What Does the Old Testament Say About Giving?

Well, the first month of the new year has past. I hope your resolutions are still on track. If you resolved to start giving to the Lord this year, I truly hope you are keeping this resolution so that you and your family will reap the spiritual blessings that giving to God can bring.

We’re going to look at some of what the Old Testament says about giving. Both the Old and New Testaments are clear that we should be giving a portion of our financial gifts to God. If you are interested in reading some of what Jesus said about giving in the New Testament, I recommend that you go back and read our recent series of discussions about that. You can go to our past newsletters at Newsletter — Due West MC; go to the site, click on the month (Aug – Sept – Oct), navigate to “Stewardship” and read what our Lord said about gifts and tithing.

Deuteronomy is a key book in the Old Testament, written by Moses (except the final summary, which was probably written by Joshua after Moses’ death). Deuteronomy is a retelling of the covenant between God and the Israelites, presented just as the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land. Moses challenges the second-generation Israelites (remember, by this time, all the Israelites that left bondage in Egypt had already died, except for Caleb, Joshua, and Moses) to total devotion to the Lord in a new covenant relationship, promising blessings for loyalty to God and threatening curses for rebellion.

One of the messages in Deuteronomy 26 is Moses telling the Israelites how to give to the Lord when they enter the Promised Land and reap the harvest of the “land flowing with milk and honey.”

1 When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, 2 Take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name

While we are not entering the Promised Land, this message is also directed at us. This is telling us that we need to give to God from our firstfruits, and not from our surplus. “Taking some of the firstfruits” suggests that we should be giving from each part of our harvest (or income). We should not be waiting until year-end or until we have built a surplus and then giving from that – we need to be giving sacrificially to show that we recognize God’s amazing gift of grace to us. God wants our giving to have an impact on us; giving out of a surplus doesn’t impact our lives or change our hearts or cause us to truly consider our blessings from God. Moses instructs in Deuteronomy that one of the ways we should honor God and remember his saving grace is by faithfully giving from our firstfruits. This is powerful guidance about how we should be honoring and thanking God for His bountiful gifts.

Remember, the purpose of giving and stewardship isn’t to fund God’s church or His work (although that is normally the result). 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. 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, Dec-24 -- $200,000

Actual Giving, Dec-24 -- $240,443 (Really good month; we made up a lot of ground, financially)

Budgeted Expenses, Dec-24 -- $200,000

Actual Expenses, Dec-24 -- $157,571 (Very nice expense control – great work by all our ministries)

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Budgeted Giving, YTD (first 6 months of our fiscal year) -- $1,010,500

Actual Giving, YTD -- $984,769 ($25,731 worse than budget – the strong December helped pull us up to almost even with YTD budget)

Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $1,010,500

Actual Expenses, YTD -- $970,367 ($40,402 better than budget – that’s excellent!)

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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 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.

Remember the Sabbath…

You have been hearing about me taking a Sabbatical. I wanted to share with you how we got here, and what the plan is. For years, I have heard of other pastors who took time off, but I have never done so. (Unless you count the year I spent in Iraq, which did not feel like much of a break!) Having worked in a local church since I was a teenager, that is a long time. I began to wonder if the time was approaching to take a break. I want to be able to give my best in my last few years, and taking a little time off began to seem wise.

I was aware of a group that gave grants for pastors to take Sabbaticals and I spoke with our Staff Parish Relations Committee as well as our Administrative Board about the possibility. I told them I wanted to apply for a grant for a Sabbatical in the summer of 2025. With their approval of the appropriate committees, I began the process. The deadline was February of 2024, and grants would be announced in August of that year. I sent my application in and waited six months. When word came back, I did not receive the grant. My understanding was that most recipients were younger, so I was not surprised.

That is when the leadership of the church stepped in and said, “Not only do we still want you to take the time, but we want to help fund it!” Due West is such a generous church!

And so the plan was formed for me to be on sabbatical most of May, June and July this year. Sam will serve in my role while I am gone. We are working on finding someone to help him during that time. It will be a great experience for him to know what it is like not to serve as an associate, but as a senior pastor.

