April 2022 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

• Pastoral Update

  Easter People

  Matthew 28
  After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and His clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of Him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” He said. They came to him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

  With these words from Matthew’s gospel, we find the greatest news ever heard. The grave is open! The tomb is empty! Jesus is alive! On Friday the news was of death and defeat. But on Sunday, the news is love and life! It is the Good News. It is the Gospel. It is the news the church has been proclaiming for the last two thousand years. It is the news that has changed your life and changed mine.

  And it continues to change us every day. The resurrection story is what empowers us to do what’s “most important.” Because of this Good News, we can love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength. We will begin our Easter Celebration at 7am on the Green Space with our Sunrise Service. We will have some chairs available, but if you have one you can bring, please do so! We will be in the sanctuary of Building A at 8:15. At 9:45 we will have two services, one in Building A and one in Building C. And at 11:15 we will have the choir and orchestra in Building A. As always, if it is possible for you to come at 8:15, and open up room for guests at the 11:15 service, we would appreciate your willingness to do so.

  Since Ash Wednesday, we have been preparing our hearts for Easter. I look forward to celebrating with you! Elsewhere, you can read of our plans for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It will be an exciting month. We hope to see you often in April!

  If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,

  David

• Stewardship Report

  Budgeted for JUL 21 - JUN 22: $2,191,000
  Budgeted expenses first two quarters: $1,106,000
  Received through two quarters: $1,025,366.18
  Actual expenses through two quarters: $975,559.26

• Holy Week

  April 10 - Palm Sunday (Normal Service Times)

  April 14 - Maundy Thursday Service (7pm | Bldg A)

  April 15 - Good Friday Service (7pm | Bldg A)

  April 17 - Easter Sunday

  • Sunrise: 7am - Large Activity Field

  • Traditional Services: 8:15, 9:45 & 11:15am - Bldg A

  • Modern Service: 9:45am - Bldg C

• Spring Fling - April 10

  Join us for our Annual Spring Fling on Sunday, April 10 from 2-3:30pm on the large activity field beside the FLC. We will have Easter egg hunts, a petting zoo, a train ride for kids, and more. Children and families of all ages are welcome to attend.

  If you would like to support the Spring Fling, please donate individually wrapped candies or pre-packaged eggs by April 3.

• Ongoing Events

  Support Groups

  • Grief Share - Sundays @ 6pm (Bldg C)

  • AA Open Meeting - Sundays @ 7pm (Bldg A)

  • AA Women’s Group - Thursdays @ 7pm (Bldg A)

  • GRASP Support Group - Second Tuesday @ 7pm

  • SOS Support Group - Second Thursday @ 7pm (Bldg C)

  • Parkinson’s Support Group - Second Sunday @ 3pm

  • Dementia Ministry Spouse Support - Third Wednesday @ 1pm

  Weekly Exercise Classes (Bldg B)

  Monday

  • Tone & Tighten @ 9:30 am (Nursery)

  Wednesday

  • Cardio-Sculpt @ 9:30 am (Nursery)

  • Slow FLow Yoga @ 10:30 am

  • Senior Fit @ 11:30 am

  Thursday

  • Zumba @ 9:30 am

  Friday

  • Boot Camp @ 8:30 am (Nursery)

  • Stretch & Tone @ 9:30 am (Nursery)

• dwKids

  Preschool Sunday School

  Memory Verse: “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20, NIV

  Have you ever called someone your BFF? Maybe just the sound of it has you thinking of someone right now. BFF— Best Friend Forever. It’s hard to be a BFF, even with the best of intentions. It’s hard for you and me, but not for Jesus.

  Jesus is the one friend that not only wants to be our friend forever, but He can actually keep up His end of the promise. And, He went through a lot to make it possible. That’s why, this month, we are sharing the Good News with preschoolers that Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Your friend. My friend. Their friend. Everyone’s friend—forever!

  The best things that go together are my friend, Jesus, and me. And nothing, not even death, can come between us and His promise, because we go together forever and ever.

  Elementary Sunday School

  Hope - Believing that something good can come out of something bad.

  Memory Verse: “In this world, you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” John 16:33B, NIRV

  Life can sometimes feel like a giant puzzle. All we can see is the piece we’re experiencing right now, and we’re not sure where it fits into the greater picture that is forming. We can’t always understand why some things happen to us or those we love. Yet, despite our confusion, we can have hope. God has kept promises throughout history. We can believe that God will continue to be with us through what we face now. Even in the toughest times, we can have hope because we know God is always working and can make something good out of something bad.

