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TZID:America/Detroit
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210815T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210815T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210810T010703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210818T131002Z
UID:4439-1629021600-1629025200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Live as Children of Light
DESCRIPTION:“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible\, for everything that becomes visible is light.”  -Ephesians 5: 13-14a \nWe are called to live as children of the light and we are to shine the light on that which brings darkness. Join us for worship as we light candles in prayer\, exposing and naming some of the darkness and despair that may keep us awake at night or certainly troubles our soul. Join us as we proclaim the psalms\, sing hymns and make melodies to God\, giving thanks and rekindling our light so that we may shine for the world and for Christ who is our center point. Let us look for the light\, in the stars\, in the time we share with friends or by beginning a gratitude journal and by holding onto a hope that will not let us go. As we worship\, we will claim the light\, cultivate the light and celebrate the Light of the World. If you are worshipping from home\, bring some candles into your worship space so that you may bear witness to the Light.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/live-as-children-of-light/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/candle-1750640_960_720.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210822T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210822T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210810T013349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210822T123909Z
UID:4442-1629626400-1629630000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Love and Hard Things
DESCRIPTION:Truth\, Righteousness\, Peace\, Faith\, Salvation\, Spirit. All these words are packed into these final verses of the book of Ephesians. These are among the most pious and abstract words in all Christian grammar. Truth like a belt\, righteousness like a breastplate\, peace like a pair of shoes\, faith as a shield\, salvation a helmet\, and the spirit a sword. Together these theological words are according to this disciple of Paul (more on that to come in the sermon) the “…full armor of God.” And why do we need the full armor of God? That we might live in the power of God. And this word – power – is the most intriguing of them all. The church has a peculiar relationship to this word\, power. We embrace power and we are embarrassed of power. We leverage power and we say that power is not Christlike. We claim power in our baptism\, we confront power\, we deny power. This book of the Church\, the book of Ephesians concludes by imploring us to embrace the power of God. Your baptism asks if you accept the power of God. So what is this power? And to what\, or where does it lead us?
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/armor-of-god/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/thunderstorm-3625405_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210829T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210829T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210824T153842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210829T142539Z
UID:4623-1630231200-1630234800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Begin Where God Begins
DESCRIPTION:John Wesley said once that “Religion if it is not to be the pious form of worldliness\, if it is instead to be the response to the action of God\, must begin where God begins\, among the poor\, the despised\, the oppressed\, and the marginalized.” The key words in his teaching are begin where God begins. God began by taking on the form of human flesh and living with and as one with the poor\, the despised\, the oppressed and the marginalized. God began by proving to the world that God is not some distant overbearing unknown figure rather that God is here\, right here with us and within in\, listening and being with us. God did not begin with a snap-of-the-fingers quick fix\, or a financial distribution program\, or a soup kitchen rather God began by simply being with. This is where God begins and so this is where we are to begin – with.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/begin-where-god-begins/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/beach-1893714_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210905T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210905T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210901T175145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210905T134829Z
UID:4695-1630836000-1630839600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:When John Wesley Lost His Mind
DESCRIPTION:Faith without works is dead. One of the most often quoted bible verses from one of the shortest books in the New Testament. It becomes a mantra of sorts from churches that like to get things done. And there’s nothing wrong with getting things done. Jesus calls us to do justice and so we do. But sometimes we can get so caught up doing justice that it comes at the expense of our own personal spiritual lives. Our Wesleyan tradition calls us to a balance or a praxis whereby we reflect of the love God in our lives\, we respond to this love by doing justice\, and in turn we reflect on the work of justice making and the love of God within the work. So may our faith be found alive\, and fueled by a reflective practice of being loved by God and being the love of God. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. \nNote: It is a communion Sunday. Communion will take place right after worship outside in the picnic table yard at FUMC. For those joining us for livestream worship online\, please bring bread and juice to your home worship space.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/when-john-wesley-lost-his-mind/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/lake-michigan-113681_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210912T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210912T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210909T160755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210912T121434Z
