December 1 - Golden Bells Concert
December 2 - Center For the Arts fundraiser at Otters Chicken at the Avenues
December 6 - Breakfast With Santa
December 6 - Cookies With Santa ministry event
December 7 - Youth Murphy-Harpst Ball
December 13 - Women’s Christmas Brunch
December 13 & 14 - Songs of Christmas (formerly West Cobb Christmas)
December 14 - Wrap With A Cop
December 21 - Longest Night Service
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services 11am, 4, 5, 6, 9pm (childcare at 4, 5, 6)
December 25 & 26 - Church Office Closed
December 29 - January 2 - Church Office Closed

Christmas Songs

I have a confession. I have mixed feelings about Christmas music. When we gather on Sunday or on Christmas Eve and sing the songs of the faith, I love them. I love singing, “Come thou long expected Jesus”. I know that is an Advent song, but you get the idea. (Advent is the season of hope and preparation that leads up to Christmas, beginning this year November 30th and going through Christmas Eve.) But when I get in the car and turn on the radio and in early November they are playing Frosty the Snowman non-stop, it gets old for me in a hurry! But I love singing, “Joy to the World”. I love singing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. I love singing, “O Come All Ye Faithful”. But I can only listen to “Rudolf” on the radio so many times!

There are Christmas scriptures that read like hymns. They may not have been sung initially, but they read like prose and all of them have been set to music over the years. They are “songs” that tell us the story of the season. Starting with the Season of Advent and going through Christmas Eve, we are going to be looking at them.

We began the last Sunday of November looking at Mary’s song. (Luke 1:46-55) The first Sunday of December we will look at Zechariah’s Song. (Luke 1:62-79) The second Sunday of December we will be blessed with our music and media ministry bringing us “Songs of Christmas”. The Sunday before Christmas we will look at Simeon’s Song (Luke 2:25-35) And on Christmas Eve we will look at the Angel’s Song. (Luke 2:8-16) This is the song they sang to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem.

It is going to be a great month of December and I hope you will be with us as we look a the Christmas songs of the Gospels. To set the stage, read the story of the angel’s song…

Luke 2:8-16 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

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

David

Need prayer? Go to duewest.org/prayer to submit a prayer request!

In November, Brian Lewis received a Due West Challenge Coin. Brian has, for many years, cooked youth dinners for our youth group. He has also chaperoned numerous trips and been a consistent presence for generations of Due West youth! Thanks to Brian for his love of the Lord and service! Be here in December to find out who receives the next one!

The Administrative Board would like to make the Board's Meeting Minutes more accessible to the congregation.

CLICK HERE to access the Administrative Board Meeting Minutes.

Budgeted Giving, October 2025 -- $170,000

Actual Giving, October 2025 -- $171,472

Budgeted Expenses, October 2025 -- $170,000

Actual Expenses, October 2025 -- $152,522

--------------------------------

Budgeted Giving, YTD (four months into our fiscal year) -- $674,000

Actual Giving, YTD -- $705,873

Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $674,000

Actual Expenses, YTD -- $662,362

Note - “Giving” includes nominal amounts of interest income

Give Online – Click this link: Donate - Due West Methodist Church

Give In Person – Drop cash or a check into the offering plate at any of our services on Sunday morning.

Mail a Check – Send your gift to the Church office at:

Due West Methodist Church, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta, GA 30064

Donate Stocks - We also accept in-kind contributions of stocks. If you would like more information, please contact our Business Coordinator, Amber Wilson at awilson@duewest.org.

Dear Church Family,

This is the season for joy, connection, and reflecting God's abundant love. As we gather with family, help those in need, and share gifts, we are truly worshipping our Lord Jesus, the Christ, the Provider of all Good Things!

The Staff Parish Relations Committee wants to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff of Due West Methodist Church. Their love shines brightly in countless unseen tasks and challenges. Their dedication, intentional work, and constant prayer keep our vision—to Gather, Grow, and Go—at the heart of everything we do. They serve with humility, pouring out their time, energy, gifts, and prayers for our community.

Let's make sure they feel appreciated! We invite you to consider a financial gift in the form of a "Love Offering" for our staff. We also encourage you to stop any staff member you see and say, "Thank you! You are appreciated!" We bet it will bring a huge smile to their face!

The Staff Love Offering will be collected through December 31st. To contribute, please note "Staff Love Offering" on your check memo line or designate "Staff Love Offering" when you give online through the Church Center app HERE. We deeply appreciate your thoughtful consideration and are excited to share your generosity with our beloved staff here at Due West!

