First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo

Sunday, October 20, 2024 ~ Finding Joy & Making a Joyful Noise
2024-10-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online. Throughout October our Generosity Campaign unfolds within the life of our church. It is a profound reflection and response of seeking and praying about our deep gladness, the world’s deep hunger, and how we are called to that meeting point. Our Generosity Campaign is a spiritual endeavor and a practical endeavor as well. Our vocation, our calling is positioned in our heart space, yet often our callings or the yearning of our hearts are implemented through various vehicles.  The practicality of this Generosity Campaign is that this church is a beloved space for all of us that aids us in the endeavors of our calling. We come to this space week after week, to be filled with the presence and beauty of God that allows us to go into the world with strength, courage, and joy.  We come to this place to renew our relationships, to find ourselves, and to remember that we are God’s beloved and God loves all the world. As we celebrate our deep gladness this Sunday, we hear the call to be agents of God’s mercy, grace, and friendship. Hearing this call implies there is a Caller, one who calls us into the work of our heart and calls us to be the body of Christ. We vow to give our presence to the church, to God, we must meet God’s presence with our presence. As we worship, may we make a joyful noise and serve God with gladness.

Consecration Sunday
2024-10-27 10:00 - 11:00
“Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
~Mark 10: 46-52
Join Us this Sunday as we continue to delve deeper into our generosity campaign.
It is Consecration Sunday. This is the day our Generosity Campaign has been leading up to and anticipating. To consecrate means to set apart or declare something as sacred. This Sunday, we bring our pledge cards forward and place them in the woven basket that represents our vision of God’s holy story woven with ours. The writing and planning of a given amount to the ministries of Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church is our commitment to offer our financial gifts to extend Christ’s transforming love to others. It also spiritually transforms us. Pledging our gifts reminds us to faithfully manage all God has given us. In these acts, we come before God and ask God to consecrate our deep gladness and to lead and guide us as we meet the deep hungers of the world. Let us celebrate God’s love and be woven into God’s story of restoration and transformation.

All Saints Sunday
2024-11-03 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
All Saints Sunday is a time to remember and to give thanks for those faithful witnesses of the church who have gone before us and have joined the great cloud of witnesses. In this time of worship, we speak the names of the saints, and light a candle for each one. We share the bread and cup of communion and proclaim a day when we all feast together at the table which Christ has prepared. This Sunday also opens the week of a presidential election and so we will take time early in worship to pray for our nation in this tender time.
In 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.
On 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.

Sunday, November 10, 2024 ~ Deepen Our Faith
2024-11-10 10:00 - 11:00
Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am in-person or online.
Let us pray. This is a familiar line to our Christ-centered community. Our responses are different, one from another. Some may quickly bow their heads, fold their hands, and wait for heartfelt words. Others may raise their heads and eyes, or gaze into the eyes of another, while holding hands. All are postures of prayer, and all are good and right as we seek the Lord of All Hopefulness. As Christ followers, we turn to prayer in our thanksgiving and praise and in our despair and grief. Our prayers hold so much of who we are, what we believe and who we belong to. On this Sunday that holds great uncertainty, we pray. We gather as one body, one hope, one spirit and we speak aloud our prayers. In this mighty act of faith, we rest and restore our faith, and we re-align ourselves with the abundance of God, believing that it is enough for all. Let us gather and let us pray.

Confirmation Sunday
2025-09-14 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
This Sunday in worship two students will be confirmed and one baptized. You may recall we had the strange experience of canceling worship due to the power outages in May and postponing confirmation, so we look forward doubly to this opportunity! Our text for the day recalls the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin told in response to some Pharisees complaining that Jesus was eating and spending time with people of “doubtful reputation” (The Message Translation). Jesus told stories in response to demonstrate the extent of God’s welcome to all. And being parables, there was also a twist – there was always a twist. Are we the lost or are we the ones complaining about the extent of God’s welcome? The good news, all belong and all are welcome in the fold of God’s love.

