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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231112T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231112T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
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:20260403T145857
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:20260403T145857
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:20260403T145857
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231207T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231207T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231210T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
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:20260403T145857
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:20260403T145857
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:20260403T145857
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20231223T162646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231223T162740Z
UID:18820-1703444400-1703449800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Christmas Eve 7:00 PM Service
DESCRIPTION:Christmas Eve: Christ Be Our Light   \nThroughout 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.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/christmas-eve-700-pm-service/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Merry-Christmas-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231224T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231225T003000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20231223T163424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231223T163424Z
UID:18823-1703458800-1703464200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Christmas Eve Service: 11:00PM
DESCRIPTION:Christmas Eve: Christ Be Our Light   \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  \nJoin us in-person or online.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/christmas-eve-service-1100pm/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Merry-Christmas-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20231231T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20231231T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20231228T192359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231231T145211Z
UID:18867-1704016800-1704016800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:First Sunday after Christmas
DESCRIPTION:With Christmas Eve behind us and a new year merely hours away in our present time\, we find Mary 2\,000 years ago with a Baby Jesus only 40 days old as she brings him to the temple. There Mary is met by Simeon and Anna\, an old man and a prophetess whose deepest longings have been fulfilled by this child. God in Jesus has come down in a particular time to a particular place. Just the same the good news of Christmas today is that God in Jesus comes to us in our particular time and in our particular place. On the Eve of this new year we linger in the joy of Christmas just a bit longer with Mary\, and look forward to the promises with Simeon and Anna. \nJoin us in-person or online at 10:00 am for worship. \nClick here for the Song sheet.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/first-sunday-after-christmas/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Copy-of-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.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240107T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240104T202623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240107T144806Z
UID:18933-1704621600-1704630600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Baptism of the Lord   
DESCRIPTION:In our baptism\, we are claimed by God\, we are reassured that we are God’s Beloved. Let us gather this Sunday to remember the mark of baptismal water upon our foreheads and live into the grace and abundance that is God given. Remembering our baptism\, is a renewal of our awareness of God’s faithful love for us. Remembering and embracing this love allows us to accept ourselves\, others\, and the invitation to live into the call to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus has been named and claimed\, we too must hear this same call upon our lives. Let us celebrate God’s love and weave our story to God’s story. \nJoin us in-person or online at 10 am !
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/baptism-of-the-lord-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Service-Reminder-24.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240114T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240111T203318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240114T144638Z
UID:18969-1705226400-1705233600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Human Relations Sunday
DESCRIPTION:“You are my Son\, the Beloved\, with you I am well pleased.”  Mark 1:11b  \n“But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\, from “Facing the Challenge of a New Age\,” 1956  \nRemembering our baptism\, we remember we are personally God’s beloved. Baptism is a personal experience that is enacted within a communal setting with the community of believers promising to nurture\, guide and instruct those who are baptized. Belovedness then becomes communal. God calls us to find ourselves within beloved community that will lead us to deep gladness and an ending of oppression and evil that destroys all. Are we listening? Do we remember how to hear the voice of the Divine calling us to purpose and to community that is redemptive? Come\, let us practice the art of listening.   \nPastor Julie will refer to a video essay in her sermon entitled\, “The Life Span of Loneliness\,” by Adam Westbrook and Emily Holzknecht. If you would like to watch this please stay and shortly after worship\, we will play it. It is five minutes long. Alternately\, for those of you worshiping remotley you can find it by clicking HERE.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/human-relations-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240109_211953854_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240121T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240118T231415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240121T142423Z
UID:19033-1705831200-1705836600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Third Sunday After Epiphany
