- Music Leader- Whitmore Lake Campus, part-time
Know God. Love God. Serve God.
Pastor Lindsey will lead a New Member Class at the Whitmore Lake Campus on Sunday, Jan. 29 and Feb. 12 at 11 am (please note a change of date from original announcement). Learn more about the United Methodist Church and how you can be part of its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Contact Pastor Lindsey.
Music Leader
Part-time, 15 hours/week
We’re looking for an musician to lead worship songs at the Whitmore Lake Campus. The ideal candidate would have a passion for music and leading people in worship.
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A retired teacher in the congregation is teaching the children at a United Methodist Church Camp in the Czech Republic. We have been in relationship with the Protivín UMC for over 10 years. The church of about 40 members is supporting at least 25 refugees.
We have moved from preparation to actual assistance. More and more families in Protivín accommodate mothers with children from Ukraine, who are transported to Protivín from the border by volunteers in their cars. We have opened a parsonage and adapted a classroom for meetings of mothers with children during the week. There are now 14 children, the mothers accompany them, and a helpful retired teacher has taken over the teaching. The pastor provides technical facilities, food etc. We are now deciding how to proceed as the number of children and mothers is increasing and the church has limited capacity.
Blanket Sunday, Nov. 27 & Dec. 4
December 2022
Michelle Lucas joined the custodial team and she is a joy to have on staff. Her passion is being a mom to her son. In her free time she loves to do anything that has to do with being outside: hunting, fishing, riding snowmobiles, four-wheelers, and walking in the woods. Michelle says, “I love these things now more than ever now that I’m a momma and can teach my little one the same things.”
Aug. 10, 2022
Associate Pastor
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee invites you to welcome Rev. Lynn Hasley to the staff in September 2022.
Pastor Lynn is excited to join the staff and work with both people who are new to the church as well as those who have been a part of our congregations for many years. She wants to help folks build a deeper relationship with God, develop meaningful friendships and support within a diverse community of disciples, and help them to connect with opportunities to know, love and serve God.
After retiring as lead pastor of Franklin Community Church, Lynn served as the Pastor of Discipleship and Congregational Care at Nardin Park United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills. Previously she served at Eastpointe: Immanuel UMC, Farmington Hills: Orchard UMC, and Birmingham First UMC, where she was the pastor for congregational care. She previously served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, which oversees credentialing of new clergy, on the Board of Discipleship, and on the Conference Conflict Resolution team.
Lynn is a second career pastor, having previously worked for 11 years as a hospital administrator and some years as a teacher and Foster Grandparent Program Director. In addition to her Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and Ecumenical Theological Seminary, she also holds Master’s Degrees in Education from Oakland University and in Hospital Administration from the University of Michigan. Lynn is married to Gary, a retired engineer who sings in several choirs and loves to golf. They have two married daughters and three granddaughters.
During her tenure as Director of the First Steps Preschool, the program has flourished. She has served as both Director and teacher offering her administrative and personable gifts to parents and children alike. Lisa has also been an important part of the church staff and volunteer Sunday School teacher. She attended weekly staff meetings and did everything she could to support and plan events for children and their families.
The Rev. Lindsey Hall and the Rev. Jon Reynolds have been appointed by Bishop David Bard to serve as co-pastors for First United Methodist Church – Brighton and Whitmore Lake Campuses, effective July 1, 2020. Their first Sunday in worship will be Sunday, July 5 — online only.
They are excited to begin a new ministry in Brighton and Whitmore Lake with First UMC. Several “meet and greet” opportunities are scheduled — both online and in person. To help keep everyone safe, please sign up for an event. If you sign up for an online event, you will be emailed a link to the Zoom conference. If you have any trouble signing up online, call the office at 810-229-8561.
“Welcome Joshua (age 4) and Lydia (age 2) — and their parents, Pastors Jon and Lindsey, too — to First Church.”
Please extend a warm welcome to the Reynolds-Hall family by driving by the parsonage located at 7608 Brookview Court (Mt. Brighton subdivision), on July 5, between Noon-1pm.
If you would like to bring a welcome gift for Joshua or Lydia (and Jon and Lindsey), that would be wonderful. Ideas: Joshua and Lydia both love outside summer things such as shovels and buckets for the sandbox, water balloons, bubbles, chalk, flowers, etc. They also love Curious George books. Joshua loves Legos and science experiments. Lydia loves anything purple. She also has fun with bracelets and purses.
Being new to the area, gift cards to your favorite restaurant or store are perfect for Jon and Lindsey. Monetary contributions to welcome the Reynolds-Hall family may be made via the Church (drop off or mail to400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton MI 48116).
Let’s show them a warm and loving First Church welcome! No registration needed for the drive-by.
