upcoming events
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, May 10, 17, 24, 31 during Fellowship Time after Worship in Fellowship Hall @ Downtown Campus
Community Meal Planning & Evaluation Meeting - Thursday, May 14 after the Community Meal
Church Directory Photo Session @ the North (Paris) Campus - Saturday, May 16 10-11AM
Crafting With A Cause - Thursday, May 21 1-4PM Fellowship Hall @ Downtown Campus
Graduation Sunday - May 24
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
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!)
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.)
COMMUNITY MEAL TEAM MEETING
Our Community Meal Team will meet after meal service on Thursday, May 14, for a time of planning and evaluation. This will be an opportunity to reflect on what is working well, talk through any challenges, and think together about how we can continue strengthening this important ministry.
Everyone currently serving with the Community Meal is encouraged to stay after the meal, and anyone interested in learning more or getting involved is welcome to join us. Your voice, ideas, and presence matter as we continue working together to offer hospitality, connection, and care to our neighbors.
GRADUATION SUNDAY
On Sunday, May 24, we will celebrate Graduation Sunday during worship as we recognize and bless the graduates connected to our church family. Graduation is an important milestone, not only for students and their families, but for the whole congregation. It gives us the chance to give thanks for the hard work, growth, perseverance, and many gifts of those who are beginning a new chapter.
If you or someone in your family is graduating this year from high school, college, graduate school, trade school, or another program, we would love to include them in this celebration. Please contact Barb in the church office no later than May 17 with the graduate’s name, school, degree or program, and any future plans you would like to share.
As a church, we want our graduates to know that they are seen, loved, and supported. Whether they are heading into more schooling, beginning a new job, entering a season of discernment, or still figuring out what comes next, we want to surround them with prayer and encouragement. Join us on May 24 as we celebrate their accomplishments and remind them that God’s grace goes with them wherever the road leads.
CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS - HAPPENING NOW
As we continue growing together as United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County, we’re excited to create our very first photo directory!
Photos will be taken each Sunday in May during fellowship time after worship at the Downtown Campus. There will be a Saturday photo session at the North (Paris) Campus on May 16, from 10AM - 11AM. We hope everyone will take advantage of whichever opportunity works best for them. 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.
We’re grateful to Gary Poole for serving as our photographer. If you’d like printed copies of your photo, Gary 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.
A few simple tips to help your photo turn out well:
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Dress neatly—no need to be formal
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Solid, medium to darker colors tend to photograph best
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Couples and families may want to coordinate colors
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Photos will be taken from the waist up
We’re looking forward to creating something that helps strengthen connection across our whole church community!
READERS NEEDED FOR HYMN SING SERVICE
On Sunday, May 31, we will have a special Hymn Sing service at the First Church Campus. As part of the service, we will need several readers to help lead different portions of worship. If you would be willing to serve as a reader that morning, please contact the church office or let Pastor Jeremy know. This will be a meaningful way to help lead the congregation in worship as we sing, pray, and celebrate the hymns that have helped shape our faith.
WE'RE HIRING!
Choir Director - Provide musical leadership, rehearse and direct our choir, and help shape meaningful worship experiences through choral music.
If you have questions or would like to apply, please contact the main office and speak with Barb or Pastor Jeremy.
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!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have a few opportunities for those looking to get more involved in the life of our church:
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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!
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Community Meal Cook – We’re looking to add at least one more cook to the team that prepares meals for our neighbors on Thursdays. This is a hands-on way to make a direct impact and help extend hospitality to our neighbors.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Fellowship Hosts – Provide simple refreshments after worship at First Church. Individuals, families, or groups welcome.
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Communion Stewards – Prepare the bread and cup before worship (about one hour, once a month).
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Greeters – Offer a warm welcome and help people feel at home when they arrive.
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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.
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.