What Are My Contributions Really Used For? Part 2

In previous Due West monthly newsletters, we tried to explain some of the “why”

of stewardship from a Biblical perspective (“What Did Jesus Say About

Stewardship,” Parts 1, 2, and 3). If you missed these, you can find them at

Newsletter — Due West MC; go to our newsletter archive on the website, click on the month (Aug – Sept – Oct) and open up the newsletter, and the Stewardship piece will be the first one listed. Last month, though, we started writing about a common question: what are my

contributions really used for?

The November Stewardship piece focused on the Church’s physical property – wow, we have a huge campus (21+ acres) with almost 84,000 square feet of relatively old buildings, containing vast amounts of doors, windows, commercial HVAC units, and so much other “stuff”. We emphasized that the stuff does not equal God’s Church. But we believe that all this stuff enables us to effectively carry out our mission to truly be God’s Church, spreading love and the message of salvation to our community and to the world at large. Your stewardship enables all of this.

In the November newsletter, we promised to talk about our spiritual properties – our acts to bring others into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s go! Our Church is truly an outpost for Jesus Christ in West Cobb. Our reach extends deep into our local community, to other parts of the United States, and many countries around the world. Here are some of the missions that your stewardship enables:

Feeding the Hungry.

Due West Food Pantry – we give boxes of food to local families every month.
Project Backpack – provide meals to around 180 kids each weekend, because these kids normally eat two free meals each day at school.
MUST Summer Lunch Program – in conjunction with MUST, we deliver 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 snacks to 175 kids every week during the summer.

Caring for the indigent and elderly.

Simple Needs Georgia - we provide support to assist needy kids and people experiencing homelessness.
Together with Families - we assist Cobb families that are in a crisis of poverty.
MUST Ministries – we provide kitchen help as well as financial assistance to this Cobb County organization that serves the local homeless population.
Habitat for Humanity – the Men’s Ministry at DWMC provides labor and financial support to help build a Habitat home each year.
The Oaks of Acworth Assisted Living Facility – we provide comfort and fellowship through the worship of the Lord to the residents of the facility and the residents of the memory care wing of this facility.
Our Congressional Care Ministry currently has 17 certified CCM’s who provide individual caregiving and monthly communion assistance at several area assisted living facilities.

Spiritual education and activities through ministries of the church.

Wrap with a Cop – we wrap the gifts that the Cobb County Police have purchased for families that need help for their kids at Christmas.
Pumpkin Decorating with a Cop – during our Pumpkin Patch, our local police come out and decorate pumpkins with families.
Operation Christmas Child – Due West families fill shoeboxes with gifts for needy child overseas.
Angel Tree – Due West adopts several children each year from Compton Elementary School for the holidays. Each student receives an outfit, jacket, socks and underwear, and an item from their wish list.
Local School Support – we collect school supplies and in conjunction with our Teach Love Ministry, we share these supplies with local elementary and high schools.
The Craddock Center – Our Choir and Preschool support this organization in Cherry Log, Georgia, which works to ensure seamless education and family support to families in the NE Georgia mountain region.
Cookies with Santa - The Women’s ministry partners with the State Court to provide families with an opportunity to get together and meet Santa.
Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center – Men’s Ministries have supported this wonderful cause for many years.
Light the Night – huge Christmas light display open to our community.
Easter Eggstravaganza – there’re a lot of eggs out there . . .
Trunk or Treat.
Vacation Bible School – we have a HUGE VBS here at Due West.
Movie Night – for kids and families.
Way Maker Women’s Center – nurturing, educating, and counseling pregnant women, giving alternatives to abortion while demonstrating the love of the Lord.
Emergency Response Team – assisting recovery from natural disasters.

More Ministries

Teach Love Ministry – we support our local teachers through prayer and encouragement, and work to strengthen their faith as they teach our children.
Horizon Therapeutics – work with The Horizon League and the City of Acworth’s Therapeutic programs to provide children and adults with physical, social, and cognitive disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive programs.
Loving Through Dementia – provide education, support, and consultation to those impacted by having a loved one with dementia.