UID:4867-1631440800-1631444400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Habits of Hospitality: Offering Peace
DESCRIPTION:“If anyone is there who shares in your peace\, your peace will rest on that person.”  ~Luke 10: 6a \nJesus sends more than seventy out on a mission of peace. He says\, “Whatever house you enter\, first say\, “Peace to this house!” They are to offer peace\, receive peace and reassure all that “The Kingdom of God has come near.” The mission and invitation are as simple as it is every time we make it: when you endeavor to love your neighbor and live in peace with each other\, there’s always room for you\, no matter whether you think you “fit” or not\, no matter whether you’ve been coming to church a long time or not in a long time\, whether you worship online or in person. Welcome home. Peace be with you. Jesus moved forward with hope and promise. And so shall we. Come\, join us for “Hospitality Sunday” this Sunday and each Sunday. God loves all people. And so do we. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. You are invited to our Hospitality Sunday kick off event on Sunday\, September 12 at 9:15am on the church front lawn. Learn more through this link. \nNote: We will be collecting prayers of joys and concerns. If you are coming to the church to worship\, please bring a written prayer with you if you would like to share. There will be a basket at the door to collect the prayers. If you are worshipping from home\, you can add your prayers to the chat box on YouTube or submit them through our online form.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/habits-of-hospitality-offering-peace/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GodLovesAllPeopleResized.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210919T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210919T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210915T175034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210920T212809Z
UID:4949-1632045600-1632049200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Habits of Hospitality: Welcoming All the People
DESCRIPTION:“For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you.” -1 Thessalonians 1:9a \nThe scriptures this day invite us to connect\, and they point us toward true community where none is better than another\, none are excluded from the presence and love of the risen Christ. Not sure you are welcome? Hear this good news today – all are welcome! The Apostle Paul visited many places in his life and each time an enthusiastic church came to life. He encouraged “Radical Hospitality” long before it became a common phrase of the modern church. Imagine an enthusiastic church practicing radical hospitality that is guided by gentleness\, invested in strength-based method and steadily gives thanks to God. Let’s imagine and live enthusiastically into a church community that welcomes all people. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/habits-of-hospitality-welcoming-all-the-people/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/welcome-905562_640.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20210926T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20210926T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210921T192650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210926T134825Z
UID:5016-1632650400-1632654000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Habits of Hospitality: Sharing Our Authentic Selves
DESCRIPTION:“…Because we loved you so much\, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”  -1 Thessalonians 2:8(b) \nDuring the last week of July the FUMC Kalamazoo Youth Tribe\, along with a great number of adults\, came together for a week of service around the community as well as in the church. There was a tremendous amount of work accomplished and the love of Christ was surely made known to our neighbors and among one another through our actions. Even more\, this week created space for the the young people of FUMC to share their authentic selves with one another. After a year of pandemic isolation\, Kalamazoo Service Project (KSP) was a week where our young people were seen and affirmed and acknowledged. There was a space for everyone’s gifts to be used\, for everyone to learn to new skills\, and importantly for everyone to let their guards down and play a little. In worship this week\, we’ll hear the story of KSP through the testimony of participants\, through video and through song. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/habits-of-hospitality-sharing-our-authentic-selves/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/KSPRampResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211003T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211003T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210930T181452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211003T130001Z
UID:5179-1633255200-1633258800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Moves you Forward
