upcoming events
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Go Deeper At Table Talk - Wednesdays @ 12PM beginning September 2 through end of series
Crafting With a Cause - Saturday, September 12 @ 10AM - Noon
Back-To-School Bash & Blessing of Backpacks- Sunday, September 13 during worship
Sunday School Kickoff Potluck Lunch/ Carnival-style games for all ages - Sunday September 13 after worship
Final Church Directory check - Sunday, September 13 & September 20 at both campuses
Choir Rehearsal - Wednesday - September 16 @ 10AM @ Downtown Campus
Teen Youth Group - Sunday, September 20 @ Noon - 1:30PM @ Downtown Campus
FROM PASTOR JEREMY - YOU ARE NOT ALONE
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an important opportunity to speak honestly about something that is often surrounded by silence, fear, and stigma. Suicide affects individuals, families, congregations, and communities—and silence does not protect us. Compassionate conversation can help people know that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Mental illness, depression, and suicidal thoughts are not signs of weak faith or spiritual failure. Faithful people can experience overwhelming pain, hopelessness, and isolation. When that happens, prayer and the support of a church community can be meaningful, but they should never be used as substitutes for professional mental-health care. Asking for help is not a failure of faith; it is an act of courage.
As a church, we are called to become a community where people can speak honestly about their struggles without shame. We cannot promise easy answers, but we can listen, accompany one another, and help connect people with the care they need. God’s love does not disappear in our darkest moments, and no one should have to face those moments alone.
Some warning signs that a person may be struggling include talking about wanting to die, expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden, withdrawing from others, giving away meaningful possessions, increased use of alcohol or drugs, or significant changes in mood, sleep, and behavior. These signs are especially concerning when they are new, increasing, or connected to a painful loss or major life change. If you are worried about someone, do not be afraid to ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Listen calmly and without judgment. Do not lecture, minimize their pain, or promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Stay with them, help them connect with support, and take what they say seriously. You do not need to have all the right words. Your willingness to listen and remain present can make an important difference.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also reach out to any member of our team, a trusted medical or mental-health professional, or someone who can remain with you while you seek help. If there is an immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
You are beloved. Your life has immeasurable value. Help is available, and you do not have to carry this alone.
CRAFTING WITH A CAUSE
Join us Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to noon as we decorate hygiene tote bags for students at Big Rapids Virtual School. If you can color with markers, you can help—everyone is welcome! The group will gather for lunch at Gypsy Nickel afterward.
Both campuses are invited to donate personal hygiene products. Please see the bulletin board (Downtown, Fellowship Hall) for specific needs and place donations in the gray bins by Sunday, September 20. Thank you for supporting our local students!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: A BLESSING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
Join us September 13, at First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids as we celebrate the beginning of a new school year!
Our 10AM worship service will include a Blessing of the Backpacks for students, teachers, school employees, and everyone beginning a new season of learning. Bring your backpack, book bag, lunchbox, or another symbol of your work and studies as we pray for God’s blessing upon the year ahead. Following worship, stay for our Sunday School Kickoff, a potluck lunch, and carnival-style games for all ages. Bring a dish to share if you are able—but most importantly, bring yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
LIFT YOUR VOICE - CHOIR IS BACK
Choir rehearsals return this month! We will gather on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 10AM. Whether you have sung in a choir for years or are simply interested in giving it a try, you are welcome to join us. Come enjoy the music, fellowship, and joy of helping lead our congregation in worship. Please contact Linda with any questions. We look forward to singing with you!
FINAL CHURCH DIRECTORY CHECK
We are preparing to print our new church directory! A proof copy will be available at each campus on Sundays, September 13 and 20. Please take a moment to review your name, address, phone number, email address, and other household information and clearly note any necessary corrections.
This is the final opportunity to make changes before the directory is printed, so even if you believe your information is correct, please check it one last time. We plan to send the directory to print shortly after September 20. Thank you for helping us make sure our records are accurate!
A PLACE TO BELONG - TEEN YOUTH GROUP AT FIRST CHURCH
All students in grades 9–12 are invited to Youth Group at First Church! We meet on the first and third Sundays of each month from noon to 1:30PM. Beginning on September 20.
