February 2026
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
-
February 1 & 8- Due West 101 (1st class)
February 1 & 8 - Backpack Ministry Campaign
February 4 - Women’s Romans Bible Study Begins
February 4 - Easter Choir Rehearsals Begin
February 5 - Ladies’ Night Out
February 5-7 - Wonderfully Made Classes
February 14 - Valentine’s Day
February 17 - Mayor of Bethlehem Visit
February 18 - Ash Wednesday
February 18 - Last Call for Women’s Retreat
February 19 - Lent Begins
February 24 - Women’s Tue. Bible Study Begins
-
Lent is a sacred season in the Christian calendar dedicated to reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter. Traditionally lasting forty days, not counting Sundays, Lent recalls the forty days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. For believers, it is a time to imitate Christ’s humility and deepen their faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
The origins of Lent trace back to the early centuries of Christianity, when new converts prepared for baptism at Easter by undertaking a period of intense spiritual discipline. By the fourth century, the Church formalized this observance as a penitential season for all Christians, symbolizing the call to conversion and purification. The number forty carries biblical significance, representing periods of testing and renewal—as seen in Moses’ time on Mount Sinai and Israel’s forty years in the desert.
People observe Lent in a variety of ways, but all ways should draw us deeper into our relationship with the Lord. Many people choose to give up specific luxuries or habits—such as sweets, social media, or entertainment—as a modern expression of self-denial and discipline. Others add positive practices, such as daily devotion, volunteering, or reconciling strained relationships. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. This year, that is February 18th. We will have our Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary of building A. The season culminates in Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday and leads to the solemn remembrance of Good Friday, when Christians contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This journey of spiritual preparation reaches its joyful fulfillment on Easter Sunday, marking the triumph of life over death and the renewal of hope for all believers.
During the season of Lent, our sermons will look at some of the “one another” scriptures in the New Testament. We are encouraged to “love another”, “encourage one another” “pray for one another” etc. As you will read elsewhere, we will also be encouraging people to join a small group for Lent.
I hope you will join us on Ash Wednesday, and all through the season of Lent.
If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,
David
-
Monthly Prayer Focus: Marriages and Families
Throughout February, we are calling for concentrated prayer for the marriages and families in our community. With Georgia currently ranking among the top ten states for high divorce rates, the need for God’s strengthening grace has never been more urgent. Marriage is a sacred, embodied example of the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). These unions are the bedrock of our lives—vitally important not only for spouses and children but for the health of our church and society.
Join us this February in praying...
For Strong Foundations: Pray for those currently married in our church and community. Ask that these unions would be deeply rooted in Christ, serving as a beacon of His love.
For the Generations: Lift up the families connected to these marriages—the children and grandchildren who witness the covenant relationship.
For Healing and Protection: Pray specifically for those whose marriages are struggling. Intercede against the work of the evil one to steal, kill, and destroy, asking for God’s protective hand.
For Our Caregivers: Pray for those within our community who are serving as marriage counselors. May they embody the heart and hands of Christ in their service.
For Those Affected by Loss: Remember those who are divorced, or whose lives have been impacted by the pain of divorce. Pray for healing and new hope.
For the Unmarried & Singles: Lift up those in our church and community who are unmarried, remembering that the Apostle Paul commends the gift of celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7) and that Christ Himself was unmarried.
For Future Marriages: Pray for those who desire to be married (single, dating, or desirous of dating). Ask that God would meet them where they are and strengthen their daily trust in Him.
For Our Ministry Efforts: Pray for our "Habits of the Household" group and our upcoming "Biblical Parenting Class." Ask God to use these resources mightily to shape families and reach people outside our current congregation. Pray with us to have inspiration and fresh ideas as we seek to reach the needs of marriages and families.
-
Need prayer? Go to duewest.org/prayer to submit a prayer request!
-
The January Challenge Coin went to Denise Luders, with gratitude for her years of service as our Office Manager!
-
The Administrative Board would like to make the Board's Meeting Minutes more accessible to the congregation.
CLICK HERE to access the Administrative Board Meeting Minutes.
