December 2021 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

• Pastoral Update

  And He Shall Be Called

  By the time you read this, we will have begun the season of Advent. Advent, as most of you know, consists of the four Sundays before Christmas. It is a time of waiting. It is a time of preparation. What does the hymn say? “Let every heart prepare Him room!”

  The baby Jesus is coming! If you have ever waited on the arrival of a baby, there are a lot of preparations. Choose a doctor. Choose a hospital. Do you want natural childbirth or not? Do you want grandparents gathered (I vote “yes”) or not? What kind of baby bed will you choose? What kind of nursery monitor? What will be the theme of the nursery? And maybe the biggest decision of them all… but we will come back to that.

  There is also waiting. Waiting for confirmation that yes, you are expecting a baby. Waiting on that first doctor’s visit. Waiting for the results of all the tests that they run. Waiting for just the right moment to tell your friends and family. And then there is the waiting that starts toward the due date. “Am I in labor?” “Not yet. Go home and wait.” Waiting and more waiting.

  And so it is in Advent. Preparation and waiting. Waiting on Christmas to celebrate His birth. Preparing our hearts so it is as spiritually meaningful as it can possibly be. So it is with Advent. And so it is with a childbirth in your own family. Preparation and hope. Hope and preparation. And speaking of preparation… maybe the biggest decision you make as part of your preparation is, “What are you going to name the baby?”

  In Advent, there is no suspense. We know the name. Actually, we know the names. “And He shall be called, Emmanuel, which means God with us.” “And you shall call His name Jesus.” And then there is a passage in Isaiah. Isaiah, looking to the future says, “And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Even as you read the line, you hear the soaring melody from Handel’s Messiah that proclaims that message.

  Through the season, we will talk about what this means. What does it mean for us that we call Him “Wonderful Counselor?” What does it mean to us to call the baby Jesus, “The Mighty God?” And Everlasting Father? And Prince of Peace? What we call our Savior tells us something about who He is. But there is more than that. It also tells us who He is to us. And there is more than that… but you need to come during Advent to find out!

  We have a month filled with special services. You can read about that elsewhere. I hope and pray you will come and join us as much as you can. Come filled with hope. Come talk about what He will be called!

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

  David

  Travel Talk with Dr. Campbell

  In June, a group from Due West traveled to Greece to follow in the footsteps of Paul. It was an incredible trip. We will be sharing information from that trip on December 5 from 4-5pm in Bldg B. Also, we are planning a future trip to Egypt in November of 2022. On that trip we will be following the events of Moses from Exodus. We will also have a chance to see the Great Pyramids and go on a Nile River Cruise. If you are interested in the Egypt trip, you are invited to stay that day and hear details.

• Can I Ask That?

  Question: What is “The Gathering?”

  Now, I must ask your forgiveness from the very beginning. Nobody really asked this question. I hope that you will forgive me for answering a hypothetical question, but I wanted to take a little time to share with you about a new worship opportunity here at Due West. There is a chance you still haven’t heard about this service, and if that is you, I imagine you might have some questions about what it is. So I will do my best to answer some of your hypothetical questions here.

  “The Gathering” is a new mid-week worship service that currently meets on the third Wednesday of every month. We meet in The Gathering Place (in Building A) at 7pm. The vision for this service is for it to be an informal and relational time for people to gather in worship of God. We sit around tables, pray together, have discussions, hear a devotion, and take communion. There are also usually snacks and sweets lying around for those who are hungry. This service is less “structured” than a normal Sunday service, with the goal being for people to gather in community for worship. If you have never been to a Sunday morning service before, this might be a great place to start.

  The idea for “The Gathering” came from people within the church who were not able to be in worship on Sunday mornings. For many in our world today, it is impossible to not work on a Sunday. Those who work in retail, food service, law enforcement, healthcare, etc., often find that Sundays are a required workday. Because of this, many people are unable to attend a regular Sunday service. Further, as more and more people remove themselves from church, the idea of attending a regular Sunday service is a daunting task. “The Gathering” hopes to be a common meeting ground where people who aren’t comfortable coming to church on Sunday and those who are unable to attend on Sunday can come together to worship.

  As we began thinking about and praying for this service, I couldn’t help but think about the life and ministry of Jesus. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus is found gathering in small intimate spaces with others. In Luke chapter 14, Jesus went to eat at the house of a Pharisee and spent time speaking with and asking questions to those with whom He ate. In Luke chapter 5, Jesus had a meal with a tax collector. Tax collectors were the outsiders of society, yet Jesus knew the power of simply sitting together in conversation. We can’t forget Jesus’ most remembered gathering, The Last Supper. As Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, he saw fit to gather his closest disciples together one last time. In this time he showed us what it means to gather with others, and we are reminded that when we gather together Christ joins us. Over and over again, Jesus chose to gather with people. Just as often as Jesus preached to a large, gathered crowd, He also sat around a table.