  Summer Camps

  Due West is offering a variety of summer camps for kids of all ages. Sports Camps, Science Camp, Preschool Camp, and Musical Theater Camp are just a few. Be sure to check out www.duewest.org/camps for a complete list and to register.

  Vacation Bible School

  Mark your calendars to attend Monumental VBS Monday, June 6 - Thursday, June 9. Online registration for volunteers and their children begins on April 1.

  Be a Volunteer!

  Volunteer to help at Monumental Vacation Bible School and help kids celebrate God’s greatness! If you have not volunteered in the past, you'll find it to be life-changing for you as well as the kids! We are searching for both adult and youth leaders. Volunteers must have finished the 6th grade, love the Lord, love children, and like to have fun. Register online by following the links on the church website.

• Ignite Youth

  Senior Celebration for the Class of 2022

  We cannot believe it is already time to gather all the information on the class of 2022! We have so many extraordinary seniors this year and cannot wait to celebrate all that they have achieved in their high school experience and hear what they plan to do next in life!

  If you are a graduating senior or have a graduating senior and would like to be included in our senior celebrations, contact Lora@duewest.org to be added to our senior list, where we will collect information to share with your Due West family in May!

  UMM Scholarship Application

  Due Date: May 20

  Luncheon: July 10

  Turn in completed applications to the box on the Admin 2 door or mail them to the office C/O Tom Jackson.

  Application
  
  Ignite Youth Schedule for April

  April 3 - NO IGNITE due to Spring Break
  April 10 - Spring Fling at 2pm followed by Stations of the Cross in the Youth Center
  April 17 - NO IGNITE due to Easter
  April 24 - Confirmation Sunday and Senior Take Over Ignite! The Seniors plan the evening for our younger students!

  Sunday School

  If you’ve ever gone hiking before, especially in the winter, you know that “breaking trail” is something you do when you encounter deep snow that’s tough to navigate. When that happens, one hiker usually goes ahead of their group and clears the way so others can follow behind more easily. A trail-breaker is someone who goes ahead, who makes a new way, and who invites others to follow along behind them. In so many ways, that’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He broke a new trail just by existing, but He did so much more than that too. In this 6-week Easter series starting April 10th, we’ll read the stories of Jesus breaking new trails as we discover that Jesus never gives up on us, understands our pain, shows us love, is alive, can be trusted, and gives us a mission.

  We will gather for Youth Sunday school in the Youth Center at 9:45 and 11 every Sunday, except Easter (4/17).

  Summer Calendar
  May 29 - June 1 : Youth Choir Tour
  June 6-9 : Vacation Bible School!

  • Volunteers are needed! Rising 7th and older are encouraged to volunteer! You can work with PreSchool, Elementary, or by event (crafts, snacks, etc.) Sign up to volunteer on ChurchCenter starting April 1!

  June 12 : Lake Day at Allatoona
  June 15 : Six Flags over Georgia
  June 20 : Movie Outing!
  June 26 - July 2 : Center for the Arts Camp "Footloose"
  July 10 : Pop Up Ignite!
  July 12 : College Braves Outing

  PLUS, other Local Day Trips and opportunities through the Summer!

• Adults

  Men

  Due West United Methodist Men Charity Golf Tournament

  Monday, May 16th | Woodland Hills Golf Club, Cartersville

  Player Fee: $125.00 (Includes all fees, lunch, prizes and more.)

  Watch for registration details coming soon.

  Sponsorships and Tee Signs are available.

  Contact Butch Gaudette (ButchGaudette47@gmail.com | 404-345-3370)

  UMM Breakfast

  April’s UMM Breakfast will be held on April 10 instead of the 17 due to Easter.

  Women

  Women of Joy Conference!

  Come be a part of this year’s Women of Joy Conference!
  Women's Ministry will be going to Pigeon Forge October 7-9. This year's speakers are Lysa Terkeurst, Lisa Harper, Bianca Olthoff, Nicole Mullen and comedian Chonda Pierce along with a concert by Phil Wickham.

  Contact kcasteel@duewest.org now as we only have 9 openings available! Only two people per room. Conference and hotel are included for $350.00 per person (meals are on your own).

  Start Saving Your Change!

  Way Maker Women's Center will be holding a Baby Bottle Campaign starting Mother's Day Sunday, May 8. Bottles will be handed out before each service to be filled with change and returned on May 22.