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday in person or online at 10:00 am \nOur understanding of God and God’s all-embracing grace can be so limited\, and when this is the case then so too can our own efforts to be God’s love in the world. This was certainly a problem for Jonah\, a preacher who didn’t want to preach in Nineveh because he didn’t believe the Ninevites should be included in God’s love. He believed this theologically and he believed this politically. Yet in spite of his reluctance and in spite of a very terrible sermon\, God managed to use Jonah for the transformation of an entire city. Today we’ll hold this story in tension with another story about some much more eager disciples who dropped everything immediately at the word of Jesus. They too held limited imaginations for just what they were being called to do. In this third Sunday after the Epiphany\, the season when we discover the nature and character of God through Jesus Christ\, we open our imaginations to the possibilities and the expansiveness of the one who calls us.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/third-sunday-after-epiphany/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240117_154016518_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240128T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240128T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240125T192044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240128T143944Z
UID:19080-1706436000-1706441400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Heal Us and Strengthen Our Love
DESCRIPTION:“I know who you are\, the Holy One of God.” Mark 1: 24b \nWe need healing. One of the beauties of being a Christ follower is recognizing that we are wounded\, and that Christ is the healer of our every ill. When we can recognize our own woundedness and accept the vulnerability that comes from seeking wholeness\, we are set free. When we hide our fears\, our doubts\, our hurts\, and our despair\, we give them further command to wound ourselves or others. Jesus readily embraced those who needed healing\, he turned toward them\, not away. Our worship will embrace our need for healing as we have a time of anointing\, accepting the balm of compassion. As wounded healers\, we then go into the world with the eyes of love. Come\, let us celebrate the love of God.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/heal-us-and-strengthen-our-love/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240122_172150029_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240204T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240204T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240201T225352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240204T150042Z
UID:19135-1707040800-1707046200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Belonging: Manna and More
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM for a special Sunday\, where our Young Adult resident\, Jonathan Townley\, will be preaching. \nWe will also have a reading from “This Here Flesh: Spirituality\, Liberation\, and the Stories that Make Us” by Cole Arthur Riley\, the first of the writers we will continue to feature throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 AM. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/belonging-manna-and-more/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240211T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240211T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240208T231323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240211T141559Z
UID:19179-1707645600-1707651000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Transfiguration Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us in person or online at 10:00 AM. \nElisha saw an astonishing thing take place right before his eyes when Elijah\, the greatest of the prophets did not die but was swept away into the heavens by a chariot of fire. The student was so devastated he tore his clothes in two. The next time we see Elijah is on the mountain with Peter and James and Jesus. Elijah stands on one side of Jesus ministering to him while Moses stands on the other. When all is finished Jesus tells the disciples\, “Don’t speak a word of this until after resurrection.” There are some things we can never understand until after resurrection. Chariots of fire. The law and the prophet ministering to Jesus. The voice of God proclaiming “This is my son\, listen to him.” And what does the resurrection tell us of these things? That surely God was there. And if God was there\, then perhaps God is here. And if God is here\, then perhaps God will always be here – bringing us to the other side\, ministering to us in our distress\, carrying us away in chariots of fire. Resurrecting our lives and our stories that they too might minister to those who follow. \nThe Worship Planning Team is hoping that folks of all ages might consider lending us a copy of your favorite story (or stories) to use for visuals during the season of Lent. If you are willing\, please bring them to the Welcome Desk on Sunday (with your name on it\, so it can be returned).  Thank you\, one and all\, for being part of building a meaningful worship.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/transfiguration-sunday/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240208_145451111_iOS-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240218T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240218T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240215T214157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240218T144236Z
UID:19238-1708248600-1708254000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:First Sunday of Lent
DESCRIPTION:The story of Jesus’ baptism and the Spirit driving him out is certainly brief in the Gospel of Mark but there is plenty of drama. With the clearing away of details\, we find ourselves focusing on Jesus. This is the meaning of the season of Lent. The opening verses of Mark are demanding our attention\, calling us to focus in this holy season. Please rise in body and in spirit for the reading of the Gospel. \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 AM.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/first-sunday-of-lent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240214_172417456_iOS-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240225T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240225T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240222T205433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240225T143712Z
UID:19296-1708855200-1708858800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Community: We are the story we tell
DESCRIPTION:This second Sunday of Lent we raise the congregational value of COMMUNITY. How fitting then to celebrate the baptism one of our youngest disciples as the community reaffirms our own baptismal covenants and welcomes a child into the covenant. In our Baptism we put on the grace of God through Jesus Christ\, and we commit ourselves to the radical nature of Christian Discipleship. Jesus’ words to Peter in the Gospel reading today remind us that Sacred Christian Community demands that we deny self\, take up our cross and follow Jesus\, and\, in following\, we will know a life fuller than we could have imagined. \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 AM.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/community-we-are-the-story-we-tell/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240303T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240303T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240301T005039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240303T140100Z