-
Budgeted Giving, December-2025 -- $240,000
Actual Giving, December-2025 -- $270,564
Budgeted Expenses, December-2025 -- $240,000
Actual Expenses, December-2025 -- $177,868
Actual Net Results, December-2025 -- $92,696 Surplus
Budgeted Giving, YTD (6 mos into fiscal year) -- $1,092,000
Actual Giving, YTD -- $1,133,911
Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $1,092,000
Actual Expenses, YTD -- $1,053,039
Actual Net Results, YTD – $80,872 Surplus
Note - “Giving” includes nominal amounts of interest income
-
Give Online – Click this link: Donate - Due West Methodist Church
Give In Person – Drop cash or a check into the offering plate at any of our services on Sunday morning.
Mail a Check – Send your gift to the Church office at:
Due West Methodist Church, 3956 Due West Road, Marietta, GA 30064
Donate Stocks - We also accept in-kind contributions of stocks. If you would like more information, please contact our Business Coordinator, Amber Wilson at awilson@duewest.org.
-
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.”
-
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.
-
2026-2027 Registration is open at Due West Methodist Preschool!
Programs: Christian-based classes for age 1 through kindergarten.
Tours/Info: Contact Shelly Kubek or Courtney Kunkel for info or a tour!
Phone: 770-590-0982
Email: skubek@duewest.org | ckunkel@duewest.org
Apply: Click HERE!
-
CLICK HERE to see the dwKIDS February 2026 Newsletter with all the details and news, along with dwCrew information!
-
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
-
Check out our February Youth Newsletter for everything you need to know about youth activities this month!
-
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.
-
Follow the link HERE for the College Care Ministry.
-
Follow the link HERE for the Young Adult Ministry.
-
WOMEN’S RETREAT
Join us for a transformative weekend of study, fellowship, relaxation, and reflection as we explore what it means to live an unmasked life. We are honored to welcome Jane Bishop, a respected leadership coach, worship leader, and published author. This isn't just a getaway; it's an intentional space designed for you to refresh your spirit, reset your mind, and realign with your purpose.
Discover Your Authentic Self: Explore the origins of the "masks" we wear and the lies we tell ourselves. Uncover the patterns that shape us and learn how to break free.
Embrace Mindset Shift: Understand that choice is about mindset and your story becomes your reality. Learn how to reshape your narrative and let God use you in powerful new ways.
Rest and Reconnect: Step away from daily demands and find peace in a quiet, cozy atmosphere.
Meaningful Connection: Connect with other incredible women in a safe and welcoming space, fostering authentic human connection.
Your all-inclusive weekend package covers:
Meals for the duration of your stay
Access to resort amenities
Opportunities for relaxation and personal reflection in a beautiful setting
Cost: $345.00 per person for the entire weekend. Date: March 6th - 8th, 2026
Location: The scenic Ridges Resort (a beautiful lakeside venue offering great views and a tranquil atmosphere)
Don't miss this opportunity to lay down every heavy thing and find rest. You will not leave the same. You'll return home renewed, grounded, and ready to step fully into the life you're meant to live. The LAST opportunity to pay for this retreat is February 18th. Register HERE to secure your spot today!
-
“In Christ Alone” Women’s Bible Study - Book of Romans
When: Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 am (Starting February 4th)
Length: 12 weeks
Where: Building C, Room 232
Cost: $17.39 for the study book
Next Steps: Sign up HERE to join us!
Questions? Email Kcasteel@duewest.org to reserve your book
"Perfectly Flawed" by Lisa Toney - a study on the life of Peter
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Starting February 24th)
Where: Building C, Room 219
Schedule: Follows the local school schedule
Participants: All women are welcome
Buy the participant guide: Available at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Christianbook.com
-
Follow the link HERE to read the Missions Newsletter.
Due West’s Backpack Ministry is gearing up to supporting 175 kids facing food insecurity in Cobb County. We need your help to ensure no child goes hungry over the weekend. Help us on February 1st and 8th (Super Bowl Sunday)!
Sponsor a Child: Visit us in the church foyer before or after any service to fund weekend meals for the school year.
Donate Food: We are collecting individual bowls of Easy Mac, Ravioli, and Soup (single serve packages - no cans, please!) on these Sundays, or delivered to Building A, Admin 2, any day, to restock our pantry.
Your impact makes a difference: $5 – 1 week of meals $20 – 1 month of support $90 – Half a school year $180 – A WHOLE school year of food security! Donate Online HERE in any amount. Email Ruth Henderson at rachenderson80@gmail.com to get involved or request more information.
