The Open Table
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
We’ve set the table and you are invited to enjoy! Adult lunch and fellowship. A $5 donation is suggested as you are able.
Please let us know you are coming. Contact Todd May.

Disciple Bible Study
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Disciple Fast Track provides a great option for busy people who seek to gain a better understanding of the Bible and want to grow as disciples. No previous Bible study is required. Participants are asked to read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible (Old Testament) daily in preparation for the weekly meetings. As part of the weekly group meeting you will watch a brief, illustrated video, followed by a lively and engaging discussion of the current weeks’ session. Led by Bruce Stark. Runs Sept. 9-Nov. 25.

Cass Volunteer Saturdays
2025-09-13 08:00 - 16:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
SIGN UP

The volunteer work varies month to month. Contact Laura Kelly to learn more. Depart from the Brighton Campus parking lot at approximately 8 am to travel together to Detroit and return by approximately 4 pm. Bring your lunch.
Cass Community Social Services meets people in need, where they are in life, by offering food, affordable housing, skill building, and vocational training which promotes self-sufficiency, on a sustainable pedestrian campus and as part of the larger community.
The ways First UMC volunteers have served includes:

cleaned, mended and painted rooms for affordable housing
set up beds for warming centers
weeded gardens, trimmed shrubs, planted trees and flowers, mowed grass and cleaned outside to beautify and make areas safer for residents
prepped mass quantities of bacon and eggs for breakfast, assembled sandwiches and packaged lunches to feed the community
sorted and shredded paper to recycle and raise money for fighting poverty.

Journey Through Grief
2025-09-16 13:00 - 14:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
A small group for remembering, learning a little about your grief, and connecting with others
who have also lost a loved one. Contact Deacon Loretta or Pastor Lynn.

Faith in the Face of Empire
2025-09-16 18:45 - 20:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Virtual Book Study: “Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes” by Mitri Raheb. Sponsored by Michigan Conference Board of Justice, Church & Society, Task Force Promoting Justice in the Middle East. Zoom class led by Randie Clawson with in-person conversations led by Ben Tasich. Meets Tuesdays at 6:45-8:15 pm, Sept. 16, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18. Register online. Purchase your book through your favorite bookseller. Hybrid Class. Zoom link will be shared with registrants.

St. Andrews Breakfast Volunteers
2025-09-20 07:00 - 09:00 | St. Andrews, 306 North Division, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104
First United Methodist Church provides volunteers for the Breakfast Program at St. Andrews in Ann Arbor about once a month. Volunteers may prepare hot food, set up serving stations, serve food to guests, clear trays, wash and dry dishes and clean up the kitchen. Depart Brighton at 6 am (or meet at St. Andrews at 7 am). Tasks are completed by 9 am.

The Breakfast Program at St. Andrew’s (Ann Arbor) serves between 90 and 150 meals daily. Guests include the young and old. They arrive as individuals or in groups. Some are homeless or struggling with addiction or mental illness, but most are working men and women who are trying to make ends meet.

Sign up

Game Night
2025-09-25 18:00 - 20:00 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Enjoy an evening of fellowship and games like Euchre, Uno, Yahtzee and others. Bring a snack to share (optional). Drop in or come every 4th Thursday at 6:00.

Conversations on Race Library Series
2025-10-25 10:30 - 12:30 | Pinckney Library, 125 Putnam St, Pinckney, MI, 48169
You are invited to register for this four-week facilitated conversation to build awareness and skills in talking about race. The idea of this event grew out of the “Faith & Racial Healing” class offered here in the fall of 2024. This series is hosted by The Library Network and facilitated by Conversations on Race.
Space is limited and you must preregister. http://tln.org/conr
The details: Through shared videos, small and large group dialogue and actionable steps, we will have difficult conversations and build capacity for advocacy.

Session 1 (Oct 25): Why has the myth of race as biology persisted and what effect does this have on our own ideas?
Session 2 (Nov 1): How has the idea that race is biology resulted in inequalities in policy and practices throughout US history?
Session 3 (Nov 8): What is structural racism and how have ideas of race shifted to support political and social inequities?
Session 4 (Nov 15): How can Asset Mapping connect our deepest longings, beliefs, talents, contacts and community institutions to build equity and justice for all?

Session content builds each week, therefore it is ideal for participants to attend all sessions if possible.
Free to attend, registration required: www.tln.org/ConR
To learn more about Conversations on Race, click here
FUMC Contact: Suzanne Everett, director of mission and justice engagement

All Saints Day
2025-11-02 09:30 - 12:00 | MI
On All Saints Day, United Methodists publicly remember and honor those who have passed away. Celebrated on the first Sunday in November, we light candles, ring bells of remembrance, and call the names of those lost in the previous year as a way of honoring the impact their lives have had on us.

Fill out my online form.

Fill out my Wufoo form!

Fellowship with a Focus
2025-11-02 16:00 - 18:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
It’s a Potluck with a twist. Enjoy food and fellowship followed by activity stations sponsored by the hardworking justice projects of the Church & Society Committee. Please bring a dish to pass. Everyone welcome! Families, too!
Activities include:

Transportation Bingo
Trivia (Wits & Wagers Style)
Mindfulness Practice
Write an advocacy letter about a current concern to your representatives

Church Conference
2025-11-08 09:30 - 11:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
The annual meeting of the church includes approving leadership nominations, pastor salaries, etc. Everyone is welcome to attend, however only church members may vote on items during the conference. Other district churches will be holding their conferences at that same time.
9:30 am Worship (Sanctuary)
10:15 am Conference

Veteran's Day Observed
2025-11-09 09:30 - 12:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
We honor those who have served this country in the miliary. To have your veteran recognized in the worship service, please send a digital photo along with their name, rank and where they served to photo@brightonfumc.org by Oct. 26.

Quilt & Craft Sale
2025-11-14 09:00 - 14:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Annual Quilt & Craft Sale
Enjoy the artistry of beautiful quilts at this quilt and craft sale. With over 100 handmade, heirloom quality quilts plus a variety of crafts for sale, there is something for everyone including baby and holiday items. This two-day fundraising event runs Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14- 15, at 9 am to 2 pm.
This year the proceeds of the sale will benefit the church’s Prayers & Squares – The Prayer Quilt Ministry. This group creates dozens of unique, handmade quilts each year for people experiencing health crises. The congregation prays over each quilt with individuals tying knots representing prayers for the recipients.
Quilt & Craft Artists
Would you donate a work to be sold at the Quilt and Craft Sale? Place it in the library or give it to Thelma Forrest. Donations accepted through Nov. 2.
This year’s Quilt Event benefits the church’s Prayers & Squares Ministry, which gives beautiful, handmade quilts to people experiencing health crises. The congregation prays over each quilt with individuals tying knots representing prayers for the recipients.
Below are just some of the many beautiful items that will be available at the event! Visit the sale’s Facebook page to see more works of art available for purchase! Or this Slideshow.

UMWF: Stained Glass
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly luncheon and general meeting of United Methodist Women in Faith.
Program: Nancy Smail on Stained Glass: 50 years of learning, creating, and teaching

Holiday Craft Show
2025-11-22 09:00 - 15:00 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Holiday Craft Show • Bake Sale • Luncheon
Time to start holiday shopping! Choose from handmade items, baked goods and enjoy lunch! New vendors this year!
Crafters: contact Darla Miller, 810-231-9816.

Hanging of the Greens (WL)
2025-11-23 10:30 - 11:30 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Help decorate the church for Advent. Stay after services to help.

10:30-11:30 am at Whitmore Lake Campus

Contact Susan Kimball, susan@brightonfumc.org.

Hanging of the Greens (B)
2025-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Help decorate the church for Advent. Many hands make light work!

10 am at the Brighton Campus

Contact Susan (Snow) Kimball, susan@brightonfumc.org.

Ring the Bell for Salvation Army
2025-11-29 09:15 - 19:15 | Kroger, 9968 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Ring in the holiday season with cheer and generosity. First United Methodist Church volunteers will be bell ringers at Salvation Army “red kettle” sites on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. SIGN UP or Contact Bob Hemphill.

Caroling at Regency Whitmore Lake
2025-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Regency at Whitmore Lake, 8633 Main St, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189, United States
Each Sunday throughout Advent, you’re invited to explore Wesley’s means of grace and “do some good” through hands-on mission projects. On Sunday, Dec. 14, meet at Regency at Whitmore Lake at 1 pm to sing carols for the residents.

Christmas Musical & Dinner with Santa
2025-12-14 17:00 - 19:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Young People’s Worship Arts Presents: “The Present is the Future”
Free Performance: Sunday, December 14 at 5:00 pm
Followed by a taco dinner* and a visit with Santa!
Food catered by our own Seve and D’Anne Ramos
*Purchase tickets for the dinner below, or stop by the office during the week or between worship services beginning Sunday, Nov. 16 and in the church office during the week. Ticket sales end Sunday, Dec. 7.
Inspired by the classic board game Clue®, The Present Is the Future is a fun and clever musical created by Katie Combs. Follow six kids as they navigate a house of mysteries to find the answer to a Christmas riddle presented to them by a mysterious host. Filled with outlandish characters, clever wordplays, campy satire, and fun songs, The Present Is the Future helps kids learn that their fears, desires, and insecurities are similar to those from Biblical times. They also begin to understand that by accepting the “present” of Jesus Christ they receive the gift of a hopeful future.

Christmas Party (Youth)
2025-12-17 18:00 - 19:30 | The Well, Brighton Campus, 400 E. Grand River Ae, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Bring a friend and enjoy a festive, fun night of Christmas joy! You can count on cocoa, cookies, games, and maybe even a surprise or two!
Contact lindsey@brightonfumc.org

Caroling - Brighton
2025-12-21 12:30 - 14:30 | reg, 8633 Main St, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Each Sunday throughout Advent, you’re invited to explore Wesley’s means of grace and “do some good” through hands-on mission projects. On Sunday, Dec. 21, meet at the Brighton Campus at 12:30 to depart in groups to carol for homebound parishioners. If you worship at 11 am and want to go caroling, we’ll have a light lunch. Sign up on your connection card or email Susan Kimball, Director of Music.