• Missions

  Missionaries at Work

  There are many, many missionaries that serve our church by serving on one of the many committees that handle our church work. Some are called to help oversee the church property by serving on Trustees. Others use their talents by sitting on the Finance committee, the Worship Committee, the Administrative Board, or Staff Parish. Still others help with decorating the church, delivering flowers and meals, serving as ushers, sitting on the safety committee, helping with the coffee on Sunday mornings or sitting on the youth parent’s committee or the mission’s committee. And now we have a new committee, the New Visitor Welcoming Committee! Many of these groups are constantly in need of new volunteers with new ideas and new energy.

  Thank you to all of the Due West Missionaries that serve behind the scenes to keep our church moving and serving! If you feel called to serve in this capacity, let David or Lathem know.

  Now Go and Serve:

  Mission Trip Information Meetings:

  April 10

  Please plan on staying after the 9:45 service and after the 11:00 service to learn more about our four mission trips! The “after” 9:45 meeting will take place in the Bldg C Sanctuary, and the “after” 11:00 meeting will take place in the Gathering Place. Come get all of your questions answered!

  Easter Egg Hunt!

  We will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for some of the adult residents that live in one of the Special Needs Cobb residential living facilities on Saturday, April 9 from 1pm to 3pm.

  MUST Summer Lunch

  It’s not too early to begin talking to your Sunday School class, family or small group about getting involved. We will need lunch packers, Kids Kits packers and drivers/delivery team members. The program will start on Wednesday, June 1, and wrap up on Friday, July 29. We have committed to 150 lunches a week. Please contact Gina Hill to sign up or for more information. Gina can be reached at Scottandginahill@gmail.com

  Go Hike:

  Do you like to hike and spend time outdoors? Eddie Fletcher is putting together a team of “trail angels” that will spread God’s love on the Benton McKay trail in Northeast Georgia by providing random acts of kindness and sharing the gospel with hikers! The team will go out for day hikes 2-3 times in the Spring and then again in the Fall. Is God calling you to lace up your boots? If so, contact Eddie Fletcher or Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org).

  Teach Love!

  Jane Swanson and Stacey Lucas are teaming up to revitalize the Teach Love ministry! Be on the lookout for more information on how you or your small group/Sunday school class can get involved as we shower teachers and school staff in our area with God’s Love!

  Women’s Bible Study: Meet Them Where They Are!

  Gina Hill and Rita Schuchardt will be looking for a few missionaries as they kick off a monthly Women’s Bible study to be held at the KSU InTown Suites extended-stay hotel. There will be opportunities to visit with the ladies that live there as well as help minister to their kids. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information about some brief training that will be required.

  Kennesaw State University CARE Services

  There is a hidden problem at college! Did you know that 15% of college students at four-year institutions, and 11% of college students at two-year institutions experience homelessness? Many of these students experienced homelessness or were in the foster care system as teenagers. To combat this problem at a local level, The Kennesaw State University CARE services program was created 10 years ago. In that 10-year period, 44 students have been housed in temporary apartments, and nearly 2,500 students have been able to utilize its full range of services. Program services include offering access to on-campus food pantries, financial assistance, temporary housing, and mentoring. Programs are offered on both the Kennesaw Campus and the Marietta Campus.

  Our congregation will be joining this fight. Mission opportunities include hosting food and toiletry drives, volunteering to help with cleaning and upkeep of the apartments that are used for housing, “adopting” students, and serving as mentors.

  Be on the lookout for ways to get involved in this special ministry. Please contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information!

  Collection for KSU Cares

  We are supporting the 100’s of Kennesaw State University students that utilize the CARES program. We will be collecting the following items:

  • Non-refrigerated meals (Costas plant-based ready-to-eat meals, Hormel Compleats & Tasty Bite entrees)

  • Shelf-stable milk (especially non-dairy options)

  • Beverages (bottled water, Gatorade, juice)

  • Canned fruit

  • Ramen

  • Pasta/Pasta sauce

  Please place items in the three collection bins located at each building. We will be collecting through Monday, April 25.

  Ongoing opportunities:

  Simple Needs Georgia

  Simple Needs Georgia is a great local partner through which to volunteer. Located just down the road in Marietta, this partner offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities from sorting clothes, to building hygiene kits, to making knot blankets. This is a great place to involve your entire family. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more details. www.simpleneedsga.org

  Table on Delk Women’s Ministry

  Table on Delk Women’s Ministry provides a safe place for those who are currently, or at risk of, being sexually exploited to have a meal and get connected to resources that they might not know about. Volunteers are needed to prepare food and to show guests the Father’s love. By showing them His love through genuine interactions, telling them that their lives do matter and that He has a plan and purpose for them, some of those we serve will take steps toward healing and restoration.