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
Through the second week of June, we are collecting gift cards, products, and coupons for our annual Teacher Celebration on June 15th. We want to fill our prizes and goody bags with items that show our educators how much they are appreciated. Are you a business owner or manager? This is a wonderful opportunity to support our schools while gaining visibility! All participating businesses will receive event recognition for their generosity. To donate or for more information, please contact Jane Swanson at janecswan@gmail.com or 770-639-5299.
Please NOMINATE your favorite teacher so they can 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 19 new cadets who just graduated from the Cobb Police Department Training Academy, Mandate 68, please email missions@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
-
In previous stewardship articles, I explored three of the "Seven Biblical Benefits of Giving" identified by a Biblical scholar:
Obedience: Following God’s instructions on tithing.
Priorities: Investing in God's Kingdom rather than worldly treasures.
Faith: Realizing that giving is measured by your trust in God, not your bank account.
Biblical Benefit of Giving No. 4 is Giving Acknowledges That God Owns it All. God indeed owns everything, and we are only the stewards of our gifts for the short time that we are on this Earth.
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for
he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Psalm 24:1-2
If we are truly surrendered to God, then everything we have is His. After all, what do we have that hasn’t been given to us by God? So, God is the owner of all that we have and we are merely the stewards of it. Got it. Ahh, yes – this is where stewardship comes in. Giving back to Him freely and generously is a part of surrendering to our good and gracious God and thanking Him for everything – our health, our families, our friends, our church, our jobs, our wealth ... everything!
Building a stewardship mentality reminds us that He owns it all, and He alone has provided it all. We are told in numerous places in both the Old and New Testaments that we are commanded to give, and that He is pleased when we give with a generous heart and a proper attitude. We are also told that mankind has several purposes on
Earth, and two of those are to glorify Him and to serve Him. It is hard to deny that cheerfully giving to God is a splendid way to both glorify and serve Him.
I’ve written before that the only area in which God tells us to test Him is in regard to giving. Elsewhere, Scripture says do not test the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 6:16, Luke 4:12, Acts 15:10). Yet, in Malachi 3:10, God said,
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
I invite you and your family to test God in your approach to stewardship and giving. Earnestly, obediently, and regularly giving is a great way to acknowledge that God owns everything and that we are merely stewards of our gifts while on Earth. Test God, as He challenged, by bringing your tithe into the storehouse, and see if God
doesn’t pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. I believe He will do as He said.
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.
Take a peek at our new Stewardship Blog page HERE!
-
Join the Due West Choir as we prepare for a powerful Easter celebration! Share your talent and your heart as we honor the resurrection of Jesus through music. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, February 4th, 10:30 am or 7:00 pm in the Choir Room, Building A. Whether you are a seasoned singer or just love to worship, there is a place for your voice here. Secure your spot by emailing Csalazar@duewest.org.
-
Save the date for a special Seder Meal on April 2nd at 6:00 pm at Due West! Join us for a special guided Seder Meal on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) to commemorate God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This tradition, spanning over 3,000 years, was famously observed by Jesus during the Last Supper.
What to Expect:
The Experience: A full, Jewish-inspired dinner incorporating the symbolic elements and story of the Passover
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Dinner is provided
Registration: Sign-ups open soon on the Church Center App where you will be able to find more details. Keep your eye out for more details in the Insight and Sunday Bulletins as the date approaches.
Get Involved: To volunteer or ask questions, email Sam at samg@duewest.org.
-
SAVE THE DATE: A Special Engagement with the Mayor of Bethlehem
Join us for a rare and historic opportunity to hear from Maher Nicola Canawati, the Mayor of Bethlehem, on February 17th at 1:00 pm in the Building C Sanctuary.
.
Mayor Canawati, a Palestinian Christian who assumed office in May of 2025, was born in and grew up in Bethlehem. Beyond his public service, he is a dedicated community leader with a background in trade and tourism.
During this special event, Mayor Canawati will offer his unique perspective on:
The Current Situation: Insights into the daily realities and challenges facing the people of Bethlehem today.
Missional Opportunities: Ways for Christians worldwide to support and engage with the "living stones"—the local Christian community in the Holy Land.
A Message of Hope: His vision for navigating complex social and economic landscapes.
The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing for direct dialogue on these important topics. Please plan to join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from a key voice from the birthplace of Christ.
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!
