upcoming events 

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​MARK YOUR CALENDARS

​​Good Company @ Hemlock Park - Tuesday's @ 3-6PM until August 30

Pack-A-Pack - Saturday, August 8 @ 10-11AM at the Paris Campus

Ask The Pastor - North Campus on August 2 and at the Downtown Campus on August 2 & 9

2nd Annual UMMMC Ice Cream Social - Sunday, August 9 @ 1PM @ Paris Campus

Pastor Jeremy on Vacation - August 16 - August 29

Family Meeting & Potluck, August 30, 11:15AM

 

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MANY WAYS TO CONNECT WITH OUR CHURCH​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Church is about gathering together—but gathering does not always look the same for everyone. Some people connect with us in the sanctuary each Sunday, while others join online because of illness, travel, work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, mobility challenges, or other circumstances. We want everyone to know that there are several ways to worship, stay connected, and share in the life of our congregation.

Join Us in Person

 

We offer two opportunities for in-person worship each Sunday - 9AM (North Campus) and 10AM (Downtown Campus). Whether you have worshiped with us for years or are visiting for the first time, you are welcome at either service.

 

Our 10:00 a.m. Downtown Campus service is streamed live each Sunday on our Facebook page: facebook.com/BRFUMC . The livestream allows people to worship with us in real time, hear the Scripture and sermon, pray with the congregation, and remain connected even when they cannot be physically present.

 

Sermons are also uploaded to our YouTube channel, where they can be watched and shared at any time: youtube.com/@BRFUMC . This is especially helpful for those who miss a Sunday, want to revisit a message, or would like to share a sermon with a friend or family member.

 

Social media is not simply a tool for advertising church events. It is one of the places where people form relationships, ask questions, seek encouragement, and explore their faith. Many people will visit a church’s Facebook page or YouTube channel before they ever walk through its doors. Our online presence gives them an opportunity to learn who we are, hear what we believe, and discover that there is a place where they will be welcomed.

 

Digital ministry also helps us remain connected with members who are homebound, recovering from illness, traveling, away at school, or living outside the community. It allows the ministry of our congregation to extend beyond a particular building or a single hour on Sunday morning.

When we share worship, prayers, sermons, stories, and opportunities to serve online, we are meeting people where they already are.

 

In the coming months, we hope to expand our presence into additional online spaces, including Instagram. Instagram will give us another way to share photographs, short videos, Scripture, prayers, ministry updates, and stories from the life of our congregation. We will also explore shorter videos for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These could include brief devotional thoughts, sermon highlights, invitations to upcoming events, and glimpses of the ministries happening throughout the week.

 

Our goal is not to be present on every social media platform simply because it exists. Our goal is to use these tools intentionally—to build relationships, communicate clearly, offer hope, and invite people into a community of faith.

 

One of the easiest ways you can support our digital ministry is by following our pages, reacting to posts, leaving encouraging comments, and sharing worship services, sermons, and church announcements.

 

We also encourage you to check in online whenever you attend Sunday worship, a church event, a class, a community meal, or another ministry activity. A simple Facebook check-in lets your friends know that something meaningful is happening here and helps introduce our church to people who may never have encountered us otherwise. You do not need to write a long post. A quick check-in, photograph, or sentence about what you appreciated can help extend our welcome beyond the walls of the church.

 

Every interaction helps more people discover our church and the ministries we offer. Whether you join us in person, worship through the livestream, watch a sermon later in the week, or connect through social media, you are an important part of our church community. There are many ways to access the life and ministry of our church—and there is always a place for you.

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ASK THE PASTOR

Have you ever heard a Bible passage and wondered, What does that actually mean? Maybe you have a question about United Methodist beliefs, Christian history, theology—or something you have heard Pastor Jeremy say during worship. Now is your chance to ask!

 

“Ask the Pastor” will be part of worship at the North Campus on August 2 and at the Downtown Campus on August 2 and 9. Questions can be deep, thoughtful, curious, or even a little silly.

