Royal Oak Hosts Downtown Block Party Celebrating Historic Church

ROYAL OAK, MI — Royal Oak First is hosting a “block party” to celebrate completion of a $5M renovation of the downtown church dating back 181 years in the city. The event is free to the public and will be held from 12:30-2 p.m Sept. 8 at 320 W. Seventh St., Royal Oak.

Wondering what's in store?

The family-friendly celebration will commence with a ribbon cutting in front of Royal Oak First at 12:30 pm. Attendees will be served a meal catered by the church’s neighbor, Pronto, including hot dogs, hamburgers and vegetarian options.

Activities include lawn games, bounce houses and a large slide. Event attendees are encouraged to contribute to a community art project—a mural by local artist and children’s book author, Amy Nielander. Once complete, the mural will be on display inside of the church. Parking in downtown Royal Oak is free during the event and every Sunday.

“Royal Oak First United Methodist Church has been a mainstay in Royal Oak since its founding,” said Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier. “We are thrilled about the congregation’s investment and commitment to our city. We are grateful for the good work Royal Oak First United Methodist Church does throughout our community.”

Founded in 1838, Royal Oak First was originally located at the corner of Main and Lincoln in Royal Oak, Mich. before relocating to its current location in 1842. The church has grown over the decades with the current sanctuary built more than a century ago in 1917.

The $5M renovation project began in January 2016, encompassing significant improvements to the infrastructure of the church. Renovations also included handicap-accessible modernizations, such as elevator access to the top floor of the building and ramp access to the chancel; aesthetic updates of fresh carpeting and paint; reconfiguring existing spaces to accommodate larger worship and event attendance; and placing the nursery adjacent to the sanctuary for the convenience of church families—truly keeping families close.

According to Rev. Jeff Nelson, lead pastor at Royal Oak First, “We are blessed to have a wonderful congregation that is leaning into love and inclusion where people of all ages, races and backgrounds are welcome and embraced with kindness and consideration. Our church is a place for our community to gather not only for worship, education, music, theater and the arts, but also for youth groups, meetings, recovery groups, weddings, showers and funerals. We will hold a funeral for anyone, even if they are not a member of the church, and especially if they can’t afford it.”

Royal Oak First hosts informal worship services oriented with a hymn sign and message on Saturdays at 4 p.m.; contemporary worship with a full band on Sundays at 9 a.m.; and traditional worship accompanied by the church choir and organ music filling the sanctuary on Sundays at 11 a.m. Nursery care is offered on Sundays during both worship services; parents/guardians are provided a buzzer so they can be contacted during worship.

Sunday School is offered to preschool through 8th grade at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Children’s mid-week program for pre-school through 5th grade includes dinner, program and music from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Middle school and high school classes are held Sundays from 5:30-8 p.m. and include dinner, program and music.

For more than 25 years, Royal Oak First has provided hot meals five times per week to the homeless. The church has a permanent clothing and food store for the hungry, homeless and under-resourced. The food pantry has flourished since first starting as an Eagle Scout project in 2017.

The Sept. 8 event kicks off a month of free and fun activities for the entire community:

• Fri., Sept. 13 from 7 to 10 pm: School of Rock and Pop Showcase. Free performance for all ages.
• Sat. Sept. 14 and Sat. Sept. 21 from 6 to 7 pm: Acting Out Kids Workshop. This two-part workshop is a fun and creative space to explore acting with Acting Out Kids from Clawson. This free program is open to kids ages 7 to 18. Please RSVP to the church office at office@rofum.org or 248-541-4100.
• Mon., Sept. 16 at 7 pm: Be Bold: Find Your Fierce. Rev. Rachel Billups shares wisdom from her book, Be Bold: Find Your Fierce. This free event is open to all ages.
• Thurs., Sept. 19 from 7:30 to 10 pm: Painting Circle. Attendees will be guided through a painting to take home at the end of the evening. Snacks provided. This event is open to all adults and costs $40 per person. RSVP to the church office atoffice@rofum.org or 248-541-4100.
• Sat., Sept. 21 at 5:30 pm: Supper Club. The public is invited for a special celebration hosted by the United Methodist Women. Free to attend.
• Sun., Sept. 22 at 4 pm: One Voice: ChoirFest. Sing Out, Detroit!, Cantata Academy Chorale and Sanctus are joining forces for their first-ever combined concert. A free will offering will benefit the Ruth Ellis Center.
• Sat., Sept. 28 from 9 to 11 am: Men’s Prayer Breakfast. All men are invited for breakfast, fellowship and prayer with former NFL player Luis Sharpe.
• Sun., Sept. 29: Potluck dinner served at 5:30 pm. Comedy Sportz Show from 6:30 to 8 pm. The family-friendly comedy troupe does improv as a competitive sport. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family.