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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220227T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220224T163656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T145150Z
UID:7167-1645956000-1645959600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Seeing the Glory
DESCRIPTION:On this Sunday we climb the mountain with the disciples\, Peter\, James and John\, to see the glory of Christ revealed and the truth affirmed that Jesus is the Son of God. Transfiguration Sunday plays an important and pivotal role in our journey of discipleship just as it did for the disciples then. On this day\, seeing Christ’s glory we will sing of the glory of God and give praise. This “mountain top” experience will prepare for a new trajectory that begins on Ash Wednesday\, when we turn our hearts and minds towards Jesus’s journey to the cross of crucifixion during the season of Lent. But for now\, on this day\, we’ll linger with the disciples up on the mountain seeing and praising Jesus in all his glory. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/seeing-the-glory/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Feb27Worship.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220220T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220220T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220217T203851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220220T150444Z
UID:7142-1645351200-1645354800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Be Still and Know
DESCRIPTION:Be still before God. Wait patiently. Are these passive words? Or reserved actions? The Hebrew of God’s command to “be still” is similar to stop what you are doing and know me. Be still\, so that you may be emptied and then filled with God. Stop praying and be prayer\, allow God to pray through you. Allow God to be in your head\, your heart and live through you. Be still. It is not passive. It is receiving\, filling and then turning to fulfill love. As we worship together and baptize a child of God\, let us remember that God claims us\, helps\, and protects us and loves us too. This is comfort for the soul. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/be-still-and-know/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/jo-jo-Eg5eootTvqM-unsplash-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220213T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220213T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220210T215038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220210T215038Z
UID:7120-1644746400-1644750000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:To Stand Grounded
DESCRIPTION:This week in worship\, we continue to find comfort in the wisdom and hope of the Psalms\, looking to Psalm 1. Central to this ancient poem is the image of a healthy fruit-bearing tree\, planted by the water; an image likened to those whose lives are grounded not in the messaging of popular consumer culture\, rather\, in the word and the law of God. Psalm 1\, a preamble of sorts to the entire book of Psalms assures the reader that God’s desire is for us to prosper and to thrive\, as the fruit bearing tree. On this Coffeehouse Sunday we’ll ponder the notion that “We were made to more than just survive\, we were made to thrive…” and ask the question\, “How is God leading me to prosper and thrive in this time?” Those in the sanctuary will be invited to write responses on a paper ribbon and hang them on the tree to reflect the imagery of the Psalm. Home worshipers are encouraged to have paper and pencil ready for journaling during this time of worship. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/to-stand-grounded/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Comfort-for-the-Soul-To-Stand-Grounded.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220206T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220202T214913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220206T145538Z
UID:7025-1644141600-1644145200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Steadfast Love
DESCRIPTION:This Sunday we receive a song of thanksgiving that brings comfort to our soul as our spirit finds union with the Divine. God offers a steadfast love that is consistent and constant\, and we find ourselves turning to receive with hearts of gratitude. It is a practice that needs to be cultivated in our lives. It is a journey that restores and renews our courage and compassion each time we attune ourselves to the love of God. On this Sunday\, in the bleak mid-winter let us find the holy ground of gratitude as we participate in the ritual of Holy Communion. If you are worshipping from home\, please prepare elements of communion\, bread and juice\, crackers and water\, even cereal and milk. It is the receptive heart that God most desires. Let us experience God’s steadfast love. \nWe will celebrate communion this Sunday. For those joining us for worship online\, please bring bread and juice to your home worship space. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/comfort-for-the-soul-steadfast-love/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/brigitte-tohm-uf1hL86e6bU-unsplash-resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220130T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220130T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220127T211317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220127T211447Z
UID:6934-1643536800-1643540400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Comfort for the Soul: Shelter Me
DESCRIPTION:“I will look back in days to come and realize your faithfulness has led me home. Within your house I’ll find my peace\, trusting that in your mercy you have sheltered me.”  \nFrom “Shelter Me” by Father Michael Joncas \nThis Sunday we are beginning a spinoff of sorts of our traditional New Year Rhythms of the Soul series. Where in the past we have developed themes from popular music (old and new)\, this year we are looking to the Psalms for comfort and refuge while singing music to accompany the Psalms. Entering the third year of the pandemic with a current uptick in infections has left many with continued feelings of isolation\, grief\, abandonment and just plain old sadness and frustration. The Psalms provide us with words to pray through each of these experiences. This week’s text\, Psalm 71\, reminds us that God is a refuge to be trusted\, a rock and a fortress. Along with the Psalm\, we will sing “Shelter Me” written at the beginning of the pandemic by Father Michael Joncas. “Shelter Me” mirrors the sentiment of Psalm 71 as well as the 23rd Psalm\, and reminds us of God’s presence in our past and God’s faithfulness in our future. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/comfort-of-the-soul-shelter-me/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Comfort-for-the-Soul-Header.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220123T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220123T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220120T220421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220124T183448Z
UID:6835-1642932000-1642935600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Being the Body of Christ
DESCRIPTION:“For just as the body is one and has many members\, and all the members of the body\, though many\, are one body\, so it is with Christ.”  – 1 Corinthians 12:12 \nRelationships form us. As we gather for worship\, we celebrate our relationship with the Holy and with one another. We remember and experience how these relationships have the potential to transform us. We have been created by God\, gifted by God\, given life by God and we open ourselves to creating connections that express the body of Christ. Our bodies are good. Our bodies are vessels for the Holy to do marvelous works of love in the world. As we worship\, let us gather anticipating that God joins us together as a strong community bound in love. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/being-the-body-of-christ/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/olivia-snow-resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220116T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220116T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220113T213643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220116T143354Z