UID:19361-1709460000-1709465400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Inclusion: Bent on Mercy
DESCRIPTION:Inclusion seems to be a buzz word of the time with many organizations and entities claiming inclusion as a value. For Christ followers\, inclusion is an ancient spiritual practice that was embodied by Jesus. His life and ministry consistently exemplified that love and community must include the marginalized as they too were God’s beloved. Jesus walked in forbidden territories\, healed broken hearts and bodies and nourished all in body and spirit\, in the name of radical inclusion. On this third Sunday of Lent\, we find Jesus enraged in the temple and we find ourselves contemplating our own angry reactions and how they may become opportunities for wholistic change rather than creating further harm. As we worship\, let us set our heart and minds on the challenge of living inclusively in a polarized world as we find our sustenance at the table of grace.   \nJoin Us in person or online at 10:00 AM
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/19361/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Slides-3.3.24.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240310T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240310T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240307T234942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240310T122433Z
UID:19410-1710064800-1710070200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Justice: What the Cross Means for Justice
DESCRIPTION:In the Old Testament\, when Moses raised the staff of the serpent any who had been bitten by a venomous snake could gaze on the staff and be healed of the serpent’s poison. It is a strange reference to an obscure story. The point is\, those who look to Jesus who was lifted up on a cross\, will be healed. The Lent journey involves us\, the church\, gazing at the cross of Jesus\, that we may be made whole on the day of resurrection. It is also the work of the church to raise the cross of Jesus for the healing of the world. On this 4th Sunday of Lent as we also celebrate our congregational value of Justice: Restoration of Equity and Wholeness\, we raise the cross knowing\, trusting\, that Christ died for an unjust world\, and that we\, the body of Christ\, carry the cross in the name of Justice. When a hurting world turns their gaze towards the church\, will they see justice and be made whole? \nBulletin_March_10_2024 \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 AM.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/justice-what-the-cross-means-for-justice/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/c-Mumma-006-02-25-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240317T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240317T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240314T224114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240314T230152Z
UID:19512-1710669600-1710673200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The Call of Love and Life
DESCRIPTION:“Very truly\, I tell you\, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies\, it remains just a single grain\, but if it dies it bears much fruit” ~John 12:24   \nWe are called to experience\, celebrate\, and share God’s love. This is our mission as First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. Our call to life is love. Yet\, Jesus is beginning to talk of death and the fruitfulness found in endings\, surrender and trust. Plants have much to teach us about resurrection. The signs of spring are unfolding all around us. What was dormant is now coming to life. We are called to a life of love that has beginnings and endings\, seasons of dormancy and seasons of fruitfulness. Our mission calls us to be open to the wonders of living through experience\, celebration and sharing. As we worship this week\, let us renew our commitment to our mission as Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church.  \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 AM.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-call-of-love-and-life/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slides-3.17.24.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240324T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240324T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240320T175413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240324T125554Z
UID:19571-1711274400-1711279800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Kalamazoo FUMC Sunday\, March 24th ~ Palm Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Led by: Rev. Matt Weiler \nBulletin: https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bulletin_March_24_2024.pdf \nIt is Palm Sunday\, a time when we remember Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. And so we\, like those who hailed Jesus on that day wave our palm branches\, shouting “Hosanna – Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” However\, by the time we come to the end of worship our hearts are heavy as we enter into Holy Week\, the week of Jesus’s suffering and death. In the gospels\, those who celebrated Jesus mostly left him abandoned at the cross. Will we do the same? Or will we walk through Jesus through his trial of suffering? We enter worship in triumph. We leave worship with heavy hearts. \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 a.m.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/palm-sunday-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/thumbnail_Palm-Sunday.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240328T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240328T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240328T200119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240329T225542Z
UID:19633-1711652400-1711657800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Maundy Thursday
DESCRIPTION:Join us in person or online March 28\, 2024 at 7:00 PM \nWith water and a basin\, we remember that Jesus tells the disciples that he wants to wash their feet. They are bewildered by this gesture of humility and service that reverses all normal roles of authority. In humility\, we symbolically wash our hands and hear the call to serve and love. Breaking the bread and lifting the cup of grace\, Jesus says\, come and eat with me for this grace can transform you. As our worship closes\, we strip the sanctuary by removing all ornaments\, linens\, and paraments. This is symbolic of the humiliation of Jesus at the hands of the soldiers.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/maundy-thursday-2/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240331T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240331T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240329T003549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240331T132423Z
