July 2022 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
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Hails and Farewells
I remember when I arrived at Due West. Our family was thrilled to be here. And I understood that I was the “new guy”. But I soon learned I was not the only one. In the first few months of that year, Lora Gayler came on as Director of Youth Ministries, Alicia Iles started as Director of Children’s Ministries, and Mark Hellman started as Director of Missions and Operations. And then I started as Senior Pastor. As you read this, it looks like a huge turnover. And in ways it was. But you all never missed a beat. You continued being the church. You understood that sometimes these things happen.
As you have probably heard, it has happened again. Bronwyn Perkins recently retired after more than twenty years of faithful service. Austin McMillan left us to follow his dream and open his own design firm. We were thrilled for him to have this opportunity. Stacey Lucas is moving to Florida. And as we announced a couple of weeks ago, Mandy Kirkpatrick is moving to Mt. Paran School to be the Assistant Director the Murray Arts Center. This is a great opportunity for her and we are all happy for her. And finally, Lathem Postell has the opportunity of a lifetime for he and Kami to move to their hometown with little Evy.
Some of these roles have already been filled. Others are still being worked on. My prayer for every staff person with whom I have ever worked is that they give their best while they are at the church. But I have never wanted anyone to feel guilty about leaving the church to go to where God is leading them for the next chapter of their lives. We will always be happy for people following the Lord. That is the case with all of these people. We love them, are celebrating with them and are praying for them. Some good-byes have already taken place. We look forward to celebrating Mandy’s time at Due West on Sunday, July 17, at 12 noon in the FLC. You will also have an opportunity to thank Lathem for his leadership and congratulate him on his new position on Sunday, July 24, at 12 noon in the FLC.
But as we say “good bye”, it also opens the door for us to say hello to new people on our staff who will help us continue to reach our neighborhood and the world for Christ. As we continue to bring new people on board, we will share those names with you. Rest assured that everyone coming on board will come with a commitment to our mission of “Inviting our community to join us as we Gather Together, Grow in Jesus Christ and Go Serve.” God still has great things in store for Due West.
I know you will pray for those leaving and for those coming. And I know that you will continue every day to do your part so Due West can be the church God is calling us to be. Thank you for being the church.
If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,
David
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Budgeted for JUL 21 - JUN 22: $2,191,000
Received YTD 21 - 22: $2,000,063.22
Spent YTD 21 - 22: $1,986,309.57
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Support Groups
AA Open Meeting - Sundays @ 7pm (Bldg A)
AA Women’s Group - Thursdays @ 7pm (Bldg A)
GRASP Support Group - Second Tuesday @ 7pm (Bldg C)
SOS Support Group - Second Thursday @ 7pm (Bldg C)
Parkinson’s Support Group - Second Sunday @ 3pm
Dementia Ministry Spouse Support - Third Wednesday @ 1pm (via Zoom)
Weekly Exercise Classes
Monday
Tone & Tighten @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
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 year ended with a bang. We had our 1st ever PreK and kindergarten graduation ceremonies. We also had a blast at all of our year-end parties. Many thanks to our teachers, students, and parents for a great school year.
Registration for the 2022-2023 school year continues in the preschool office.
We have openings in our kindergarten classes and the one-year classes. Please contact Shelly Kubek or Courtney Kunkel 770-590-0982 or skubek@duewest.org or ckunkel@duewest.org if you are interested in scheduling a tour or just getting some more information.
We offer classes for children ages 1 through Kindergarten. You can also get more information on our church website.
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Preschool Sunday School
Memory Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’” John 14:6, NIV
Last month, we began teaching preschoolers that they can make waves that can change the world! July brings even more stories to teach our preschoolers how they can make waves with the help of Jesus.
This month, we will learn about kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Yes, these can be tough to choose, but when Jesus is my friend forever, Jesus can help me do everything. That is what we want our preschoolers to know. And, when they do choose love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, our preschoolers will make waves that can change the world!
Elementary Sunday School
Make Waves - What you do today can change the world around you.
Memory Verse: “God began a good work in you. And I am sure that He will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians :6, NIRV
We were created in God’s image. God sent Jesus to show us the best way to be human. But God knew we’d need help. That’s why God sent us the Holy Spirit. With the power of the Spirit, we can produce fruit that points others to Jesus. Every month, kids discover something about God’s character and how they can reflect or respond to that character because they are created in God’s image.
We will not have dwKids Sunday School on July 3 & July 10, however, we will have childcare available in room N137.
Volunteers Needed
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2022-2023 elementary and preschool Sunday School classes. If you would like to be a part of the ministry, please contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org.