Youth Group is a place to come as you are, enjoy snacks and games, build friendships, and discover a supportive community. It is also a space where young people are encouraged to ask honest questions, be curious, explore their faith, and know they are welcomed and valued. You do not need to have everything figured out—you simply need to show up!
Students are welcome to bring a friend. For more information, contact Paden!
GO DEEPER AT TABLE TALK
Wednesday's at 12PM, Table Talk will offer an opportunity to dig more deeply into the week’s Scripture and continue the conversation begun during worship. Together, we will ask questions, share perspectives, and consider how Micah’s message speaks to our lives, our church, and the world around us. No special knowledge or preparation is required—just bring your lunch, your curiosity, and a willingness to join the conversation.
NOW HIRING NURSERY SUPERVISOR
United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County is seeking a caring, dependable individual to serve as Nursery Supervisor at our First Church campus. This is a part-time, paid position supporting our nursery during Sunday morning worship and other services or activities as scheduled.
MICAH: FAITHFUL LIVING IN A FRACTURED WORLD
Beginning August 30, both our First and Paris campuses will begin a new six-week preaching series, Micah: Faithful Living in a Fractured World. Micah spoke to communities facing injustice, economic inequality, failed leadership, violence, fear, and uncertainty about the future. Although his words were first proclaimed centuries ago, the questions he raises remain strikingly relevant: What does faithfulness look like when the world around us feels fractured? How should people of faith use power, wealth, and influence? What does God expect from our leaders—and from each of us? Is peace possible? Can mercy have the final word?
Micah does not offer easy answers or empty reassurance. He honestly names the ways people and institutions can depart from God’s purposes. Yet his message does not end with condemnation. Micah points toward God’s vision of a world shaped by justice, peace, restoration, belonging, and steadfast mercy.
Throughout the series, we will discover that faith is about more than what happens during worship. God’s grace shapes how we listen, share resources, exercise leadership, make peace, treat our neighbors, respond to harm, and participate in the life of our wider community. Each week will explore another dimension of faithful living:
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September 13 — The Responsibility of Leadership
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September 20 — God’s Vision for the World
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September 27 — What Does God Really Want?
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October 4 — The God Who Delights in Mercy
From Micah’s reminder that God often speaks through overlooked voices to his beautiful declaration that God delights in mercy, this series will invite us to listen carefully, examine our shared life, and imagine how we can participate in God’s healing work.
Join us at either campus as we explore what it means to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in a fractured world.
SEPTEMBER MISSION GIVING: DISCRETIONARY FUND
Our Discretionary Fund provides quick, compassionate assistance to neighbors facing urgent needs. Through your generosity, we have helped with gasoline, food, refrigerators, beds, mattresses, and other household necessities. Every gift offers practical help with dignity and reminds someone that they are not alone. Give online at ummecosta.org/give by selecting “Discretionary Fund,” or write “Discretionary Fund” on your giving envelope or check memo line. Thank you for helping UMMMC embody Christ’s compassion in our community.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF UMMMC
United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County is seeking individuals from both the First Campus and the Paris Campus to serve on our Leadership Team. The Leadership Team is the governing body of UMMMC. They care for the church’s resources, discern long-term priorities, ask important questions about the future, and ensure that our ministries and finances remain aligned with our mission, vision, and values. If you believe this may be a meaningful way for you to serve—or if you would simply like to learn more—please contact Pastor Jeremy to schedule a conversation.
HELP SUPPORT CAMPUS MINISTRY AT FERRIS
Are you passionate about supporting college students and helping create an inclusive, welcoming Christian presence at Ferris State University? The FSU Wesley Foundation is seeking individuals interested in serving on its board. Board members help guide and support the ministry as it connects with students and begins an exciting new chapter. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Pastor Jeremy.
MANY WAYS TO CONNECT WITH OUR CHURCH
Church is about gathering together—but gathering does not always look the same for everyone. Some people connect with us in the sanctuary each Sunday, while others join online because of illness, travel, work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, mobility challenges, or other circumstances. We want everyone to know that there are several ways to worship, stay connected, and share in the life of our congregation.
