January 2026 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
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January 1 & 2 - Church Offices Closed
January 10 - Way of Grace Discipleship Workshop
January 11- dwCrew
January 19 - MLK Holiday - Church Office Closed
January 25 & February 1- Due West 101
February 5-7 - Wonderfully Made
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What an exciting January it is going to be! Here’s a preview of what’s coming:
We are going to begin the year with a sermon called, “Welcome to 20:26!” Our scripture is going to be centered around Leviticus 20:26, “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
The second Sunday we will have a special guest preacher. Dr. Chris Lohrstorfer, professor and Academic Dean at Wesley Biblical Seminary will be preaching at all three services. He will also be teaching on Saturday, January 10th. (You will see more about this in the Bulletin and Insight.) We look forward to having Chris in our pulpit.
Next, we will begin a focus on prayer, as a greater emphasis on prayer is one of the goals in our strategic plan. There is much that will be involved with this. We will bring back and expand our 5:17 pm prayer. We will be introducing a prayer labyrinth. (You will be hearing more about this soon!) In addition, we will continue to have monthly prayer services.
Finally, we will have a sermon series on prayer. This series will be unique because all four of our pastors will participate. On different weeks you will hear from each of our pastors. This series will continue into February, but it will begin on January 18th. Prayer is one of the primary ways we communicate with our Lord and none of us, this side of heaven, will ever be at a place where we cannot improve. It is our goal that through the sermons and everything else we are doing that each of us will grow into a deeper prayer life.
January is going to be an exciting time. I am looking forward to 20:26!
If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,
David
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Praying for Due West Leadership
We ask for your concentrated prayers for the leadership of Due West during January. Please lift up our:
Administrative Board: Elected by you, this exceptional group makes major decisions, passed our strategic 5-year plan in November, and will be instrumental in bringing that vision to reality.
Staff: They serve in marvelous ways, supported by your volunteering and giving, but most critically, your prayers.
Pastors: We love our ministry but rely on your prayerful support, not our own strength, to lead effectively.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Lord's work at Due West!
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Need prayer? Go to duewest.org/prayer to submit a prayer request!
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The December Challenge Coins were issued a little early. On November 17th, the Administrative Board voted unanimously to approve our Strategic Plan. That night, coins were given to Ross Olhausen and Reynold Jennings to express our gratitude for their leadership in the process. We are grateful for them and their guidance during our strategic planning process!
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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.
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BBudgeted Giving, November-2025 -- $178,000
Actual Giving, November-2025 -- $156,120
Budgeted Expenses, November-2025 -- $178,000
Actual Expenses, November-2025 -- $212,810
Actual Net Results, November-2025 -- $56,690 Deficit
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Budgeted Giving, YTD (five months into our fiscal year) -- $852,000
Actual Giving, YTD -- $861,988
Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $852,000
Actual Expenses, YTD -- $883,212
Actual Net Results, YTD – $21,224 Deficit
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Note - “Giving” includes nominal amounts of interest income
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Registration for children who will be new to the Due West Preschool Ministry for the upcoming school year begins in January 2026. Prospective families are invited to our Preschool Open House on January 23rd from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
in building A. This is a wonderful opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our dedicated staff, and learn why we are a certified “Preschool of Excellence”! If you are unable to attend the open house, personalized tours can be scheduled by contacting the preschool office at 770-590-0982, or emailing skubek@duewest.org, or ckunkel@duewwest.org.
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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.
CLICK HERE to see the dwKIDS January 2026 Newsletter with all the details and news, along with dwCrew information!
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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: 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
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Check out our January Youth Newsletter for everything you need to know about youth activities this month! 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! 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
Sunday School meets every week except the 1st Sunday of each month. On 1st Sundays, we’ll attend worship together as a group at 9:45 or 11:00 am. Please go straight to the sanctuary and look for us on the right side. We’ll save a seat for you!
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We are going back to Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia on February 14-17, 2026! Price is $250 per person, with a $50 deposit. This includes 3 nights lodging, 2-day lift tickets, 2-day ski or snowboard rentals, 3 continental breakfast, 2 lunch at the lodge.