 

Please send your questions to Pastor Jeremy by Friday, July 31. There are no guarantees that he will have

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PACK-A-PACK EVENT - AUGUST 8 @ 10-11AM

Join us at Paris for a time of service and community as we prepare backpacks and school supplies for our Ice Cream Social & School Supplies Giveaway!

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ICE CREAM, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, AND COMMUNITY!

Join us for the second annual UMMMC Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 9, at 1:00 p.m. at our Paris Campus! This year, we are inviting the wider community to enjoy an afternoon of ice cream and connection while providing free school supplies to local students.

 

You can help by selecting a school-supply tag—or several—from the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall at the Downtown Campus or the display at the North Campus. Each tag lists a specific item and quantity needed. Please purchase the supplies and return them to the church by Sunday, August 2.

 

Volunteers are also needed for preparation, setup, serving, welcoming guests, distributing supplies, and cleanup. Whether you can help before, during, or after the event, your participation will make a difference. To volunteer, contact Jane Pedelty at the Paris Campus or Paden Clevenger, Director of Family Ministry and Community Outreach.

 

Come enjoy some ice cream, welcome our neighbors, and help local students begin the school year with confidence!

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PASTOR JEREMY'S VACATION

Pastor Jeremy will be on vacation and out of the office from August 16–29. During this time, he will be stepping away from regular church responsibilities, calls, and email. Rev. Daniel Hoffman, a retired United Methodist elder, will be preaching while Pastor Jeremy is away. If you have a congregational care need during this time, please contact Kathy Bell, Director of Congregational Care. For other assistance, please contact Barbara Erb, Director of Administrative Services. Pastor Jeremy will return on Sunday, August 30.

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NOW HIRING NURSERY SUPERVISOR

United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County is seeking a caring, dependable individual to serve as Nursery Supervisor at our First Church campus. This is a part-time, paid position supporting our nursery during Sunday morning worship and other services or activities as scheduled.

 

Our nursery ministry is an important part of the welcome we extend to young families. The Nursery Supervisor will help provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where our youngest children know they are loved and their parents and caregivers can participate fully in worship.

 

The ideal candidate will enjoy working with infants and young children, communicate reliably with families and church staff, and be committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming nursery. A background check and current CPR and First Aid certification will be required prior to employment.

 

If you or someone you know might be a good fit for this ministry, please contact Barbara Erb or Pastor Jeremy for the complete job description and information about applying. Please also help us spread the word!

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HOSPITALITY - WITHOUT MAKING IT WEIRD

At United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County, we create welcoming, affirming, diverse spaces where everyone can belong, thrive, and experience Christ’s love. This is more than an aspiration—it is a commitment that should shape how people experience our worship, ministries, and shared life.

 

Hospitality is at the heart of the gospel. Jesus crossed social and religious boundaries, welcomed people who had been excluded, shared meals with those others avoided, and made room for people who had been pushed to the margins. His hospitality communicated through both words and actions: You are seen. You are valued. There is room for you here.

 

Hospitality does not, however, require us to make things weird or cringy. A new person does not need to be surrounded by six people, interrogated about why they came, or recruited for three committees. At the same time, they should not be ignored while everyone else talks with the people they already know. Genuine hospitality is as simple as:

• wearing a name tag

• introducing yourself

• learning (and remembering) someone’s name

• helping a guest find what they need

• inviting them to sit with you—while also giving them room to breathe

• welcoming the sounds and movements of children

• avoiding assumptions about anyone’s identity, family, background, abilities, or beliefs

 

Hospitality is not a performance or a recruitment strategy. It is a way of living together. It means paying attention, making room, and helping people know that they truly belong—without making it weird.

 

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AUGUST MISSION GIVING: JONAH FOUNDATION

Our mission giving focus for August is the Jonah Foundation, a local organization serving men who have experienced incarceration, addiction, and other barriers to rebuilding their lives.

 

Returning to the community after incarceration can be extraordinarily difficult. Finding stable housing and meaningful employment, navigating probation requirements, rebuilding relationships, and maintaining sobriety can become overwhelming—especially when someone is expected to face those challenges alone. The Jonah Foundation works to ensure that men making this transition have both practical assistance and a supportive community surrounding them.