September 21, 2025 Worship
2025-09-21 10:00 - 23:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“ASP Sunday”
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
In July FUMC sent a large group of youth and adults to Johnson County Tennessee for another summer mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. This year’s theme verse was Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world…” Our worship will feature participants from our trip telling the story of how they experienced the light of Christ and shined the light of Christ through photos, storytelling and music. A special offering will be held to support next year’s ASP trip.

Sept. 28th Worship: Baptism Sunday
2025-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost with Baptism
As we gather this Sunday, we are invited to reflect on the deep hunger within us all—a hunger not for material wealth, but for compassion, connection, and purpose. Let us come together to share in the richness of community, to open our hearts to one another, and to seek a life overflowing with grace and love. In this sacred space, may we find the courage to confront our own fears and desires, and commit ourselves to living with intention and generosity. Together, let us embrace the call to respond to the needs around us, to share what we have, and to be a voice for justice and compassion in a world that longs for hope. Join us as we worship, pray, and lift our voices in gratitude for the opportunities we have to make a difference. It is not too late for us—let us take this moment to ask ourselves: How will we respond? Come, let us worship together as we welcome a child into our church community through baptism.

October 5 Worship
2025-10-05 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
World Communion Sunday.  Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday. Our worship reminds us that we are part of a global family, called to share God’s love through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. We will take a special denominational offering which is dedicated to nurturing diverse leadership within the church by allocating funds for scholarships and leadership training for under-represented students.
We invite you to join us this October as we embrace our annual Generosity Campaign. Throughout this month, we celebrate the spirit of gratitude and the foundation laid by those who came before us, enabling us to foster hope in these challenging times. As a Christ-centered community, we’re called to uplift and support one another, commit to supporting our church and outreach efforts, reflecting our values of love, inclusion, community, and justice. Every contribution, no matter how small, strengthens our collective mission and uplifts those around us. Together, let us embrace the spirit of generosity and unity on this meaningful Sunday. We look forward to worshiping with you!

October 12 Worship
2025-10-12 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Are You One of the Nine?”
“He thanked him….and he was a Samaritan” In this brief verse the Gospel writer holds seemingly opposing realities. A man has given glory to God AND he was a Samaritan. Also, much like other Gospel texts there were two healings. The first was a physical healing (they were made clean), and the second was salvific (your faith has made you well). There is in this text a relationship found between our gratitude and our spiritual wholeness. God longs to heal us as Jesus healed the ten. But wholeness is more than physical healing. It comes from the reciprocal nature of our faith practice. God’s mercy in our lives responded to in acts of gratitude and praise.

October 19 Worship
2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Continuing our Generosity Campaign ~ How Firm a Foundation: Abounding in Hope
“The Gift of Persistence” led by Rev. Julie Kline (Luke 18:1-8)
Bulletin_October_19_2025

October 26 Worship
2025-10-26 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Consecration Sunday”
led by Rev. Julie Kline (Romans 15:4-13 and Psalm 65)

November 2 Worship
2025-10-30 08:00 - 17:00
“All Saints Day”
Rev. Matt Weiler (Ephesians 1:11-14)

November 9 Worship
2025-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Imagining Possibility” Rev. Julie Kline (Haggai 2:1-2:9)
We will inevitably face disappointments and problems in life. It is ours to believe that we are not alone in these hard times; God is with us. As we worship, we’ll lift our prayers, sing our praises, and reflect on the lessons of perseverance that unite us as siblings in faith, reminding us that hope can flourish even in challenging times. The Holy Spirit leads us from problems to possibilities if we dare to imagine and embrace the potential of a spirit-filled life. Come, as we embark on this spiritual journey together, and let the power of worship renew our spirits and embolden us to face the future with confidence and joy. Let us envision that our stories are woven with God’s story.

November 16 Worship
2025-11-16 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
“Drink from the Deep Wells”
Rev. Julie Kline (Isaiah 12:1-6)

November 23 Worship
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Reign of Christ Sunday with Baptism
Rev. Matt Weiler (Colossians 1:11-20)

Sunday Worship Service - 1st Sunday of Advent
2025-11-30 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Celebrate the First Sunday of Advent with Us!

