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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20230611T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20230611T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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:20260403T164642
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231126T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231126T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231123T141919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231126T145104Z
UID:18505-1700992800-1700998200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Christ the King Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join Us in person or online at 10:00 am! \nThis Sunday we will follow the story of Ephesians 1:15-23 where Apostle Paul expresses his gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers. He offers a prayer for them\, asking God to grant them wisdom and revelation in knowing Him better. Paul emphasizes the hope to which God has called them\, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints\, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward believers. The passage underscores the exalted position of Christ\, who is seated at the right hand of God\, far above all powers and authorities\, with everything subjected under His feet. The Church is described as Christ’s body\, and believers are encouraged to comprehend the fullness of Christ\, who fills all in all. Overall\, the passage highlights the spiritual blessings and the elevated status of believers in Christ.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/christ-the-king-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231114_151444270_iOS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231203T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231203T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231130T203530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231203T143809Z
UID:18583-1701597600-1701603000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:First Sunday of Advent: Hope
DESCRIPTION:Join Us this week as we welcome the season of advent ! \n“You are all people who belong to the light and to the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5  \nWelcome to the season of Advent. A time of waiting. Oh no\, waiting? We are so impatient with waiting. The red light is too long\, our kid is taking forever as we wait in the pick-up line at school\, all the grocery lines are long\, good grief is that person buying enough food for the whole neighborhood? Waiting is something that we are not likely to enjoy. Nevertheless\, this season calls for us to actively wait and prepare for Jesus to be born\, for the Life-Light to blaze out of the darkness to bring hope to a weary world. For this time of waiting\, we prepare by transforming our time of worship to deep listening in the dark\, sharing our heart with God in confession\, hymns that yearn for the promise to come\, prayer with new words rather than the ones we have memorized. It is all an invitation to awaken\, rise and meet the transcendent light that brings hope\, peace\, joy and love. God is coming\, let us prepare our hearts and wait.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/first-sunday-of-advent-hope/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Transcendent.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231207T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231207T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231128T142057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231128T142057Z
UID:18553-1701950400-1701954000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:2023 Advent Concerts
DESCRIPTION:December 7: Selkie\, is a trio of dynamic Celtic musicians who play traditional music and original music with a trademark intensity\nand drive. The sounds of flute\, fiddle\, bouzouki\, banjo\, guitar\, accordion\, and harp are woven into Selkie’s music\, along with the vocal\nharmonies they use for their songs. \nDecember 14: Gary and Martha Matthews\, their concerts are a musical and spiritual journey with classical\, jazz\, and arrangements\nof the great well-known hymns that you love. What is unique about their concerts is how this well-known music is specifically\narranged for the gifts Gary and Martha bring. Gary plays piano and trumpets and sings\, while Martha plays a variety of flutes\, penny\nwhistles (Celtic Irish sound)\, piano\, and handbells that fit on a “Handbell Tree!” As an ordained pastor Gary has a heart for\nshepherding God’s people and does that through his music and worship leading. He served three churches as their Worship Pastor.\nMartha holds a Masters in Flute Performance and is a sought-after Handbell Clinician. She is the Director of the Kalamazoo Ringers\,\nthe oldest continual community Handbell Ensemble in the United States. She also teaches flute at Cornerstone University in Grand\nRapids\, MI. Gary and Martha’s concerts include diverse music using the piano and organ\, trumpet\, voices\, flute\, and handbells. \nDecember 21: Aris Chaplin\, solo jazz piano Aris is an international award-winning jazz pianist and keyboardist at Western Michigan\nUniversity in Kalamazoo\, Michigan. He has performed at several musical events both locally and abroad. He has performed and\nplayed alongside world-class jazz musicians\, such as Chris Potter\, säje\, Christian McBride\, Johnaye Kendrick\, Jesus Molina\, the Emmet\nCohen Trio\, and the Paul Keller Orchestra. Aris is based in Kalamazoo\, MI and travels around Michigan to perform in different\nvenues. He has performed at venues such as Hill Auditorium\, Blue LLama Jazz Club\, and the North American International Auto Show\nCOBO Center in Detroit.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/2023-advent-concerts/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Advent-Concerts-4.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231210T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231207T212123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231210T142804Z
UID:18653-1702202400-1702207800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:What’s So Good About this News?