In the meantime, I have things I want to do during this time. There is time to relax. Susan and I are going to Alaska! And there are things I want to try to do that I have never had time to do. While I’ve never considered myself a writer, there are some things I’ve always wanted to try to write, but never had the time. There is a Bible study I have in mind, and what might be a book. (I’m not saying anyone will buy it, I just want to know if I can write it!) I look forward to having that time. Also, knowing that I plan on retiring in a few years, I want to talk to churches that have had smooth transitions so that I might gather wisdom to help the Due West when that day comes.

As much as I love what I do, I have been doing it a long time and I look forward to a break. You may have noticed, I’m not good at sitting still. But God says we are to take time to rest, so I’m going to give it a try. I appreciate your prayers and support. Don’t think I’m slipping out any time soon. I’m here until just after Easter. And I’ll be back ready to go in August! We’ll talk more as it gets closer, but I wanted you all to know the plan!

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

David

February 2 – Due West 101 Part 2; Scout Sunday @ 11am service; dwCrew at NinjaFit
February 5 - Women’s Bible Study “Anxious” starts
February 7 - Ladies Night Out with MacKenzie Chester
February 8 - Grown Ups Movie Night and Parent’s Night Out
February 9 - dwCrew at Central Gymnastics; New GriefShare Cycle Begins
February 16 - Men’s Breakfast
February 16-21 - Youth Mission Trip
February 17 - Church closed for President’s Day
February 27 - March 1 - Wonderfully Made

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 - 1st and 3rd Mondays @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)

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 @ 10:35 am

Thursday

Zumba @ 9:30 am

Friday

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

Church Center

The Church Center app is a tool that we, the staff, use at Due West to communicate information to the congregation. If you have not downloaded the app on your mobile device, we encourage you to do that and set up your profile right away. This app is loaded with valuable information that will help you connect to our church and congregation. For example, view the weekly and ongoing Prayer List; follow along with the weekly Devotion; take a glance at the Calendar of Events; Watch online; view the weekly Bulletin which contains the order for each service for each week; Giving; Groups – see your groups or find a new group; Check-in for worship services; Signups – register for upcoming events; Directory – view the online member directory; Sermons – a library of past sermons.

Over the next few months, we will highlight a feature of the Church Center app. This month, we will be learning about the “Directory”. The directory is for DWMC members only, and we ask that you do not share this information with others or use it to solicit business.

Once you have joined the church, you will receive an electronic invitation to join the directory. Please accept this invitation and add a picture of yourself to your profile. You can also choose to add a picture of your family. You will have the option to choose how much information you want to include in the directory. The directory is a great tool to connect with other members of the church.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Denise Luders at dluders@duewest.org.

Giving Statements for 2024

2024 Giving statements were sent out January 29th via email (if your email is in Church Center) or by USPS (if it is not). The download link for the statement is active for 14 days after which time the link will redirect you to log into your Church Center profile to get your statement. Please contact Nan Relf, Contributions Specialist, if you have questions or concerns at nrelf@duewest.org.

Emmaus Ministry

Calling all Due West members who have experienced either an Emmaus Walk, a Chrysalis Flight or a Kairos Weekend! We are excited to announce that we are breathing new life into our Emmaus ministry here at Due West! We recently sent our first pilgrim to the November women’s walk and are excited to send more in the spring.

In preparation of this relaunch, we’d like to collect contact information on as many people that are “on their fourth day walk” as possible. Once we have this information, we can begin hosting reunion meetings. If this is you, please send your contact information to Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org. DeColores!

Grown Up Movie Night Coming Saturday, February 8!

Mark your calendars now!

See a 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 are needed to help plan this event!

Email Jane Swanson (janecswan@gmail.com) if you would like to help!

Firearms and Fellowship: All are welcome!

Thursday, February 20, 6:00pm

Make plans to fellowship with us at Governor's Gun Club of Kennesaw on Thursday, February 20th! We gather at 6:00 pm for range time, and those that are interested are welcome to stay for dinner at the club at 7:00 pm. This is a "dutch treat" style event. Please RSVP to Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org by Monday, February 17th, 2025.