Warmly,

The Due West Methodist Church Staff Parish Relations Committee

Charlie Holbrook, Chairperson

It’s here! Sunday, November 30 was the first Sunday of the Season of Advent. Advent marks the beginning of the Christian observation of the time leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of anticipation, preparation, and hopeful expectation, and traditionally runs for the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

While that is all great, when I was a kid, the end of November and the start of December meant one thing: Christmas, the best and most joyous time of the year, was almost here! The tree, the lights and decorations, school’s out, the carols, and, of course, the visit from Santa Claus. Yes, I was aware that Christmas was celebrating the birth of Christ, but that was a very distant second in my thoughts.

I still very fondly remember that time in my life. However, Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth, tells us:

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. - - I Corinthians 13:11

Does that mean that I can no longer savor the joys of this season? Of course not. But I recognize that as an adult, I now need to embrace the full meaning of the Season of Advent as we move towards Christmas. It means that I must seek to become more like the baby born in the stable in Bethlehem. ‘Becoming more like Jesus’ encompasses so very many things, all of which I generally fall far short. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t strive every day to work towards that end.

One way that I can do that is to recognize that Jesus was incredibly countercultural. Many of the things He preached completely upended that day’s accepted cultural thinking – and it’s no different today. Instead of having a manic holiday focused on going and going and buying and buying some more, Advent invites us believers to reflect on the coming of Christ – both the historical birth in Bethlehem and the promised return in the fullness of time. This focus on both the past and on the future gives us a season rich with meaning: it is a time to slow down, to open our hearts, and to prepare our lives for the transformative presence of God. Amidst the frantic pace of the holidays, Advent offers a countercultural call to stillness, contemplation, and spiritual readiness.

Buried within this season of preparation – if you’re really still and contemplative you’ll find it - lies a profound emphasis on stewardship and giving. Advent reminds us that God’s greatest gift – the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son - was given freely and generously. As we contemplate this incredible grace, we need to examine the ways in which we steward the gifts entrusted to us. Are we as generous towards God as He is to us? Even a fraction of that?

Stewardship in an Advent context is not simply about financial giving. It is about recognizing that our time, talents, resources, and compassion are all gifts meant to be shared. The season invites us to ask “How can our blessings become blessings for others? How can our actions reflect the hope and love we anticipate in Christ’s coming? How can we share His love with others?”

Ultimately, one of the things that Advent calls us to do is to embrace generosity as a way of life, not only for a season but as an on-going response to God’s eternal gift of grace. By practicing thoughtful stewardship, we’re living out the very spirit of Advent - preparing the way for hope, lighting the darkness with love, and embracing the promise of Christ’s coming in our world today.

Remember, the purpose of giving and stewardship isn’t to fund God’s church or His work. The purpose of giving is for us to make our hearts right in our relationship with God, and to demonstrate that we are aware that our purpose on Earth is to honor and glorify Him while furthering His Kingdom. Please prayerfully consider where giving to God ranks among the things in your life, and remember, we are only the temporary stewards of our worldly possessions.

The Congregational Care Ministry provides tangible love and support to the Due West church family. Members and Pastors work together to connect to and encourage those experiencing illness, loss, or who can no longer attend worship in person. Through this caring ministry, Holy Communion and anointing with oil are offered as a reminder that Christ is always with us in body, mind, and spirit. The Congregational Care team is eager to serve, with confidentiality, any member of the Due West family. To connect to this team and be assigned a Congregational Care Minister, contact Brenda Wyatt (Lay Leader) at bwyatt66chs@gmail.com or call (770) 605-3709.

Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of those brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The Church Center app is a tool used at Due West to communicate information to the congregation. By downloading this app to your mobile device and creating a profile, you will be linked to church events, the most updated information, and specific details pertinent to the congregation. Please download the app so you can be well connected! Click here to get the Church Center app

Each month, we will highlight a feature of the Church Center app. This month, we are highlighting the SIGNUPS

feature.

When you want to register for an upcoming event, you begin with “Signups.” To find signups on the app on your phone, begin from the home page, on the bottom right corner: Tap the 3 dots/More. “Signups” is the first option that appears - tap this. The program defaults to show you “All Categories” with open registrations. You can also sort by ministry area to narrow down the choices. Tap on an event to learn more about it or to register.

If you have questions about the Church Center app, please contact Denise Luders at dluders@duewest.org

Due West began observing a time of consecration and commitment in November, focusing on the importance of stewardship as a building block in growing closer to God, showing our gratitude for the gift of salvation, and reflecting on our faith and how all these should impact our financial commitment to our church and to furthering the Kingdom of God. While we have moved into our celebration of the season of Advent and Christmas, we are continuing to encourage each family that attends our church to complete an ‘Estimate of Giving’ card, with an estimate of the amount that the family will be able to contribute to our church during calendar 2026.

