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upcoming events 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

 

Crafting With A Cause - Saturday, January 17 @ 10AM -12PM @ First Church Campus in Fellowship HallEuchre/Gam Night - Euchre/Game Night - Wednesday, January 21 @ 6PM at First Church Campus

Men's Breakfast with Pastor Jeremy - Saturday, January 24 @ 9AM at First Church Campus

​Family Meeting/Potluck - February 1 @ 11:15 @ First Church Campus in Fellowship Hall

Crafting With A Cause - Saturday, February 7 @ 10AM - 1PM @ First Church Campus in Fellowship Hall

Red Cross Blood Drive - Monday, February 16 @ 12PM - 5:45PM @ First Church Campus in Fellowship Hall

Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes - February 18 @ 7:30-9:00AM @ First Church

Ash Wednesday Worship Services - February 18 @ Noon @ St. Andrews Episcopal Church & 7PM @ First Church Campus

 

​​​​​​JANUARY MISSION FOCUS - HUMAN RELATIONS SUNDAY

Human Relations Sunday, one of six churchwide Special Sundays designated to support ministries and causes important to the United Methodist Church. Human Relations Sunday supports the Church’s work in creating communities where everyone can flourish. When we give, we support church-based programs that work in local neighborhoods to build justice, offer hope, and walk alongside those who need a second chance.

 

how are Human Relations Sunday Offerings used?

  • Community Developers Program (57%) - This program helps churches serve their neighborhoods—especially communities of color—by focusing on local needs like education, employment, and empowerment.

  • United Methodist Voluntary Services (33%) - This program equips volunteers and congregations to tackle injustice through hands-on projects, community organizing, and service-learning opportunities.

  • Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs (10%) - These church-supported programs help young people rebuild their lives through mentoring, leadership training, and positive, faith-based community experiences.

 

You can support Human Relations Sunday by placing your gift in an offering envelope, noting “HRS”, and placing it in the regular offering plate or in the designated basket (First Church) at the front of the sanctuary. You can also give online at ummecosta.org.

 

Thank you for supporting Human Relations Sunday! Your generosity strengthens communities working toward Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of “beloved community,” making transformational ministries possible.

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MEN'S BREAKFAST

Pastor Jeremy will be hosting a Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, January 24 at 9AM at the First Church campus. We’ll keep it simple and delicious with biscuits and gravy—and of course, plenty of hot coffee. This is a great opportunity to connect, build friendships, and invite someone new to something relaxed and fun. Please RSVP by January 20 so we can plan for food. You can register by calling or emailing Barbara Erb in the church office. We hope to see you there!

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ASH WEDNESDAY - BEGIN LENT WITH US

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, prayer, and re-centering our lives around what matters most. It’s a chance to slow down, tell the truth about our need for grace, and begin again. The ashes remind us that we are human, we are finite, and we belong to God—and that even in our fragility, God is still at work making all things new.

 

We invite you to join us in one of three opportunities to receive ashes and worship on Ash Wednesday:

 

Imposition of Ashes

7:30–9AM @ First United Methodist Church

9:30-12PM @ The United Church

9:30–11:30AM @ St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

 

Worship Services

12:00PM @ St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

7:00PM @ First Church United Methodist Church

 

Whether you can slip through in the morning, pause at midday, or gather in the evening, this is a meaningful way to begin the Lenten journey together.

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SOUL CIRCLE SPRING 2026 GROUPS FORMING NOW!

SOUL Circle 2025 offered a meaningful and supportive experience for more than a dozen church and community members.

Sharing our stories and the many ways grief is experienced along life’s journey proved to be deeply healing and comforting.

 

We are gathering participants for our Spring 2026 session. If you are interested in joining our next 13-week SOUL Circle, please contact Barb in the church office or reach out to Kathy Bell for more information.

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​​​​​​​​​​​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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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.

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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!

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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 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!

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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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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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