DESCRIPTION:“For surely I know the plans I have for you\, says the Lord\, plans for your welfare and not for harm\, to give you a future with hope.” ~Jeremiah 29: 11 -14 \nWorld Communion Sunday is a hope filled table. On the first Sunday in October\, United Methodist congregations join many Christian churches across the globe in celebrating World Communion Sunday. United Methodists believe in an open table\, anyone may receive communion. We believe the communion table\, the giving and receiving of bread and cup are signs of grace and hope. It is a communal act. We receive strength from each other\, we gather\, we are joined together in the moment and are nourished for the journey of Christian faith. This Sunday also finds us beginning a new worship series\, “Stewards of a Hope Filled Future.” Even with the continued unknowns of the pandemic\, we embrace hope\, believe in hope\, and become hope for the world. In United Methodist Churches around the world\, a special offering is collected on World Communion Sunday to fund scholarships for seminarians\, we too will participate in this special offering. Come\, let us be stewards of a hope filled future. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. \nNote: It is a communion Sunday. Communion will take place right after worship outside in the picnic table yard at FUMC. For those joining us for livestream worship online\, please bring bread and juice to your home worship space.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/stewards-of-a-hope-filled-future-hope-moves-you-forward/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/World_Communion_Sunday_Bread_and_Cup_resized.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211010T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211010T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211004T155236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211010T135023Z
UID:5220-1633860000-1633863600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Broadens the Mind
DESCRIPTION:Hope broadens the mind. As we enter into the second week of our “Stewards of a Hope-Filled Future” series this week\, we are challenged to examine in what and whom we invest our hope\, and\, to allow the gospel to inspire our imaginations. As the theologian Walter Brueggemann asserts\, we Christians struggle to imagine that God can do anything with our future alternative to the present we know. (He of course says this way more elegantly…) We invest our hope in stuff and not in God’s promises. Our greatest deficit is our lack of imagination. But\, according to the first chapter of Ephesians\, we have been given a great inheritance by the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. And so\, can you imagine what God can do with our lives? \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/stewards-of-a-hope-filled-future-hope-broadens-the-mind/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/dayne-topkin-xTmqoidRoKQ-unsplash.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211017T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211017T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211014T141117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211017T124815Z
UID:5387-1634464800-1634468400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Is Healing
DESCRIPTION:“Have mercy on me\, Lord\, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ~Matthew 15: 22b \nAs Jesus entered Tyre and Sidon\, a Canaanite woman presented herself as a one-person welcoming committee. She approaches him with shouting\, “Have mercy on me.” She is in despair and yet\, she draws near to Jesus with hope in her heart believing all that she has heard and that he can heal her daughter. Hope is a desire for something to happen. Hope compels us to believe that things will get better\, that there are other ways for us to perceive and respond to our situations and circumstances. Hope boldly proclaims that helplessness or hopelessness is not a viable option that brings abundant life. Hope is a step of healing and is followed by further steps that courageously shout for mercy. Let us gather as a hopeful people\, shouting for mercy and believing that hope heals ourselves and others. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/stewards-of-a-hope-filled-future-hope-is-healing/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/hand-g70ab427b2_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211024T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211024T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211021T205532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211024T123159Z
UID:5490-1635069600-1635073200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Is Practical
DESCRIPTION:Hope is Practical. The gospel is not. When the blind man shouted out begging for Jesus’ mercy\, the crowds told him to sit down and to be quiet. Against popular demand\, Jesus invited the man to come to him and then asked the man\, “What do you want?” Was it not obvious? He wanted to see again. In case the readers have any doubt the man states this clearly for Jesus. The man received what he wanted and in return he followed Jesus. There is\, in this very brief story\, the image of the reciprocal relationship Christ calls us into. Christ’s mercy meets our need. We receive healing and in response\, we follow Jesus. The journey begins with hope; hope that Christ will see our need. The journey continues with hope; hope that the risk of following will outweigh the cost of “going back.” Hoping that our lives might change is a practical thing. Where Jesus might lead us next likely is not.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/stewards-of-a-hope-filled-future-hope-is-practical/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/trees-g04397dced_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211031T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211031T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211028T140137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211031T124442Z
UID:5616-1635674400-1635678000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Consecration Sunday: Hope Is Infectious
DESCRIPTION:“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing\, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13 \nThis last Sunday of the series offers a time of celebration and naming of hope for the future and a dedicating of our gifts. We sing and speak of the day when all will be one\, when all will be fed\, when all will be loved. We imagine what the reign of God looks like and commit anew to live that out as disciples of Jesus who is hope of the world. To this hope we return again and again\, to this hope we find our purpose and reason for living. Our inspirational hoping can inspire and motivate others. Hope is infectious. When we are centered on hope\, others will be encouraged\, others will notice and wonder\, “What have they got that I do not?” Let us offer hope with abundance that is communal centered and leads to joyful and generous living. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/consecration-sunday-hope-is-infectious/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/StewardshipHandsResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211103T190433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211108T040820Z