Additional costs include: Lessons $25, 2-day helmet rental $20,
2-day bib/snow pants rental $30, 3hr tubing session $35, All Day Tubing Session $60, and additional meals/snacks. (These will be available to purchase soon! Keep your eye out for info coming from Youth communications!)
Register to hold your spot now! Final payments will be due February 1. Scholarships available! Email youth@duewest.org if you're interested in learning more. We don't want cost to keep anyone from going!
Chaperones are needed for this trip!
If you are interested in chaperoning this trip, please contact Taylor at youth@duewest.org.
The Deadline to Register is January 10th! Please click HERE to register NOW!
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NOTICE: To stay informed of the most current meeting times and any updates, please sign up for Pickleball Church Center Group HERE or the Firearms & Fellowship Church Center Group HERE as future communications will come through group emails.
Pickleball
Come play Pickleball to learn more: Due West has equipment to share, so borrow a paddle, volley a dink shot, and smash with us !
Firearms & Fellowship
The group will continue to meet at Governors Gun Club of Kennesaw.
For both groups: Contact Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org with questions.
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Ballroom partner dancing classes are now open to adults, seniors, and teens! Join us on Friday afternoons and evenings for fun, engaging lessons. Learn more and register HERE.
Auditions for Peter Pan JR, open to students in grades 6-12, will be held on January 3rd from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Registration is required and more information is available by clicking HERE.
Auditions for Hans Christian Andersen JR, open to students in grades 2-5, will be held on January 8th from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required, and more information can be found by clicking HERE.
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Are you aware of a college student who is away from home or in need of some encouragement? We understand that this time can be challenging, and we want to help. Consider signing them up HERE for the College Care Ministry, where we offer support and care.
Make a difference in a college student’s life by "Adopting a College Student." Support them with notes, emails, or texts throughout the year. To get involved, email the College Care Ministry at collegecare@duewest.org. For questions, contact Kristen at 404-510-1771 or Brian at 770-843-8947.
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Join us at the Bonfire Young Adult Meeting, designed just for you! We gather every Tuesday from 6 to 9 PM in the Basement of Building C. Dinner is provided!
Connect with new friends and deepen your faith in a supportive environment. We’re here to walk alongside you as you journey through young adulthood—come be a part of our community!
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Join us January 10th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to deepening your faith. Dr. Chris Lohrstorfer from Wesley Biblical Seminary will guide us through enriching sessions on the theology of discipleship, the means of grace, and the essential role of small groups. While snacks will be provided, please note that no meals will be served. For more information, contact Adam Godbold at 678-995-9595 or via email at agodbold@duewest.org. Register HERE. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Read through the Bible with us in 2026. Download the Bible.com app, then contact agodbold@duewest.org to be connected to our group!
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Turn your family daily chores and routines into spiritual rhythms. Join our Habits of the Household small group study for five Thursdays, January 8th through February 5th, and discover how to build a Christ-centered home, one habit at a time. Interested? Dinner and childcare are provided! Pick up a book from Amazon HERE, then meet at 6:00 pm in the Building C basement gathering space. Contact Adam Godbold with any questions at agodbold@duewest.org. Register HERE and connect to others on the journey of parenting.
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January 13th through February 3rd, begin a journey to better understand our nation’s founding principles. Together, we will apply a Biblical worldview to local issues and confidently serve as the "salt and light" our community urgently needs today. Click HERE to register for the Biblical Citizenship Course.
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Ladies: Are you feeling a bit anxious about your financial future? Perhaps the ups and downs of the investment world are overwhelming, or maybe the jargon just seems complicated? If so, we’ve got a fantastic program for you! This workshop is all about building your confidence as you navigate today’s financial landscape.
We’ll bust some myths about money, explore the emotions tied to it, and help you understand risk and how to manage it effectively. Plus, you’ll learn the three-basket approach to financial security, discover the top 10 mistakes investors make—and how to avoid them—and so much more!
We welcome your questions and insights throughout the program.
The first session, on Saturday, January 24, is perfect for pre-retirement women, while the second session on Saturday, January 31, is tailored for retired women. Both workshops will be facilitated by two knowledgeable women attorneys and, best of all, they’re completely free for anyone who registers (open to women 21 years and older), with a cozy limit of 14 attendees per session.
