Events

Dr. Peter Kurdziel brings a depth of artistry shaped by years of service to the church and a profound love for the musical tradition. His performances illuminate the interior journey of Lent — thoughtful, balanced, and filled with moments of grace. Through his clear musical lines and contemplative interpretations, we are guided into a deeper awareness of God’s faithfulness and the quiet joy that sustains us through this season.

This recital series is offered in loving memory of Bernie Foulk, whose deep devotion to music and faith continues to inspire us. Bernie believed that sacred music opens the heart to God’s presence, and we honor his legacy by sharing the beauty he cherished.

Marilyn Ossentjuk offers a recital filled with gentleness and heartfelt sincerity. Her approach to music reflects a life shaped by service, compassion, and faith. Each piece is offered with warmth, inviting the listener to rest in God’s peace. Marilyn’s sensitive touch and expressive spirit remind us that the season of Lent, though reflective, is also a time of profound comfort and deep, abiding joy.

This recital series is offered in loving memory of Bernie Foulk, whose deep devotion to music and faith continues to inspire us. Bernie believed that sacred music opens the heart to God’s presence, and we honor his legacy by sharing the beauty he cherished.

Tour Stop March 12th Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church The Spelman College Glee Club is the premier performance organization at the College and performs at most campus events. It has had the unique opportunity to perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, world-renowned singer Jessye Norman, and as part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. With each performance, audiences are left in awe

Pause in the beginning  of your week and enter a space of stillness. The Labyrinth invites you to bring your questions, your hopes, and your longing to live faithfully. As you walk, consider the ways God calls us to be bearers of compassion and justice. Let each step guide you deeper into the heart of Lent and into the work of love that the world needs.

Join us for a joyful Potluck Gathering before class!
You’re welcome to come just for the potluck, stay for both potluck and class, or simply arrive in time for class—whatever fits your evening best. The choice is completely yours!
We’re calling it a Wild Bonanza Potluck because anything goes! Bring a favorite dish, a family recipe, a store‑bought surprise, or whatever inspires you in the moment. We’ll spread everything out, share generously, and enjoy a fanciful feast together before we settle into class time.
Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and enjoy a wonderful evening with our community.

Gail and Andrew Jennings bring together two instruments — organ and violin — in a shared offering of beauty and devotion. Their music speaks tenderly to the heart, blending strength and delicacy in ways that lift the soul. The pairing of their gifts creates a contemplative landscape that invites prayer, gratitude, and a renewed awareness of God’s presence. This recital becomes a reminder of how music unites us, heals us, and points us toward hope.

This recital series is offered in loving memory of Bernie Foulk, whose deep devotion to music and faith continues to inspire us. Bernie believed that sacred music opens the heart to God’s presence, and we honor his legacy by sharing the beauty he cherished.

Jenna Saldaña from El Porvenir will be joining us during worship to share about their mission, followed by a time of conversation where she will provide additional information and insight into the impactful work El Porvenir is doing in the communities they serve.

Continue your Lenten journey with another opportunity to walk the Labyrinth. Whether you seek clarity, courage, or a moment of holy rest, this contemplative walk can open space to hear God’s whisper. Together, we reflect on how our daily choices might help ‘roll down justice’ like flowing waters—steady, faithful, and life-giving.

🎶🔥 Kalamazoo, let’s raise our voices together! 🔥🎶
Come join us for an energizing, all‑community sing with Singing Resistance Kalamazoo—where everyone belongs and every voice matters.
No experience needed. Seriously.
✨ We sing simple, powerful songs taught by ear.
✨ Anyone can jump in—whether you’ve sung for years or never sung in a group before.
✨ The songs center on solidarity, love, resistance, grief, and hope—music that helps us breathe, connect, and find strength together.
Singing Resistance is part of a national movement using song as a tool for solace, strength, and collective courage. We sing to uplift one another, to stand together, and to refuse cooperation with oppressive forces.
This is a welcoming space for all made possible by the belief in the power of community.
Come ready to sing.
Come ready to listen.
Come ready to feel the spark of voices rising as one.
💛 All are welcome—every voice, every background, every level of experience.
Let’s fill the sanctuary with sound, spirit, and the beautiful energy of people coming together.
We can’t wait to sing with you! 🎵🙌

Robert Ragoonanan closes our series with a program grounded in faith-filled artistry. His music carries both reverence and joyful assurance, offering a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the nearness of God. With thoughtful interpretation and deep musical conviction, Robert leads us into the final days of Lent with hearts uplifted and spirits renewed — a fitting conclusion to this season of sacred reflection.

This recital series is offered in loving memory of Bernie Foulk, whose deep devotion to music and faith continues to inspire us. Bernie believed that sacred music opens the heart to God’s presence, and we honor his legacy by sharing the beauty he cherished.

Join us for a joyful and spirit‑filled community gathering of Kalamazoo‑area churches as we come together for a shared Palm Sunday Blessing of the Palms in the heart of Bronson Park.

This multi‑church celebration is a cherished moment when our congregations unite as one body—lifting our voices, raising our palms, and stepping together into Holy Week with hope, gratitude, and praise. Surrounded by the historic beauty of the park and the warmth of our shared faith, we will remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the welcome of a people longing for peace.

As the palm branches are blessed and shared among us, may the entire community feel the sweep of grace, the renewing breath of spring, and the joy of gathering as neighbors and friends.

Following the blessing, First United Methodist Church will host the Palm Sunday worship service and a Palm Sunday Brunch, and all are warmly invited to continue the morning in reverence, fellowship, and celebration.

Come and be part of this beautiful expression of unity, faith, and tradition.

All are welcome—just as you are.

Following our Palm Sunday worship service at First United Methodist Church, everyone is warmly invited to a festive Palm Sunday Brunch—a time to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the beginning of Holy Week as a church family.

As we move from the echoes of “Hosanna!” in the sanctuary into the welcoming space of fellowship, we’ll continue the spirit of joy, connection, and community that marks this sacred day. The brunch table will be set with delicious offerings and warm conversation.

Whether you joined us at the multi‑church Blessing of the Palms in Bronson Park, participated in worship, or simply wish to share in the fellowship of the morning, you are invited and welcomed.

Come as you are, stay as you’re able, and let this meal be a beautiful beginning to Holy Week—a moment to pause, savor, and be together in the love and grace of Christ.

On Holy Thursday, step into the Labyrinth as we remember Jesus’ commandment to love one another. In the soft quiet of this evening, walk with intention, reflecting on humility, service, and the courage it takes to live love in action. May this walk prepare our hearts to follow Christ on the path of self-giving love that leads to justice and hope.

You are invited to a solemn and meaningful Good Friday walk through the Labyrinth. As we remember Christ’s journey, we contemplate the weight of injustice and the depth of God’s love. Let each step help us consider how we, too, can bear witness to healing, hope, and justice in our world. The path today is both reflective and resolute—a walk toward resurrection promise.