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
Advent 2022: Close to Home
This Advent we will use the rich resource “Close to Home” from Sanctified Art to guide our time of worship, provide an Advent devotional booklet for home use, an Advent calendar for children and families, and beautiful artwork and poetry.
In this season of reflection, we consider that when something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts. The Close to Home theme acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, yet God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us.
The Advent and Christmas scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery. In these scriptures, home is physical and metaphorical, something we seek and are called to build. In many ways, these scriptures are like blueprints—detailing the dreams of a God who makes a home with us. Ultimately, God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a home on earth; sacred ground is all around us.
This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home—wherever home is found—to live fully with joy, hope, and courage.
Latest Message
January 22, 2022 The Invitation
January 22, 2023
Watch
Latest Services
January 22, 2022 The Invitation
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.” ~Matthew 4: 23 Jesus […]
2nd Sunday After the Epiphany
Join us this Sunday! On this Second Sunday after the Epiphany we continue in a line of Gospel readings through which we either discover, or are encouraged to seek out […]
Baptism of the Lord
Join us this Sunday in worship as we learn of the Baptism of the lord. As we celebrate the love of God, let us set aside the struggle and instead […]
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Latest Livestream
January 22, 2022 The Invitation
January 22, 2023, 10:00 am
Led by: Rev. Julie Kline
Matthew 4: 12-23
Bulletin: 10:00 am
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.” ~Matthew 4: 23 Jesus […]
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.)
