in doubt, throw it out” Please

Sunday, June 14 Worship - Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-14 10:00
On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, received word of their emancipation two months after the Civil War had ended, and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect on January 1, 1863. Juneteenth was established as a Federal Holiday in June 2021. In alignment with our congregation’s commitment to anti-racism, we celebrate Juneteenth in worship by elevating black composers, remembering our Antiracism Call to Action, and hearing stories from members of the Dawn Patrol, a group of men who gather every week to build cross-racial relationships and explore the intersection of their faith in Jesus Christ and their anti-racist commitments. Pastor Matt Weiler will preach a sermon titled “Unburdening the Church” and in proclamation of Christ’s work among us, tearing down the walls of division, we’ll share the bread and cup of communion. Join us for the beautiful day of celebration in worship!

FREE STORE Donation Drop Off Hours 9 am to 4pm
2026-06-15 09:00 - 16:00

FREE STORE Drop Off 9 am to 1 pm
2026-06-16 09:00 - 13:00

FREE STORE & FREE HOTDOG AND FRUIT LUNCH
2026-06-17 09:00 - 15:00
FREE STORE • June 17 • 9 AM–3 PM
Come hunt for free treasures at our summer Free Store event!
We’ll have kitchen items, small appliances, dishes, adult and children’s clothing and shoes, toys, bedding, towels, and plenty more waiting to be discovered.
From 12–2 PM, enjoy free hot dogs and fruit luncheon.
Everything is completely free — come find something useful, something fun, or something unexpected. Bring a friend and make a morning of it.
Free Store Drop Off Information:
Drop items off on Sunday, June 14th before and after the 10 am service or choose Monday June 15th and Tuesday June 16th from 9 am to 4pm for dropping off treasures.

Sunday Worship Service June 21: The One Who Hears
2026-06-21 10:00 - 11:00
As we gather for worship this Sunday, we come carrying questions, wounds, and stories that do not always make sense. In the story of Hagar, Ishmael, and Abraham, we encounter pain, uncertainty, and the cries of those who have been cast aside. Yet even in the wilderness, God hears. Even in places of sorrow and struggle, God sees, God listens, and God remains present. So come as you are with your doubts, your grief, your hope, and your longing. Come ready to listen for the voices that cry out, to bring before God the burdens we carry, and to trust that in every desert place, God is making a way. Let us worship the One who hears, who sees, and who stays with us always.

Wanda Boekhout Memorial Service
2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:30
Wanda Marie (Grauman) Boekhout, 101, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026. Born on January 30, 1925 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, John Boekhout. Wanda is survived by her children, Tom (Peggy) Boekhout of Merritt Island, Florida and Amy (Tim) Kilmartin of Kalamazoo, Michigan; grandchildren Amanda (Cody) Diefenthaler, Christina (Truman) Ta, Pete (Demi) Kilmartin and John (Brittany) Kilmartin; great grandchildren Nova, Vale, Minh, Nina, Scarlett, Timothy and Robintonk, and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Wanda had a long and meaningful life. She achieved success by living well. Always kind and a friend to others, she left the world a better place than she found it. Her life was of service to others and she left her mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Wanda was a woman of deep faith and a master of gentle deeds. She tried to lead by example and was a role model.
Graduating from the Bronson School of Nursing in 1947, she was working as an RN when she met the love of her life, John Boekhout. She was his nurse and he was recovering from a broken back sustained in World War II. This meeting started a life-long love affair. Wanda and John were married on May 8, 1948. True partners, their marriage was a loving one, filled with laughter, family and music.
She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo for over 80 years; singing with John in the choir, involved with women’s groups and being a part of the whole church family.
Wanda loved her family and friends, singing, cats, golfing, lemon pie, traveling and Gun Lake. She was a coupon cutter, baker of cookies, bookkeeper to the band, medic to the neighborhood kids, a yoga instructor, and a friend to everyone. She reached out to uplift and inspire and find the good in others. Wanda was a memorable woman who left no memorials except the example of compassion and humor and the fact that she was pleased with life and was thankful for it. She looked for the best in others and gave the best she had. She made a difference. Her life of service didn’t stop with her death. Even now, through donation, she is at Western Michigan University School of Medicine, teaching future medical professionals.
A celebration of Wanda’s life with be held at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church Music Department.
