December 2022 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
Important Dates
Fri., Dec. 2: Last Day to Order Poinsettias (see Seasonal Events)
Sat., Dec. 3: Due West UMC Light the Night Christmas Light Show Opens (see Seasonal Events)
Sun., Dec. 4: Murphy-Harpst Youth Christmas Ball (see Youth)
Sun., Dec. 4: dwCrew Christmas Party (see dwKids)
Mon., Dec. 5: Last Day to Order Christmas Gifts for Murphy-Harpst Youth (see Seasonal Events)
Sat., Dec. 10: Women’s Christmas Brunch (see Women’s Ministry)
Dec. 10 & 11: West Cobb Christmas Celebration Performances (see Seasonal Events)
Sun., Dec 11: Ignite Christmas Party (see Youth)
Mon., Dec. 12: Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert (see Seasonal Events)
Sun., Dec. 18: Ignite Christmas Movie Pajama Party (see Youth)
Mon., Dec 19: Christmas Gift Wrapping with Cobb Police (see Seasonal Events)
Wed., Dec. 21: Service of Longest Night (see Seasonal Events)
Sat., Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Services (see Christmas Services)
Sun., Dec. 25: Christmas Service (see Christmas Services)
Fri., Dec. 30: UMM Dollars for Scholars Applications Due (see Adults)
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Unexpected
“Are you ready for Christmas?” That is the question you hear all through this month. We want to be ready. We try to be ready. But I’m not sure we are ever actually ready. You know what I mean. Think about that year you got all your Christmas cards out early. You were feeling really good. You take the time to go through the list and see who you have been getting cards from. You realize an old friend has stayed on your list even though you haven’t heard from them in 7 years. So, this year you decide to save the stamp. You take them off the list. And then… on December 23rd… you get that unexpected Christmas card from your old friend! And you thought you were ready.
Or there is the neighbor with whom you have never exchanged gifts. Never. But one year on Christmas Eve, they show up at your house with a gift! Talk about the unexpected! And you thought you were ready! Then there is the year your kid comes home from college. You’ve set the table for the family. You’ve fixed their favorite meal. They walk in the door and you say, “Who is this with you?” “Oh, did I forget to tell you…?” An unexpected guest. And you thought you were ready.
As we approach Christmas this year, there is a lot going on. It is true in your home and it is true in your church. We have special events planned all the way through from the first Sunday of Advent until Christmas morning. Elsewhere in the newsletter you can read about the special worship services, the ways we are trying to reach into our community, special celebrations and much, much more. We hope you will join us as often as you can. But we are also going to talk about the unexpected.
In the midst of everything else going on in December, the focus is to be on the miracle of God coming to us as a baby in a manger. The focus is supposed to be on the story… the message… of Christmas. And as you read that story you will find much that is unexpected. From the unexpected places God goes to the unexpected people God uses to the unexpected people God visits and the unexpected things God does. If you look for it, it is everywhere!
And so I hope you will join us. Join us for the lights, the music, the worship, the outreach, and everything else. And as you find out you are not as prepared as you thought you were, keep your eyes open. I do believe that if you look for it, you find the Christ Child right in the middle of the unexpected!
If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,
David -
Please be sure to visit the “Season of Discernment” page of our website for information about the upcoming decision of whether Due West remains a part of the UMC.
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Christmas Season is here! Be sure to come to our Morning Worship services in the month of December to celebrate the Advent season with us!
We will have services at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 am during December, except for the following days:
December 11 - West Cobb Christmas Celebration at 9:00 and 11:00 am. Learn more about our West Cobb Christmas Celebration under Seasonal Events.