UID:5752-1636279200-1636282800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:All Saints Day
DESCRIPTION:All Saints is a day of remembrance for the saints. We celebrate the communion of saints as we remember the dead and celebrate our connectedness as Christians. The Christian festival of All Saints Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual connection between those on heaven and on earth. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude to God for the lives and deaths of all the saints that have influenced and shaped our lives. On this Sunday we remember that Jesus wept as he was surrounded by those who were grieving the loss of his friend Lazarus and as he was confronted by his sister\, Mary. Grief and despair can be overwhelming and yet Jesus commands that Lazarus come out of the tomb\, he is raised to new life. On this All Saints Day\, we remember\, we weep and we look to the promised possibilities of life beyond death and are reassured that Christ stands with God to wipe away tears and turn us in hope toward the resurrection that is possible. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. \nOn this All Saints Sunday\, we will celebrate communion. Communion will be served in the sanctuary. We will have four stations in the front of the sanctuary and servers will come to persons who would prefer to be served in the pews. For those joining us for worship online\, please bring bread and juice to your home worship space.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/all-saints-day/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/a-candle-gbc90caa98_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210409T225456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211107T021708Z
UID:2498-1636282800-1636284600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Godly Play
DESCRIPTION:Godly Play is offered for children 4 and older\, as well as nursery care on the 2nd floor for infants through 3-year-olds with fully vaccinated and masked staff. Please contact jlibrizzi@umc-kzo.org with any questions.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/godly-play-2021-11-07/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/GodlyPlay.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T090000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210519T193342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211107T022043Z
UID:4582-1636529400-1636534800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Dawn Patrol
DESCRIPTION:Dawn Patrol is an intentionally diverse group of men who meet each Wednesday at 9am in the Parlor at FUMC Kalamazoo. Books that stimulate the sharing of stories are chosen. Our goal is growing in an understanding about\, not only what it means to be a follower of Jesus in a divided world\, but also what Christians are called to do to help bring an end to systemic racism that still harms so many People of Color. Masks are required for this event. Contact Pastor Matt Weiler at mweiler@umc-kzo.org for more information.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/dawn-patrol-2021-11-10/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/pray-862994_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210410T002642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211107T022522Z
UID:2651-1636569000-1636572600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Manna: Young Adult Ministry
DESCRIPTION:Join Manna\, our weekly meetup for young adults in their 20s and 30s! In the Bible\, Manna represents God arriving to a people who were yet discovering who they were. Manna was God’s provision. Manna was God’s way of teaching a people how to live and be together. Manna was preparing them for the journey ahead. Our Wednesday nights are like Manna! They are a time to study scripture\, talk about current events\, pray together and discover who God is shaping us to be for the journey ahead. Pastor Matt Weiler leads the group in conversation and reflection on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. Locations vary\, please contact Matt at mweiler@umc-kzo.org for more information and to join the group email list. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/young-adult-meet-up-2021-11-10/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Manna-rotated.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211111T142952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211114T000341Z
UID:5935-1636884000-1636887600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:When the Ground Shakes
DESCRIPTION:This is a text that does not directly relate to us in this time and place. It does however relate to us indirectly. We find ourselves nearing the end of a year during which the ground beneath our feet has shifted. And let’s be honest\, the shifting has been occurring for several years now – the pandemic just had a particularly broad impact. We have been reminded (or perhaps we are learning) that our security\, our assurance\, our salvation is not found in the institutions we so value. Rather our salvation is in the God who raises Jesus from the dead. And so\, may we fix our eyes on Jesus\, because everything else is coming down. \nIn our worship this week you will be asked to consider and to write down a response to the prompt “How have I felt the ground shifting beneath my feet?” Perhaps it is the loss of a loved one or the changes in life due to the pandemic such as a loss of employment. Please bring your response to in person worship so it can be read aloud (anonymously) as part of a prayer experience. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/when-the-ground-shakes/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/autumn-gb715eab84_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20210410T004501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211107T022346Z
