Fall ministry guide

It's the Fall 2025 at-a-glace for your calendar! This is a quick guide so you can plan for your Fall with us!

Children's ministry

Our Children are at the heart of this church's mission. We would love to welcome your precious little one into our loving group as we learn the basics of the faith and have fun doing it!

Children's Ministry Page

Childrens Church  

Every Sunday Morning (except first Sunday of the month) for Kindergarten - 5th Grade students. About 15-20 minutes into the Traditional Worship Service children will be invited to leave the sanctuary with Rev. Stanley and attend Children’s Church in Hudson Hall, returning to the sanctuary at the conclusion of the service for pickup. Children’s Church is a short worship service geared towards them at an appropriate age level that includes prayer, offering, and a children’s sermon. 

Children’s Sunday School  

For kids infant - 5th grade from 9:45-10:30am.  Children will learn Bible stories, participate in missions projects, have lessons, and play Bible themed games. Infant - 4K meet in the Preschool Hall, and Kindergarten - 5th Grade meet in the Childrens Hall (both 1st floor).  

Midweek Meetup

Children’s Midweek Meetup returns on Wednesday, August 20th, and happens every Wednesday night after that during the school year from 5:30-7:30. The children will enjoy dinner ($4), choir, recreation, age focused Bible Study/Classroom time, and more!   

Family Water Slide Night

Let’s celebrate the start of another great school year with a Family Water Slide Night on Wednesday, August 13th from 5:30-7:00pm! We will have free hotdogs, chips, and water for all. There will be a special preschool section for the littles, and we will have cornhole set up away from the water for anyone who doesn’t want to get wet! Parents: this is not a drop-off event so don’t forget to bring a chair! Friends are welcome to join in! This event will be held in the parking lot on the garden side of the church.  

Bargains on the Bluff

Bargains on the Bluff, our semi-annual Mommy and Me Consignment Sale, will be held on September 12-13. The proceeds from Bargains on the Bluff allows us to offer VBS free to the children of our church and our community, so we encourage as many people as possible to consign, shop, and/or volunteer to work at the sale this year! 

Wild Wednesday Movie Night

On Wednesday, September 17th, instead of our regular Children’s Midweek Meetup we’re having a Movie Night from 5:30-7:30! Children are welcome to enjoy the movie that night in their PJs, and bring a pillow and blanket as well!  

Pumpkin Patch Mission Trip/Field Trip

On Monday, October 14th, we will be making crafts and cards for our church’s shut-ins, and then going to the Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden, AL. There the children will get to pick their very own Pumpkin, take a Hayride, play on inflatables, tour the petting zoo, and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather. This mission/field trip is open to Kindergarten-5th grade and the cost is $40 per child. Drop off begins at 7:30 am and pick up ends at 4:00 pm.

Halloween Carnival

This year’s Halloween Carnival will be on Sunday, October 26th from 3:00-5:00pm. This will be a free event for our church and community! We will have a Trunk-Or-Treat with around 20-30 cars, music, free popcorn, free pumpkins, free water, face painting, and a dunk tank (featuring some of your favorite BPUMC Staff Members) to raise money for socks, hats, and gloves for the homeless, and more! The event will be located outside on the garden side of the church.  

Wild Wednesday Pumpkin Olympics

 On Wednesday, October 29th, instead of our regular Children’s Midweek Meetup we’re having our annual Pumpkin Olympics from 5:30-7:30pm! We will play pumpkin themed games and have a ton of fun! 

Family S’mores Night

Is there anything better than S’mores on a cool fall evening?? Yes! S’mores on a cool fall evening with church friends! Grab your S’more gear, a chair, and a snuggly blanket and head over to the church on Wednesday, November 19th from 5:30-7:00pm. Meet in the parking lot on the garden side of the church and choose your fire pit (don’t forget a chair.) Friends and hotdogs are welcome! 

Advent Wreath Family Workshop

BPUMC’s annual Advent Wreath Family Workshop will be on Sunday, November 30th from 6:00-7:00pm. We will be making Advent Wreaths and eating dinner together! Cost is $25 per family and includes an Advent Wreath, dinner, and a family devotional book centered around your newly made wreath that can be used by your family throughout the season of Advent.