Join our Women’s Only Financial Literacy Workshop on January 24 and 31, 2026. Your Legacy Ministry Committee is excited to offer this special two-part series, happening just once a year!
We'll meet in Building C, Room 242 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and we’d love for you to be a part of this opportunity. Make sure to register now to secure your spot! Contact Bill Coffeen at billcoffeen@gmail.com to register!
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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!
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Tuesday Women’s Bible Study: New Series Starting January 6!
Join us on Tuesday, January 6, as we begin a new Bible Study series, Missing Pieces by Jennifer Rothschild. After losing her sight to retinitis pigmentosa, Jennifer learned to navigate the messy uncertainties of faith. This study explores how to find lasting peace despite unexpected heartache and "missing pieces" in our own lives.
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (We follow the local school calendar)
Where: Building C, Room 219
Materials: The study book is available for purchase on Amazon HERE
All women are welcome! We look forward to seeing you there.
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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
In 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 church building entry space, 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
Celebrate 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. Join the team from Due West once a month to 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
Hope & Home Ministry
The Due West Hope & Home Ministry, inspired by Christ’s call to love our neighbors, supports homeless families in extended-stay hotels by offering hope, dignity, and practical assistance. We build relationships through Bible studies, fellowship, and financial aid during transitions. To support this ministry, please consider making a financial gift or designated donation. Contact missions@duewest.org for more information.
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
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Bam! Just like that, 2025 is over, and the New Year is upon us. The old year sure seemed to go by quickly, didn’t it? How did you do in 2025? Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Many people make “hard” resolutions; they write them down, track their progress, and perhaps share them with an accountability partner. Others make “soft” resolutions; these are mostly the ones where a person thinks to him- or herself “I really should do this or that this year.” According to many surveys, the majority of people do make some sort of resolution – hard or soft – at the beginning of the New Year.
If you are among that majority, did you accomplish all that you thought you could, or should, do in 2025? Most of those that make resolutions fall short of their goals, reusing the same resolutions for the next New Year. Just how important are those resolutions, anyway?
Consider adopting some – or better yet, all – of the following resolutions:
Read and study your Bible daily. Don’t just glance at a “verse of the day,” but dig into God’s Word to improve your knowledge and understanding of the incredible story that lives in our Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
Engage in focused prayer every day. Not the simply “bless this food” or “I’ll pray for your quick recovery,” but the quality time in a quiet place where you truly engage with God (Matthew 6:6). After all, He created us to praise Him (Isiah 43:7), for fellowship, and relationship with Him (Genesis 3:8. This is a wonderful way to do that.
Attend worship services regularly. We are told to do this over and over in the Bible (Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 18:20, Psalm 122:1). This is how we establish friendships and relationships with God’s people, and where we increase our faith. As Pastor David tells us in him monthly Pastor’s Message, “If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West.”
Find a Bible-studying small group or Sunday School class and attend regularly (Acts 5:42, 1 Timothy 4:13). A critical part of being God’s people is being with and studying and working with other Christians.
Do an evaluation of your finances and how giving to God is a part of that. We are told throughout the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 27:30, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Proverbs 3:9-10), that giving to God is worshiping the Lord by faithfully stewarding the resources He’s given to us. Are you tithing (giving 10%) your income? Are you giving some smaller part of your income?
Pray about where stewardship ranks among the priorities in your life. If that’s not where it ought to be, you can start giving something regularly to God. From there, increase your giving as time and circumstances allow. In our personal situation, it was really hard when we started, but it got easier every year, and God has showered us with blessings in that time. He’ll do the same for you (Luke 6:38).
As the New Year is just beginning, consider adopting the above resolutions (along with the annual “lose 15 pounds” resolution). If you do, you can achieve every one of them, and you will likely be a more effective Christian, with a greater measure of internal peace. With God, nothing is impossible!
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.
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For those who have not done so already, please take a moment complete your 2026 Estimate of Giving card. Your estimate is vital for planning our ministries for the year ahead. To do so:
Pick up a physical card in the Narthex or pews on Sunday mornings.
Submit securely online using the provided QR code or by clicking this link.
All submissions remain strictly confidential. Should your financial circumstances change, you can easily adjust your estimate anytime by reaching out to Aubrey, our Contribution Specialist.
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 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!