UID:2692-1636912800-1636920000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Youth Tribe
DESCRIPTION:Teens are invited to join our active youth ministries at FUMC! Everyone has a voice as we learn together and take time to play\, too. For more information and details on upcoming events\, contact Pastor Matt Weiler at mweiler@umc-kzo.org.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/youth-tribe-2021-11-14/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/YouthTribe.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211121T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211118T200832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211121T150216Z
UID:6004-1637488800-1637492400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:What is and What is to Come
DESCRIPTION:We are presented with two texts for this final Sunday on the church calendar. The first is from the book of Revelation\, in which the opening words provide us the assurance that Christ has been present from the beginning of time\, and always will be. The hope in this opening greeting is that the powers of oppression\, and sin\, and sickness will not have the final word\, rather Christ has the final victory. In the Gospel text we see Jesus before Pilate facing his crucifixion\, asserting that those who follow him live according to a way that is decidedly alternative to the way in which the “world’s” kingdoms live. \nIn these two texts there is both challenge and hope. The challenge\, is that as followers of Jesus Christ we must live according to a set of values that are decidedly other than those of the dominant culture. Instead of scarcity\, fear\, hoarding\, competition\, conflict\, and violence we are called to live in abundance\, love\, sharing\, cooperation\, compassion\, and shalom. It is only in living according to this set of alternative values that we can be faithful to the alternative Kin(g)dom of Jesus Christ. For FUMC at this moment in our lives\, this living calls us into the work of Anti-racist/Anti-bias Transformation. \nThis is work that at times can feel hopeless; that with every step forward we take two steps back. The good news is found in the book of Revelation: that at the end of the day Christ and Christ’s Kin(g)dom reign. We are invited into a work yet realized\, and is yet already accomplished by the God who is\, who was\, and who is to come. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/what-is-and-what-is-to-come/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/trees-g676bd0526_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211128T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211128T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211123T163523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211128T135500Z
UID:6058-1638093600-1638097200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Making Room (Hope): First Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:What did the innkeeper say to Mary and Joseph? Nothing. The Gospel writer Luke tells us that there was no room in the inn. The sacred text says\, “she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth\, and laid him in a manager\, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Many of us have heard the recreated story\, watched a nativity play or beheld a nativity scene of Jesus’ birth that blends the Gospels so often that we have formed images that may not be found. We know the story and often hurry past the details. This Advent\, we pause and consider the inn. We contemplate that room was made for Mary\, Joseph\, and a newborn babe. With wonder we find ourselves curious about the room we make in our own lives for the birth of hope\, joy\, peace\, and love. Join us this first Sunday of Advent as we make more room for the Holy in our own spirits and for our neighbors who need our compassion and reassurance that the Holy is present to all. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/making-room-hope-first-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/16a-The-Inn-Logo-for-Churches-with-Advent-2021-Resized.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211202T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211202T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211201T013334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211201T015158Z
UID:6152-1638446400-1638450000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advent Concert Series: Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
DESCRIPTION:Advent Concert Series Returns to First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo for 2021! \nDecember 2 at 12pm: Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra \nJoin us in the sanctuary for this special concert event! We ask all attendees to remain masked to ensure hospitality and protection for all vulnerable populations. Freewill offerings will be gratefully accepted\, but admission for all Advent concert series events is free. Advent concerts will not be livestreamed\, but they will be recorded and hopefully posted to our FUMC Kalamazoo YouTube page at a later date.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advent-concert-series-kalamazoo-mandolin-and-guitar-orchestra/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Advent Concert Series 2021
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AdventDec2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211205T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211123T185557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211205T145056Z