Register Here

Children’s Christmas Pageant

The annual Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 7th from 5:00-5:30pm in the Sanctuary! All are welcome to attend as the children of our church remind us all of the true meaning of Christmas!

Register Here

Christmas Parents Night Out

Our Christmas Parent’s Night out is Saturday, December 13th, from 3pm-8pm and is open to all children 5th grade and under. The cost is $20 per child with a family Max of $40. The evening includes lots of free play, a kid friendly meal, a Christmas movie, and making crafts for our church’s shut-ins.

Register Here

Youth ministry

Our youth are a vital and amazing bunch of kids. If you're curious about your kiddo joining them to grow in Christ and have a great time, check out our Spring offerings!

Youth Ministry Page

Holy Ground

Wednesday Nights  |  5:30-7:30pm

This is our weekly youth worship service, where we meet every Wednesday to eat dinner, play games, worship, pray, and study the Bible together from 5:30-7:30pm. It’s a great time for middle and high schoolers to connect with God and each other! Dinner is only $4. You can’t beat it!

Sunday Night Activities  

Sunday Nights | 6:00-7:30pm  

We meet every Sunday night from 6:00-7:30pm to eat dinner, play games, do mission projects, and fellowship with one another! This is a great way for your kiddo to socialize and get involved! Dinner is only $4. 

Sunday School  

Sundays | 9:45am  

Join us every Sunday morning from 9:45-10:30 in the Connect Room on the first floor! This is one of our favorite times of each week as we eat breakfast, talk about life, and pray for one another.  

Family Waterslide Night  

August 13th  |  5:30pm

Let’s say goodbye to summer with a splash! Families with kids from the nursery all the way up to high school are invited to join us and enjoy a giant waterslide and slip-n-slide, games, a play area for little ones, and a free dinner for the whole family. Parents of middle and high schoolers don’t have to stay, but we’d love to have you bring a camp chair or picnic blanket and get to know some folks in our church community (and of course, friends are invited)!  

Bargains on the Bluff Setup  

September 7th  |  2:00 - 4:00pm

6th-12th graders are invited to pitch in and help BPUMC Kids set up their Bargains on the Bluff fundraiser. This is a huge part of what makes our annual VBS possible, and we couldn’t do it without our students! We’ll meet from 2-4pm to help with BOTB (and get some service hours) and then Regan and Stanley will take our volunteers out for free milkshakes!    

Karaoke Night  

September 17th  |  5:30-7:30pm

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for a BPUMC Students Karaoke Night! We’ll have free dinner for everyone, do some traditional karaoke, and have a blast with blind karaoke too! 

Halloween Carnival  

October 26th   |  3:00 - 5:00pm

A trunk-or-treat for the whole community! Join us October 26th from 3:00-5:00pm for carnival games, baked goods, a pumpkin patch, face painting, a dunk tank, and of course plenty of candy!

Pumpkin Olympics  

October 29th  

A BPUMC classic! From 5:30-7:30pm on October 30th we’ll enjoy a free dinner and enjoy a variety of pumpkin games and contests, from carving to seed spitting to pumpkin chucking to (maybe) pie-eating!

Fall Retreat  

November 14th-16th  

Youth are invited to get away with us for a weekend to eat good food, play fun games, worship God together, and hang out with friends. This year we’re headed back to Camp Cosby and we can’t wait to experience their climbing tower and giant swing (plus group games, gaga ball, and an incredible covered basketball court). We’ll also see who gets to take home the trophy for our annual Fall Retreat Talent Show - the girls won last year, so let’s see if the boys can get it back in 2025!

Register Here

Family S’mores Night  

November 19th   | 5:30 - 7:30pm

We’ll celebrate the return of fall weather together with a S’mores Night for our children, youth, and their families! We’ll bring the firepits, s’mores, and hot chocolate, you bring a chair, a comfy blanket, and some friends and we’ll see you there from 5:30-7:00pm!

