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
The Renewing Work of God
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
Our first summer worship series will have us reflecting upon the book, “Beyond Words: 15 Ways of Doing Prayer” by Kristen Johnson Ingram. It is not necessary to purchase the book to follow our worship series, but it is a wonderful read, pointing the reader to intentional ways of moving throughout one’s day as a way of prayer. Ingram writes this, “Prayer is – and should be – a mystery, the greatest mystery of all because in it you try to engage the God who is unknowable in ordinary conversation. In prayer you call up the eternal and ask it to be revealed to the finite. Perhaps you whisper the Our Father as you fall asleep, and you say grace over your food, and holler “Fix this!” at God when you watch the day’s depressing news. But sometimes you can’t find words, or you’re so mad at God you can’t form a sentence. Or maybe you feel verbally inadequate to express your love or anxiety or whatever. Or maybe, it’s just that the nonrational wins that day. You’re not just a mouth attached to a brain: if God made all of you, then all of needs to learn how to communicate with God, and doing prayer responds to that need.” Join us for this worship series that beckons us into an adventure of prayer from music and gardening to cooking and eating. Let us learn to savor our prayer practice as we express the diversity and varieties of daily living.
Latest Message
Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Is Healing
October 17, 2021
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Latest Services
Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Is Healing
“Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ~Matthew 15: 22b As Jesus entered Tyre and Sidon, a Canaanite woman presented herself as […]
Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Broadens the Mind
Hope broadens the mind. As we enter into the second week of our “Stewards of a Hope-Filled Future” series this week, we are challenged to examine in what and whom […]
Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Moves you Forward
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” ~Jeremiah 29: […]
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Latest Livestream
Stewards of a Hope Filled Future: Hope Is Healing
October 17, 2021, 10:00 am
Led by: Rev. Julie Kline
Matthew 15: 21-28
Bulletin: 10:00 am
“Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” ~Matthew 15: 22b As Jesus entered Tyre and Sidon, a Canaanite woman presented herself as […]
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.
As per the governor’s orders, 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.)