Mission Trips

Costa Rica – construction on a Methodist Church and VBS activities.
Guatemala 1 – medical mission and constructing playgrounds in local villages and provided basic healthcare in this very needy area.
Guatemala 2 – VBS, clothing distribution, teaching basic first aid to teachers in local schools.
Tennessee – Ocoee Outreach – built wheelchair ramp and deck.
Portugal – Run Christian-based sports camp.
India – served in a children’s home.
Greece – refugee support.
Kenya – children’s home support.
Arizona – Pima Indian tribe – VBS, adult bible study, food distribution in communities, and light construction at their church.

I know I’ve missed some of our missions, and I’ve been very brief in describing what we do for these missions, but you get the idea. Our church is very, very involved in mission work, especially in our local community. Every one of these highly worthy mission activities are supported by your faithful stewardship! Please note that this list does not include many additional ministries that are supported by our Sunday Schools and other small groups. If you’re interested in helping out with our mission ministries, please reach out to our Missions Chairperson, Judy Davis (judycrosbydavis@gmail.com). There are many ways and places to serve our Lord.

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Please prayerfully consider where stewardship ranks among the things in your life, and remember – we don’t really own the stuff, God is just giving it to us to steward while we are here on this earth.

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Expenses and Giving

Budgeted Giving, Oct-24 -- $166,500

Actual Giving, Oct-24 -- $166,331 (Pretty good month, very slight miss)

Budgeted Expenses, Oct-24 -- $166,500

Actual Expenses, Oct-24 -- $159,588 ($6,912 better than budget – more good expense control)

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Budgeted Giving, YTD -- $644,000

Actual Giving, YTD -- $600,756 ($43,244 below budget – we’ve got some ground to make up!)

Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $644,000

Actual Expenses, YTD -- $626,988 ($17,012 under budget – really good)

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Ways to Give to Due West Methodist Church

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 it to the Church office at:

Due West Methodist Church

3956 Due West Road

Marietta, GA 30064

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

Belonging

Have you ever felt like you were somewhere you didn’t belong? I am a big fan of the TV show, “Frasier.” Some of the funniest episodes are where Fraser and/or his brother Niles found themselves in situations where they really didn’t belong. Think about your favorite TV comedy. I bet they did at least one episode where the star found themselves in a place where they didn’t belong. It can be a recipe for laughs. Maybe you have a funny story in your own life.

But of course, there are times it happens and it is not funny at all. There have been plenty of movies made where the star found themselves in a place they did not belong and it was not a comedy, but a sad drama. And maybe you have had those moments in your life too, when you felt you didn’t belong and you struggled. This is the definition of isolation. This can be a lonely and difficult time. Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong?

I have good news! Which is another way of saying, “I have the gospel!” After all, gospel literally means “good news”. The good news of the gospel is that we always have a place where we belong! Scripture says that followers of Jesus belong in the Body of Christ. We are all a part of the Body of Christ. We are all part of the family of God. We know this always, but during Advent and Christmas, we are especially aware.

As we think about all of the reasons Jesus came as a baby in a manger, one of those reasons is that it opens the door for us to belong. We will be talking about that through the season of Advent. We will look at how because Jesus belongs to the whole story of Israel, we belong there as well! We will talk about how because Jesus belongs to the story told by the prophets, we belong there too! We will look at how because Jesus belongs to the story of a particular time and place, we do also! And we will look at how because Jesus belongs to the story of salvation (He actually is the story of salvation) we belong in that same story.

I hope that you will come and join us during the month as we talk about belonging. We sing during the season, “O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.” We belong to the faithful. We belong to those who sing, “Joy to the World.” We belong to the group who say, “…with the angels let us sing, Hallelujah to the King. Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!” We belong to the story of Christmas! I look forward to you being a part of it!