Join Us in Person
We offer two opportunities for in-person worship each Sunday - 9AM (North Campus) and 10AM (Downtown Campus). Whether you have worshiped with us for years or are visiting for the first time, you are welcome at either service.
Our 10:00 a.m. Downtown Campus service is streamed live each Sunday on our Facebook page: facebook.com/BRFUMC . The livestream allows people to worship with us in real time, hear the Scripture and sermon, pray with the congregation, and remain connected even when they cannot be physically present.
Sermons are also uploaded to our YouTube channel, where they can be watched and shared at any time: youtube.com/@BRFUMC . This is especially helpful for those who miss a Sunday, want to revisit a message, or would like to share a sermon with a friend or family member.
Social media is not simply a tool for advertising church events. It is one of the places where people form relationships, ask questions, seek encouragement, and explore their faith. Many people will visit a church’s Facebook page or YouTube channel before they ever walk through its doors. Our online presence gives them an opportunity to learn who we are, hear what we believe, and discover that there is a place where they will be welcomed.
Digital ministry also helps us remain connected with members who are homebound, recovering from illness, traveling, away at school, or living outside the community. It allows the ministry of our congregation to extend beyond a particular building or a single hour on Sunday morning.
When we share worship, prayers, sermons, stories, and opportunities to serve online, we are meeting people where they already are.
In the coming months, we hope to expand our presence into additional online spaces, including Instagram. Instagram will give us another way to share photographs, short videos, Scripture, prayers, ministry updates, and stories from the life of our congregation. We will also explore shorter videos for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These could include brief devotional thoughts, sermon highlights, invitations to upcoming events, and glimpses of the ministries happening throughout the week.
Our goal is not to be present on every social media platform simply because it exists. Our goal is to use these tools intentionally—to build relationships, communicate clearly, offer hope, and invite people into a community of faith.
One of the easiest ways you can support our digital ministry is by following our pages, reacting to posts, leaving encouraging comments, and sharing worship services, sermons, and church announcements.
We also encourage you to check in online whenever you attend Sunday worship, a church event, a class, a community meal, or another ministry activity. A simple Facebook check-in lets your friends know that something meaningful is happening here and helps introduce our church to people who may never have encountered us otherwise. You do not need to write a long post. A quick check-in, photograph, or sentence about what you appreciated can help extend our welcome beyond the walls of the church.
Every interaction helps more people discover our church and the ministries we offer. Whether you join us in person, worship through the livestream, watch a sermon later in the week, or connect through social media, you are an important part of our church community. There are many ways to access the life and ministry of our church—and there is always a place for you.
HOSPITALITY - WITHOUT MAKING IT WEIRD
At United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County, we create welcoming, affirming, diverse spaces where everyone can belong, thrive, and experience Christ’s love. This is more than an aspiration—it is a commitment that should shape how people experience our worship, ministries, and shared life.
Hospitality is at the heart of the gospel. Jesus crossed social and religious boundaries, welcomed people who had been excluded, shared meals with those others avoided, and made room for people who had been pushed to the margins. His hospitality communicated through both words and actions: You are seen. You are valued. There is room for you here.
Hospitality does not, however, require us to make things weird or cringy. A new person does not need to be surrounded by six people, interrogated about why they came, or recruited for three committees. At the same time, they should not be ignored while everyone else talks with the people they already know. Genuine hospitality is as simple as:
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wearing a name tag
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introducing yourself
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learning (and remembering) someone’s name
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helping a guest find what they need
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inviting them to sit with you—while also giving them room to breathe
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welcoming the sounds and movements of children
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avoiding assumptions about anyone’s identity, family, background, abilities, or beliefs
Hospitality is not a performance or a recruitment strategy. It is a way of living together. It means paying attention, making room, and helping people know that they truly belong—without making it weird.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF UMMMC
United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County is seeking individuals from both the First Campus and the Paris Campus to serve on our Leadership Team. The Leadership Team is the governing body of UMMMC. They care for the church’s resources, discern long-term priorities, ask important questions about the future, and ensure that our ministries and finances remain aligned with our mission, vision, and values. If you believe this may be a meaningful way for you to serve—or if you would simply like to learn more—please contact Pastor Jeremy to schedule a conversation.
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.