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! We have been praying for you and our church from the moment we learned that the Bishop appointed us to be Co-Senior Pastors of Brighton and Whitmore Lake. We are so excited to move to Brighton in a little less than a week. We have been inspired by your faithfulness, generosity, commitment to mission and your hospitality. Our children, Joshua (4) and Lydia (2), were so excited to see inside the beautiful parsonage and they are excited to make new friends in our community.
As you read this letter, perhaps you are curious to know a little more about us. Lindsey grew up in Nebraska and Jon grew up in Michigan. We met nearly halfway in between in the northern suburbs of Chicago in Evanston, IL. We met the first day of orientation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and the rest is history. We got married shortly after our third year of school there and quickly moved to Michigan to start new ministry positions at Birmingham First United Methodist Church and Rochester St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Lindsey loves to walk, tap dance, camp, and enjoys coffee and chocolate. Jon is an avid Tigers fan, and in his spare time he loves to ride his bicycle.
We could not be more honored to be your pastors and look forward to worshipping with you, growing disciples in small groups, serving together in mission, challenging each other in our faith and helping each other to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. God is up to wonderful things in our church!
The Disaster Response Team of the Michigan Conference suggests several important things United Methodists can do to assist thousands of their neighbors who are now suffering from flooding in mid-Michigan.
May 21, 2020 | LANSING, Michigan – Over the past two days historic flooding continues to impact the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan. It is estimated that 10,000-12,000 people have or will be affected by flooding. Michigan United Methodists join Bishop David Bard in praying for people living in the region, first responders, and community leaders.
Nancy Money, the Coordinator for Disaster Recovery Ministries for the Conference, reports that a $10,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), requested by Bishop Bard, has been approved. These funds will assist in the Conference’s immediate response to relief needs in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Needs will be assessed by the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Team in coordination with local leaders. Keep reading
The Disaster Response Team, chaired by the Rev. Robert Miller, is asking Michigan United Methodists to respond in these ways at the present time:
Please note. Volunteers are not needed at this time. The Disaster Response Team has mobilized and readied Michigan’s trained Emergency Response Teams (ERTs). ERTs will be deployed when impacted communities are ready and able to receive them. General Volunteers In Mission will be needed in the future.
UMCOR is receiving urgent requests from ministry partners throughout the U.S. and around the world. Sadly, an overwhelming number of these requests are to meet the need for food.
Partners who operate or directly support food pantries are asking for help as the global fight against COVID-19 is inflating the price of food, especially in places where food insecurity was already a major public health issue – even here in the U.S.
1 in 5 children are “food insecure” in the U.S. according to
If you are having difficulty getting things you need while trying to stay home and stay safe, church volunteers are ready to help. Call the office with your request (such as picking up groceries or prescriptions, taking items to the post office) and you’ll be matched with a church member. Contact Wendy Carmack during office during weekday hours, M-Th 9 am – 4 pm and Fridays 9 am – 12 pm, 810-229-8561. wendy@brightonfumc.org. Outside of business hours, you are welcome to email, call or text your pastors. Pastor Sherry, sherry@brightonfumc.org and 810-360-9995. Pastor Bob, bob@brightonfumc.org and 810-571-0185.
Journey with us through the Love Story of Jesus and His church. Ours pastors love to the tell the story and invite you to share it, too.
April 26 – Prayer listen online
May 3 – Sacraments listen online
May 10 – The Bible
May 17 – Blessing
May 24 – Service
May 31 – Fellowship
June 7 – The Church
Watch our worship videos from our Online Worship page.
Or listen to the sermon audio files: Audio Archives page
Many groups are meeting online. If you would like to be connected with a “virtual” group, please contact Pastor Bob Fuchs, bob@brightonfumc.org.
The Rev. Lindsey Hall and the Rev. Jon Reynolds have been appointed by Bishop David Bard to serve as co-pastors for First United Methodist Church – Brighton and Whitmore Lake Campuses, effective July 1, 2020.
Pastors Jon and Lindsey are married and have two children, Joshua (age 4) and Lydia (age 2). Jon grew up in Clarkston, Michigan and attended Albion College where he studied Philosophy and Political Science. After college, Pastor Jon was called into ministry while working as an intern at Cass Community UMC in Detroit. Pastor Jon attended Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago where he met Lindsey. After seminary, Jon served as an Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s UMC in Rochester, Michigan where he helped launch two worship services and focused on reaching young adults. Pastor Jon currently serves as an Associate Pastor at Cass Community UMC. Outside of church, Jon loves biking, walking the dogs, and the Detroit Tigers!
