Worship with Us
We invite you to join us in worship as we experience, celebrate, and share God’s love.
Upon entering the sanctuary, my mind settles into a calmer, peaceful realm. Distractions of a busy life tend to fade.
In this gathering place, we’re growing up in God together.
Current Series
Questions of Faith
“Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you.”
~Matthew 7:7 New Century Version
Our worship planners would like to offer an opportunity for you to share your questions of faith and we will use them as the basis for one of our summer worship series. We live in challenging and unusual times, now and always is a good time to ask the hard questions and do some deep thinking and honest reflection. An engaged faith embraces questions and moves us closer to God.
Latest Message
Rooted: Kalamazoo Service Project Sunday
September 18, 2022
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Latest Services
Rooted: Kalamazoo Service Project Sunday
Join us this Sunday in worship as we hear the story and celebrate Kalamazoo Service Project! This year, 40 youth from FUMC Kalamazoo and Portage Chapel Hill joined together along […]
Rejoice Sunday
“Rejoice with me, for I found that which was lost.” Luke 15: 6a Seeking, finding, and rejoicing! Jesus teaches through two parables in the Gospel lesson, this message of the […]
Why Can’t We Get Along Without Hurting Others?
In this third and final week of our series “Questions of Faith,” we look today to a very present and relevant question: How do we get along without hurting one […]
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Today's Livestream
When We Are Living: JFON Celebration
September 25, 2022, 10:00 am
Led by: Rev. Julie Kline
Luke 16: 19-31 and Luke 1: 46-55
Bulletin: 10:00 am
“Besides, in all these matters there is a huge chasm set between us so that no one can go from us to you even if he wanted to, nor can […]
Livestream has not started.
Sometimes after worship I see First church people reaching out to those they don’t know. That’s good because we are all strangers who find ourselves on a journey to find the ways of Christ.
Worship
Baptism and Holy Communion
Sacraments
The United Methodist Church celebrates two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion (Lord’s Supper or Eucharist). These were both instituted or commanded by Christ in the Gospels.
“Sacraments are sign-acts, which include words, actions, and physical elements. They both express and convey the gracious love of God, making it visible and effective. In all our brokenness and limitations, we can receive and experience God’s grace through the sacraments.” (This Holy Mystery)
Baptism
In Baptism “we are initiated into Christ’s holy church…incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.” In baptism we reject the power of sin and begin our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, we are born into a new way of living. Whether an infant or adult, this is just the beginning.
Baptism takes place during public worship of the community we call the church. Persons of any age may be baptized. Infants, children and others unable to take the vows for themselves are presented by parents and/or sponsors. Later those young people make their personal profession of faith in the service called confirmation.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is an act through which our connection with God, each other and our life of ministry in the world is nourished and strengthened. It is a profound act of remembrance that recalls the last supper Jesus had with his disciples.
In the United Methodist communion liturgy, we pray seeking the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the gifts of bread and juice so that we will be sustained and strengthened to live as Christians in the world. We remember the saving work God has done through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We also celebrate God’s work of making us one with Christ and uniting us in ministry to all the world.
The United Methodist Church practices open table communion. This means all are welcome with no barriers to community with Jesus Christ and with others.
At Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, communion is served on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on Christmas Eve, Holy Thursday, and other special days.
Worship
Satellite Worship Services
Satellite Worship Services Resume!
In-person Sunday satellite worship services will resume at all three retirement communities:
- Heritage Community: 3:00 pm in the Bistro
- The Fountains at Bronson Place: 4:00 pm in the Auditorium
- Friendship Village: 6:30 pm in the KIVA
We are excited to celebrate with one another again and invite community residents to join us for worship, including Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month with individual servings for added safety.
Mask wearing and spaced seating are required. Residents of Friendship Village and the Fountains should sign up with their respective activity directors. (Please confirm the time and location by checking the community calendar.)