UID:6743-1642327200-1642330800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Spirit for the Common Good
DESCRIPTION:“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Dr. Martin Luther King\, Jr. \nLove is a motivating power and when we pair it with our God given gifts and seek to serve others\, we can transform ourselves\, our community\, and the world. As we worship today\, we hear the Apostle Paul and Dr. Martin Luther King\, Jr. calling us to the common good\, united by the Spirit for the transformation of the world. Come and worship and be sustained by God’s love and presence\, joining together in one spirit as we build the beloved community. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am. If you’re joining us in person\, please review our updated Covid practices.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/spirit-for-the-common-good/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/oleg-illarionov-Oy2DiS1XXGc-unsplash-resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220109T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220109T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20220106T202950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220109T134212Z
UID:6625-1641722400-1641726000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:First Sunday After the Epiphany
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to join us for coffeehouse worship! \nAs we continue to experience the Epiphany\, we celebrate Light being revealed to the world. Our worship will seek the light as we remember the baptism of Jesus and our own baptism. Our Co-Lay Leaders\, Tammy Eaton and Donna Dunyak will lead worship along with several lay persons on this Laity Sunday. As we experience a baptism of Light\, we remember that we are to be the light\, so that others may see in us the Light of Christ. We acknowledge the light we have seen in one another and give God thanks for that vision in the darkness. Come\, God claims you and loves you\, let us celebrate this Light given to us. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/first-sunday-after-the-epiphany/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LightResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20220102T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20220102T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20211228T144600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220106T203414Z
UID:6548-1641117600-1641121200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Second Sunday After Christmas: The Risk of Incarnation
DESCRIPTION:The day of Epiphany is Thursday\, January 6 and in anticipation of Epiphany we hear the story of the Three Wise Men today in our worship. This story\, found in the gospel of Matthew\, continues the whimsical and beautiful pageantry we are so fond of remembering at Christmas time\, but it also carries a subtext full of intrigue and risk\, indicating to us that our pursuits of the Christ child might call us to take our own risks. On this first Sunday of the New Year\, we will also celebrate the Eucharist\, and together\, take the risk of discovering\, along with the wise men\, the gift and love of the Christ Child. \nThose who are worshiping from home are invited to prepare bread and grape juice to participate in the Eucharist celebration. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10am.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/second-sunday-after-christmas-the-risk-of-incarnation/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/threewisemen_resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211226T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211226T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
CREATED:20211223T010906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211226T062948Z
UID:6485-1640512800-1640516400@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:The First Sunday after Christmas: Dwelling
DESCRIPTION:There will be no in person or live streamed worship service at FUMC Kalamazoo on December 26\, 2021. \nA welcome from Pastor Julie Kline will be streamed at 10am on Sunday\, Dec. 26\, 2021. You can access on our site or via YouTube. \nOn this Sunday after Christmas\, we invite all to worship from home using a simple liturgy that will be mailed and available online. While some have returned to the sanctuary this year for “in-person” worship\, many have continued to worship online from your homes. On this first Sunday after Christmas\, we invite all to continue our collective celebrations of Christ’s birth by worshiping from home. It is our hope that this liturgy moves you to experience the joy of Christmas\, the love of Christ\, and the good news of Emmanuel – God with us. The staff and worship leaders share this liturgy with you in gratitude for an opportunity to find our own spaces of rest and renewal after a busy Advent Season while continuing to navigate the unique challenges presented to us by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/the-first-sunday-after-christmas-dwelling/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/WorshipAtHomeResized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T233000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/FUMCDecember2021Resized.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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:20260403T165018
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/
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:20211224T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211224T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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:20211219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211219T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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:20211216T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211216T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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:20211212T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211212T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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:20211209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Advent Concert Series 2021
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AdventDec9.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211205T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/laura-nyhuis-Vg_B61t8EFs-unsplash-resized.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211202T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211202T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Advent Concert Series 2021
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AdventDec2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211128T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211128T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211121T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/trees-g676bd0526_640.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/YouthTribe.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211114T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/autumn-gb715eab84_640.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Manna-rotated.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211110T090000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/GodlyPlay.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211107T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/a-candle-gbc90caa98_640.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211031T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211031T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/StewardshipHandsResized.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20211024T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20211024T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T165018
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/
CATEGORIES:Service
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