UID:6062-1638698400-1638702000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:A Place at the Table (Peace): Second Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:Like the childhood game of “musical chairs\,” we are convinced that there are not enough places at the table. And so we shrink the guest list just in case there is not enough\, and we scramble to occupy the chairs first. And yet our sacred texts invite us to imagine and make real the gathering of all people to the table\, robed in the garments of a Peace that comes with justice. This is what really matters–this is the fruit of what is right and good. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. \nOn this Second Sunday of Advent\, we will celebrate communion. Communion will be served in the sanctuary. We will have four stations in the front of the sanctuary and servers will come to persons who would prefer to be served in the pews. For those joining us for worship online\, please bring bread and juice to your home worship space.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/a-place-at-the-table-peace-second-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/laura-nyhuis-Vg_B61t8EFs-unsplash-resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211201T014244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211201T015107Z
UID:6156-1639051200-1639054800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advent Concert Series: The Sweetbriar Sisters
DESCRIPTION:Advent Concert Series Returns to First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo for 2021! \nDecember 9 at 12pm: The Sweetbriar Sisters\, an all-female ukulele trio known for close harmonies\, vintage songs and fun! \nJoin us in the sanctuary for this special concert event! We ask all attendees to remain masked to ensure hospitality and protection for all vulnerable populations. Freewill offerings will be gratefully accepted\, but admission for all Advent concert series events is free. Advent concerts will not be livestreamed\, but they will be recorded and hopefully posted to our FUMC Kalamazoo YouTube page at a later date.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advent-concert-series-the-sweetbriar-sisters/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Advent Concert Series 2021
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AdventDec9.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211212T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211212T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211209T203637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211212T145425Z
UID:6274-1639303200-1639306800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:How Much is Enough? (Joy): Third Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:On this Gaudete Sunday that calls us to dare to rejoice\, we will fill the stable with prayers and with diapers. During worship\, you will be invited to write down the prayers of your heart and place them in the manger. For those who worship online\, we encourage you to write your prayers in the YouTube chat and they will be written and placed for you\, or use our online prayer portal: https://umc-kzo.org/contact-us/prayer-request/. We will also begin a diaper drive for the diaper bank at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and partnering with Bronson Birthplace. As John baptized new converts\, he invited them to live with “changed hearts and lives.” When asked how to do that\, his answers all point to making sure no one is cheated or left without the basic necessities of life\, including the right to not be harassed. A full life of joy\, which the prophet Isaiah describes as an everflowing spring\, is the birthright of all children of God. May we act to make it so. Let us worship together\, finding our center and grounding ourselves in experiencing\, celebrating\, and sharing God’s love. \nJoin us in person or online for coffeehouse worship on Sunday\, December 12 at 10am. \nWe will be collecting diapers on Coffeehouse Sunday through Sunday\, January 19. We are glad to partner with St. Luke’s Diaper Bank to take care of the babies right here in our community. We are accepting diapers of all sizes (sizes 3 and up are most needed) and wipes. \nHere are some fast facts: \n\nWithout diapers\, babies cannot attend childcare facilities or participate in early childhood education.\n1 in 3 US moms reports suffering from diaper need.\nDiapers can cost $70-$100 a month\, and babies need 6 to 10 diapers a day.\nDiaper need impacts the health (mental\, physical\, and emotional) as well as the economic well being of children and their caregivers.\nLow income families are not as likely to have private laundry facilities\, meaning cloth diapers are not an option.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/how-much-is-enough-joy-third-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Adevent3Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211216T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211216T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211201T015015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211201T015015Z
UID:6159-1639656000-1639659600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advent Concert Series: Bill Cessna Jazz Piano Trio
DESCRIPTION:Advent Concert Series Returns to First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo for 2021! \nDecember 16 at 12pm: Bill Cessna Jazz Piano Trio \nJoin us in the sanctuary for this special concert event! We ask all attendees to remain masked to ensure hospitality and protection for all vulnerable populations. Freewill offerings will be gratefully accepted\, but admission for all Advent concert series events is free. Advent concerts will not be livestreamed\, but they will be recorded and hopefully posted to our FUMC Kalamazoo YouTube page at a later date.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advent-concert-series-bill-cessna-jazz-piano-trio/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Advent Concert Series 2021
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AdventDec16.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211219T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211216T214834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211223T010148Z