These estimates are seen only by Due West’s Contribution Specialist. All the estimates are totaled, and the sum is provided to the Finance Committee to assist with budgeting and financial management. If your personal financial situation changes, simply reach out to the Contribution Specialist and let her know what change should be made to your estimate. There should be cards available in both Narthexes or from an usher. You can also complete a card online at Due West’s Church Center site – go to the QR Code here to access the online card. Please prayerfully consider where stewardship ranks among the priorities in your life and complete an ‘Estimate of Giving’ card to record your family’s estimate and to help out our Finance Committee.

Thank you in advance.

Purchase altar flowers in honor or memory of a loved one, to celebrate a special date, or out of love for Jesus. On-screen recognition is given before each service. Flowers may be picked up after the service or donated to the Flower Ministry and delivered on Monday to those on the prayer list.

Price: $75 per arrangement

Availability: January - November

2nd through last Sundays of the month

To Order:‍ ‍Click here or contact (770) 427-3835.

The 23rd Holiday Market was a resounding success, featuring exceptional vendors, a silent auction, and raffle. We are thrilled to have raised funds for the preschool, and more importantly, we were delighted to see numerous community members come together. We look forward to welcoming you all again next year, with the date to be announced in the new year. Our sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who supported and contributed to making this event possible and enjoyable. Our hearts are full!

The Due West Preschool Ministry will have registration for children who will be new to the school next year beginning in January. You can schedule a tour so you can come to see our rooms, meet the staff, get answers to your questions about our program, and see why we’re certified as a “preschool of excellence”! You can schedule a tour by calling the preschool office at 770-590-0982 or email skubek@duewest.org or ckunkel@duewwest.org.

Sunday School is full of excitement this month! The kids will be exploring Bible stories, mastering memory verses, and participating in creative, hands-on activities that nurture their faith. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in the lives of our children throughout this month.

Preschool Sunday School

What is the best gift you have ever given someone? What did it cost you? Time? Money? Maybe going without something you wanted or even needed? The best gifts are the ones that require sacrifice on the part of the giver. That’s what makes Jesus the most incredible gift. God gave us His Son, Jesus.

Key Question: How do we know God loves us?

Bottom Line: God gave us Jesus.

Memory Verse: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son."

Week One: Jesus is Born (Luke 2:1-7)

Week Two: The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

Week Three: The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11)

Week Four: Childcare only

Elementary Sunday School

The most exciting thing about Christmas is that we celebrate the birth of Jesus! Jesus’ birth is part of God’s plan to restore what was broken.

Core Questions: Why is Jesus so important in God’s story?

Memory Verse: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. “Luke 2:11, NIrV)

Week One: Gabriel Visits Mary (Luke 1:5-66)

Week Two: Jesus is Born (Luke 2:1-20)

Week Three: The Wise Men Visit Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12)

Week Four: Childcare only

Our dwCrew will be holding their annual Christmas Party! See you there!

Where: Stars and Strikes, 2400 Hiram Acworth Hwy Dallas, GA 30157

When: December 7th from 12:30-2:00 pm

Who: ALL 3rd-5th graders are welcome!

Price: $7/child. Please register HERE!

The preteen years are tough. Changes are happening to them physically, mentally, and emotionally which makes it hard to know exactly what’s going on. Wonderfully Made provides kids ages 10–12 the opportunity to not only ask questions about growing up, but to get faith-based answers as well. This program covers physical development and spiritual connection while helping preteens establish a foundation for their life in Christ.

What: 3-day course “Wonderfully Made”

Audience: 5th & 6th grade students and their parents

When: February 5-7, 2026

Registration Opens: December 1. Click the HERE to register.

Schedule:

Thurs evening (Feb 5)- Parents

Fri evening (Feb 6) - Students

Sat morning (Feb 7) - Students

Sat afternoon (Feb 7) - All

Check out our December Youth Newsletter for everything you need to know about youth activities this month! COMING UP: February 14-16, 2026, Ski Trip

Don’t miss out! We want you here! There are groups for everyone in every age group - for more info click HERE to email the leadership team!

Still have questions? Message youth@duewest.org

Join us on Sunday nights from 5:30-7:30 pm for Ignite in the Basement of Building C - Youth Center & subscribe to our monthly newsletter here

Women’s Christmas Brunch Women’s Christmas Brunch - The Brunch is SOLD OUT! We look forward to seeing all 117 women on December 13 at this meaningful and cheerful event.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Save the Date for March 6-8, 2026!

Come join us for a weekend of study, fellowship, relaxation, and reflection. Our speaker is Jane Bishop, a leadership coach, worship leader and published author who will be leading us through the weekend. Choice is about mindset & our story becomes our reality every time we tell it. Let’s remove our masks and let God use us.

Includes: Event and Speaker
Lodging: 2 nights at The Ridges Resort,
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Sat, Breakfast Sun
Cost: $345.00/per person for the weekend. Register HERE!

Our mission statement is clear. “Inviting our community to join us as we Gather Together, Grow in Jesus Christ and Go Serve.” Like every other church mission statement, chances are it lacks something:an expiration. The church is of God and of eternity. In other words, we expect our church to be here long after our brief time on earth is over. However, our giving programs too often focus on the here and now, not on tomorrow.

Think for a moment about the people who preceded you in our church. If not for their vision and commitment to the future, our church probably would not exist. Now think for a moment about the people who will come after you. What will we do in the current generation to ensure that our church will be here for future generations of Christian disciples and disciple-makers? One answer is to fund our church’s endowment. Out of God’s abundance Due West members have given generously to meet today’s needs, in the present. That’s why it is often called a gift. But we would be remiss if we didn’t commit to building the cornerstone of our church’s foundation for the future through our various endowments, the gift that keeps on giving in perpetuity or in God’s terms for eternity.

Please join the first 58 families who caught this vision early by contributing to our four endowments over the last 3 years, allowing your Legacy Ministry Committee to now manage over $300,000 of principal and earnings and distribute to date almost $8,000 to deserving ministries who support non-budgeted unmet needs in the community.

Our goal is to have at least 100 Cornerstone Society contributing members by year end. Anyone can participate and leave a legacy. The amount is not important, but by contributing something, you will have a vested interest in the future of our church. Watch HERE to learn more and contact Bill Coffeen billcoffeen@gmail.com with any questions.

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone is entrusted with much, even more will be required. Luke 12:48

Golden Bells Concert

Ring in" the Christmas season with a concert of the Golden Bells of Atlanta, the metro area’s premier community handbell choir. The choir boasts over 428 years of combined ringing experience. Their performance will feature an entertaining selection of music, including classical, traditional, sacred, and secular pieces, all designed to get attendees into the holiday spirit.

Monday, December 1st, 7:30 pm - Building A Sanctuary
Admission is free.
A freewill offering will be accepted during the concert.
As part of their outreach efforts, the choir will be collecting donations of travel-sized toiletries at the event.

Songs of Christmas

Prepare your heart for the season and worship Jesus at Songs of Christmas (formerly West Cobb Christmas)! Remember the reason for the holiday season December 13th, (6:00 pm) and December 14th (9:00 am and 11:00 am). All services will be held in the sanctuary of Building A.

Invite your friends and neighbors to this celebration highlighting the Christmas Choirs (adult, youth, children), and full orchestra proclaiming the glory of Jesus at Christmas!

The Longest Night Service

The holiday season can be difficult when you are experiencing grief or loss. You are not alone. We invite you to join us as we acknowledge our pain, bring our tears to God, and find comfort together in a sacred space. Pause, grieve, and reflect on God's presence at The Longest Night service:

Date: Sunday, December 21st
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Building C, sanctuary

December 24 - Christmas Eve Services

Join us as we prepare for Christmas with a variety of service styles!

11 am service - Family “Sing-Along” service

This fun, casual, sing-along service is geared toward families with children. Music includes both sacred and secular Christmas songs, with The Legend of the Candy Cane sermon, and a special surprise. Held in Building A sanctuary.

4 and 6 pm services - Traditional Candlelight Services

These candlelight services include the full choir and orchestra along with sacred Christmas music. Communion will be served at both services and Pastor David will teach from Luke chapter 2. Held in Building A sanctuary.

5 pm service - Modern Candlelight Service

This service is led with a modern praise band and sacred Christmas music. Communion will be served at this beautiful candlelight service, along with teaching by Pastor David from Luke chapter 2. Held in Building C sanctuary.

9 pm service - Traditional Candlelight Service

This service features acoustic musical performances of sacred Christmas music. Communion will be served at this beautiful candlelight service, along with teaching by Pastor David from Luke chapter 2. Held in Building A sanctuary.

Ball Room Dance

We are excited to now be offering Adult and Senior Adult ballroom dance classes starting in December, in Building C, room 219. No partner is required to sign up for these classes, being offered on December 5th, 12th, 19th, along with a social on December 20th, 6:15-7:15 pm. Senior classes begin at 2:00 pm and 3:10 pm, while classes for all adults begin at 5:00 pm and 6:10 pm. Come out and join the fun! Pay per class, or purchase classes in a monthly block. Contact cfa@duewest.org for more information and to sign up!

Kindermusik Classes

Mommy and me (or caregiver and me) classes available for babies and toddlers. Classes are offered in partnership with Kindermusik of West Cobb. Register for Kindermusik.

Watercolor Classes for Adults

Watercolor classes with artist Annette Lewis are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:30 am-12:00 pm in Building C, Room C243. Classes appropriate for both beginners and experienced artists are offered in “A la carte” style. Prices are $13 for those bringing their own supplies, and $17 with supplies provided and advance notification. To join the class, please text Annette Lewis at (404) 664-9906.

Instrumental Lessons

Hoping to add more music to your family? Private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and harmonica are available through the Center for the Arts. Contact Nicole at cfa@duewest.org for more information.

Pickleball

NOTICE: To stay informed of the most current meeting times and any updates, please sign up for the Pickleball Church Center Group HERE as future communications will come through group emails.

Don’t Volley from the Kitchen! Come play Pickleball to learn more: Due West has equipment to share, so borrow a paddle, volley a dink shot, and smash with us in Building B, Family Life Center, Mondays 6:00-8:00 pm and Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 pm.

Firearms & Fellowship

NOTICE: To stay informed of the most current meeting times and any updates, please sign up for the Firearms & Fellowship Church Center Group HERE as future communications will come through group emails.

The group will continue to meet at Governors Gun Club of Kennesaw. Contact Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org with questions.

Check out the information below to learn more about all the churchwide mission projects we have going on here at Due West! Peek at the missions newsletter archives HERE. Sign up for our missions newsletter HERE.

Teach/Love Ministry

Show God’s love to our area educators through Teach/Love ministry. Gift card and check donations are always accepted to benefit the work of the ministry. Donations by check can be designated with “Teach/Love” in the memo section. To donate gift cards, please deliver them in an envelope labeled “Teach/Love” to Admin 2 (Building A). Gift card suggestions: The Dollar Tree, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon, Costco

From December to January, we're collecting Puffs Plus with Lotion tissues for Title I and low-income schools, as well as area middle and high schools. Many students face the challenge of needing tissues without access to them. Your donation of these “Bless You for Educating Our Kids” tissue boxes will greatly support our educators and students. Donations can be placed in bins outside either Narthex, delivered to Admin 2, or ordered from Amazon for direct delivery to the church. Please have all donations in by Sunday, January 25th. Thank you for your generosity! Purchase tissues from our Amazon wish list HERE and they will be sent directly to the church.

Please NOMINATE your favorite teacher to receive recognition! Please send any nominations through this LINK. Honor your favorite teacher!

Devereux Birthday Ministry

Join a fulfilling ministry dedicated to celebrating the birthdays of children in specialized care at the Devereux Georgia center. Devereux provides a vital service, offering hope and healing to teens and children facing emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges. Create a moment of joy for students who may not have loving families present for their special day.

Date: Third Thursday of each month
Time: 5:30 pm (arrive at church to ride over to Devereux); Celebration runs from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Who: 2-3 volunteers needed (age 21+)
Activity: Share God’s love, decorate, fellowship, and enjoy cake with the kids.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Mark at mhellman@duewest.org

Due West’s First Responders Support Ministry

PY6: "Praying for your 6" means “I’ve got your back.”

Join us by donating $5 Chick-fil-A gift cards to welcome new Cobb County police officers and their training officers. Please drop off the cards in Building A, Admin 2. Your support helps those who serve our community.

To pray for the new cadets who just graduated from the Cobb Police Department Training Academy, please email mmusca@duewest.org for a list of their names.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2

December 2025 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times

December 2025 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Seasonal Events

Pastoral Update

Prayer Requests

Challenge Coin

Administrative Board Minutes

Stewardship Update

Ways to Give to Due West

Staff Love Offering

Stewardship Article

Congregational Care Ministry

How to Church Center!

2026 Estimate of Giving

Altar Flowers

dwPreschool

dwKids

dwCrew

Wonderfully Made: Loved By God

Youth

Women's Ministry

Legacy Ministry

Music Ministry

Center for the Arts

Interest Groups: Pickleball/Firearms & Fellowship

Missions

January 2026 Newsletter

November 2025 Newsletter

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times