Come and fellowship with us!

Join this group on Church Center here

Global Methodist Church Disaster Relief Fund

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 our church)! 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!

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. Speaking of these volunteers, we need a few more people that can volunteer a few hours on Monday mornings. The time commitment is generally less than once per month.

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.

It’s time to start planning for the 2025–2026 school year! The Due West Preschool Ministry is excited to announce that registration is now open. Registration forms are available on our website.

We’d love for you to schedule a tour to explore our classrooms, meet our amazing staff, and learn more about our program. Discover why we’re proud to be certified as a “Preschool of Excellence”!

To schedule a tour, please call the preschool office at 770-590-0982. For additional information or questions, feel free to email skubek@duewest.org.

We look forward to welcoming you to our preschool family!

Preschool Sunday School

Memory Verse: “Love each other in the same way I have loved you." John 15:12, NLT

Have you ever been on a bus filled with people? There are grandparents, kids, teenagers, people going to the store, people going to work, people going to school. They may not know each other, but do you know what they all have in common? Jesus loves every one of them. Every. Single. One! Think about it this way: if Jesus was driving a bus, everyone would be invited to get on. EVERYONE!

This month, you get to tell preschoolers that Jesus loves them. Jesus loves their family. Jesus loves their friends. Jesus loves everyone! And Jesus wants everyone to follow Him! So, crank up that bus! Get those wheels turning! There is a great big world that needs to hear that Jesus loves everyone!

Elementary Sunday School

Uniqueness - Learning more about yourself so you can make a difference.

Memory Verse: “How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise You for that. What You have done is wonderful. I know that very well." Psalm 139:14, NIRV

Have you ever thought about what makes you, you? We all have different backgrounds, families, or favorite colors. We all enjoy different sports, foods, vacations, and have different friends and experiences in life. Even identical twins have different fingerprints! Together, all of those pieces make up who we are. But we can’t understand who we are and what we were created to do without first understanding the way God sees us. Every single one of us was created in the image of God. But even as image bearers, we were created as unique. There is only one you, and this month we have the chance to explore how God can use the ways we were created to make a difference.

dwCrew is a specialized time of fun, learning, and service for 3rd-5th graders. We will meet this month on February 9th at Central Gymnastics from 12:30-2:00 pm. Cost is $7 and everyone is welcome! Pizza lunch included. Click here to register!

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.

This 3-day course is 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).

Coming February 27th - March 1st, 2025; Registration is open, so click here to register!

**We are still in need of volunteers. If you are a parent of a child coming up, this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the program before your child attends. Please contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org for more information.

February Newsletter

Check out our February Youth Newsletter for everything you need to know about youth activities this month! Be sure to read all the way to the end to see a cute photo of baby Teddy! <3

February Youth Newsletter - CLICK HERE to view!

Join us Sunday nights from 5:30-7:30 pm for Ignite!

Feb 2nd - Wither’s Farm
Feb - 9th Super Bowl Party - Youth Center
Feb 16th - NO Ignite - Winter Break - Pray for our missionaries in WV!
Feb 27th - Movie Night at NGC

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter CLICK HERE.

Youth Go to Worship

1st Sunday of each Month!

Youth will not meet for Sunday school, but will go to either the 9:45 am or 11:00 am service on the first Sunday of every month. We want to take the opportunity to fellowship with the rest of the church and to participate in communion.

Can’t wait to see you all there!

Rooted Youth Choir

Upcoming performance at the 11:00 am service on February 9th!

Movies, Music, and More, a variety dinner show that raises money for this summer’s youth choir tour is on March 23rd. You don’t want to miss it!

Tickets will be going on sale soon.

The Rooted Youth Choir holds weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays

from 6 to 6:45 pm in Sanctuary A. Contact Katy Simmons at ksimmons@duewest.org for more information.

Come sing with us!