  Volunteer opportunities include serving as hospitality teams at their location for women and children that come for meals, laundry, and Bible Study. Opportunities occur Monday and Tuesday nights and Wednesday and Saturday during the day. Please contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) about getting involved in this powerful ministry.

  Mt. Top Boys Home

  Located in Sugar Valley, GA, this partner offers great opportunities for families, small groups, Sunday School classes, Scout groups etc. Projects include painting, yard care, etc. Combine service with fun and drop over to beautiful Rome, Ga and catch a Rome Braves game this coming season! Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information. www.mountaintopboyshome.org

  2022 Mission Trips

  International Sports Federation

  Our newest Mission trip partner offers the opportunity to spread God’s love through athletics and coaching. Our first trip with them will be June 4-10 to the Sweetwater, Tennessee community where we will be assisting in leading a sports camp for the kids that live there. Sports that will be offered at this camp are Football, Soccer, Baseball/Softball. Youth and adult “coaches” are needed. If you are feeling called to serve through athletics and coaching, please contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information.

  Ocoee Mission Outreach in Cleveland, TN

  A great “first” or family mission trip. We build wheelchair ramps, help with VBS-type activities and much more. Open to families (kids must be at least 12 years old), couples or singles. We are going June 12-18. Cost information to be determined.

  Guatemala

  As one of our longest-tenured trips, service opportunities include volunteering in both dental and vision clinics, building playgrounds, and interacting with local youth programs including Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout Packs. There are a few slots left for this trip. We are going July 15-23. To sign up or ask questions, contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) or Dale Hajost (dhajost@big-inc.com).

  Costa Rica

  We are focusing this trip on high school juniors and seniors and their parents. This powerful trip is composed of the continued building of a Methodist Church and hosting VBS-style activities in several surrounding villages. We are going the week of September 26-30 (Cobb County Fall Break). Cost information to be determined. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) or Julie Austin (juliecaustin@yahoo.com) for more information.

  There is no doubt that God is alive and working here at Due West UMC!

  -Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org)

• dwPreschool

  Registration for the 2022-2023 school year continues in the preschool office. Please contact Shelly Kubek or Courtney Kunkel at 770-590-0982 or skubek@duewest.org or ckunkel@duewest.org if you are interested in scheduling a tour or just getting some more information. We offer classes for children ages 1 through Kindergarten. You can also get more information on our church website.

• Summer Camps

  Visit our summer camps webpage to register for the camps below!

  Science Camp

  June 27-July 1 , July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29

  Grades PK-5th will choose from a great variety of science and technology themes. Each theme will consist of four components, Science, Technology, Art, and Outdoors. Please see our full descriptions. We certainly have something for everyone!

  Tech Scientific is our division for grades 5-8. We are offering up to 12 different camps for this category. Themes include: Veterinary Medicine, Young Surgeon, Minecraft, Robotics, Coding and Programming, Quad Copters, Chemistry, Stop Motion Animation.

  dwKids Preschool Camp

  June 20-23 | 9am-1pm
  3yo-Rising 1st grade

  Join us for 4 days of fun! All potty-trained Preschoolers (age 3) through completed Kindergarten will participate in Arts, Crafts, STEM, water activities and more.

  Recreation Camps

  After VBS All Sport Camps
  June 6-9 | 12-4pm
  Ages 5-12

  An awesome sports program where the main ingredient is FUN! This program includes sports like Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football and may include other fun games like Capture the Flag, Kickball and Dodgeball. Participants get lots of exercise while enjoying every minute of it. Every camper receives a Power Sports T-shirt.

  Power Sports Soccer Camp
  June 20-23 | 9am-12pm
  Ages 5-12

  We are so excited to announce our new summer soccer camp. This camp is perfect for all ages and skill levels. New to soccer? We have a spot for you! Want to take your game to the next level? We are here to help. We will be teaching both skills and positions. Camp will include a Power Sports T-Shirt and a Soccer Ball! This camp will be head coached by our own collegiate soccer player Kofi Mensah!