December 21 - Longest Night Service at 7:00 pm in Building C. (For those struggling to celebrate this season)
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services
Sing-A-Long in Building A at 11:00 am
Worship in Building A at 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 10:00 pm
Worship in Building C at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm
December 25 - 10:00 am in Building A
January 1 - 10:00 am in Building A
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Important Dates (see details below)
Fri., Dec. 2: Last Day to Order Poinsettias
Sat., Dec. 3: Breakfast with Santa (see dwKids)
Sat., Dec. 3: Due West UMC Light the Night Christmas Light Show Opens
Sun., Dec. 4: Murphy Harpst Youth Christmas Ball (see Youth)
Mon., Dec. 5: Last Day to Order Murphy-Harpst Christmas Gifts on Amazon
Sat., Dec. 10: Women’s Christmas Brunch (see Women’s Ministry)
Dec. 10 & 11: West Cobb Christmas Celebration (see below)
Mon., Dec. 12: Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert (see below)
Mon., Dec 19: Christmas Gift Wrapping with Cobb Police (see Missions)
Mon., Dec 21: Longest Night Service
Details
Poinsettia Sales
This is an annual tradition at Due West UMC! Purchase these beautiful flowers in honor or memory of loved ones. They will be used to decorate both Sanctuaries and the Family Life Center during the month of December. We will list everyone for whom the flowers are purchased during December. These beautiful 6” pot Poinsettias come in Red or White, boasting 4-9 blooms each. The cost is only $12 each.Due West UMC Light the Night Christmas Light Show Opens
Due West United Methodist Church is proud to announce that we are the beneficiary of the Calumet West Christmas House light tradition! A self-guided walking tour will be open to the community beginning December 3rd and continuing through January 8th from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Our large activity field will be covered with more than 50,000 lights, ornaments, and characters. The display features a gingerbread house, the biggest chicken west of The Big Chicken, and a real sand beach complete with a 13-foot working light house!Visitors are asked to make a $10 donation to be shared between Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Due West UMC. A collection box, along with a QR code, will be placed at the entrance to the display. Please use the Due West Road entrance located between Due West UMC and Due West Elementary School. Due West UMC, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta, GA 30064.
Matthew 2:10-11 – When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw a child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Click here for more information.
Murphy-Harpst Youth Christmas Gifts
Help make this a special Christmas for a child at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center. Often, Christmas at Murphy-Harpst is the first time these kids get to make a personalized wish list or receive gifts that they asked for.Click on the link below to view an Amazon wish list and purchase gifts that are shipped directly to Murphy-Harpst. All gifts need to be ordered no later than December 5th and should have an estimated delivery date of no later than December 5th. If you would prefer to purchase an Amazon gift card, you can leave it with Denise Luders in the church office.
Click here to buy Christmas gifts on Amazon.comYou can also make a monetary donation by going to the church website and choosing “Murphy-Harpst – Christmas” from the dropdown list.
Click here to donate onlineIf you have any questions, please contact Kyle Moore at jdmoore@mindspring.com. Thanks!
Christmas Performances
West Cobb Christmas Celebration is a time for the entire family to get into the Christmas Spirit! Support this musical celebration with your presence on Saturday, December 10th at 6:00 pm, or Sunday, December 11th, at 9:00 and 11:00 am. All performances will be held in the Building A sanctuary..Christmas Gift Wrapping with Cobb Police
Monday, December 19th, at 7:00 pm in the FLC
Come out and join us for this fun event! Bring your favorite scissors and a roll or two of wrapping paper, and get ready for the fun! We will gather in the FLC to wrap the presents!Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert
The Golden Bells of Atlanta will be in concert on Monday, December 12th at 7:30 pm in the Building A sanctuary.Longest Night Service
The Christmas season is often marked by expressions of joy, excitement, and happiness. It’s a time for family to gather and for churches to worship pointing to the hope that is found in the coming of the Christ child. However, this time of joy and expectation can often overshadow the pain and hurt that many experience during this season, when the world's festivities are a stark contrast with their grief and pain. For that reason, we are offering a Service of Longest Night. It will be on December 21st, which is literally the longest night of the year, at 7:00 pm in Building C. It is designed for people who are struggling to hear words of joy. Maybe you have suffered the loss of a loved one. Maybe you have suffered the loss of a job. Maybe you have recently been through a divorce. Maybe you have just moved to West Cobb and are alone for the first time during the holidays. For people living in pain this season, we want to offer a service that takes this hurt seriously and offers the hope of Christ. If this is you, we invite you to come. If this is someone you know, we encourage you to offer to bring them. Christ is the hope of the world, and that includes you! -
Support Groups
AA Open Meeting - Sundays @ 7:00 pm (Bldg A)
AA Women’s Group - Thursdays @ 7:00 pm (Bldg A)
GriefShare - Sundays @ 6:00 pm (Bldg C)
GRASP Support Group - Second Tuesday @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)
S.O.S. Support Group - Second Thursday @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)
Parkinson’s Support Group - Second Sunday @ 3:00 pm
Dementia Ministry Meetings
Spouse Support Group meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am.
Spouse Group meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm.
Family Support Group meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.
Currently, all meetings are being held via Zoom. For more information, please email dementiaministry@duewest.org.
Weekly Exercise Classes (Bldg B)
Monday
Tone & Tighten @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
Tuesday
Pilates @ 9:30 am
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)
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The Preschool staff would 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 awesome.
December brings lots of crafts and learning about the birth of Jesus to our preschoolers. We will also have a special 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 2022 ends, we are so grateful to be able to continue to serve the wonderful children and families of this community.