Modern Worship Band Volunteers

Due West’s Modern service is currently seeking to add musicians to the band in the following roles:

Bass players
Other instrumentalists on a rotating or substitute basis

Let us know what you play! Time commitment is Sunday mornings for rehearsal and service, and whatever time you need to prepare at home for upcoming services. Email csalazar@duewest.org for more info.

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!

All CFA summer camp registrations will open on February 1st at 8:00 am.
Feb 8th - Parents Night Out (Register here!)

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 am-12:00 pm for a fun watercolor class with Annette Lewis. You can commit to 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 instruments, please send an email to Nicole at cfa@duewest.org for more information.

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

Click HERE to read the Missions Newsletter for February

Check out our Missions Website HERE!

Click Here for the Missions Facebook Page

Sign up for our monthly MailChimp emails by clicking HERE.

‘Souper’ Bowl Sunday

Backpack Food Donation Drive

From January 26th to February 16th, we are sponsoring a ‘souper’ donation drive for our Backpack Ministry!

We are asking specifically for donations of:

hearty canned soups
canned ravioli
beanie weenies
Spaghetti O’s

All items can be dropped off in any of the 3 donation bins in the narthex of each building or at room 226 in building C. Thank you for supporting kids and families in need!

Prayer and Project Time - Teach Love Ministry

February 3, 9:15 am, Building C room 219

The first school Monday of each month, our group meets to pray for and create a tangible project for educators in the schools in our area. For information, please email Jane Swanson at janecswan@gmail.com.

FREE childcare is available! No reservation necessary.

February Teacher of the Month Nominations

Due February 28!

The Teach Love Ministry would like to recognize teachers who are educating the children from Due West Methodist Church. Please fill out our short nomination form letting us know why you’d like to nominate your teacher!

CLICK HERE to view the nomination form.

Teach Love Donation Drive - February 1-27

The Teach Love Ministry has been asked to sponsor the PBIS Spring Coaches Workshop in March. The Teach Love Ministry and Due West MC will be providing a light breakfast and 75 gift bags to show these educators some gratitude for doing this important work. We need YOUR Help, Due West! We’d like to make these gift bags thoughtful and useful.

Please CLICK HERE to contribute using our Amazon Wish List.

All orders will be delivered directly to the church and

must be received by February 27th.

Thank you for helping Due West to be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving educators in our area!

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 opened on January 1st.

Men’s Breakfast

Men’s Breakfast will be on February 16th at 7:00 am in the Family Life Center.

THE RHYTHMS OF GRACE - Mathew 11:28-30

You will be hearing from several speakers sharing what it means to receive and give forgiveness, how are we living out our faith, our freedom in Christ. We will look at our Identity in Christ, evaluate how are we abiding in Him, and how to be rooted and living at rest in Christ. Are you living life...or is life living you?

We will start in the FLC on Friday night at 6:30 pm (March 14th) and pick back up again at 8:30 am Saturday morning. The cost for this weekend retreat is $125.00.

Register here and come join us!

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 are no longer 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 we 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 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.”

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 on Sunday, February 9th at 6:00 pm in Building C, Room 242, 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

Media Team Sunday Volunteering

Hey Due West family! On Sundays, have you ever used the lyrics on the screens to follow along with worship? Or read the scripture with Pastor David? Seen the offering photos? Maybe you’ve watched the announcement videos? All of these are controlled by a Media Team volunteer back in the tech booth! We have tons of opportunities for volunteering, but our most needed position right now is ProPresenter Operator. If you have ever used something like PowerPoint, then you are immediately qualified to use ProPresenter! Matt, the Director of Media, handles all of the stressful “tech”-y bits and personally teaches you ProPresenter through shadowing and practical experience!

If you would only like to volunteer once a month, that’s perfectly fine! We are very flexible with scheduling and have positions available for every service time. If you are still hesitant to volunteer, just give it a try and volunteer for one Sunday! All you have to do is email Matt Boullain and he’ll walk you through everything!

February 2025 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times

February 2025 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

Congregational Care Ministry

Volunteer Opportunities

March 2025 Newsletter

January 2025 Newsletter

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times