  Power Sports Flag Football Camp
  July 11-14 | 9am-12pm
  Ages 5-12

  Flag Football Camp combines the skills of learning the positions of Quarterback, Wide Receiver and Running Back with lots of other fun games centered around football. Participants get to have a Super Bowl-style tournament on the last day of camp that combines competition and good sportsmanship. Every camper receives a Power Sports T-shirt.

  Theatre Camps

  Young Actors Musical Theatre Camp
  May 31-June 3 | 10am-2pm

  Rising 1st-6th grade actors will work on singing and dancing in this fun camp. We will incorporate songs and characters from some of our favorite Disney musicals. We will send a link to music as we get closer to camp week. Auditions for camp are not necessary. Solo auditions will be held at camp. We have a mini-performance for families on Friday at 2pm. Actors should bring their own lunch each day.

  Musical Theatre Summer Camp Auditions

  Auditions Due By Sunday, April 24
  Rising 6th Graders - Freshman

  Actors will learn a junior musical and perform it at the end of the week. We will meet via zoom and in-person before camp begins for a read thru and music rehearsal. The camp week is only 8 days, so perfect attendance is necessary.

  Dance Camps

  All of our FABULOUS dance camps are 9-12 pm OR 1-4 pm & packed full of fun! Each day includes creative daily crafts & offer exciting games, stories & activities that coordinate with the camp themes. Snacks are provided.

  Princess Camp
  June 20-24, July 11-15
  Girls Ages 3-5

  Dance into a world of imagination & discover the life of a Princess. Each day your child will dress up in beautiful costumes and dance with fun props. They will also discover that they too are Princesses, because their father, God, is a King.

  Disney Junior Camp
  June 6-10, June 27-July 1
  Girls Ages 3-6

  Dress up everyday in costumes and dance with Fancy Nancy, Vamparina, Sophia the First, Doc McStuffin and Puppy Dog Pals!

  Sparkle Fairy Rainbow Unicorn Camp
  June 13-17, June 27-July 1
  Girls Ages 3-5

  This whimsical ballet dance camp will include all the things little girls love.....sparkles, rainbows, unicorns & fairies!

  Neverland Dance & Tumble Camp
  June 13-17, July 11-15
  Boys & Girls Ages 3-6

  Ahoy Pirates, Princesses & Mermaids! Jump aboard our ship of fun as we tumble, dance, craft & play the day away! Lots of hip hop, creative movement & tumbling!

  Pixar Dance & Tumble Camp
  June 6-10, July 18-22
  Boys & Girls Ages 3-6

  Dance & Tumble with The Incredibles, Woody & Buzz, Nemo & Dory and all your favorite Pixar movie characters! Lots of tumbling, creative movement & hip hop!

  Disney+ Dance Camp
  June 20-24
  Boys & Girls Ages 6-10

  Dances and activities will be themed around favorite characters from Disney Plus movies, focusing in the styles of jazz & hip hop.

  Broadway Bound
  July 18-22
  Boys & Girls Ages 7-10

  Explore various styles of Musical Theater and Broadway-style dancing! Campers will enjoy play acting & improv games & learn how to choreograph dances.

• FLC Kitchen Use – ServSafe Certification

  FLC Kitchen Use – ServSafe Certification

  Did you know??

  • That the kitchen in the Family Life Center is a permitted commercial kitchen

  • That ServSafe processes are required to ensure compliance with Cobb County Board of Health

  • It is required to use a permitted kitchen when creating meals for any non-profit organization

  • Due West assists various user groups because we have a permitted kitchen

  We are fortunate to have Elizabeth & Dick Weaver as our Kitchen Safety Managers. Part of managing the kitchen is making sure everyone that uses the kitchen has been ServSafe trained and recertified each calendar year. If you plan to reserve the kitchen, you must register to attend one of the following training classes.

  ServSafe Recertification (required each year)

  • April 19, 2022, from 6:30–8pm in the FLC | Register

  ServSafe Training – First-Time Users

  • April 26, 2022 from 6:30–8pm in the FLC | Register

• New Members!

  Welcome to our new members!

  • David & Caroline Booker

Online Giving

You can give online using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Click here to begin giving through our system. Contact Amber Wilson at awilson@duewest.org if you have any questions.

Due West Market

Click here to shop! We currently have UMM Autobell gift cards and are taking orders for congregational name tags!

Altar Flowers

Honor a loved one with altar flowers displayed in front of the pulpit on Sunday mornings. Learn More & Purchase

Prayer Requests

Need prayer? Click here to submit a prayer request!