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Inside Our Walls

Acolytes

Our church’s acolyte program for students in grades 4-8 is an opportunity for children to provide leadership in the worship service. Acolytes light the candles during Sunday worship services. Each acolyte typically assists at one worship service each month.

Angel Tree

This program provides Christmas gifts with the message of Jesus Christ to 350 children in our area who have a parent in prison. In November, volunteers assist with phone calls to determine needs, provide gifts, and deliver gifts.

Communion Servers

You, too, can prepare or serve communion! You need not be ordained to prepare communion elements or serve communion during worship. It only requires a respect for the sacrament and an interest to help when you can.

Do you have a welcoming spirit? Do you want to find community and a warm sense of belonging? Our Christian Life Center (CLC) Volunteers provide this space to guests, church members, and to our team of volunteers! Our CLC volunteers help our community to strengthen their bodies and minds through several activities and classes such as yoga, pickleball, walking track while creating a welcoming experience and space.  We have many opportunities for people to serve as volunteers in the morning, afternoon, evenings, and weekends.  Provide your availability and we will work with you to set up a schedule.  Volunteering is a great way to get to know people in your community.  Members and non – members are welcome to host.  The requirements are willingness to greet people, help them feel welcome in the CLC, and answer questions.

First Nurses

This group of professional nurses share their nursing and spiritual skills with members of our church who are in need. They provide monthly blood pressure checks. If you are a nurse who is interested in sharing our skills with those in need, this ministry is for you.

Greeters

You can help make worship a powerful, welcoming experience for others! We have many opportunities for people to serve as greeters. Pick some days to create a regular schedule greeting on the first Sunday of every month or on the weeks that you are available. Volunteering is a great way to get to know people in your church family!

Outreach and Connecting Ministry

Members of this ministry help potential, new, and at times “lost” members find their way through the numerous opportunities we offer. We welcome anyone with a passion for paving the way for everyone to feel at home and encouraging their participation in the life of the church.

Hunger Ministry

Hunger Ministry strives to increase awareness and provide relief for the problem of hunger in our local community and throughout the world. You can participate in this ministry by offering loose change, home baked goods, fresh produce and flowers, food donations, using your Kroger Card and supporting special Hunger Ministry events.

Fair Trade Coffee

On the second Sunday of each month, you can purchase fair trade products in Fellowship Hall following worship services. Fair trade organizations make sure the farmer gets a fair fraction of the price, and often helps them improve their farming and business methods.

Missions Candle

You can support our mission work while honoring or remembering a person or event in your life by making a donation to light the Missions Candle on the altar.  Your donation of at least $30 will go into our Partners in Mission fund, which supports local, national and international mission projects.

Music Ministry

Vocal and bell choirs for all ages, Praise Band and First Orchestra are just a few of the many music programs we offer. Do you have a passion for music? Come be a part of this amazing ministry.

Packing Clothes for Sneedville

We collect clothing twice a year and send up to 24 boxes to help the children in Sneedville, TN. Many hands make light work. Please join us!

Reception Helpers

Place your name on a list of volunteers to be called to help with funeral receptions and other special events at the church.

Rummage Sales

Our Rummage Sales, sponsored by the United Women in Faith, support 30 mission projects. Seven-hundred-plus volunteers are needed to support the sale. From donating items, to sorting donations, to meal prep, set up and break down, there is a spot for you! 

Sunday School Teachers

The spiritual formation of a child is nurtured through the partnership between parents and the church. Help build disciples of Jesus Christ by volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, helper or worship leader.

SERRV Sale

Volunteer to work at or Visit the SERRV Sale to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts made by artisans around the world. Get all your Christmas shopping done with one stop, or find a wonderful gift for yourself.

Ushers

Teams are designated for each worship service and are scheduled to usher several months each year.

Volunteer Receptionists

The spiritual formation of a child is nurtured through the partnership between parents and the church. Help build disciples of Jesus Christ by volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, helper or worship leader.

The Voice of Hope

Our telephone ministry offers a weekly inspirational message to callers that is available 24 hours a day. Messages recorded by lay members provide hope encouragement and spiritual nourishment when it is needed. If you enjoy creating devotional messages, this ministry is for you.




Days for Girls

Since the spring of 2015, a number of church members have been sewing component parts for reusable feminine hygiene kits, which are distributed worldwide by Days for Girls International.  The kits are assembled and shipped from the Farmington Chapter of DFG International.  Recipients of the kits and education are primarily young girls in underdeveloped nations.  We are always in need of people who can help us sew, or who can help to cut out the fabrics we use.  Financial donations to the project are also welcome.  Many of these kits have been taken by our own missionaries to the FUMC missions we serve in foreign lands (Cuba, Honduras, Kenya, Costa Rica).

Chelsea-Rose Jabboori

My name is Chelsea-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Turquoise Room.  This is my first year teaching at First Kids.  I have many years of experience in child care and as a nanny.  I started my education with OCC and finished my CDA with TeachStone.

I come from a large family.  I am the oldest of six siblings.  We had many wonderful adventures over the years, traveling to most of the United States and some of Canada.  I have a love for nature and adventure.  I really enjoy long road trips, outdoor activities and camping.  I am an artist who enjoys painting, poetry and doing crafts.  I love to study children’s psychology and herbology.  With gentle guidance and compassion, I encourage children to explore and learn.  Children have always been my passion in life.

I am an active member of Berkley First and am happy to now be connected with Birmingham First.

I am looking forward to learning and growing with your children this school year.

Brooke Lynch

My name is Brooke Lynch, and I am excited to be your child’s classroom teacher!  This is my fourth year as a parent at First Kids Preschool and I look forward to joining the teaching staff this year.  I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Miami University.  I taught first grade for seven years in Chicago.  I then worked for five years as Director of Operations for a charter school management company here in Michigan.  I decided to take some time off from work once my husband Joe and I welcomed our third baby.  After two years at home with Kyle (6), Grace (4), and Griffin (2) I am thrilled to return to the classroom.  First Kids is such a special place and I feel so honored to now be part of the community as both a teacher and parent.  I can’t wait to partner with you to provide a wonderful year of fun and learning for your child!

Jillian McDonald

My name is Jillian McDonald and I am thrilled to be teaching in the Green/Orange Room.  This will be my first year teaching at First Kids Preschool.  Previously, I taught three and four-year-old preschool in the Birmingham Public Schools for six years.  Before that, I was a first grade teacher in Detroit.  Between teaching positions, I took time off to raise my three children, Madelynn, Riley and Delaney.  Madelynn and Riley are twins and will be starting their first year of college in the fall.  My daughter, Delaney will be a senior at Groves High School.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and going to my cottage in Northern Michigan.  I am so excited to be working with the four-year-olds.  As an early childhood educator, I love to make my students’ first experiences with school very memorable.  I enjoy helping them build their independence and self-confidence.  I like to encourage the building of a classroom community to promote social skills and conflict resolution.  I am so happy to begin this journey of learning with you and your child!

Gloria Fulton

My name is Gloria Fulton, and I am very excited to be teaching at First Kids Preschool.  I also work in childcare for Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First United Methodist Church.  I am a member of the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I currently teach Sunday school and assist with the youth choir.  For two years, I was co-leader of the Brownie troop at Upton Elementary, where my daughter attended school.  I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate.  I  enjoy miniature golf, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family.