beyond us vs. them w...january 15, 2020 volume 79, issue 2 beyond us vs. them “w e’re living in...
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Volume 79, Issue 2 January 15, 2020
Beyond Us vs. Them
“W e’re living in angry times. Wherever we go, whether church, school,
city hall, or Washington, D.C.; whatever we watch, whether cable
television, Facebook, or the local theater; and however we do things, whether by
email or Twitter or telephone, in person, or in a meeting—in it all, our culture is
rife with conflict… Everybody, it seems, is caught up with warding off yet another
enemy. And so, many of us are just keeping our heads down, hoping to get through
another day, causing as little trouble as we can. Something has gone terribly
wrong…and we don’t know what to do about it.”
These are some of the opening words to David Fitch’s book, The Church of Us vs.
Them: Freedom from a Faith That Feeds on Making Enemies. Can you relate? Is this
your everyday experience when you watch the news, gather with family, or even enter the doors of your local church?
As Christians, surely God calls us to something greater in the body of Christ.
This week, we’ll begin a series in the main sanctuary at Birmingham First entitled Beyond Us vs. Them. We’re taking the
next four weeks to explore how God moves us into a space beyond simply making enemies with one another to living
in Christian community in the face of all of our differences and disagreements. We’ll discover how we fall into the trap
of enemy-making and how our faith might help us to move beyond this practice.
In addition to joining us in the main sanctuary over the next four weeks, I also hope that you will think about signing up
for the new journey group that I’ll be leading on this book and series beginning Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m. If you’d
like to dig deeper with me, you may sign up in the church office. Books are available in the office and the Circuit Rider
Bookstore.
In these anxious and divided times, how might we reflect more fully the presence of Christ in a hurting and broken
world?
Grace and peace,
Elbert Dulworth
Senior Pastor
Beyond Us vs. Them
1/19/20 “Beyond Enemies”
1/26/20 “The Bible as the Space Beyond Enemies”
2/2/20 “Conversion (Discipleship) as the Space Beyond Enemies”
2/9/20 “The Local Church Is My Politics—The Space Beyond Enemies”
Page 2 January 15, 2020
Our Church Family Our Christian Caring and Concern are shared with the following persons, known to be in the hospital on
Tuesday, January 14: Jerry Haymond, Jerry LaBrake
Our Prayers of Sympathy and Support are shared with Cathy and Robert Johnson and family on the death of her
mother, Carolyn Cornelisen Robinson, on December 28 in Indiana.
….that this week’s Voice of Hope message is recorded by Judy Lowery with the title
“Layer by Layer,” and next week’s message is by Lisa Lyon. To listen, call 248-646-6407 and
press 2 when your call is answered by our automated system.
….that Fair Trade coffee and chocolate will be available for purchase during the coffee
hours on January 19.
….that Esther Circle will meet on Wednesday, January 22 at 10:30 a.m. in Thomas Parlor.
Lisa Marsh will be our speaker. Visitors are very welcome. Call Claudia Crosby (248-549-
0969) with questions.
….that you are invited to join us for a Conversation with the Bishop on Sunday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m. in the
Christian Life Center. Bishop David Bard of the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church will be here to
share about what’s happening in the denomination, the Michigan Area, and the Protocol for Grace and Reconciliation
through Separation. There will also be a time to ask questions.
Did You Know
Intercessory Prayer
The Prayer Team would like to pray for you during times of need and also to praise the Lord
during times of celebration. In addition to your concerns, please let us know of any answered
prayers, family members in the military returning home, births, marriages and other special events.
Contact Lisa Marsh ([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3160) or use a Prayer
Request Card, available in the Sanctuary pews and the church office. Cards may be dropped off in
the Prayer Request box across from the Welcome Center or in the church office.
Part-Time Custodian….Birmingham First is in need of a part-time custodian to work
six days a week, 3 hours per day. This individual would work independently from 6:00-
9:00 p.m., cleaning 20 restrooms at the Birmingham Campus and doing light dusting of
the offices. The position reports to the Director of Facilities, Tony Kotwicki. A detailed
position description and application form are posted on the church website, with copies
available in the church office. Please submit your application to Lisa Marsh, Caring
Ministry and Human Resources Coordinator ([email protected]).
Employment Opportunity
For information about our Children, Student and Family Ministry activities
(Crib through High School):
Check out our website at www.fumcbirmingham.org, Facebook Birmingham First , sign up under
“E-mail Subscriptions” on the church website for the First Kids Online Newsletter, the Middle School Online Newsletter
and the High School Online Newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].