  We are excited about what God might be doing through “The Gathering.” If you, or someone you know, would like to attend, please know that you are welcome. Our next time together will be on December 15th, and I hope to see you there.

• December at a Glance

  December 4: Breakfast with Santa (Bldg C)

  December 5 at Noon: Meet the Staff (Bldg A)

  December 5 at Noon: dwCrew Christmas Party

  December 5 at 4pm: Travel Talk with Dr. Campbell (Bldg B)

  December 5 at 5pm: Youth Murphy-Harpst Christmas Ball (Bldg B)

  December 10 at 7pm: West Cobb Christmas Celebration (Bldg A)

  December 11 at 10:30am: Women’s Breakfast (Bldg B)

  December 11 at 4pm: West Cobb Christmas Celebration (Bldg A)

  December 12 at 5:30-7:30pm: Ignite Youth Christmas Party

  December 13 at 7:30pm: Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert

  December 15 at 7pm: The Gathering (Bldg A)

  December 19 at 5:30-7:30pm: Ignite Youth Christmas Movie Night

  December 24 at 11am: Christmas Eve Sing-along Service (Bldg A)

  December 24 at 4, 6 & 10pm: Candlelight Services (Bldg A)

  December 24 at 5&7pm: Candlelight Services (Bldg C)

  December 26: Single Service at 10am (Bldg A)

• dwKids

  Preschool Sunday School

  Memory Verse: “God has given a Son to us.” Isaiah 9:6, NCV

  Merry Christmas! It’s time to celebrate the birth of our Savior! We are using the alphabet this month as a fun way to introduce the true story about how God gave us Jesus. One day—sooner than we think—our now preschoolers are going to grow up and start asking some hard questions. “How do I know God really loves me?” “Does God still love me?”

  We want the answer to be right there and ready for them—I know God loves me because God gave us Jesus. Whenever doubt comes into our heart, whenever our mind begins to ask questions and seek proof, we need only remember back to that first Christmas when God sent His Son to us.

  Merry Christmas! May you be filled with joy this Christmas season as you remember that God loves the world so much, He gave us His Son, Jesus.

  Elementary Sunday School

  Christmas - Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift.

  Memory Verse: “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIRV

  For many of us, Christmas lights are the best and brightest part of Christmas celebrations. It doesn’t matter if it’s the high-rises in the big city or houses lining Main Street; when the lights come out, it’s a wonderland! People celebrate big at Christmas because there’s Someone big to celebrate: Jesus!

  The best gift God ever gave was Jesus. Because of Jesus, it’s possible for us to have a relationship with God that will last forever. As we remember the Christmas story, we take time to celebrate the greatest gift the world has ever known.

  dwCrew Christmas Party

  Our dwCrew will be holding their annual Christmas Party on December 5th from Noon-2pm and all 3rd-5th graders are welcome! The kids are encouraged, but not required, to dress in Christmas attire as there will be a prize for the most creative outfit. We will have dancing, games, crafts, prizes and yummy food! Friends are welcome! Cost is $7/child. Register Now!

  Wonderfully Made: Loved by God

  Coming February 17 - 19 | Registration Opens December 1

  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.

  Wonderfully Made is a 3-day course for 5th & 6th grade students and their parents: Thursday evening (parents), Friday evening (students), all day Saturday (students in the am, all in the afternoon for lunch.)

• Ignite Youth

  Murphy Harpst Christmas Ball

  December 5 | 5pm | Bldg C

  The price for a ticket to the dance is a gift card to donate. Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, Zaxby's, Wendy's, and McDonald's are all preferred choices. Wear your Christmas best! Register Now!

  Sunday School

  Youth Sunday School classes are available for 6th through 12th graders every Sunday at 9:45am or 11:00am. Youth Sunday School meets in the Youth Center in Building C. Learn More.

  Youth Choir

  Youth Choir is an awesome group of 6-12th graders who meet on Wednesdays at 6pm! Youth Choir meets in the Choir Room in Building A.

  Small Groups

  Sign up for a Group

  6th & 7th Grade Girls – Thursdays at 7:45am at Chick-Fil-A (Brookstone)
  Just Us Girls – Sundays at 4:15pm in the Youth Center
  High School Boys’ Small Group – Mondays at 6:30pm in the Youth Center

  Upcoming Events

  December 10 & 11: Youth Choir performs at West Cobb

  December 12th at 5:30-7:30: Christmas Party

  December 19th at 5:30-7:30: Christmas Movie Night

  February 19-22, 2022: High School Ski Trip

  February 23-26, 2022: Middle School Disney Trip

  March 18-20, 2022: Spiritual Life Retreat

  June 13-17, 2022 ($500): Big Stuff Summer Beach Trip

• Missions

  Missionaries at Work

  The problem with thanking people is you always forget somebody! There have been so many missionaries working around our campus that I’m not going to try and name them all personally, I hope they understand.

