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X-WR-CALNAME:First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://umc-kzo.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221205
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221123T224828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221201T231258Z
UID:13313-1670112000-1670198399@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advent Labyrinth: A Prayer Practice
DESCRIPTION:There is a long history of the use of labyrinths in Christian worship. The purpose of the labyrinth is to slow us down and\, in this season\, we contemplate the themes of Advent. The Advent and Christmas scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery. In these scriptures\, home is both physical and metaphorical\, something we seek and something we are called to build. In many ways\, these scriptures are like designs detailing the dreams of a God who makes a home with us. Ultimately\, God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a home on earth; sacred ground is all around us. Labyrinth prayer walking can ready our spirits to be part of God’s Kingdom and for the Christ to settle into the manger of our hearts. The labyrinth will be set up in Wesley Hall throughout the season of Advent. You are invited to walk the labyrinth after worship on Sunday or any weekday between the hours of 9am-4pm. It is safe for several people to walk the labyrinth at one time but please be allow space for each walker. This labyrinth requires the removal of your shoes to preserve the cloth of the labyrinth. The labyrinth can take 10-20 minutes to walk\, depending on your pace and the time you spend in the middle. There will also be prayer stations set up outside the four corners of the labyrinth. Please make use of them to enhance your time of prayer and contemplation. If you have never walked a labyrinth\, I encourage you to try this ancient prayer practice to quiet your mind\, center yourself\, and allow your spirit to be in prayer\, curiosity\, and expectation. Peace be with you. \nPastor Julie \nHow to walk a labyrinth: \nTake off your shoes; this is holy ground. Enter the labyrinth slowly\, calming and clearing your mind. This may be done by repeating a prayer or chant. \nOpen your senses and focus on the process of taking slow and deliberate steps. Bring to mind a prayer or spiritual question to contemplate during the walk to the center. \nReaching the center\, pause to reflect\, pray\, and listen for an answer or for more profound revelation. Now begin the return journey. Pray or reflect further. Upon \nexiting\, absorb the experience with continued reflection\, prayer\, or journaling. There are four prayer stations around the room for you to use before or after walking the labyrinth. Peace be with you. \n 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advent-labyrinth-a-prayer-practice/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Advent-Labyrinth.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221204T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221204T230000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221201T214901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221201T215107Z
UID:13496-1670148000-1670194800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Laying the foundation. Second Sunday of Advent
DESCRIPTION:As we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent\, we hear of the birth of John the Baptist and the dramatic response of his father\, Zechariah who has been mute throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Zechariah prophesies about God’s salvation that will guide our path into the way of peace. This is a foundation that centers on a way of being that fosters God’s shalom. Let us celebrate the laying of this foundation that is the actions of forgiveness\, mercy\, compassion and peace. Come\, O Come\, Emmanuel\, guide our feet. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10 am. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice. \n  \n\nLed by: Rev. Julie Kline \n\n\nLuke 1:57-66
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/laying-the-foundation-second-sunday-of-advent/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Sunday-December-4-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221204T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221204T193000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20220505T192837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220911T061420Z
UID:8239-1670176800-1670182200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Youth Group
DESCRIPTION:Youth Group is a gathering just for young people in 6th through 12th grade. The group meets most Sunday evenings in the Youth Center downstairs at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. For upcoming meeting information\, please contact Pastor Matt at mweiler@umc-kzo.org.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/youth-tribe-2-2022-12-04/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/YouthTribe.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221218T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221218T110000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221215T230118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221216T162724Z
UID:13632-1671357600-1671361200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Fourth Sunday of Advent Close to Home: Seeking Sanctuary
DESCRIPTION:Mary has received the news from the angel Gabriel that she will bear a son named Jesus\, and he will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary then travels to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home to find refuge and absorb her new calling. With Elizabeth she receives a safe haven which allows her to open her heart and sing praises. Sanctuary is essential for all and is established anywhere God’s love dwells freely and abundantly. \nPraises on this morning will be sung by the First Beats musical ensemble as they present the Christmas musical “Room for Christmas.” Through this musical the children will lead us to discover the true joy and wonder of Christmas by making room for what really matters. Come and worship and let us experience the love and wonder offered by the advent of Christ. \nJoin us in person or online for worship on Sundays at 10 am. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/fourth-sunday-of-advent-close-to-home-seeking-sanctuary/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Copy-of-First-United-Methodist-Church.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221218T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221218T123000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221123T193353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221217T234136Z
UID:13299-1671361200-1671366600@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Advent Academy Class (week 4 of 4)