UID:6394-1639908000-1639911600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:A Room with a View (Love): Fourth Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:This has been an Advent season of prophets: Jeremiah\, Baruch\, Isaiah\, Micah. And now the prophet is Mary–the woman who was the original house for the holy. She was “the inn\,” her womb gestating love for the world. With all her heart\, she proclaims that the lowly are lifted\, the hungry are fed\, mercy reigns. Like Mary\, we must envision\, must see\, must prophesy and act on that vision for the world that God continues to call us to co-create. What is the view from the room that God has prepared? \nFirst Beats Children’s Ensemble is excited to once again be able to present a live re-telling of the story of the birth of our savior\, Jesus Christ. The children have worked hard learning their various roles.  They each had a voice in what part they would like to play and it has been such fun to watch them grow into each of the parts.  May you share in our joy this morning as we present our work. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sunday\, December 19 at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/a-room-with-a-view-love-fourth-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/christmas-gef9471224_640.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211218T032420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211223T201535Z
UID:6421-1640361600-1640365200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:4pm Children & Family Worship
DESCRIPTION:This service will include a sweet and simple retelling of the night of Jesus’ birth and the singing of Christmas Carols. During this child friendly and interactive worship\, the children may choose a nativity character they wish to be by selecting a head piece from one of the containers on the way into the sanctuary. We will end worship with singing of “Silent Night” by candlelight. Childcare will be available during this service. \nTo ensure hospitality and protection for all persons\, masks will be required during the entire sanctuary worship experience. We urge you to be vaccinated and\, if available\, be tested before you attend\, and if you are not feeling well\, please join us via our live streamed worship at 7pm: https://umc-kzo.org/live/
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/4pm-children-family-worship/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-Eve-at-First-United-Methodist-Church-of-Kalamazoo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211218T033457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211223T202025Z
UID:6426-1640372400-1640376000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:7pm Lessons & Carols
DESCRIPTION:This traditional favorite celebrates the birth of Christ through the reading of scriptures and the singing of favorite Christmas carols. The organ\, a brass ensemble and the choir will lead us musically. We will sing “Silent Night” as we light our candles and proclaim\, “Christ the Savior is born.” Seating will be available in the balcony to allow space for physical distancing. We will also plan to have overflow in Wesley Hall and the parlor. Childcare will be available during this service and this service will also be live streamed. \nTo ensure hospitality and protection for all persons\, masks will be required during the entire sanctuary worship experience. We urge you to be vaccinated and\, if available\, be tested before you attend\, and if you are not feeling well\, please join us via our live streamed worship. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Friday\, December 24 at 7pm.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/7pm-lessons-carols/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-Eve-at-First-United-Methodist-Church-of-Kalamazoo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211218T034036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211223T202416Z
UID:6428-1640379600-1640383200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:9pm Carols & Communion
DESCRIPTION:This worship will be similar to the 7pm (and will feature the choir\, organ and brass ensemble\, as well as “Silent Night”) with the addition of communion being served. Seating will be available in the balcony to allow space for physical distancing. We will also plan to have overflow in Wesley Hall and the parlor. \nTo ensure hospitality and protection for all persons\, masks will be required during the entire sanctuary worship experience. We urge you to be vaccinated and\, if available\, be tested before you attend\, and if you are not feeling well\, please join us via our live streamed worship at 7pm: https://umc-kzo.org/live/
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/9pm-carols-communion/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-Eve-at-First-United-Methodist-Church-of-Kalamazoo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T233000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144751
CREATED:20211218T034843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211218T152143Z
UID:6433-1640386800-1640388600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:11pm Silent Night on the front steps
DESCRIPTION:Last year our only in person event was “Silent Night” on the front steps. As the snowflakes drifted from the dark night sky; we knew we had come upon a beautiful tradition. For all who may be hesitant to worship inside\, we hope you will consider coming for this simple but inspiring gathering. It is also a witness to our community as we sing to those who may be in the park admiring the lights and paying homage to the nativity. \nTo ensure hospitality and protection for all persons\, masks will be required during the entire sanctuary worship experience. We urge you to be vaccinated and\, if available\, be tested before you attend\, and if you are not feeling well\, please join us via our live streamed worship at  7pm: https://umc-kzo.org/live/
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/11pm-silent-night-on-the-front-steps/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/FUMCDecember2021Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR