Children's Ministry:
- Nursery and toddler care for newborns to preschoolers throughout morning worship
- Children's Church for children K through grade 5 (dismissed halfway through morning worship)
- Various children’s activities and events throughout the year, including onsite activities, group outings, children’s plays, musicals, and more
Youth Ministry:
- For youth group meetings, we network into gatherings with other local evangelical churches
- Opportunities for involvement in larger events in Michigan or beyond can include rallies, mission trips, and youth conferences through national organizations
Adult Ministry:
- Mid-week Bible Study (through books of the Bible or topical studies) from September to June
- Three-part discipleship program “Navigators 2:7 Series" available to train and equip believers
- Women's Bible Studies on Tuesday mornings from September to June
- Financial Peace University: 8-week video and class on financial management, reducing debt, etc.
- Adult Fellowship Nights held at specific times during the year at church or in member's homes
- Activities and events throughout the year, including softball, bowling, golf, skating, picnics, Spring and Fall bonfires at "Brethren Park" behind the church, and much more
Music Ministry:
- Solos, duets, trios, quartets, or instrumental solos are included most Sundays during worship
- Congregational singing is a blend of hymns, choruses, and contemporary worship songs
Missions and Community Outreach:
- Our missions outreach is carried out in part through our "SMILE" program (SMILE is an acronym for "Sound Missionary Investments Launch Evangelism") . SMILE is funded through non-budgeted free-will giving. Our 2023 fund distribution is to:
- Crossroads Care Center - 60%...This pro-life Christian organization in Auburn Hills reaches out to women in crisis pregnancy situations and many related areas. They also look to share the good news of the gospel with receptive clients.
- Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief - 30%...Samaritan's Purse mobilizes, equips, and sends thousands of volunteers (including teams from our congregation) to provide emergency aid to U.S. victims of natural disasters. Their chaplains and volunteers also offer spiritual help, including sharing the gospel with those who are receptive. Many have come to Christ through this two-pronged outreach of grace and mercy.
- Oakland Hope - 10%...This Christian outreach ministry is located at 20 E. Walton Blvd. in Pontiac. Their objective is to reach a wide range of needs through human services (material, spiritual, etc.) to under-employed residents of Oakland County (those working yet still in need).
- Crossroads Care Center - 60%...This pro-life Christian organization in Auburn Hills reaches out to women in crisis pregnancy situations and many related areas. They also look to share the good news of the gospel with receptive clients.
- Our children supports a young girl ("Jeyarubini") in Sri Lanka through Compassion International. They also correspond with her. Letters from Jeyarubini are read during worship.
- We take part in Operation Christmas Child each year through Samaritan's Purse Ministries. Over the past several years, we have packed and sent out over 3,500 boxes to children around the world. Gospel literature is added to each box by Samaritan's Purse, and children receive a 12-week discipleship class, "The Greatest Journey" through local Christian churches.
- We have a monthly Pantry Sunday in which our children bring canned goods and non-perishables forward during worship. These are donated to a local food pantry (Open Door).
- Members from our congregation (both regular staff and volunteers) currently take part in ministry and service at Crossroads Care Center in Auburn Hills.
- Our congregation, when made aware of specific needs, "adopts" a local family in need during the Christmas season, providing gifts for children and their parent(s).
These are just some of the activities and opportunities for growth, fellowship, service, and outreach available here at First Church of the Brethren. A Statement of Faith is also available in our literature rack, which can be mailed upon request, or can be viewed on our website on the About Us tab.
If you haven't already done so, we invite you to join us and discover what has drawn us to this warm and vital local congregation. As our Home Page says, we also hope you'll find First Church of the Brethren to be a "a place of worship, a place of joy, a place of friendship (and) a place for you!"