DESCRIPTION:Prepare the Way of the Lord!\nIn each of the Gospels\, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John\, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to “prepare the way of the Lord.” For centuries\, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In this video-based class\, Rev. Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming. When we hear the message of John the Baptist\, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ. John Clark will facilitate the discussion.\n\nLink to the hardcover book below:\nPrepare the Way of the Lord! book  Rev Adam Hamilton 
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/advent-academy-class-week-4-of-4/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Advent.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T170000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221222T181204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221224T174920Z
UID:13757-1671897600-1671901200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:4:00 pm service  Children & Family Worship (4 pm and 11 pm services are canceled. We will still have 7 pm)
DESCRIPTION:This service will include a sweet and simple retelling of the night of Jesus’ birth and the singing of Christmas Carols. \nMary and Joseph are journeying even though she is in the last stages of her pregnancy. They travel to be counted in the census; it is a fulfillment of their civic duty. As the time comes for the birth\, they need a safe place. There is no room and yet\, one person finds a space\, extends an unexpected and holy invitation. Jesus is born into this world without an invitation\, but his birth only comes into fruition because repeatedly\, humanity says “yes” to unexpected blessings and guests. On this Christmas Eve\, may we make room in our own lives for the holy. As we raise our candles amid a darkened night\, we sing our hopes of a dawn of redeeming grace. Let us celebrate this holiest of nights and find ourselves invited home. \nChildcare will be available during this service.    \nJoin us in person for this special Christmas Eve service. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/400-pm-service-children-family-worship/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Add-a-subheading.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T203000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221222T182144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221224T233316Z
UID:13762-1671908400-1671913800@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service: Lessons & Carols
DESCRIPTION:Important update for the 4pm and 11Pm Service! \nDue to inclement weather\, the 4pm and 11pm services on Christmas Eve have been cancelled. However\, we will still be holding a service at 7pm\, which will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. We are still having Sunday service at 10 am tomorrow. \nScripture lessons and Christmas carols with the choir\, organ\, and brass ensemble. Make sure you join us in person or online\, this Service will be livestreamed. \nMary and Joseph are journeying even though she is in the last stages of her pregnancy. They travel to be counted in the census; it is a fulfillment of their civic duty. As the time comes for the birth\, they need a safe place. There is no room and yet\, one person finds a space\, extends an unexpected and holy invitation. Jesus is born into this world without an invitation\, but his birth only comes into fruition because repeatedly\, humanity says “yes” to unexpected blessings and guests. On this Christmas Eve\, may we make room in our own lives for the holy. As we raise our candles amid a darkened night\, we sing our hopes of a dawn of redeeming grace. Let us celebrate this holiest of nights and find ourselves invited home. \nJoin us in person or online for worship. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/700-pm-christmas-eve-service-lessons-carols/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Add-a-subheading.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221224T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221225T003000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221222T182659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221224T174857Z
UID:13765-1671922800-1671928200@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:11:00 pm Service Carols & Communion (4 pm and 11 pm services are canceled. We will still have 7 pm )
DESCRIPTION:Lessons\, Carols\, and Communion.Nursery not available \nMary and Joseph are journeying even though she is in the last stages of her pregnancy. They travel to be counted in the census; it is a fulfillment of their civic duty. As the time comes for the birth\, they need a safe place. There is no room and yet\, one person finds a space\, extends an unexpected and holy invitation. Jesus is born into this world without an invitation\, but his birth only comes into fruition because repeatedly\, humanity says “yes” to unexpected blessings and guests. On this Christmas Eve\, may we make room in our own lives for the holy. As we raise our candles amid a darkened night\, we sing our hopes of a dawn of redeeming grace. Let us celebrate this holiest of nights and find ourselves invited home. \nJoin us in person or online for worship. Before you join us for in-person worship\, please review our updated mask optional practice.
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/1100-pm-service-carols-communion/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Add-a-subheading.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20221225T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20221225T110000
DTSTAMP:20260610T054941
CREATED:20221223T164120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221223T164330Z
UID:13791-1671962400-1671966000@umc-kzo.org
SUMMARY:Christmas Day
DESCRIPTION:We want to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to join us for our Christmas day service. \nWe will come together as a community to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the love and hope that His arrival brings. The service will be filled with the sounds of carols and the readings of beloved scripture passages\, as well as a message of joy and peace. \nWe believe that Christmas is a time to come together and remember the greatest gift of all: the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Whether you are a regular attendee or are new to our community\, we would love for you to be a part of this special day with us. \nWe hope that you will consider joining us for this celebration of faith and love. We look forward to seeing you there! \nAs we open ourselves to worship\, remember that this is not really our day or the family’s day. This is about Jesus. First and foremost\, this is the day when the distance between heaven and earth was removed and God set up camp among us; God moved into the neighborhood or “tented among us\,” which is proclaimed in the Gospel of John. It is about the closeness of the living presence of God\, incarnate in the one we call Jesus. \n  \nThis Service will not be live streamed!
URL:https://umc-kzo.org/event/christmas-day/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:Service
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://umc-kzo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Kalamazoo-First-United-Methodist-Church.png
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