DESCRIPTION:“Every valley shall be lifted up\, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level\, and the rough places a plain.”   -Isaiah 40:4 \nThe ancient words of the prophet call to us on the second Sunday of Advent. “Comfort\, comfort\, my people” says your God.” These words are echoed by Mark the gospel writer in the wilderness and illustrated by John the Baptizer preparing the way for Christ to come. In Advent we await three comings of Christ. 1.)  Christ’s arrival through his birth. 2.) Christ’s arrival in our present. 3.) Christ’s final coming when God’s reign will be full on earth as it already is in heaven. We wade more deeply into the waiting this second Sunday of Advent. May the good news of God’s pending arrival meet us with peace.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/whats-so-good-about-this-news/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transcendent-5.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231217T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231217T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231215T010313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231217T144804Z
UID:18742-1702807200-1702812600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in person or online as we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent and the Children’s Pageant: “A Shepherd’s Adventure”  at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. \n Advent invites us to be shepherded by the good news that proclaims the birth of a Savior and a new way of life that leads to liberation and joy. Come\, as the children lead us in worship with the pageant “A Shepherd’s Adventure.” As the shepherds are gathered on the hillside and are going about their everyday lives\, they learn of the immense love that God has for all people. This love can be a transcending light in our lives\, even though Thomas\, a hard-working shepherd has his doubts about God’s abiding love. As a Christ centered community\, our stories of new and old are woven with God’s story. This brings a joy that liberates.  
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/third-sunday-of-advent-joy/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231201_154513838_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231221T231907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231224T144035Z
UID:18802-1703412000-1703415600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
DESCRIPTION:The Air Love Breathes is Freedom \nThis a strange fourth Sunday of Advent being that it happens to share the calendar with Christmas Eve and might even shrink a bit in its shadow. But it would do us well to still light the fourth candle on Sunday morning and listen to Mary. She is\, after all the theotokos – that is\, the bearer of God. Her pregnancy deserves as much attention in our worship as the birth. After all\, it didn’t have to happen. She could have responded to the angel with a firm\, “yea\, but no thanks…” And then where would we be? But Mary said “Yes” because Mary was given the freedom to say “no” as well. She is an exemplar our own lives of faith. We are given freedom: freedom to love or not to love\, to say “yes” and to say “no” to God. And it is by God’s love we have this freedom. The air love breathes is freedom. May we know this love on this\, strange\, yet important fourth Sunday of Advent. \n  \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/fourth-sunday-of-advent-love/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Transcendent-8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T233000
DTSTAMP:20260403T164642
CREATED:20231218T175943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231223T164957Z
UID:18776-1703433600-1703460600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Christmas Eve Services
DESCRIPTION:This Christmas\, we extend a warm invitation to you and yours to join us for a celebration filled with joy\, music\, and reflection. Our Christmas Eve services are designed to create lasting memories and embrace the true spirit of the season. \nEvent Schedule: \n🕓 4:00 pm – Children and Family Worship \n\nJoin us for a Christmas Eve service tailored with kids and families in mind. We encourage children to actively participate during the service\, making it a festive and memorable experience for all.\n\n🕖 7:00 pm – Lessons and Carols (Childcare available) \nFor Bulletin click HERE \n\n Throughout the season of Advent\, we have lit the candles of hope\, peace\, joy\, and love. Tonight\, we light the Christ candle to honor that Christ is our Light. We will raise our voices to sing Christmas carols accompanied by brass instruments\, listen to the Scripture lessons of the shepherd’s amazement\, and end our night raising our candles and singing “Silent Night.”\nChildcare will be available.\nThis livestream will be broadcasted in the b1 lounge at Friendship Village for those who are unable to physically join us in the sanctuary\, Pastor Thom Victor will be there.\n\n🕚 11:00 pm – Lessons and Communion\, Silent Night on the Front Steps \nFor Bulletin click HERE \n\nIn a quieter spirit we sing carols\, listen to the beauty of the oboe\, and come to the communion table to receive the bread of life and the cup of blessing. If the weather cooperates\, we will take our candles to our front steps and sing “Silent Night” as a call for peace and goodwill for all persons.\n\n  \n🎥 Livestream Information: \n\nCan’t join us in person? Watch the 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm services on our YouTube channel.\n\n\nLet’s make this Christmas a celebration to remember. We can’t wait to share the joy of the season with you!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/christmas-eve-services/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Join-us-for-Christmas-🎄✨-Our-Christmas-services-🕓-400-PM-Children-and-Family-Worship-🕖-700-PM-Lessons-and-Carols-Childcare-available-🕚-1100-PM-Lessons-and-Communion-followed-by-Sile-1.png
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