This Sunday at 10:00 AM, we gather in the Sanctuary for a beautiful Advent worship service titled:
“In the Time of Herod, We Long for God to Break In.”
Pastor Julie Kline will lead us in reflection and hope as we begin this sacred season together.
We are a Reconciling Church, committed to welcoming all people with open hearts and open doors. No matter who you are or where you come from, you have a place here.
Come join us as we light the first Advent candle, share in meaningful music, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Bring your family, invite a friend—all are welcome!
Bulletin 11.30.25 with insert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5BvOxh6Mx8

Walk the Labyrinth This Advent - Join Pastor Julie for a shared time of devotion and walking the labyrinth following worship
2025-11-30 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-14 11:00 - 12:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Walk the Labyrinth This Advent!

Discover a quiet, prayerful space in the midst of the season. The labyrinth will be set up in Wesley Hall each Sunday of Advent—November 30, December 14, and December 21 (please note: it will not be available on December 7).
Following worship, join us for a shared time of devotion and walking the labyrinth—a gentle way to center your heart and soul.
Several people can walk at once, but please move with care and grace, allowing space for one another as we journey together.
As a Reconciling Congregation, we welcome everyone—no matter who you are or where you come from. Come as you are, breathe deeply, and find your quiet path this Advent. All are welcome.

Walk the Labyrinth - Self Guided Tour
2025-11-30 17:30 - 19:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Walk the Labyrinth This Advent!

Discover a quiet, prayerful space in the midst of the season. The labyrinth will be set up in Wesley Hall each Sunday of Advent—November 30, December 14, and December 21 (please note: it will not be available on December 7).
Following worship, join us for a shared time of devotion and walking the labyrinth—a gentle way to center your heart and soul.
Prefer a more personal experience? The labyrinth will also be open for self-guided prayer walks on Sunday evenings from 5:30–7:30 p.m. throughout Advent (except December 7).
Several people can walk at once, but please move with care and grace, allowing space for one another as we journey together.
As a Reconciling Congregation, we welcome everyone—no matter who you are or where you come from. Come as you are, breathe deeply, and find your quiet path this Advent. All are welcome.

Advent Concert Series Concert 1 - David Brown
2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join Us for Advent Concerts!

We’re excited to invite everyone to a special series of four Advent concerts in our beautiful Sanctuary. The first concert will be Thursday, December 4, at 12:00 noon, the perfect time to pause during your lunch hour and enjoy the spirit of the season.
Our featured artist will be David Brown—a gifted guitarist, singer, and handbell ringer—presenting “Through the Eyes of a Child.” This program promises to bring fresh wonder and joy to the Advent season.
Bring a friend, take a break from the holiday rush, and let music fill your heart with peace and anticipation. All are welcome—come and celebrate with us!

Sunday Worship Service - 2nd Week of Advent
2025-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join Us for the Second Sunday of Advent!
On Sunday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m., we gather in the Sanctuary for a meaningful Advent worship service titled:
“When We’re Running Out of Hope, God Is at Work.”
Rev. Matt Weiler will lead us in exploring the promise of God’s presence through Matthew 11:1–11 and Isaiah 43:19–21.
As a Reconciling Church, we welcome everyone—no exceptions. Come as you are and experience the hope and renewal of this sacred season.
Bring your family, invite a friend, and join us as we light the second Advent candle and celebrate God’s work among us. All are welcome!
Bulletin 12.7.25 with insert

Academy Class: “Looking Deeply: A Meditative Journey with Our Stained Glass Windows,” led by Mark Stucky
2025-12-07 11:00 - 12:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Stay After Worship for Something Special!

Looking for a meaningful way to deepen your Advent experience? Join us for Academy Classes—our Sunday School for adults—right after the 10:00 a.m. service.
On November 23, December 7, and December 14, we’ll explore “Looking Deeply: A Meditative Journey with Our Stained Glass Windows,” led by Mark Stucky.
Take a closer look at the beauty around us and discover the stories and spiritual insights hidden in the glass. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with others in a welcoming space.
As a Reconciling Congregation, we invite everyone to join—come as you are and bring your curiosity!
All are welcome—stay, learn, and be inspired.