College Care Packets will be sent to our college students the week of January 26. If your student had an address
change since the fall of 2019, please send the new address to Karen Porter ([email protected]) by Sunday,
January 19. If you want to contribute an item to the college packets and are a new volunteer, please contact Sue Smith
([email protected]). Again, if the student address is the same as fall 2019, you do not need to resubmit. We
only need address changes.
Children, Student and Family Ministries
First United Methodist Church Page 3
Every person wants to have a secure financial future, but where
do you start? How do you build an emergency fund when you
have bills to pay and debt to pay off? Dave Ramsey’s well-
known class is for anyone and everyone, whether you want to
eliminate debt, manage your money, learn to save and spend
wisely, or plan for college or retirement.
Led by Pastor Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Birmingham First is offering the Financial Peace University course for nine weeks
beginning Sunday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $20. As needed, childcare will be provided. Pre-registration with
payment is required in the church office or on the church website. For additional information about Financial Peace
University, go to DaveRamsey.com.
Financial Peace University
It’s time to order your homemade pies and quiches. To place your order, please stop by Fellowship Hall or the CLC
after Sunday services or come to the church office before January 21. You can choose from ham and cheese or spinach
and mushroom quiche, and apple, cherry or chocolate pies. We also offer gluten-free options. All proceeds benefit the
Methodist Children’s Home in Redford, the Baldwin Center in Pontiac, and the Costa Rica Methodist Children’s Home.
Thanks for your generosity and support.
Pie and Quiche Day is January 26!
Sunday Social
Seniors are invited to join us for lunch on Sunday, January 19 at 12:15 p.m. Chef Hollie will once again work her magic
to prepare a lovely meal as we reconnect with stories about our respective holidays. Please RSVP to Lisa Marsh
([email protected] or 248-646-6407 ext. 3160) no later than Thursday, January 16 so the right amount of
food can be prepared.
This week we will finish our series called 3:00 AM. This month we’ve talked about worry
and guilt, as we’ve grown together towards experiencing God’s healing and peace. This final
week of our sermon series, I hope you’ll join me as we explore forgiveness. Perhaps when
you find yourself awake at 3:00 AM, what you really need it forgiveness and peace.
See you in worship this Sunday!
Pastor Lindsey Hall
Worship in the CLC: Forgiveness
Mental health issues do not discriminate, and this Sunday we will work to remove the
stigma and examine how to make something beautiful with what we have in our personal
lives, even if that includes trauma, seasonal depression, or suicidal ideations. A member of
the church will share a moving testimony, and together we’ll be reminded that God knows
us inside and out, and loves us beyond measure.
Pastor Zack Dunlap
Berkley First: Bricolage in Your Personal Life
Join us on Sunday, January 19 at 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate the dedication of our
Sanctuary’s Schimmel piano, which was purchased several years ago with a memorial gift
to the Glory of God in memory of David Willison. The recital will feature David’s
daughter, Ann Lemke, playing the oboe and Doris Hall playing the piano, as well as
several other musicians. Is there a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in January
than listening to music by two of Birmingham First’s favorite musicians? We hope you will
join us for this free concert.
Piano Dedication Recital
Beyond Us vs. Them Journey Group
Finding ourselves caught in the midst of an antagonistic world that feeds on turning us into foes,
how might faithful followers of Christ reclaim the heart of ministry found in living in relationship
with one another and the world around us? Join Pastor Elbert Dulworth for this study based on
the book The Church of Us vs. Them: Freedom from a Faith That Feeds on Making Enemies by David
Fitch. Books ($16) are available in the church office and in the Circuit Rider Bookstore. Meets
for five weeks beginning Tuesday, January 21 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Free childcare is available if
needed. Please register in the church office.
Page 4 January 15, 2020
Happening This Week Wednesday, January 15
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood
9:30 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga
9:30 a.m. GRIP Elementary
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Aware!
