This summer, First Church Miami welcomes neighbors and global visitors alike through “Our Summer of Soccer,” a series of community-centered gatherings celebrating the energy, diversity, and international spirit of Miami.
Located at Biscayne Boulevard + NE 5th Street steps from Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, Kaseya Center, and the Freedom Tower, First Church seeks to introduce more people to its nearly 130-year presence in the Downtown community by providing a welcoming place for families, neighbors, and visitors to gather around hospitality, culture, conversation, and connection.
“We’ve heard from so many people that they pass through Downtown Miami without realizing First Church has been part of this community for generations,” said senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Audrey Warren. “This summer is an opportunity for us to share who we are, open our doors wider, and welcome people with warmth and hospitality.”
“Our Summer of Soccer” will include:
- “HEARTBEAT,” the inaugural exhibition of works by Paraguayan-born, Miami-based sports artist Lili Cantero. Known for blending live art, sport, and culture, Lili’s work has gained international recognition through collaborations with U.S. Soccer, CONMEBOL, and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, among others. Her artwork has also drawn the attention of internationally recognized athletes and sports executives including Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Dani Alves, Jordi Alba, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Lili and her work have been featured in global media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, Fox Sports, Telemundo, and Univision.
- Our own Corner Coffee café is anchoring a hospitality pop-up collaboration on our outdoor terrace overlooking Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, creating an inviting environment for neighbors and visitors to gather.
- “GOALS: Living for Something Bigger,” is First Church Miami’s summer sermon series exploring themes of faith, community, purpose, perseverance, and passion, inspired by the global spirit of “Our Summer of Soccer”.
- “Prayers for Our Players,” a special worship service on the eve of international soccer’s biggest tournament where guests are encouraged to wear their country’s jerseys while gathering in prayer and participating in First Church Miami’s blessing over every team participating this summer.
- Fundraisers benefitting First Church Miami’s Breakfast Club ministry, which for more than 35 years has provided meals and hot showers to members of Miami’s unhoused community, and for PHAKAMISA in Durban, South Africa where First Church supports their yearly teacher training program for early childhood education (benefitting 10,000 pre-school children annually).
- Comfortable, air-conditioned community gatherings for highly anticipated matches.
- Ongoing family-friendly church-led events inviting our neighbors to celebrate our upcoming 130th year supporting our Miami community.
Throughout “Our Summer of Soccer,” First Church Miami’s hospitality efforts will be nearly entirely supported by church member volunteers generously sharing their time and talents to welcome guests from across Miami and around the world.
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“What makes Our Summer of Soccer so special are our people behind it,” said Lucy Nunez, First Church Miami’s leadership board chair. “By opening our doors wide, First Church has the opportunity to serve, pray, connect, and support our community. And what a great way to do it, while watching soccer!”
First Church Miami welcomes guests to “Our Summer of Soccer” beginning Tuesday, June 9, 2026, through Sunday, July 19, 2026. Additional announcements and details to be released in the coming weeks.
About First Church Miami
First Church Miami has served Downtown Miami for nearly 130 years. Located at the corner of NE 5th Street and Biscayne Boulevard, the church brings together faith, hospitality, culture, and community through worship services, arts programming, and collaborative partnerships with local organizations, artists, and small businesses. Through its ministries including The Breakfast Club, 5th + Biscayne Micro-Gallery, and Corner Coffee, First Church Miami continues creating meaningful spaces for connection and engagement within Miami’s urban core.
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