expect a few surprises

But don't expect us to ever outgrow the traditions.
While it's true that we try new things all the time,
we always manage to stay pretty focused on the basics.
We use inspired words of wisdom and observations
that most everyone can relate to.
We use dynamic music, both old and new, and instruments of voice.
We use scripture and the lessons that scripture teaches us.
These are still the best ways we know
to inspire tolerance and love in a complicated world.

"Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belong the Kingdom of God." - Luke 18:16

Early in your childhood you may have known a church experience of one kind or another. One that's helped to bring you to today. We work hard to make the time at church something our little ones will well remember.

"Jesus loves me, this I know
for the Bible tells me so ..."

Childcare and learning are offered at all three services and at virtually every church event and program. Children can discover fun and loving things at church. And churches can discover fun and loving things through the eyes of children.

Youth programs are plentiful at First Church.
And so are the young people.

In fact, growing involvement has inspired more groups. More activities. More outreach programs. More parties. More worship. Even a web site.

In short, we're doing all sorts of things to add a bit more fellowship. A bit more grace. Maybe even a bit more hope to the lives of teenagers. And we've found that the young people do something at First Church Birmingham that doesn't happen much these days.

They get involved.

In a time when it's just plain difficult to be a young person,
we've managed to make a few things just plain easy.
Like making friends. And hanging out.
And growing closer to God.

"Train up a child in the way he should go ...
and when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

together

We see hope for new tomorrows. We see new beginnings. New discoveries. New reasons for loving the Lord. We see the work and the fellowship of our church make a difference in people's lives. Little differences. And sometimes, life-changing, faith-altering differences.

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ
and every one members of one another." - Romans 12

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another ..." - I John 1

Few churches offer more groups. More circles. More gatherings.
Few churches maintain as many choirs. Or as many Bible studies.

But then - few churches reach into the lives of so many people.

"In as much as you have done it unto the least of these, my brothers,
you have done it unto me." - Matthew 25:40

There are battered mothers in a Pontiac shelter whose children need clothes.
So we respond.
There are United Methodist missionary efforts all across the globe
that need our outreach.
So we respond.
There's a church in the Cass Corridor that needs a little TLC
and a whole lot of repairs.
So we respond.
With all we have right here at home, we're never so busy
we forget that there is need everywhere.
And we find that we strengthen ourselves through the work we do for others.

To obtain a printed copy of this brochure, please call the church office at 248-646-1200.