Through its residential reentry and recovery home, the Jonah Foundation provides a supervised sober-living environment along with employment connections, probation navigation, mentoring, counseling, fellowship, and social, mental, and spiritual support. Its peer-led approach helps participants develop the stability, accountability, relationships, and skills needed to become thriving members of the community.

 

This work reflects an important truth of our faith: no human being should be defined only by their worst decision, their deepest struggle, or the most difficult chapter of their story. God’s grace continually creates possibilities for healing, restoration, and new life. When people receive the support they need to break cycles of addiction and incarceration, the impact extends beyond a single individual. Families are strengthened, relationships can begin to heal, and the entire community becomes healthier.

 

Throughout August, we invite you to support the Jonah Foundation through our monthly mission giving. Your gifts will help provide the safe environment, guidance, practical resources, and caring relationships that make a successful return to the community possible. Together, we can help ensure that those seeking a new beginning do not have to make that journey alone.

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FAMILY MEETING & POTLUCK - AUGUST 30 @ 11:15AM

Join us for a church family meeting and potluck as we share ministry updates, celebrate what God is doing among us, and look ahead together. Bring a dish to share if you are able—but most importantly, bring yourself! Everyone is welcome.

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​​​​HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF UMMMC

United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County is seeking individuals from both the First Campus and the Paris Campus to serve on our Leadership Team. The Leadership Team is the governing body of UMMMC. They care for the church’s resources, discern long-term priorities, ask important questions about the future, and ensure that our ministries and finances remain aligned with our mission, vision, and values. If you believe this may be a meaningful way for you to serve—or if you would simply like to learn more—please contact Pastor Jeremy to schedule a conversation.

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INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

When Big Rapids Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the church office will also be closed, and all church-sponsored events and activities will be canceled for the day.

There may be occasions when small groups or outside groups using the building choose to meet despite weather conditions. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the organizer or group leader directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Thank you for helping us prioritize safety while staying connected.

 

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​​STAY CONNECTED WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Did you know that each campus of United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County has its own social media presence? Whether you’re at First, Third Avenue, or Paris, there’s a platform tailored to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to your church family!

 

What Can You Expect?

• Upcoming Events: Never miss a worship service, outreach opportunity, or special event happening at your campus.

• Faith-Filled Inspiration: From sermon highlights to uplifting posts, our social media is a source of encouragement throughout the week.

• Community Connection: Get a glimpse of how God is working in our church and beyond.

 

WHERE to Follow Us:

• UMMMC - www.facebook.com/ummecosta

• Third Avenue - www.facebook.com/thirdavenueumc

• Paris - www.facebook.com/parisunitedmethodistchurch

• First Church - www.facebook.com/brfumc

 

We’d love to hear from you too! Like, comment, and share posts to help spread the word about the incredible things God is doing through UMMMC.

 

Take a moment today to visit your campus page and hit that "Follow" button. Let’s stay connected, grow together, and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

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See you online!​​​​​

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FIRST CHURCH TEXT LINE

We're thrilled to introduce a new way to stay connected and informed - introducing our First Church Text Line!  Now you can send prayer requests and receive event updates and cancellations right to your phone.  It's quick, easy, and FREE!

To subscribe, simply text "subscribe" to 833-204-1452.  All event updates, including cancellations, will also be announced via email and posted to our Facebook page.  If you have any questions about the service, or have difficulty registering, please contact the church office at 231-796-7771.

Disclaimer:  While the service is free, please be aware that standard text message rates may apply depending on your cell carrier.  Check with your carrier for details.

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​​​FREE COMMUNITY DINNER      

First Church serves a FREE DINNER every Thursday in our Fellowship Hall.  The doors open at 4:30PM for a time of fellowship and community building, and dinner is served from 5:30 - 6:00PM.  Come and enjoy a great meal, and get to know some of the amazing people in your community!  If you would like to volunteer to serve at the Community Dinner, please contact the church office at 231-796-7771 or via our Contact Us page, found HERE.

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