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

David

December 1 - Hanging of the Greens & Family Advent Celebration & Light the Night
December 1-25 - Reverse Advent Calendar - Food Pantry donations
December 1-31 – Light the Night Christmas Display
December 2 - Teach Love Ministry - Prayer & Project
December 3 - Bonfire Group meeting
December 7 - Breakfast with Santa and Cookies with Santa
December 8 - Confirmation Sunday; dwCrew at Adventure Air; Youth Murphy Harpst Ball
December 9 - Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert
December 12 & 13 - Preschool Christmas Programs
December 14 - Women’s Annual Christmas Brunch
December 14 & 15 - West Cobb Christmas
December 15 - Wrap With A Cop
December 17 & 18 - Preschool Christmas Programs
December 21 - Longest Night Service
December 22 - Ignite Christmas Party
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services (11am, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, & 9pm)
December 25 - January 1 - Church closed with the exception of Sunday, Dec. 29

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
Better Days Mental Health Support Group - 1st and 3rd Monday @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)

Dementia Ministry Meetings are Currently On Hiatus

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 @ 10:35 am

Thursday

Zumba @ 9:30 am

Friday

Boot Camp @ 8:30 am (Nursery)
Stretch & Tone @ 9:30 am (Nursery)

The family of Due West continues to pray for Sheila Welch and her family on the loss of Kim. Sheila has asked for me to share her gratitude for all of the love and prayers of the congregation. She has also asked that I share his obituary, along with information on a Celebration of his life.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, January 4th, 2025, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

At The Welch Home

870 Crossfire Ridge Marietta, GA 30064

In Christ,

David Campbell

New Bible Study

Have you ever wanted to read all the way through the Bible? Have you ever wanted to read all the way through the Bible in a year? Have you ever wanted to read all the way through the Bible in a year in the order in which the events occurred? I want to invite you to join me in doing so. In 2025, I’ll be reading the One Year Chronological Study Bible. It has daily readings and much in the way of study helps. It can be found on Amazon at NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible (Softcover)

You will read of Paul’s trip to Ephesus, and then read his letter to the Ephesians. You will read events in the four gospels one after the other, and see the unique perspective of each gospel writer. This Bible is arranged in that manner, with 365 daily readings. I would also love to gather with people and talk about the week’s reading. Gary Pitts and I will be meeting in the Cottage each Thursday night at 7:00 pm with anyone else who wants to come. We will begin Thursday, January 9th. The first days’ reading in the Bible is January 1st. By January 9th, we will have done nine days of reading. Even if you can’t join us on Thursday nights, feel free to get a copy of this Bible and read along! We look forward to diving into the Word of God in 2025!

In Christ,

David

Hanging of the Greens Service and Family Advent Celebration

Join us December 1st at 5:00 pm in the Building A Sanctuary for our Hanging of the Greens service. This Youth and Children led service is a GREAT way to start your Advent season! Come hear more about why we decorate our church the way we do and the meaning behind each of the decorations! All children in attendance will be invited to participate in the Nativity. The costume and instructions will be passed out upon arrival.

Immediately following the service, we will kick off the lighting of the Light the Night display and enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies under the pavilion! Come make your family’s Advent wreath and grab a bag of crafts to enjoy.

Grown Up Movie Night Coming Saturday, February 8!

Mark your calendars now!

See the trailer for the movie here.

We will be showing the movie ‘Fireproof’ starring Kirk Cameron, which focuses on a 40-Day Marriage Challenge called “The Love Dare”. Couples of ALL generations needed to help plan this event! Email Jane Swanson (janecswan@gmail.com) if you would like to help!

NEW - Global Methodist Church Disaster Relief Fund

Starting January 1, 2025

The Global Methodist Church has its own version of UMCOR (the United Methodist disaster relief fund) called the Global Methodist Church Disaster Relief Fund. You are more than welcome to continue to support UMCOR, however checks should be written directly to them (not the church) after December 18th. To give to the GMC Disaster Relief Fund, you can write a check to Due West Methodist with GMC Disaster Relief Fund in the subject line. Thank you for supporting those in need!

