Grow More Like Jesus, Together
On John R. Road in Troy, Michigan, Big Beaver United Methodist Church lives by a simple motto: "Grow more like Jesus. Together." The phrase shows up across the church's communications and sits at the center of everything, from Sunday worship to a Wednesday night bell choir rehearsal. Pastor Rev. Susie Hierholzer holds the conviction that faith is not meant to be lived alone, but nurtured through worship, growth, service, and relationship.
The congregation is a community rooted in the love and grace of God, seeking to love neighbors, serve the surrounding area, and live with compassion, humility, and hope. The church is a place where friendships are formed, lives are transformed, and faith is lived out through service and support for one another.
Sunday Mornings at 10:00 a.m.
Worship gathers every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., in person and online. The hour includes a Children's Message before younger worshipers move to Sunday School. Visitors who want to be greeted can fill out a guest check-in form before arriving.
For those who cannot make it to the building, services are livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel and shared on Facebook. A prayer request form is also available online, with prayers offered by the pastoral team.
Bible Study and Sunday School for Every Stage
Big Beaver UMC offers a layered set of weekly study opportunities. On Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m., the Friendship Class gathers, followed by Experiencing God at 9:00 a.m. Both feed adults in the hour before worship. Tuesdays bring two evening options at 7:00 p.m.: the Disciple Class and a Men's Bible Study that meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays. On Thursdays, a Bible Study gathers at 10:00 a.m.
Children have their own track. After the Children's Message during the 10:00 a.m. service, kids move to Sunday School tailored to their age group. A church library, stocked with a wide variety of books, is available for those who want to read their way deeper into the Christian tradition.
Sewing Chicks and Sleeping Mats: Mission in Motion
Several hands-on mission projects put the congregation's faith into practice. The Sewing Chicks meet on the first and third Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. to cut and sew bags that are sent to school children in other countries.
The Sleeping Mat Ministry gathers on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. Volunteers transform plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness. Helping Hands volunteers send cards to homebound members, mark birthdays and special occasions, and offer words of comfort during difficult seasons. The Coffee Hour Host team welcomes the congregation for fellowship around the table.
Music Across the Sanctuary
Music plays a central role in worship at Big Beaver UMC. The Unity in Christ Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and leads the congregation in song. The Harmony Ringers bell choir meets Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., offering those without a singing voice a way to "let their faith ring out." An instrumental ensemble called Instruments for Joy welcomes musicians of any skill level who want to share their gifts during worship.
Suzanne Bianchi serves as Organist and Collaborative Pianist, while Carl Vanidour directs the choirs.
Children, Youth, and Confirmation
Karissa Matson directs Children, Youth, and Church Family Ministries, overseeing programming for young people from preschool through high school. Sunday mornings include the Children's Message and Sunday School. Youth Group is open to students in grades 5 through 12 and meets on alternating Friday nights for fellowship, faith, and fun.
Students in eighth grade or higher are invited into the Confirmation Class, which walks them through the basics of Christian belief and United Methodist identity. Parents stay connected through a parent newsletter.
Pickleball, Yoga, and a Way to Belong
Beyond study and service, Big Beaver UMC has built a wide range of connection points. Pickleball is offered twice a week, Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., open to anyone 14 and older regardless of skill level, with equipment available. Chair Yoga meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and welcomes people of all abilities for gentle stretches and increased mobility.
A women's group focused on connection, mission, and education meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m., building friendships while serving and advocating for others. A men's ministry, also centered on connection, mission, and growth, gathers regularly and welcomes newcomers who contact the church office. Visitors and members can fill out a Connect Form to be matched with the right small group or volunteer opportunity.
Meet the Team
Rev. Susie Hierholzer leads the congregation as pastor. Her ministry is collaborative, intergenerational, and grounded in the conviction that there is room at God's table for everybody. Karissa Matson serves as Director of Children, Youth, and Church Family Ministries. Suzanne Bianchi is the church's Organist and Collaborative Pianist, and Carl Vanidour directs the choirs.
Generosity underwrites the church's ministry. Online giving supports worship, discipleship, outreach, and the many programs that meet the needs of the community and beyond. The church office can be reached at 248-689-1932 or by email.