12:30 p.m. Mahjong
12:30 p.m. Sisters
1:00 p.m. Rummage Committee
2:00 p.m. Ruth Ellis Food Prep
5:00 p.m. Unite 3 on 3 Open Basketball
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 1032
7:00 p.m. Preschool Committee
7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, January 16
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Purl Girls
4:15 p.m. Spark
4:15 p.m. Covenant Choir
4:15 p.m. Disciple Choir
4:15 p.m. Sonshine Choir
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir
7:00 p.m. Hunger Ministry
7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women
Friday, January 17
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga—Berkley
5:00 p.m. High School MLK Retreat—
Offsite
6:00 p.m. Merry Mates
Saturday, January 18
9:00 a.m. Unite 3 on 3 Basketball
9:00 a.m. Silent Saturday Centering
Prayer—Berkley
Sunday, January 19
8:15 a.m. Sanctuary Worship
9:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship
9:30 a.m. CLC Worship
10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship—
Berkley
11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship
8:15 a.m. Nursery
9:30 a.m. Nursery
9:30 a.m. Faith Builders
10:00 a.m. Sunday School—Berkley
10:45 a.m. 20s and 30s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Nursery
11:00 a.m. Potluck Brunch—Berkley
12:30 p.m. Sunday Social
5:00 p.m. Middle School Handbells
5:30 p.m. Genesis Choir
6:30 p.m. IXOYC Choir
7:30 p.m. High School Handbells
Monday, January 20
Martin Luther King Day
Building Closed
Tuesday, January 21
6:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Men’s Group
9:00 a.m. Blue and Gold Banquet Scout
Pack 1081—Berkley
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Bridge
9:30 a.m. Tuesday Women’s Study
9:45 a.m. COW Children of the Word
10:00 a.m. WOW Women of the Word
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
12:00 p.m. GRIP Tweens and Teens
1:00 p.m. Bridge
3:30 p.m. Moving Forward Journey
Group
5:30 p.m. Childcare for Journey Groups
6:00 p.m. Love and Logic Journey Group
6:00 p.m. Gentle Mat Yoga—Berkley
6:15 p.m. Moms Journey Group—
Berkley
7:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Study—
Berkley
7:00 p.m. Empty Nesting Moms Journey
Group
7:30 p.m. Adult Basketball
7:30 p.m. WOW at Night
Wednesday, January 22
6:15 a.m. Arbon Dennis Men’s Group
7:30 a.m. Word for Working Women
8:00 a.m. Strength Training
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood
9:30 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga
9:30 a.m. GRIP Elementary
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
10:30 a.m. Esther Circle
11:00 a.m. Aware!
12:30 p.m. Mahjong
12:30 p.m. Sisters
5:00 p.m. Unite 3 on 3 Open Basketball
6:30 p.m. First Nurses
6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 1032
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 1032
7:00 p.m. Celebration Ringers
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
8:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
Thursday, January 23
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:15 a.m. GRIP Early Childhood
9:30 a.m. Chair Yoga—Berkley
11:00 a.m. Stretch 4 Life
1:00 p.m. Purl Girls
4:15 p.m. Spark
4:15 p.m. Covenant Choir
4:15 p.m. Disciple Choir
4:15 p.m. Sonshine Choir
5:00 p.m. Cherub Choir
7:30 p.m. Unfinished Christian Women
Friday, January 24
8:30 a.m. Unfinished Christian Women
Pie Baking
9:00 a.m. Parent/Toddler Open Gym
9:30 a.m. Mat Pilates
11:00 a.m. Gentle Mat Yoga—Berkley
6:00 p.m. 45C Brightmoor Food Prep
First United Methodist Church Page 5
1589 W. Maple Road • Birmingham, MI 48009
248-646-1200 • www.fumcbirmingham.org [email protected]
Elbert Dulworth, Senior Pastor
Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Senior Associate Pastor
Zack Dunlap, Lindsey Hall, Susie Hierholzer, and Suzanne Walls, Associate Pastors
Sarah Alexander, Deacon
John E. Harnish, William A. Ritter and Robert P. Ward, Pastors Emeriti
2820 12 Mile Road • Berkley, MI 48072
248-399-3698 • www.berkleyfirst.org
Zack Dunlap, Pastor
The Liturgists are Rev. Shawn Lewis-Lakin in the
Sanctuary and Rev. Suzanne Walls in the CLC.
The Altar Flowers are dedicated to the glory of God
and given by Mary Dahl and family in loving memory of
Daniel H. Dahl, Sr.
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Worship in the Sanctuary 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
John 13:34-35
Beyond Us vs. Them:
“Beyond Enemies”
Rev. Elbert Dulworth
Hymns
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
“Where Charity and Love Prevail”
“Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love”
Anthems
“The Lord is My Shepherd”
“How Will They Know?”
Chancel Choir
Worship in the Christian Life Center 9:30 a.m.
Luke15:11-32
3:00 AM:
“Forgiveness”
Pastor Lindsey Hall
Songs
“Let Love Win”
“King of Heaven”
“This is My Father’s World”
“The Promise”
“We Will Run”
“How He Loves”
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
1 Kings 19:3-8
“Bricolage in Your Personal Life”
Rev. Zack Dunlap
Page 6 January 15, 2020
Our Purpose: To gather, nurture and equip disciples of Jesus
Christ for ministry and mission in the world.
Our Core Values: Welcome All, Put Love Into Action, Honor
God Through Excellence, Embrace Bold Vision, Encourage
Lifelong Spiritual Growth, Support One Another
Our Welcoming Statement: Embracing the example of
Jesus, we welcome you here with hearts that know no
boundaries of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
ability, or economic circumstance.