Name Badges

We likely recognize one anothers’ faces at worship services or other church events, but wouldn’t it be great to put a name with that face? We can help do that by ordering, and wearing, name badges while on campus. If you are interested in ordering a name badge, please reach out directly to Denise Luders via email at dluders@duewest.org. Please do NOT order name badges individually through the newsletter or website at this time. Denise will collect names and place a bulk order which will allow us to enjoy significant cost savings per badge (individual badges are $18.50).

Altar Flowers

Did you know we have a Flower Ministry at Due West Methodist? A floral arrangement can be purchased and displayed on the altar during Sunday morning services in honor or memory of someone you love, to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just because you love Jesus. An acknowledgment of the flowers will be included in the preservice slides. You will also have the option of taking home the arrangement after the service or donating it to the Flower Ministry. If you choose to donate it, we have volunteers on Monday morning that will divide the arrangement into smaller bouquets and deliver them to you as well as to church members on our prayer list. The arrangements cost $65 and are available to purchase from January – November of each year, with the exception of the first Sunday of each month. You can click here to order Altar Flowers for an upcoming Sunday. Alternatively, you can contact Denise Luders for assistance at dluders@duewest.org or call the church office at 770-427-3835.

Thank you to everyone for all the support for our Holiday Market. It was a wonderful day. We wish you great excitement while you wait for the holidays and share the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love. May you and your children continue to find baby Jesus and all the gifts God has waiting for you! Merry Christmas!

Preschool Registration 2025-2026

Beginning in January 2025, the Due West Preschool Ministry will have registration for children who will be new to the school in August 2025. Schedule a tour so you can 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@duewest.org. If tours are completed by January 20th, you can be placed on our preferred list after our current students and siblings register.

Preschool Sunday School

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

Show and Tell is always a favorite. Children have so much fun looking for the most special thing they can find to show their friends, and what each child shares helps teachers and friends get to know them a little bit better by seeing what is most valuable to them.

This month, we’re taking a look at the ultimate Show and Tell. God showed the world how much He loves us by giving us Jesus. That is what we celebrate at Christmas, and that is what we will continue to show the world through our actions and tell with our words.

Elementary Sunday School

Christmas - Celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift

Memory Verse: “She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21, NIV

Have you ever stopped to listen to a group of carolers and then joined them to spread some more Christmas cheer with others? Music is such a big part of Christmas, but it’s not the main reason we celebrate. It’s easy to get distracted with all the lights, presents, and traditions that sometimes we forget that it’s not about the things we do, but Who we do it for and why we do it.

That’s why this December, we’re singing loudly as we jam out to our Christmas Playlist to celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift! 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 get in the mix this Christmas season, let’s take time to remember the reason we celebrate in the first place: Jesus, the greatest gift the world has ever known.

dwCrew Christmas Party

Our dwCrew will be holding their annual Christmas Party at Adventure Air on December 8th from 1:00-2:30 pm and ALL 3rd-5th graders are welcome! Check in begins at 12:45 pm, and be sure to sign the waiver when dropping off your child. Cost is $5/child to reserve your space, and dwCrew will be covering the rest. Drop off and pick up will be at their location in Kennesaw.

We are looking forward to having a wonderful time and hope to see your child there!!

Register for the dwCrew party here.

Wonderfully 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 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)

Coming February 27th - March 1st; Registration opens December 1st. Click the link below to register.

Register for Wonderfully Made here.

There are so many events in December for Youth, starting with the Hanging of the Greens Service at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 1st!

Check out our December Youth Newsletter for all the details!

Be sure to read all the way to the end!

To subscribe to our monthly Youth newsletter, and be in the know, CLICK HERE.