We are always looking for people to substitute in our preschool. We are looking for people that love children and have availability during the weekday mornings. Please contact Shelly Kubek at skubek@duewest.org if you are interested.
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Important Dates (see details below)
Thur., Dec. 1: Registration opens for Wonderfully Made 3-Day Course
Sun., Dec 4: dwCrew Christmas Party
Details
Preschool Sunday School
Memory Verse: “God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.” John 3:16, GNTChristmas is about celebrating the most special person . . . Jesus! Jesus is special because Jesus is God’s Son. We don’t have to buy him a gift, and we don’t have to wear fancy clothes to His birthday party. But, we can celebrate Him.
So, we are throwing a pajama party to help our preschoolers celebrate and learn that Jesus is God’s Son! We want our preschoolers to know that God loved the world so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to be our friend forever and to make a way for us to always be with Him. It’s our biggest hope that you will create such a memorable month for preschoolers that they will never forget that Jesus is special because Jesus is God’s Son.
Elementary Sunday School Christmas - Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift
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
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that every good and perfect gift comes from God, but the best gift God ever gave was Jesus. From the beginning, God has had a plan to rescue the world from the consequences of sin. Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s plan. 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 4th from 12:00 - 2:00 pm and ALL 3rd-5th graders are welcome! The kids are encouraged, 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.
Click here to registerWonderfully Made: Loved by God
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 will be offered February 9-11, 2023. It is a 3-day course for 5th & 6th grade students and their parents: Thursday evening (parents), Friday evening (students), Saturday (students in the am, all in the afternoon for lunch)
Registration Opens December 1 Click here to register
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Important Dates (see details below)
Dec. 4: Murphy-Harpst Youth Christmas Ball
Dec. 11: Youth Christmas Party
Dec. 18: Ignite Youth Christmas Movie Pajama Party
Click here to register for all youth events!
Details
Murphy-Harpst Youth Christmas Ball
December 4th from 5-7 pmIgnite Youth Ministry has invited the youth at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Home to join us for our annual elegant Christmas Ball! It will be held in the Building C Sanctuary on Sunday, December 4th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. We will have lots of food and fellowship! We will even have a DJ, so we can get down! Youth are asked to dress in their Christmas Sunday Best! We will be collecting gift cards at the door from the Due West participants from any of these places: Walmart, Amazon, or a Visa gift card. These cards will be given as Christmas gifts to the youth at Murphy-Harpst.
If you would like to contribute an appetizer or sodas, feel free to add your name to the sign up (along with the item you’re bringing) to our signup!
Click here to sign up to contribute food
Ignite Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, December 11th from 5:00-7:00pm in the Youth Center
Join us to ring in Christmas at our Ignite Christmas Party. Come dressed in your most festive/tackiest Christmas attire. We will have an ornament swap and/or sock swap (new socks only please).Youth Sunday School
Join us at 9:45 or 11:00 in the Youth Center in the basement of Building C! Open to all 6th-12th grade students! This month, we will meet on the following days:12/4 9:45 and 11 am
12/11 ONLY 11am due to West Cobb Christmas
12/18 9:45 and 11 am
No Sunday School on December 25 or Jan 1
December Series: Halo
There are certain things that make Christmas really feel like Christmas, right? Christmas trees, holly, candy canes, nativity sets, that one Christmas album your family can’t get enough of . . . oh! And angels. If you pay attention, you’ll find them everywhere this Christmas season. They’re on Christmas trees, ornaments, and greeting cards. They’re in Christmas carols, movies, and nativity sets. And they’re all over the pages of Scripture, too. That’s because angels played an important role in the very first Christmas. In this four-week series from the Gospels, we’ll pay close attention to the announcements the angels made surrounding Jesus’ birth. Together, we’ll see why the messages the angels shared back then still matter today — like the message that God’s timing is always right, that Jesus is always good news, that we can always share God’s story, and that God is always ready to rescue.Click here to follow along with our YouVersion Daily Devotion.
Give the Gift of a Youth Trip this Holiday
Don't know what to put in the stockings this Christmas? How about a trip with church friends!
Disney Winter Break Trip - Feb 20-24 (Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom)
Spiritual Life Retreat - March 17-19
A Big Thanks to our Pumpkin Patch Volunteers
Thank you to all who pitched in for the Pumpkin Patch this year! It was a huge success and will help with many of the youth events in the upcoming year! We would like to give a special shout out to our adult Sunday school class members who filled in during the weekday morning shifts, and to our many youth families who spent countless hours reaching out to our community with kindness and love through their service at the patch!Welcome New Members
We would like to welcome our newest confirmation class as they are full members of Due West UMC!Darcy Austin, Thomas Blakely, LoriAnn Iles, Ethan Martinez, and Anderson Paul!
