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June 28, 2026, 10 am
Pride Sunday: "Bitter Water, Sweet Refrain"
Scripture is flowing with women who sing. Voicing prayers, praises, and pleas. Composing powerful messages about courage, community, compassion, and justice. In Exodus, Miriam’s song guides the Israelites safely across the sea and through the wilderness, sealing her eternal legacy as a singing prophet. In the Gospels, we learn the lyrical story of Mary and Martha, whose words and wanderings with Jesus point us to a musical message about the roles we hold in creating God’s kingdom and the love we are called to share with the world. Like these grandmothers of the faith, our own grandmothers shape our beliefs and stir our questions, teaching us the notes for turning bitter water into sweet refrain. As we worship, we will remember and re-imagine inherited songs. Come, let us celebrate the Love of God as we welcome Rebecca Wilson as our preacher and celebrate Pride Sunday.
Service Led by Rev. Julie Kline & Guest Rebecca Wilson
Worship
Baptism and Holy Communion
Sacraments
The United Methodist Church celebrates two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion (Lord’s Supper or Eucharist). These were both instituted or commanded by Christ in the Gospels.
“Sacraments are sign-acts, which include words, actions, and physical elements. They both express and convey the gracious love of God, making it visible and effective. In all our brokenness and limitations, we can receive and experience God’s grace through the sacraments.” (This Holy Mystery)
Baptism
In Baptism “we are initiated into Christ’s holy church…incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.” In baptism we reject the power of sin and begin our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, we are born into a new way of living. Whether an infant or adult, this is just the beginning.
Baptism takes place during public worship of the community we call the church. Persons of any age may be baptized. Infants, children and others unable to take the vows for themselves are presented by parents and/or sponsors. Later those young people make their personal profession of faith in the service called confirmation.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is an act through which our connection with God, each other and our life of ministry in the world is nourished and strengthened. It is a profound act of remembrance that recalls the last supper Jesus had with his disciples.
In the United Methodist communion liturgy, we pray seeking the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the gifts of bread and juice so that we will be sustained and strengthened to live as Christians in the world. We remember the saving work God has done through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We also celebrate God’s work of making us one with Christ and uniting us in ministry to all the world.
The United Methodist Church practices open table communion. This means all are welcome with no barriers to community with Jesus Christ and with others.
At Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, communion is served on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on Christmas Eve, Holy Thursday, and other special days.