Murphy Harpst Christmas Ball

December 8, 5:30-7:30 pm

The Murphy-Harpst Christmas Ball is back! This is one of our favorite events during December, and we are so glad it is back this year! Meet us in the Family Life Center dressed in your best holiday attire. We ask each youth to bring a $10-20 Amazon, Walmart, or Visa gift card as our gift to Murphy-Harpst. We will fellowship with the kids from Murphy-Harpst, share a meal together, make a craft or two and dance the night away! We want to make this an extra special event, so we need people to bring food!

Please CLICK HERE to sign up to bring food.

We also need extra adults to help chaperone this event. Please email youth@duewest.org if you are interested in volunteering.

Thank you!

Adult Volunteers Needed - Youth Ministry Dinners

You can make a difference in the lives of our youth! We need Due West adults to sign up to help cook, serve and clean up for youth dinners on Sunday nights throughout the school year. We provide the food, you provide the labor!

Please CLICK HERE to sign up to help!

Middle School Boys Bible Study

December 6, 13, 20

Middle school boys before-school Bible study will be meeting on Fridays at Brookstone Chick-fil-A from 7:45-8:30 am. All middle school boys are welcome!

Please contact youth@duewest.org for more information.

Rooted Youth Choir

The Rooted Youth Choir’s weekly rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 6:45 pm in Sanctuary A. Come sing with us!

WCCC

Join us for our annual West Cobb Christmas Celebration! Mark your calendars for December 14 at 6:00 PM, or December 15 at 9:00 am or 11:00 am in the building A Sanctuary as we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. This inspiring Christmas celebration will feature Due West’s adult choirs, orchestra, youth choir, and kids choir.

December Worship – featuring Music Ministry Groups

Dec. 1 – Hanging of the Greens @ 5:00 pm

Dec. 1 – Handbells @ 8:30 am

Dec. 8 – Handbells @ 11:00 am

Dec. 14 - DW adult/youth/dwKids choirs & orchestra present WCCC “Darkness to Light” @ 6:00 pm in Bldg A

Dec. 15 – DW adult/youth/dwKids choirs & orchestra present WCCC “Darkness to Light” @ 9:00 am and 11:00 am [different worship times this week only – Bldg A]

Dec. 21 - Longest Night Service @ 7:00 pm in Bldg A

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Services …

11:00 am Sing-Along in Bldg A

*4:00 & 6:00 pm Traditional Services in Bldg A

*5:00 pm Modern Service in Bldg C

9:00 pm Candlelight Service in Bldg A

*Nursery available in same building as this service

Golden Bells of Atlanta – Monday, December 9th – Bldg. A @ 7:30 pm

You are invited to “ring in” the Christmas season with the Golden Bells of Atlanta, the metro area’s premier community handbell choir. Representing over 415 years of combined ringing experience, the Golden Bells will surely get you in the Christmas spirit with their entertaining variety of music – classical, traditional, sacred and secular. As part of their outreach, Golden Bells will collect travel-sized toiletries and quarters at this concert. Tickets are not required, but a freewill offering will be available.

There are lots of exciting things coming up for the Center for the Arts that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to check out our webpage to learn more!

Kindermusik Classes

We are now offering mommy and me (or caregiver and me) classes for babies and toddlers. These classes are offered in partnership with Kindermusik of West Cobb. Please see their site to register https://regalperformingarts.com/

Watercolor Classes for Adults

Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:30-12 for a fun watercolor class with Annette Lewis. Commit just one class at a time, and no experience is necessary - Annette will guide you step by step. Just bring yourself and your supplies, or if you don’t have supplies just let her know and Annette will provide those for you. Cost is $13 if you bring your own supplies, $17 if you’d like Annette to provide them. Simply send Annette a text at (404) 664-9906 if you’d like to join the class.

Instrumental lessons

We are thrilled to offer you lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and harmonica. If you are interested in private lessons in any of those things please send an email to Nicole at cfa@duewest.org for more information.

Missions Newsletter for December

Check out our missions newsletter to learn more about all the church wide mission projects we have going on here at Due West!