Welcome new members! We're so glad you're here!
Summer Mission Trip Interest Survey
If you are interested in knowing more about the June 17-24 Mission Trip, please make plans to join us for an informational meeting in January! -
We are in need of some donations of the following:
freestanding garage-type shelving (new or used)
plastic storage bins with lids (all sizes)
gently used dance shoes
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UMM Dollars for Scholars
The United Methodist Men “Dollars for Scholars” applications will be due no later than December 30, 2022.
IMPORTANT: These applications will be for students enrolled in and or attending Methodist-related colleges or universities ONLY!!
These scholarships are provided through a combination of Due West United Methodist Men, North GA UMC Conference, the school, and the United Methodist Higher Education Fund.
Applications can be turned in to United Methodist Men’s mailbox in Bldg. A, Admin 2.
Click here to download the application
Deadline: December 30, 2022
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Important Dates (see details below)
Sat., Dec. 10: Women’s Christmas Brunch
Details
Women’s Christmas Brunch | December 10th | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Our annual Christmas Brunch is a tradition for many and an awesome way to start the Season!
Registration is full.
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Due West UMC has its very own fitness program offering classes for all levels and open to anyone age 12 and up. Classes are $4.00 (includes childcare on Monday, Wednesday & Friday) and you can find our class schedule on Facebook at Due West Adult Fitness Classes. Punch Cards are also available and cover 11 classes for $40.00. These cards are available from the class instructors.
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Important Dates (see details below)
Dec. 19: Christmas Gift Wrapping with Cobb Police
Details
As we head into the crazy, worrisome, stressful and all too often just too busy season of the holiday’s, let’s not take ourselves too seriously. Make time to breathe, to love, to play, and to serve.Upcoming Service Opportunities
Angel Trees in December
Do you want to directly help children in need this holiday season? This year, we will sponsor children from Murphy-Harpst Children’s Home , Calvary Children’s Home , and Compton Elementary School. You can help make someone’s Christmas dreams come true by sponsoring a wish! Come by the narthex of buildings A and C to pick up tree tags or email mskinner@duewest.org for more information.Operation Christmas Child
Thanks to everybody that filled an Operation Christmas Child Box! This year, we donated 138 boxes! Please remember to pray for the children who will receive the boxes this Christmas.Christmas Gift Wrapping with Cobb Police
Monday, December 19th at 7:00 pm in the FLCCome out and join us for this fun event! Bring your favorite scissors, a roll or two of wrapping paper, and get ready for the fun! We will gather in the FLC to wrap the presents!
2023 Mission Trips!
It’s not too early to begin making plans for next summer’s mission trips! We will be providing information as they are booked.
Sweetwater, Tennessee Sports Camp Trip
This is a great week of fun, activity and worship as we help two different churches put on an exciting summer program. We need adults, teens and college kids to come and serve as a “coach” for one of the stations, or be a “team leader.” In 2023, we will be going June 3rd-9th. The cost for meals, lodging, and program supplies will be $400. For more information contact Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org. -
Adopt-a-College Student
DWUMC is kicking off a new program called “Adopt-a-College Student.” Our heart and vision for the program is to live intentionally alongside our college students by simply reaching out periodically throughout the year. If you are interested in supporting a college student with notes, emails, and texts, please email the College Care Ministry at collegecare@duewest.org. If you have questions, contact Tracie Cantrell at 770-891-5073 or Patti Pass at 404-542-8676.
UMM Dollars for Scholars
This is a program open to students attending Methodist-related colleges or universities. Applications are due no later than Dec. 30th. See the “Adults” section of this newsletter for more details.
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The Holiday season is joyful for most of us as we celebrate Advent and the birth of our Savior, spend time with family and friends and look forward to the start of a new year. Sometimes, it is hard to celebrate due to the loss of a loved one, an illness, a job loss, or any event that causes insecurity in our lives.
If you are struggling this season, please consider asking to have one of our Congregational Care Ministers (CCMs) assigned to you. We offer prayer, visitation, and Holy Communion as we walk alongside you during your difficult times.
Our ministry assures complete confidentiality. We are committed to sharing the love of Christ and the love and support of your church family with you.
To be assigned a CCM, please contact Pastor David Campbell at the church office or Brenda Wyatt at 770-605-3709 or brendahwyatt@hotmail.com.
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Sunday School Volunteers
dwKids Sunday School Volunteers - Contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org for details.
Join Our Usher Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11:00 am church service in Building A. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dianne Harrison at cdharrison830@gmail.com or 678-522-4909.
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!