Friendsgiving  

November 30th  |  6:00 - 7:30pm 

We’re continuing our Friendsgiving tradition this year! Join us from 6-7:30pm on November 30th for a potluck dinner and games as we practice gratitude and celebrate all of the gifts God has given us (especially the gift of knowing one another). Students who bring a side dish or dessert to share get dinner for free!

Christmas Party  

December 3rd   |  5:30 - 7:30pm

Our student ministry will spend our last Wednesday Night of 2025 celebrating Christmas together with good food, Christmas karaoke, and a $5 white elephant gift swap! (Christmas sweaters and Christmas pajamas always welcome.)

Adult ministry

Join a growing group of adults of all ages who are seeking to grow spiritually and connect with one another. This is where community starts!

Adult Ministry Page

Common tables

Wednesdays this Fall   |  5:30-7:30pm

The mission of Common Tables is simple: come together with good friends over good food to help one another listen for the voice of God in our lives. At a Common Table, members gather together for about 2 hours to share a meal, search Scripture together, share life, and pray together. You can join in at any point of the year. Learn more and sign up today!

Sign Up

Thursdays With Friends

Thursday with Friends is a monthly BPUMC get-together to fellowship and hear a speaker on an interesting topic. All programs will begin at 10:00am in the Fireside Room with an optional lunch afterwards. Here are our dates: 

August 28th   Morgan Rhodes, Aging and Disability, Resource Center Coordinator for United Way Area Agency on Aging will talk to us about programs and benefits available to Jefferson County senior citizens. 

September 25th   Alabama historian/speaker/videographer/explorer Jim Phillips will present “Lost, and Some Found, Treasures of 1800s Alabama”. He will also be bringing his ‘mobile museum’ containing 1800s era coins, paper currency, bottles and other treasures for us to examine. 

October 23rd   A pen and a passport have been the tools of the trade for Niki Sepsas for most of his life. His thirty-year travel career has taken him to more than 120 countries on the world’s seven continents. Niki will present “Stalking the Colors of Autumn; A ramble across North America during the peak of fall foliage season.” 

November 13th   Come and hang out with us at our Thanksgiving program!  

December 18th   Be sure to join us for a fun and spirit-filled Christmas program!  

United Women in Faith  

WF is an institution in the Methodist Church that spans generations of women all over the country. We’re looking to recruit folks in the new generation, so come on and be part of a multi-generational sisterhood! Meetings are in the Fireside Room at 10:00am unless noted otherwise. 

August 25   Susan Sims, Deaconess  What is a Deaconess and what does she do? Join us for this interesting session! 

September 5-6   Conference Mission U and Annual Meeting, at Camp Sumatanga. 

September 12-13   BOTB Bake Sale!   Bake what you love and bring it to the “Bargains” Sale ahead of time! 

 September 22   Join us for the SIFAT Experience! 

October 5  United Women in Faith, West District Annual Meeting. 2:00 pm at Bluff Park UMC. 

October 27   Meet the New Director of McCoy Adult Daycare presented by Britney Coates! 

November 17   World Thank Offering Program  Presented by Susan Clopton. 

December 8   Christmas Social and Potluck!  

Lessons & Carols Christmas Music  

You know it, you love it! It’s the traditional Lessons & Carols Christmas music worship service! Join us in the sanctuary at 8:45am on Sunday December 7th for a lively and spirit-filled musical offering from the BPUMC Choir and friends! 

Men’s Tuesday Bible Study  

Every Tuesday | 6:30am  

Join this diverse group of men as they tackle the ins and outs of holy scripture each week!

Men’s Fall Bible Study  

Wednesdays beginning Sept. 10  |  6:00pm in the Library

The Fall Men’s Bible Study will be examining the Life Guide Bible Study: Decisions: Seeking God’s Guidance by Donald Baker. If you’re a man looking to deepen bonds with other men at BPUMC and looking to grow closer to God, come give it a shot!

Pastor’s Bible Study  

Wednesdays beginning Aug. 13th  |  5:00pm

For the first four weeks, Rev. Stuart Parker will be hosting “4 Books in 11 Pages,” exploring the often-passed over books of Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephania, and Haggai. After that Rev. Ross takes back over for week over week exploration of this crazy, Spirit-filled book called, “The Bible.” This is a come and go as you can ongoing study so feel free to pop in here and there or join us every week!

