upcoming events

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Crafting With A Cause - Saturday, November 22 @ 9:30AM - 1PM @ First Church

Festival of Lights Parade - Saturday, November 22 @ 6-8PM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

2nd Annual Friendsgiving at Paris - Sunday, November 23 after Worship

Deck the Halls at Paris Campus - Saturday, November 29 @ 3-5PM

UMMMC Potluck & Stakeholders Meeting - Sunday, November 30 @ 11:15AM @ First Church

SOUL Circle Gathering - December 2 @ 6:30PM @ First Church - Basement Classroom

SOUL Circle Gathering - December 3 @ 10AM @ First Church - Basement Classroom

Adult Christmas Party - December 13 @ 5:30 PM @ First Church Campus

PANTRY UPDATE: MOVING TO NON-PERISHABLE FOOD

Thank you for the incredible support you have shown through our Personal Hygiene Pantry. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to assist many neighbors over the past year+.

As we move into winter and face the very real impact of the federal government shutdown and the many questions around SNAP benefits, many families in our community are already experiencing heightened food insecurity. In response to this growing need, we are shifting our focus from hygiene items to non-perishable food donations for the season.

As winter temperatures approach, we are requesting items that will not freeze during transport or storage. Canned goods and dry shelf-stable foods are especially helpful right now. Suggested donations include:

Canned vegetables, fruit, beans, and soups
Pasta, rice, and boxed meals
Peanut butter
Cereal and oatmeal
Shelf-stable proteins (tuna, chicken, beans, etc.)

Please avoid items with liquid in bottles or cartons, which may freeze and be damaged in storage. You can drop your donations off at First Church or place them directly in the pantry.

Your generosity makes a real and immediate difference. As a church, we are committed to standing with our neighbors through uncertain times, offering compassion, stability, and hope.

Thank you for being a community that shows love in tangible ways. If you have questions or would like to help with distribution, please contact the church office.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT UMMMC

We believe that living our faith means serving with purpose. No matter your gifts, there’s a place for you to serve. Volunteering is a powerful way to live out our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. If you’re interested in more information on serving, please contact the church office or grab a volunteer interest form from the Information Center!

A NEW CHRISTMAS CHOIR IS FORMING!

We are excited to share that we’re forming a Christmas Choir for this Advent and Christmas season! This is open to absolutely everyone. Whether choir has been part of your life in the past or you just love to sing and want to be part of something meaningful this season, we’d love to have you.

The Christmas Choir will sing on November 30, December 7, December 21, and Christmas Eve. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, November 12, at 4 PM and will continue weekly at that time. If you’d like to participate, please contact Kathy Bell by November 16, 2025.

CHRISTMAS OUTREACH

As we enter this season of hope and generosity, UMMMC is once again adopting families in our community. We will be providing gifts for one or two families this year, and there will be opportunities for everyone to participate. More information will be included in next week’s newsletter, and details will also be posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall at the First Church Campus. Thank you for helping us share love, dignity, and hope with our neighbors this Christmas.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Festival of Lights Parade is Saturday, November 22, 6–8 PM in downtown Big Rapids, and UMMMC will have a float! We need volunteers to help build the float and to join us the night of the parade. Julie Setlock, Director of Family Ministries, is coordinating. If you’d like to help, please contact Julie or Barb in the church office.

UMMMC POTLUCK & STAKEHOLDERS MEETING - NOTE DATE CHANGE

You’re invited to a special gathering of United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County for a time of food, fellowship, and shared vision!

Join us Sunday, November 30 at 11:15 AM (First Church) for a potluck lunch and stakeholders meeting. We’ll celebrate how far we’ve come together, share updates about new and upcoming ministry opportunities for 2026, and review the budget for the year ahead. This is an important moment in the life of our shared ministry—a chance for all of us to come together, hear what’s next, and offer input as we continue shaping the future of UMMMC.

Bring a favorite dish to share (drinks and tableware will be provided), and come ready for good food, meaningful conversation, and connection with siblings in Christ. A sign-up sheet is available on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

2ND ANNUAL FRIENDSGIVING AT PARIS

Last year's gathering was such a warm and joy-filled morning that we just had to do it again. Mark your calendars and plan to stay after worship on Sunday, November 23 for our 2nd Annual Friendsgiving celebration! We’ll be serving a delicious hot breakfast buffet, and everyone is welcome to pull up a chair and join in the table fellowship. If you enjoy baking and would like to bring a treat to share, we’d love it. But most importantly, just bring yourself.

This is a time to celebrate friendship, church family, gratitude, and the gift of doing life together. We can’t wait to gather around the table with you!

HELP DECK THE HALLS AT PARIS!

Get ready for twinkling lights, evergreen cheer, and the start of a beautiful Advent season. On Saturday, November 29 from 3-5pm, we’ll gather to decorate the Paris campus for Christmas. This is always a fun time of laughter, fellowship, and shared creativity as we get our space ready for the joy and wonder of the season. Whether you love hanging wreaths, fluffing garland, or cheering from the cocoa table, there’s a spot for you. And because no holiday season is complete without a soundtrack, bring your favorite Christmas song requests as we kick off the season together! Come help make our church glow with the spirit of Advent. We’d love to see you there.

ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY

Everyone from all UMMMC campuses is invited to our Adult Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13, at 5:30PM at the First Church Campus. This event is designed for adults to relax and enjoy an evening together; childcare will be provided on-site.

We’ll share a lasagna dinner (beef, seafood, and vegetable options). Please bring a salad or dessert to add to the meal, if you are able.

We’ll also have a White Elephant Gift Exchange - just bring one wrapped gift (new, used, or regifted). If bringing a gift is a burden for any reason, please let Pastor Jeremy know, and we will have a wrapped gift ready for you so that everyone can participate.

If you need a ride to the event, please let us know. We want everyone to be able to join us.

Please RSVP by Sunday, December 7 by emailing or calling Barb in the church office or by signing up on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. Volunteers are also needed for set-up on December 12.

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!

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 LUNCH

Third Avenue UMC located at 226 North Third Avenue serves a FREE LUNCH every Wednesday @ 11:30 AM and every Saturday @ 11:30 AM. Come and enjoy a great meal, and get to know the amazing people in your community!

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.

AA MEETINGS

Paris Campus (109 Lincoln Street) - Tuesday @ 7:00PM, Thursday @ 7PM and Saturday @ 11AM

Third Avenue Campus (222 N Third Avenue, Big Rapids) - Monday @12PM, Tuesday @ 12PM, Friday @ 12PM