Caroling at Greenfield Village
2025-12-21 17:15 - 21:30 | Greenfield Village
You are invited to sing Christmas carols with the church choir at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village. Christmas caroling is a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday spirit. Each caroler enters the event for free PLUS, we receive an extra free ticket for each caroling participant! Sign up with Susan (with the total of singers and guests) as soon as you are able so we can reserve tickets. We usually have extra guest tickets, so invite a friend!

Christmas Eve Worship 11am, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
2025-12-24 11:00 - 12:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Bring your family and friends for a meaningful service to hear the Christmas Story, celebrate Holy Communion, enjoy Christmas music, candle lighting, and fellowship.
Brighton Campus
11 am – Worship designed for young children and their families
5 pm – Band-led Worship
7 pm*– Worship with handbells and choir
9 pm – Worship with handbells and choir
*7 pm Service Livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook

Child-Centered Morning Worship

The 11 am service is not just child-friendly, it’s child-centered! As you enter the worship space, children will be invited to wear a nativity costume and participate from their seats with their families. They may even recognize some of their preschool or Sunday school teachers who are part of the storytelling! Following the service, we’ll sing “happy birthday” to Jesus and enjoy birthday cupcakes!

Christmas Eve Worship 11 am
2025-12-24 11:00 - 12:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
The 11 am service is not just child-friendly, it’s child-centered! As you enter the worship space, children will be invited to wear a nativity costume and participate from their seats with their families. They may even recognize some of their preschool or Sunday school teachers who are part of the storytelling! Following the service, we’ll sing “happy birthday” to Jesus and enjoy birthday cupcakes!
Looking for an evening service?
Please see the details for the 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm Christmas Eve Worship Services

Christmas Eve Worship 2 pm (Whitmore Lake Campus)
2025-12-24 14:00 - 15:00 | First United Methodist Church-Whitmore Lake Campus, 9318 Main, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189
Bring your family and friends for a meaningful service to hear the Christmas Story, celebrate Holy Communion, enjoy Christmas music, candle lighting, and fellowship.

Caroling Singalong
2025-12-28 10:00 - 11:30 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
The songs of the Christmas season not only stir our memories and fill our hearts with joy, they tell the story of Jesus’ birth in a way that connects us deeply to the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Sing along with Susan Kimball. Following the service stay and enjoy fellowship with a potluck brunch.
If you are able to bring food to share, we’d love to know what type of food you’ll bring. Signup Genius Link If you can’t bring a dish, that’s ok. There is always plenty! Everyone welcome!
Note: Only one worship service on Dec. 28 at the Brighton Campus at 10 am. No Whitmore Lake Campus service.

Fish & Loaves Community Dinner
2025-12-28 17:00 - 18:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Fish and Loaves is a free community meal in Brighton provided by local churches. First UMC – Brighton Campus hosts the dine-in meal on these 2025 dates: Dec. 28 and 2026: Feb. 22, April 26, June 28, Aug. 23, Oct. 25, Dec. 27. You do not need a reservation. We look forward to seeing you.

Volunteers and food donations are welcome.
Contact Deborah Scharp.
Consider helping in one of these ways:

3:30 pm Set tables, set up coffee station, prep food
5 pm Serve food, visit with guests
5:30 pm Dishwashing
Sign Up to provide: desserts, rolls and salads (or purchase food and turn in receipts for reimbursement)

Fish and Loaves is coordinated by Love INC and serves all who come seeking food and fellowship.

Welcome Statement Listening Session (Brighton Campus)
2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:00 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Part of our Strategic Plan “Goal 6” is to develop a welcome or belonging statement that quickly lets people know if they would be welcomed and included in the ministries of First UMC as they are searching for a church home.
Please complete an online questionnaire (available Jan. 4-11) — paper forms will also be available.
And attend one of three listening sessions provide your constructive feedback to help the welcome statement team gain valuable insight to craft language that feels appropriate for our church.

Sunday, Jan. 11 @ 1 pm, Brighton Campus
Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 pm, Zoom link
Sunday, Feb. 2 @ 10:15 am, Whitmore Lake Campus

MLK Day of Service
2026-01-19 | First United Methodist Church-Brighton Campus, 400 E Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI, 48116, United States
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day as a federal holiday and a national day of service — a “Day On, Not a Day Off.”
Signup Genius
You’re invited to give your time in service in one of these partner projects (space is limited, please sign up in advance):

Food Pantry Volunteer, 8:15-11 am (Whitmore Lake Area Human Services)

Help stock food and create toiletry bags for clients. Families welcome (Children 5 and older with their adult) Whitmore Lake Area Human Services Food Pantry, 9075 Brookside Dr, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Kitchen Volunteer, 1-4 pm (Cass Community Social Services)

Help in the kitchen at Cass Community Social Services. Families welcome (ages 10+ with their adult). 11850 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit

Signup Online
Contact Suzanne Everett
Note: the church building is closed Jan. 19, 2026, for the holiday. Meet at the locations listed above.
