upcoming events
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Go Deeper At Table Talk - Wednesdays @ 12PM @ Downtown Campus
Good Company @ the Library - Wednesday's @ 11:45AM - 12:15PM
Euchre - Wednesday, November 18 @ 5:30PM @ First Church
Crafting With a Cause - Saturday, November 21 @ 10AM - Noon
MAKING ROOM FOR EVERY GENERATION IN WORSHIP
Exciting Changes in Our Children's Ministry!
We're making some exciting changes to how we welcome and engage children in the worship life of our congregation!
As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing faith across generations, our nursery will now welcome children from infancy through kindergarten. This provides our youngest children with a welcoming, age-appropriate environment where they can learn, play, and experience God's love.
We're also delighted to welcome Catherine Kloack as our new Nursery Supervisor! Catherine brings wonderful gifts, enthusiasm, and fresh energy to this ministry. Her leadership comes at an exciting time as we rethink how we nurture our youngest members and support the families who are part of our church community. We're grateful to have Catherine joining us as we take these next steps toward making our congregation an even more welcoming place for children and families!
For our elementary-aged children and older youth, we're taking a new approach by encouraging their participation in congregational worship. We are developing Worship Activity Kits that will offer age-appropriate activities and opportunities to engage with the themes, stories, and experiences of worship. Pastor Jeremy and Paden are also having conversations about how we can intentionally create meaningful opportunities for our youth to serve and lead during worship.
Why are we making this change? Because we believe children aren't just the future of the church. They are an important part of the church right now!
There is something powerful about generations worshiping together. Children learn the language and rhythms of faith by participating in the life of the congregation. They hear familiar prayers, sing alongside adults, encounter scripture, and discover what it means to belong to a community of faith. And just as importantly, the adults around them are enriched by their presence, curiosity, leadership, questions, and enthusiasm.
We recognize that children experience worship differently than adults, and that's okay! Our goal isn't to expect children to sit perfectly still or remain silent. It's to create an environment where they feel welcome, included, and valued as participants in our shared life of faith.
And we're not stopping here! We're also having conversations about additional changes we can make to our worship spaces, ministries, and congregational life to become even more welcoming to children and families. We want to listen, learn, and explore new possibilities so that families of all shapes and sizes can experience a genuine sense of belonging in our church. These conversations are just beginning, and we're excited about where they might lead!
These changes are part of a larger effort to strengthen connections between generations and help our children develop a lasting sense of belonging in the church.
We invite everyone in the congregation to embrace this new chapter with encouragement, patience, and joy. After all, a church that makes room for children is a church investing in the faith of generations yet to come.
Together, we're creating a church where every generation belongs!
GO DEEPER AT TABLE TALK
Wednesday's at 12PM, Table Talk will offer an opportunity to dig more deeply into the week’s Scripture and continue the conversation begun during worship. Together, we will ask questions, share perspectives, and consider how Micah’s message speaks to our lives, our church, and the world around us. No special knowledge or preparation is required—just bring your lunch, your curiosity, and a willingness to join the conversation.
GOOD COMPANY AT THE LIBRARY
Sometimes it really does take a village! On Wednesday's adults with young children are invited to join us for Good Company @ the Library at the Big Rapids Community Library.
Come for Mr. Howard’s Storytime from 11–11:45 AM, then stick around for Good Company from 11:45 AM–12:15 PM. While the kids play, adults can enjoy an iced coffee, a sweet treat, and some relaxed conversation with other parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members. No program, no pressure—just a chance to meet people, enjoy some good company, and build a little more community together.
For more information, or to volunteer to serve, contact Paden at paden@ummecosta.org.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP - WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Are you caring for a spouse, parent, child, family member, or friend? Whether you provide care for an aging loved one, someone with an illness or disability, or a person facing a season of need, you don’t have to do it alone. We are exploring the possibility of starting a Caregivers Support Group - a welcoming place to share experiences, encourage one another, pray together, and find support along the caregiving journey. All types of caregiving are welcome.
Would you be interested in participating? We’d love to hear from you as we gauge interest and determine what would be most helpful. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Bell or Barbara Erb in the church office.
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.
HELP SUPPORT CAMPUS MINISTRY AT FERRIS
Are you passionate about supporting college students and helping create an inclusive, welcoming Christian presence at Ferris State University? The FSU Wesley Foundation is seeking individuals interested in serving on its board. Board members help guide and support the ministry as it connects with students and begins an exciting new chapter. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Pastor Jeremy.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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Upcoming Events: Never miss a worship service, outreach opportunity, or special event happening at your campus.
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Faith-Filled Inspiration: From sermon highlights to uplifting posts, our social media is a source of encouragement throughout the week.
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Community Connection: Get a glimpse of how God is working in our church and beyond.
WHERE to Follow Us:
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UMMMC - www.facebook.com/ummecosta
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Third Avenue - www.facebook.com/thirdavenueumc
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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!
See you online!
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.
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.