  Thanks to the team who decorated our buildings and grounds for Christmas! Thanks to the individuals that quietly come up and pull weeds and trim bushes! Thanks to the family that donated the large outdoor nativity at the Burnt Hickory entrance! Thanks to the team of ladies that headed up the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box drive (262 boxes donated)! Thanks to the back pack ministry team that packs and delivers weekend back packs each Friday during the school year! Thanks to the altar flower ministry team! Thanks to all that helped make the All Together Now! show such a blessing! Thanks to everybody that helped make the new Family Life Center floor project a reality! Thanks to all of the coaches that helped make our Fall Flag Football season great! Thanks to the team that made the Holiday Market great! Thanks to Ashley Brown for coordinating a staff CPR/first aid training day! Thanks to the ERT team that served in Louisiana!

  Like I said, I’m sure I missed people and projects! But this gives you a glimpse into all that goes on in the life of our church, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

  Due West! Y’all truly are the Hands of God! Thank you and Bless you!

  Now Go and Serve:

  Check out all of these great ways to get involved!

  • December 5 from 2-4pm: Christmas party at the Oaks at Acworth, assisted living facility.
    

  • December 20 at 7pm in the Family Life Center.: Family Friendly Christmas Mission Project! Present Wrapping with Cobb County Police Community Affairs Division! We will be helping the officers wrap the presents that they have been collecting throughout the community!

  • December 21 at 2pm: Christmas party for the kids that live at the KSU InTown Suites extended stay hotel. .

  • Angel Trees! There will be an Angel Tree in support of Calvary Children’s home located in both Building A Narthex and Building C Narthex. Please take a tag, shop, wrap and return by Sunday, December 18th

  • Keep on the lookout for a link to do some Christmas shopping for elderly clients of The Department of Aging Services.

  • Be on the look out in the DWInsight for upcoming opportunities to help lead morning devotions for the faculty and staff at Due West Elementary School!

  Ongoing opportunities:

  • Simple Needs Georgia is a great local partner to volunteer through. 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 partner to get your entire family involved with. Call Mark Hellman for more details. www.simpleneedsga.org

  • 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! Contact Mark Hellman for more information www.mountaintopboyshome.org

  • The Craddock Center in Cherry Log, Georgia will need volunteers in February to help pack books. Contact Mark Hellman for more information. www.craddockcenter.org

  There is no doubt that God is alive and working here at Due West UMC! It’s going to be a busy and blessed December!

  -Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org)

• Adults

  Women’s Ministry

  A huge thank you to all who are working to help make Cookies with Santa a huge success. We provided toys, gift cards and an afternoon of fun for state court kids and their families and a Zoom call with Santa serving 11 families and 32 children.

  Registration is now open for the Women's "Fruits of the Spirit" March Retreat being held at The Ridges Resort at Lake Chatuge. Our speaker will be Patsy Harley. Please make plans to attend Friday, Saturday and Sunday March 11th - 13th. Contact Kcasteel@duewest.org with any questions.

  United Methodist Men

  AutoBell Car Wash Gift Cards | Order Now!

  The United Methodist Men are selling AutoBell Car Wash gift cards for $20. They make great stocking stuffers and gifts. Proceeds go to the UMM Scholarship Fund which benefits students attending Methodist colleges and universities.

  Matching Funds/Dollar for Scholars

  Scholarship applications for Matching Funds/Dollar for Scholars UMM scholarship program are to be completed and turned in to the UMM mailbox in Admin II bldg at church NLT: December 23, 2021.

  This scholarship is only for students accepted to or attending United Methodist affiliated colleges/universities. Selections will be made in January 2022.

• Music

  West Cobb Christmas Celebration

  Come experience the sights and sounds of the season as Due West Choir and Orchestra present the West Cobb Christmas Celebration.
  
  December 10 at 7pm | December 11 at 4pm

  Handbell Concert
  
  Golden Bells of Atlanta will present a Christmas Concert at Due West! They will be collecting donations of travel-sized toiletries and a free will offering.
  
  Monday, December 13 at 7:30 pm | Building A Sanctuary

• dwPreschool

  We’d like to thank you all so much for your support of our Holiday Market. It was a wonderful day. The crowds were large and the shoppers found some great deals. The silent auction baskets were amazing. You are all the best and your support for our school was so awesome.

  December brings lots of crafts and learning about the birth of Jesus to our preschoolers. In our STREAM Lab, the children are learning about the star that shined in the sky on the night Jesus was born. The preschoolers will have story time with Natalie Jones about the Christmas story! Our December mission project is to collect coats, hats, mittens and new children’s books for The Craddock Center in the Appalachian Mountains.

  As 2021 ends, we are so grateful to be able to continue to serve the wonderful children and families of this community.

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 orders for congregational name tags!

Prayer Requests

Need prayer? Click here to submit a prayer request!