Missions

Mission is the heart of the Church. God is in the business of redeeming a broken world, and guess what? We're on the front line. Join us!

Missions Page

pantry on the bluff

1st Wednesday of Each Month  |  8:00am

Pantry on the Bluff is open on the first Wednesday of each month from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at BPUMC. Pantry on the Bluff has partnered with Bundles of Hope to provide disposable diapers in addition to food. Diapers are distributed at the same time as our food distribution on the first Wednesday of each month. Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Each month we need help packing grocery bags, bundling diapers, running the distribution, and restocking the pantry. If you would like to volunteer, email Billy or call 205-822-0910. 

Email Rev. Quinten

under the bridge

Sunday Nights | 6:00-7:30pm  

Under the Bridge is a ministry that provides a hot meal for homeless men and women in downtown Birmingham on the second and third Tuesday evenings of each month. Team members prepare meals in the church kitchen. The meal is then transported to the Church of the Reconciler United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham, where team members serve the meal. To join this group, reach out to Rev. Quinten Lochmann for details on participating!

Email Quinten

United WOmen in Faith

Every 4th Monday of the month  |  10:00am

We are United Women in Faith, a powerful, fearless force driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children, and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. We invite you to join us, because love in action can change the world. Reach out to Sylvia Sumners for information on how you can participate in this amazing group of women!

Contact Sylvia

Quilting Group

Every Thursday  |  9:30am

If you enjoy quilting, or just want to learn from some experts, join the Quilting Group that meets here at BPUMC and makes quilts for the needy! Such a great ministry!  Reach out to Judi for more info!

Contact Judi

Christmas 2025

If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas filled with hymns and music, or a more contemporary vibe, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the coming of the Savior of the world!

Lessons & Carols   

Sunday December 7 | 8:45am  

Christmas music from musicians and the sanctuary choir. If you’re a music lover you can’t miss this.

Christmas Pageant  

Sunday December 7 | 5:00pm  

It’s the best photo op of the year and a wonderful time to teach the nativity story to the next generation!

Traditional Christmas Eve Service  

December 24 | 4:30 & 6:30pm  

This candlelight service celebrates the birth of Emmanuel and puts a bow on the Advent season. 

The Gathering Christmas Eve Service  

December 24 | 2:30pm  

Our modern take on the classic candlelight Christmas Eve Service! Very cozy and intimate!

Missions Guide Calendar 2025

Fall Mission Calendar at a glance:  

Mark your calendars with the missions schedule below! We’d love to get to know you as we serve Christ together!

August:  Mission Focus - School Supplies Room 35226+  

24 - BBQ Sale $5 per lb  

28 - Thursday with Friends: benefits available to Jefferson County senior citizens  

31 - BBQ Sale $5 per lb  

September:  Mission Focus - Food Insecurity  

2 - Bundles of Hope   (Preparing for Food Pantry)  

3 - Food Pantry  16 - Under the Bridge Ministry  

25 - Thursday with Friends: Jim Phillips  27 - Marriage Retreat 

October:  Mission Focus- Collecting Socks, Gloves, Hats for those experiencing homelessness  

1 - Food Pantry  

5 - United Women in Faith West District Annual Meeting  

14 - Under the Bridge Ministry  

16 - Red Cross Blood Drive 

 23 - Thursday with Friends 

 27 - United Women in Faith Meeting 

November:  Mission Focus - Festival of 3 Kings  

4 - Bundles of Hope (Preparing for Food Pantry)  

5 - Food Pantry  

11 - Under the Bridge Ministry  

13 - Thursday with Friends  

17 - United Women in Faith Meeting  

18 - Under the Bridge Ministry  

December:  Mission Focus - White Christmas/Embrace Alabama Kids  

2 - Bundles of Hope (Preparing for Food Pantry)  

3 - Food Pantry  

6 - Hosting the Bluff Park 8K  

7 - Churchwide Christmas Potluck  

8 - United Women in Faith  

9 - Under the Bridge Ministry  

16 - Under the Bridge  

18 - Thursday with Friends