UID:19638-1711879200-1711886400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Sunday\, March 31st ~ Easter Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Christ the Lord is risen! Alleluia. Come\, join us for Easter as we sing our praise and raise our joys and triumphs high with brass\, choir\, organ\, and timpani declaring that love’s redeeming work is done. Easter begins in the dark and moves into our lives as the dawn lights up the sky and our hearts are filled once again with the hope that Christ leads us to a redemptive love. Invite your friends and family to join us for worship as we remember. \nJoin us in person or online at 10:00 am
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/easter/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Copy-of-First-United-Methodist-Church-of-Klamazoo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240407T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240407T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240404T214026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240404T225207Z
UID:19814-1712484000-1712489400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Second Sunday of Easter: How We Respond
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday\, April 7\, at 10 am for worship\, either in person or online. We’ll celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter\, reflecting on the themes of unity\, generosity\, and divine mercy as portrayed in Acts 4:32-35 and 1 John 1:1-2:2. Let’s come together to explore the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection and the call to live out our faith in community. \nIn Acts 4:32-35\, the passage describes the early Christian community living in unity and harmony\, sharing their possessions and resources with one another. They held everything in common\, and no one among them was in need because those who owned land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds to the apostles\, who distributed them according to each person’s need. This narrative highlights the spirit of generosity and communal living that characterized the early followers of Jesus\, emphasizing the importance of caring for one another and sharing resources in Christian community. \nIn 1 John 1:1-2:2\, we reflect on the nature of Jesus Christ\, emphasizing his divinity and humanity. The passage speaks of the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ\, the Word of life. John declares that they have seen\, heard\, and touched this Word of life\, bearing witness to the reality of Jesus’ incarnation. Furthermore\, the passage addresses the concept of sin and forgiveness\, asserting that if we confess our sins\, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This underscores the theme of divine mercy and forgiveness\, inviting believers to acknowledge their sins and receive God’s gracious pardon through Christ.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/second-sunday-of-easter-how-we-respond/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/c-Mumma-075-03-31-24--scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240414T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240414T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240411T195948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240414T120141Z
UID:19904-1713088800-1713094200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Third Sunday of Easter: The Essence of Resurrection
DESCRIPTION:“What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed\, we’ll see him—and in seeing him\, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready…” 1 John 3: 2  \nWe are children of God. Through the love of God\, we are claimed and called God’s children. “See what love” is the opening of this passage in the first letter of John. It is proclaimed with amazement and joy that this love is freely given. This is Eastertide\, a living and leaning into the essence of resurrection which requires an eager anticipation for the revelations of Christ. As we are attentive\, awake\, and alive in Christ we become like him. We are a Christ centered community; may we look forward to his comings and stay steady in love. Let us celebrate this Easter love! \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/third-sunday-of-easter-the-essence-of-resurrection/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240421T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240421T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240418T215711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240421T123905Z
UID:19996-1713693600-1713697200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Children and Families Ministry Sunday
DESCRIPTION:Join us this Sunday for a special celebration dedicated to our Children’s and Families Ministry. It’s a time to honor and uplift the vibrant souls who are the heart of our church’s future. \nCome experience the joy and energy as our CFM team leads us in worship. Together\, we’ll recognize the blessings they bring to our community and the vital role children play in our faith journey. \nIn addition\, we’ll take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and love to nurture the minds and hearts of our children. \nLet’s come together in celebration and appreciation this Sunday\, as we affirm our support for our children\, families\, and the volunteers who guide them with love and wisdom. Your presence will make this day even more special. \n \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/19996/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240428T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240428T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T145857
CREATED:20240425T221758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240428T125211Z
UID:20086-1714298400-1714302000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Fifth Sunday of Easter ~ Festival of God’s Creation
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday\, if you are able\, walk to church\, ride your bike to church\, call a friend and carpool to church. We celebrate the Festival of God’s Creation as we come to God in praise for the beauty of life unfolding around us. We offer thanksgiving for the creation that sustains us and makes life possible. Our worship calls us to hear from Jesus\, the Real Vine that brings forth life even while pruning us for the well-being of all. We are the branches of the Vine\, sustained\, nurtured and pruned by Love. Let us celebrate. \nColumbarium Proposal Q & A \nColumbarium Proposal Survey \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/fifth-sunday-of-easter-festival-of-gods-creation/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240424_162903382_iOS-scaled.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR