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upcoming events 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

First Church Landscape Team Clean-Up & Planting Day - Wednesday, May 14 @ 1-3PM

First Church Landscape Team Clean-Up & Planting Day - Saturday, May 17 @ 9:30 AM - 12PM

Crafting With a Cause - May 17 @ 10AM - 2PM

Graduation Sunday - May 18

Euchre Game Night  @ First- May 21 @ 6PM

RESCHEDULED Free Mental Health First Aid Training- Saturday, June 7 @ 9AM - 12PM (detail below)

Wild Wednesdays "Camp Chaos" - June 11 - July 16 @ 5:30-7:30PM

Red Cross Blood Drive - Monday, June 23 @ 12 - 5:45PM

May FOCUS: Personal Care pantry Items

Each month we will collect featured personal care items for our little pantries. Items can be placed in the collection bin in Fellowship Hall. This month we are collecting:​

  • paper towel (individually wrapped)

  • Toilet Paper

  • Feminine Hygiene Products

  • Laundry Detergent

  • cleaning products

  • adult toothpaste

  • shampoo & conditioner

  • body wash

INTRODUCING THE UMMMC DINNER SCRAMBLE!

We’re trying something new—and delicious—this summer at United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County! The UMMMC Dinner Scramble is a chance for folks from First UMC, Third Avenue UMC, and Paris UMC to gather around the table, meet new friends, and deepen our connection as one faith community.

 

How it works:

  • Sign up as an individual, couple, or family during the month of May.

  • In early June, we’ll randomly match people into small dinner groups (2–3 households).

  • During the week of June 30, each group will choose their own time and place to gather—host at home, go out to eat, meet at a park—it’s up to you!

Sign-up sheets will be available at all campuses on Sunday, May 18. You can also call the office and register by phone, or email your NAME, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL, NUMBER ATTENDING FROM YOUR HOUSEHOLD to register@ummecosta.org with the subject line “Dinner Scramble”. Deadline to sign up is May 31.

 

We hope this is just the first of many chances to build new relationships and strengthen old ones. Let’s break bread together and build something beautiful.

GRADUATION SUNDAY

On Sunday, May 18, we’ll be celebrating Graduation Sunday across all of our campuses! If you or someone in your family is graduating this spring from high school, college, or a trade program, we want to recognize them during worship. Please send us the names of your graduates by Wednesday, May 14, along with a photo and a short note about their next steps (barbara@ummecosta.org). Let’s make this a joyful and memorable moment for the incredible students in our community!  

FIRST CHURCH LANDSCAPE TEAM ANNOUNCES CLEAN-UP & PLANTING DAYS

Spring has officially sprung, and that means it’s time to roll up our sleeves! The First Church Campus Landscape Team is inviting everyone - green thumbs and willing hands alike - to join them for upcoming Clean-Up and Planting Days.

 

Dates & Times:

 Wednesday, May 14 | 1PM - 3PM

 Saturday, May 17 | 9:30AM - 12PM

 

The goals will be clearing out winter debris, prepping flower beds, and planting new blooms to brighten up the campus grounds. Whether you can come for the whole time or just an hour, your help makes a big difference.

 

No gardening experience required - just bring gloves, a rake or shovel if you have one, and a good attitude. We’ll have extra tools and plenty of coffee to go around!

 

This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and take pride in the beauty of our shared space. Questions? Contact Toinette Wicks, (517) 851-1530.​​​​

RESCHEDULED - FREE Mental Health First Aid Training 

Saturday, June 7 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM @ First Church
This nationally recognized course teaches how to support someone facing mental health or substance use challenges—no background needed. Lunch + materials included. MHFA is part of our Community Chaplaincy Initiative, funded by a grant from the Central Bay District! 

 

RSVP by June 5 by emailing your name and phone number to register@ummecosta.org .  Please include MHFA in the subject line!

 

Future sessions will include:

  • Spiritual First Aid (NEW)

  • SOUL Circle (Grief Support) Leader Training (NEW)

  • Suicide Awareness

  • Trauma-Informed Peer Support

  • Self-Care for Caregivers, and more!

Wild Wednesday Volunteers Wanted!

Julie’s gearing up for this summer’s Wild Wednesday program: Camp Chaos! If you're ready to jump in or want more info, reach out to Julie!

WILD WEDNESDAY IS BACK… AND IT’S CHAOTIC (ON PURPOSE)

Camp Chaos: Jesus Meets Us in the Chaos of Life
Wednesdays | June 11 – July 16 | First Church Campus

 

Camp Chaos is our summer Wednesday night program for kids—and it’s exactly what it sounds like: loud, joyful, beautiful chaos, where kids experience the love of Jesus in real, hands-on ways. Here’s what the schedule for each night looks like:

  • Volunteers arrive at 5:00 PM

  • Kids arrive at 5:30 PM for dinner

  • The night wraps up by 7:45 PM with music and celebration

 

You don’t have to serve every week to be part of the team—just come when you can. Whether you’re good with crafts, games, snacks, or crowd control, there’s a spot for you.

 

This program serves over 50 children from across our community, and it takes a big-hearted crew to make it happen. Ready to join the fun?

Camp Chaos Decorations Creation Days

Join us in building, creating, and crafting the decorations and prop pieces that will be used for Camp Chaos!  Don't worry you don't have to be crafty or creative, though - our team leaders will give you all the direction you need! Feel free to come for any amount of time during the times listed below:

 

  • May 15,  1PM - 4PM

  • May 20,  5:30PM – 8PM

  • June 3, 1PM – 5PM

  • June 3, 5:30PM - 7:30PM

  • June 9, 1PM – 7PM, SET-UP

  • June 10, 1PM – 5PM (only if we did not finish the night before)

 

 

Sign up here: Click to Volunteer for Camp Chaos or reach out to Camp Chaos Volunteer Coordinator, Carol Hillman, at carol@carolhillman.com .

 

Let’s make this summer wild, in the very best way.

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS THIS SPRING!

Are you looking for a place to belong, to grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and make a difference in the world? We’d love to invite you to take the next step and officially become part of our UMMMC family!

 

This spring, United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County will be welcoming new members at Paris & Third Avenue (Sunday, May 18).

 

Joining the church is more than a ceremony—it’s saying yes to a shared mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It’s a commitment to grow spiritually, to serve others, and to walk with a community that strives to follow Jesus with grace, courage, and love.

 

Whether you’ve been worshiping with us for a while or are just beginning to explore faith, there’s a place for you here. The only requirement for membership is Christian baptism in a Trinitarian tradition. If you haven’t been baptized, we’ll joyfully celebrate that step with you as part of the process of joining the church - just let us know ahead of time! If you’re curious about membership or baptism, or want to know more about what it means to join, let’s talk!

 

If you're ready to join the church or be baptized, contact the church office or speak with Pastor Jeremy. If the dates above don’t work, we’ll find one that does!

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!

​

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 

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