Click HERE to read the Missions Newsletter for December

Check out our Missions Website HERE!

Click Here for the Missions Facebook Page

Sign up for our monthly MailChimp emails by clicking HERE.

Angel Tree for Compton Elementary

November 24 to December 8

It’s that time again! We will be helping 8 students from Compton Elementary have a very merry Christmas this year! Each student will receive an outfit, jacket, socks and underwear, shoes, and a wish item. As in the past, individual Angel Tree Tags will be in the narthex of both buildings for you to purchase one of the requested items per student. Please contact Millie Skinner (mskinner@duewest.org) for questions.

Thank you for giving to students in need this Christmas!

Reverse Advent Calendar Challenge! - A Family Missions Project

Benefiting the Due West Food Pantry

Your family is invited to join in our Reverse Advent Calendar Challenge! Collect all the items on the calendar during the Christmas season and return them on Epiphany!

Click HERE for a printable version of the calendar.

Did you know that the wise men are celebrated for their gifts on Epiphany which is on January 6th? Read Matthew 2:1-12 to learn more about the story. You too can be a wise person and bring gifts to God!

Please return your items in boxes or bags between January 2-7 to Building B, our Family Life Center Narthex to stock our food pantry for those in need. Contact Millie Skinner (mskinner@duewest.org) for more information.

Your generosity to those in need is appreciated!

Prayer and Project Time - Teach Love Ministry

December 2nd, 9:15 am

The Teach Love Ministry at Due West is sponsoring a Prayer and Project time this school year. On the 1st Monday of each month (September – May), we will meet, take time for fellowship, and pray for our teachers, students, and schools. We will also have a “project” of some kind that will be taken to one of our area schools each month to give to their teachers. Childcare is free!

For more information check out the December Missions Newsletter HERE.

Due West Methodist Church Teachers

December 8th or 15th

The Teach Love Ministry has a Christmas gift for you! Please stop by our tables in Building A and Building C before or after worship on December 8th or December 15th. Thank you for your service!

The Pickleball schedule is as follows and everyone is invited to join us!

Monday - 7:30-9:30 pm

Tuesday - 1:00-3:00 pm

Wednesday - 6:30-8:30 pm

Thursday - 1:00-3:00 pm

We have the equipment here at the church and you are welcome to use it.

Indoor Soccer is currently underway and being played in our Family Life Center. Practices are weekday evenings and games are played on Saturdays.

Registration for Spring Outdoor Soccer will open on the first of January.

Phil McGuire Scholarship

The Methodist Men ARE NOW accepting applications for Phil McGuire College scholarships through December 23rd, 2024.

These applications are ONLY for high school seniors graduating in 2025 AND attending a Methodist-related college!

Applications are due no later than December 23rd, 2024. Turn applications in to the Methodist Men mailbox in the Admin 2 office located in Building A. All other 2025 seniors may apply in May 2025.
Again - December applications are ONLY for students attending a Methodist-related college!

Cookies With Santa

Saturday, December 7th, from 2:00-4:30 pm, we will be hosting the State Court event for children and their families. This is their time together as a family and they look forward to coming.

We are in need of many volunteers to make this event a success! All volunteers must be 18 years or older. We are in need of adults to run booths (games, cookie decorating, etc.), host family tables, face painting, story tellers, etc.

There will be a quick meeting before the event to go over the expectations of the event. If volunteering, we ask that you please mark your calendar and commit to be at the event. We will need every hand that signs up to volunteer!

It's a great afternoon that will leave you feeling blessed and happy inside! These kids are precious.