Rev. Lindsey was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University where she studied Communications and Theatre Arts. After college, Lindsey served as a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries in Hawaii, working with children and youth. Called to ministry, Pastor Lindsey attended Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity in 2013. Pastor Lindsey has served at Birmingham First UMC since 2012 as an Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Contemporary Worship. Rev. Lindsey loves mission work, small group discipleship, preaching, and working with people of all ages. Lindsey loves singing, dancing, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and visiting her family in Nebraska and Texas.
Pastors Jon and Lindsey will serve our congregation as co-pastors, a model new to our church. Neither will be a senior or associate pastor; instead they will share responsibilities equally and cross-over in most areas. We pleased and excited about Pastors Jon and Lindsey’s appointment, and know that you will welcome them with open minds and open hearts. Please hold them in prayer during these months of transition.
Read the full letter from the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.
Pastor Bob Fuchs has been appointed to serve at DownRiver UMC. The Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis announced last fall that she would be leaving Brighton First UMC in June. Her husband the Rev. George Lewis is retiring and the couple are moving to Mattawan, Michigan. Sherry will be working for the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan.
Pastor Bob Fuchs has been appointed by Bishop David Bard to DownRiver United Methodist Church in Taylor, Michigan, effective July 1, 2020. We are appreciative of Bob’s gifts and his service while appointed here and long before that. As United Methodists, we affirm with faithful understanding that we, the Church, are the Body of Christ. It is Christ’s sustaining Spirit that will guide us in the days ahead. We will trust and rely on Christ’s presence and grace during this time of transition.
In the coming weeks and months, we will have the opportunity to express our appreciation for Pastor Bob’s ministry in our midst. There will be time to say our good-byes, and time to begin planning a welcome for the new person whom God will send to become our next pastors.
Read full letter from the Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Our faith community is clear about our mission. We exist to help others to know God, love God and serve God. Our purpose influences all that we do in worship, faith formation and service. I give thanks to God for so many who serve to make our mission possible. We are truly a blessed church.
Another way that many have said “yes!” to the mission and effectiveness of First United Methodist is through generous gifts. In mid-2019, church leaders became concerned about a growing gap between church expenditures and giving. We made adjustments in spending and let the congregation know about the church’s needs.
I give thanks to God for the faithful response of so many.
As we move into 2020, we will work from a budget that incorporates our vision and reflects good stewardship. I am privileged to be in ministry with you in this fruitful time in the life of our church.
Blessings,
Pastor Sherry
Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis email
Sometimes we suffer in silence with great burdens. When silence has been our practice, what will be our songs of lament and hope? We will look to the Book of Lamentation and Psalms to find a new song.
Jan. 5 – Culture of Silence listen online
Jan. 12 – Mental Illness listen online
Jan. 19 – Addiction listen online
Jan. 26 – Domestic Abuse listen online
Feb. 2 – Depression and Suicide listen online
Resources are available in the Community Room (Brighton) and the Upper Hall (Whitmore Lake) for anyone facing these issues. Break the silence and talk with someone. To talk to a pastor, call the church office, 810-229-8561.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Addiction Resources: There are many resources available locally, including support for family members of those who struggle with addiction. Use these websites or talk with a pastor.
Domestic Violence Resources
Mental Health Crisis Lines
8 am, Worship and Holy Communion weekly
9:30 am, Worship and Sunday School for 3 years through 6th grade
11 am, Band-Led Worship, Sunday School (multi-age class) for children K-6th grade
9:30 am, Acoustic Band-Led Worship
Lead Pastor Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis announced recently that her tenure at First United Methodist Church will conclude June 30, 2020. Read her letter to the church.
She will continue to serve with great joy and appreciates the love and support of this church. Her husband Rev. George Lewis, pastor at Howell First United Methodist Church, has applied for retirement beginning next June 30. And the couple will move to Mattawan, Michigan, where they have purchased a home. Pastor Sherry is seeking an appointment from Bishop David Bard to that area.
The staff and Staff-Parish Relations Committee invites you to congratulate Pastor Sherry on her new direction. We pray that her future is as blessed as we have been by her presence here.
Those who would like to share their thoughts on the gifts and skills of a new senior pastor can send an email to sprc@brightonfumc.org.
On Sunday, July 1, 2018, the congregations of Brighton First and Wesley United Methodist Church of Whitmore Lake became one congregation worshiping and serving in two locations. Congregation members from both churches voted to merge our ministries on Sunday, April 15, 2018.
Rev. Bob Fuchs is the Whitmore Lake Campus Pastor. The worship service at the Whitmore Lake Campus is at 9:30 am. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Bob at bob@ brightonfumc.org.
This is a blessed time for our congregations. Together, we will strengthen compassionate outreach and make disciples for Jesus Christ in our communities. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Bob at bob@ brightonfumc.org.