Kalamazoo Community Chorale Concert "There is Still Our Joy"
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Kick Off the Holiday Season with Music and Joy!
The Kalamazoo Community Chorale invites you to their festive holiday concert on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. right here at Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church.
Join us for “There Is Still Our Joy”—an afternoon filled with beloved holiday favorites, fresh new tunes, and even a chance for the audience to sing along!
The Chorale is an 80-voice ensemble of women from across the community who love the beauty of four-part harmony and the joy of singing together.
Come share in the music, the laughter, and the spirit of the season. Bring your friends and family—all are welcome!

Last Day to Bring In Salvation Army Angel Tree Items
2025-12-09 09:00 - 09:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
🎄 Last Call for Angel Tree Gifts! 🎄

Tuesday, 12/9 at 9:00 AM is the final deadline to bring in your Salvation Army Angel Tree items!
Missed the drop-off? No worries—take them directly to the Salvation Army or check with our office team for other options.

Candlelight Service 7pm with Childcare Available
2025-12-10 19:00 - 20:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Candlelight Service ~

Step out of the holiday rush and into the glow of peace. Join us for a special Candlelight Service on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
This sacred gathering offers a quiet center in the midst of December’s bustle—a time for worship, reflection, and renewal as we celebrate Advent. The Sanctuary will shimmer with twinkling lights and candlelight, creating an atmosphere of calm and beauty.
Together, we’ll share gentle singing, prayer, communion, and Scripture—forming a space where hope shines bright and the warmth of God’s presence fills our hearts.
If you’re attending the Mosaic Workshop earlier in the evening, this service is the perfect way to end your day. Come and find the stillness your soul longs for. All are welcome—bring a friend and let the light in.
Childcare will be provided for this service.

Advent Concert Series - Emily Barron and Friends
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Take a Midday Break for Beautiful Music!

Join us on Thursday, December 11 at 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary for a special Advent Concert featuring Choral Scholar Emily Barron (soprano) and friends.
This is the perfect way to pause during your lunch hour and soak in the joy and peace of the season. Come enjoy exquisite voices, uplifting melodies, and a moment of calm in the midst of December’s bustle.
As a Reconciling Congregation, we welcome everyone—bring a friend, invite a coworker, and share in the beauty of Advent music. All are welcome!

The Kalamazoo Ringers Matinee Concert “Above All this Bustle…Silver Bells”
2025-12-13 15:00 - 16:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Experience the Magic of Handbells This Christmas!
The Kalamazoo Ringers invite you to their annual holiday concert, “Above All This Bustle…Silver Bells,” in the beautiful sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in downtown Kalamazoo.
Join us on Saturday, December 13 for two free concerts—a 3:00 p.m. matinee and a 7:00 p.m. evening performance. Both are open to the public, with a freewill offering collected during intermission.
Celebrate the season with glorious music played on seven octaves of handbells, six octaves of choir chimes, and their brand-new Silver Melody Bells! Seventeen talented ringers will fill the space with holiday favorites and joyful sounds that will lift your spirit.
As a thank-you to our generous community, we’ll also be collecting hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves for local schools and shelters—help us share warmth in more ways than one!
Come for the music, stay for the joy—all are welcome!

Kalamazoo Ringers Evening Performance - "Above All This Bustle.... Silver Bells"
2025-12-13 19:00 - 20:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States

Sunday Worship - 3rd Sunday of Advent
2025-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent with Us!

Join us on Sunday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary as we continue our Advent journey with the theme: “Even in Our Fear, We Are Called Forward.”
This special service will feature inspiring music from our Chancel Choir and Handbells, filling the space with joy and hope as we light the third Advent candle.
We are a Reconciling Church, welcoming all people with open hearts and open doors. Come as you are and experience the beauty and promise of this season.
Bring a friend, invite your family—everyone is welcome!

Academy Class: “Looking Deeply: A Meditative Journey with Our Stained Glass Windows,” led by Mark Stucky.
2025-12-14 11:00 - 12:30 | First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