Calling all college students and parents of college students: The Due West College Care Ministry wants to connect with our college students both near and far. We want to pray for, encourage, equip, and connect college students into a deeper community of faith here at Due West throughout their college years. Our plan is to pray for each student, send notes of encouragement, host possible studies, and have some in-person socials throughout the year and during college breaks. If you know of a Due West college student, please email us the students’ name, college or home address, and email to: collegecare@duewest.org or sign up on the college care ministry page on the Due West website. Remember that we need the student's college address for the 2024-2025 school year. If you registered last year, please send us updated information for the 2024-2025 school year. Contact Kristin March or Brian Lewis with any questions. Help us keep our students connected to Due West as they transition from student to young adult.

The Congregational Care Ministry is committed to sharing the love of Christ and the love and support of our church family. We work with our Pastors to meet the needs of our congregation, especially during times of illness and loss, and to those who no longer are able to attend worship services. We walk alongside those going through hard times utilizing home and facility visits, phone calls, cards, and emails.

It is a joy to offer Holy Communion to those who cannot come to the Lord’s Table, and offer anointing with oil as a reminder that Christ is with us in body, mind, and spirit at all times. We provide Holy Communion after our services each Sunday, and we serve in the Healing Services and Longest Night Service each year.

If God is calling you to join us in this vital and rewarding ministry, please contact Lay Leader Brenda Wyatt at 770-605-3709 or email bwyatt66chs@gmail.com. This is a wonderful opportunity for couples who want to be in ministry together. We have a new training class beginning Tuesday, September 17th, at 6:30 PM. We would love to have you join our team!

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.”

Brenda Wyatt

GriefShare - Comforting Others

After the funeral, when the cards and flowers have stopped coming, most of the people around you return to their normal lives. But your grief continues and you may feel alone. Often friends and family want to help, but don't know how. That's the reason for GriefShare. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and have successfully rebuilt their lives. We understand how you feel because we have been in the same place. We will walk with you on the long path through grief toward healing and restored hope for the future.

GriefShare is a nationwide network committed to biblical concepts for healing from your grief. To learn more visit the GriefShare website at www.griefshare.org.

What to Expect:

GriefShare is a group that meets weekly for 13 weeks. There are three key parts to the group.

· Video Seminar

· Support Group

· Workbook (Provided)

The next 13-week cycle will begin in the Spring of 2025, everyone is welcome to join the group here.

If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact Connie Morrow:

Email: cmm10500@gmail.com
Cell Phone (Preferred): 904-651-2732

Click here to learn more about GriefShare

American Heritage Girls - Informational Meeting

Parents of girls ages 5-17 are invited to an informational meeting to learn more about American Heritage Girls Troop GA4224, which is chartered by Due West. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7th, at 6:30 pm in the Children’s Assembly Room in the lower level of Building A. Girls are welcome to come meet current troop members and do some crafting while parents learn more about our troop. Our goal is to build women of integrity through faith, service, and fun. We enjoy the outdoors, work on badges, have devotionals, and serve God and our community. Our spring registration period will be open through January 31st. RSVP here for the informational meeting. You can also learn more about American Heritage Girls (AHG) on their website. Contact us through the Find a Troop link.

Sunday Media Team Needs Volunteers!

Sunday mornings couldn’t happen without the hard work from our Sunday media volunteers! Song lyrics, sermon slides, livestream video, lights, offering photos, and more are only possible with your help. We have positions for all skill levels with technology and offer hands-on learning and shadowing opportunities to help get you comfortable with your position! Please email Matt or find him at the sound booth after the 8:30am or 11am Services to help keep our Sundays running smoothly!

9:45 am Service Ushers

We are in need of more ushers for the 9:45 am church service in Building C. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sandra Imundo at Sandra.Imundo@fmc-na.com

Sunday School Volunteers

dwKids Sunday School Volunteers - Contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org for details.

December 2024 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times

December 2024 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Stewardship

Pastoral Update

Seasonal Events

Ongoing Events

General Announcements

dwPreschool

dwKids

Youth

Music Ministry

Center for the Arts

Missions

Recreation Ministry

Men's Ministry

Women's Ministry

College Care Ministry

Congregational Care Ministry

Scouts

Volunteer Opportunities

November 2024 Newsletter

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times