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upcoming events 

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​MARK YOUR CALENDARS

​​SOUL Circle  Wednesdays @ 10AM @ Downtown Campus

Midweek Conversation: "Embracing An Adverbial Faith" - Wednesdays @ 11AM begins April 15 - May 20 @ Downtown Campus

Table Talk with Pastor Jeremy - Wednesdays @ Noon @ Downtown Campus 

Church Directory Photos - Sunday, 31  during Fellowship Time after Worship in Fellowship Hall @ Downtown Campus

Crafting With a Cause - Saturday, May 30 9AM-Noon Fellowship Hall @ Downtown Campus

Special Hymn Sing Service - Sunday, May 31 @ First Church Campus

Family Meeting & Potluck - Sunday, June 7 immediately after worship

Worship Time Change at Paris Campus begins on Sunday, June 14 to 9:00AM

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​MIDWEEK CONVERSATION: EMBRACING AN ADVERBIAL FAITH

Join us on Wednesdays at 11AM beginning April 15 at our Downtown Campus for a weekly gathering centered on the themes we’re exploring in worship—what it means to be formed as disciples who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. There’s no book to purchase and no prep required—just show up and be part of the conversation. (Table Talk is immediately following, so bring your lunch if you’d like to stay and participate!)

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TABLE TALK WITH PASTOR JEREMY - WEDNESDAY'S @ NOON

You’re invited to join Pastor Jeremy for Table Talk at the First Church campus. Bring your lunch and gather around the table for open, relaxed conversation and connection. This is a space to talk about whatever is on your mind — current events, questions of faith, or life in general. There’s no formal agenda, just time to listen, share, and be in community together. Come every week or drop in when you’re able — all are welcome! No registration or RSVP necessary. (From Pastor Jeremy: This isn’t a gripe session, church business meeting, or a place to troubleshoot programs and policies. The goal is connection, dialogue, and shared reflection in a relaxed and welcoming space.)

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CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS - May 31 LAST DAY FOR PHOTOS 

Photos will be taken each Sunday in May during fellowship time after worship at the Downtown Campus. There’s no need to sign up—just stop by the photo area when you’re ready. Photos can be taken for individuals, couples, or families. Gary Poole, our photographer, will have prints available for purchase directly through him—no pressure, just an option if you’re interested. Print sizes will include 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20.

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WORSHIP CHANGE AT PARIS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Beginning Sunday, June 14, the Paris Campus will return to 9:00AM worship time. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to strengthen connections across United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County while continuing to support the unique identity and ministry of the Paris Campus. The earlier worship time will make it possible for me to be present and preach at Paris on a more regular basis while continuing to serve our wider ministry.

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​​KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN...

​We’re already looking ahead to one of the sweetest events of the summer—our Ice Cream Social, coming soon to the Paris campus. Last year was a wonderful success, filled with great conversation, lots of laughter, and (of course) plenty of delicious ice cream. More details are coming soon, but for now… keep your eyes open. You won’t want to miss it!

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We have a few opportunities for those looking to get more involved in the life of our church:

 

  • Landscape Coordinator – We’re looking for someone to organize and lead a team that cares for the flower beds, landscaping, including the Memorial Garden, at our Downtown Campus. This role is about coordination and team building, not doing all the work yourself—and no, mowing the lawn is not required, unless you really want it to be!

 

​If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, or just want to learn more, please reach out to Pastor Jeremy. There’s a place for you to connect and make a difference.

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BOOK STUDY: THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

You’re invited to join a six-week book study on The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, on Wednesdays, May 6 - June 10. This study will explore questions of meaning, calling, and how we live out our faith in everyday life. The evening with begin with dinner at 5:30PM, followed by the study from 6:00–7:30PM. If you’d like to participate, please contact Barbara Erb in the church office to register by      May 1.

 

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​FAMILY MEETING & POTLUCK - JUNE 7

On Sunday, June 7, we’ll gather for a UMMMC Family Meeting and Potluck immediately following worship at our downtown campus. This is one of the key ways we come together as a whole church—to connect, share a meal, and stay engaged in the life and direction of our ministry. You’ll hear updates about what’s happening across our campuses and where we’re headed next.

 

Everyone is invited, and if you’re able to bring a dish to pass, it’s always appreciated. Make plans to stay, and be part of the conversation!

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MAY MISSION FOCUS: UMC STUDENT DAY 

Each May, we join United Methodist churches across the connection in supporting UMC Student Sunday, an offering that invests directly in students pursuing higher education and discerning their call in the world. Through the work of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, every dollar given funds scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students, helping ease financial burdens and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. This is one of the ways we live out our connectional commitment—pooling our resources to make a meaningful impact beyond our local church. More than just financial support, this offering is a tangible reminder to students that the Church believes in them and is committed to their future. Throughout the month of May, we invite you to prayerfully consider giving, knowing that your generosity helps shape leaders who will carry forward the work of faith, justice, and service in the world.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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UPCOMING SERMON SERIES: THE SEVENTH STORY

This summer at our First Church Campus, we will begin a new sermon series called The Seventh Story. The basic idea is simple but powerful: the stories we tell shape the lives we live. Some stories teach us to see the world through “us” and “them.” These stories are old, familiar, and deeply embedded in our families, churches, communities, politics, and culture. They can feel normal because we have heard them for so long.

 

But Jesus tells a different story. The Seventh Story is a story of love, reconciliation, liberation, justice, mercy, and peace. It is a story where no one has to lose in order for someone else to win, where power is used for healing instead of control, where enemies are not dehumanized, where neighbors are not treated as threats, and where Love becomes the main character. Over eight weeks, we will explore these stories together:

 

  • June 7 — The Stories We Live By

  • June 14 — Us Over Them: The Domination Story

  • June 21 — Us Against Them: The Revolution Story

  • June 28 — Us Apart from Them: The Isolation Story

  • July 5 — The Nation-as-God Story

  • July 12 — Us Without Them: The Purification Story

  • July 19 — Us Above / Beneath Them: Accumulation and Victimization

  • July 26 — The Seventh Story: Love Is the Protagonist

 

This series will invite us to pay attention to the stories shaping our hearts, our relationships, our church, and our world. Some weeks may be challenging. Some may feel deeply personal. Some may name patterns we would rather avoid. But the purpose is not shame or blame. The purpose is to listen again for the story Jesus keeps telling: a story big enough to heal what fear, violence, division, and scarcity have broken.

 

The world keeps teaching us “us versus them.” Jesus keeps inviting us into a better story, where there is only us.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT UMMMC FOR 2026

As we prepare for the new year, we’re building teams to help create a warm, welcoming Sunday experience at UMMMC.

  • Fellowship Hosts – Provide simple refreshments after worship at First Church. Individuals, families, or groups welcome.

  • Communion Stewards – Prepare the bread and cup before worship (about one hour, once a month).

  • Greeters – Offer a warm welcome and help people feel at home when they arrive.

  • Ushers – Distribute bulletins, assist with seating, and help keep our worship space ready.

 

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact Barbara Erb in the church office or Pastor Jeremy. Thank you for helping us build a welcoming, vibrant community!

 

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:

 

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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