Another Successful Vacation Bible School
In June, we had Monumental Vacation Bible School and what an adventure we all had! Each day, our kids sang upbeat songs, went on unforgettable Bible adventures, and learned that God is Good! We had 300 children participate and 115 youth & adult volunteers leading & teaching the children.
The children truly showed how God empowers them to help others as they brought in 659 food items for the DWUMC Backpack Ministry. They also collected $1100 to help build a playground at a schoolyard in Guatemala. A special thank you to all the people who donated both their time and the needed supplies to make this week such a huge success. Pictures from each day are available on the church website through the end of July.
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Event Calendar
July 10: Pop Up Ignite
July 12: College Outing - Braves vs. NY Mets!
July 20: Video Game/Board Game/Craft Night 5-9
July 24: Late Night Game NightPLUS, other Local Day Trips and opportunities through the Summer!
FOLLOW US ON:
Facebook
InstagramClick here for all youth events!
Mission Trip
Are you interested in joining an International Family Mission Trip to Costa Rica over Cobb Fall Break (Sept 24 - Oct 1)? Click here to register or email Team Leader and Youth Sunday School Teacher, Julie Austin, for more information!
What We're Teaching
OUR 4-WEEK “GUIDING LIGHT” SERIES
SERIES OVERVIEW:
Whether you’re not sure what you think about God just yet or your faith in Jesus runs deep, let’s be honest — things would be a lot easier if God spoke to us in really obvious ways. Audible words. Obvious signs. Guiding lights. It would be so much easier to find guidance, feel comforted, or make difficult decisions if we could actually see God with our eyes and hear God’s voice with our ears. Well, there’s some good news. Jesus couldn’t stick around on earth forever, but He hasn’t left us alone. He sent the Holy Spirit in His place. In this 4-week series about wisdom, we’ll get better acquainted with how God’s Spirit guides us as we discover how the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us who shows us truth, gives us wisdom, and helps us love.
We will offer Sunday school every week except June 26th and July 3rd! -
Women
LADIES GAME NIGHT
Saturday July 16
Women's Ministry is hosting a Ladies Game Night from 6PM to 8PM in the Gathering Room. Come out and join us for fellowship, an array of games to choose from and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
This is a free event but please register on Church Center by July 8th! Click here to register for Ladies Game Night. If you have questions please reach out to Kcasteel@duewest.org.
We hope to see you there!
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Due West UMC will be working with a local Coalition of churches to support Habitat For Humanity again this year. As an active member of the Coalition, Due West is asked to provide volunteers to assist in the home-building process. The house we are building is located in Mableton. Construction started in June and continues thru August. The house will be dedicated in September.
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Now Go and Serve:
MUST Summer Lunch
We need lunch packers, Kids Kits packers and drivers/delivery team members. The program started on Wednesday, June 1, and wraps up on Friday, July 29. We have committed to 150 lunches a week. Please contact Gina Hill to sign up or for more information. Gina can be reached at Scottandginahill@gmail.com.
Go Hike:
Do you like to hike and spend time outdoors? Eddie Fletcher is putting together a team of “trail angels” that will spread God’s love on the Benton McKay trail in Northeast Georgia by providing random acts of kindness and sharing the gospel with hikers! The team will go out for day hikes 2-3 times in the Spring and then again in the Fall. Is God calling you to lace up your boots? If so, contact Eddie Fletcher or Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org).
Teach Love!
Jane Swanson is leading the Teach Love ministry! Be on the lookout for more information on how you or your small group/Sunday school class can get involved as we shower teachers and school staff in our area with God’s Love!
Lost-N-Found Youth
Help work in their thrift store or sign up to take meals to the kids living in the shelter. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information.
Women’s Bible Study: Meet Them Where They Are!
Gina Hill and Rita Schuchardt will be looking for a few missionaries as they kick off a monthly Women’s Bible study to be held at the KSU InTown Suites extended-stay hotel. There will be opportunities to visit with the ladies that live there as well as help minister to their kids. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information about some brief training that will be required.
The Craddock Center:
This organization focuses on literacy and families living in the Appalachia area of Northeast Georgia and Tennessee. Conduct a book drive. Sign up to help sort books at their center in Cherry Log, Ga.
Special Needs Cobb
This organization serves special needs adults living in independent living homes in Cobb County. Opportunities include helping with respite days during the summer.
KSU CARES
This group focuses on students at KSU that are either currently experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, or have come to KSU as students directly from the foster care system. Opportunities include mentoring and helping with the food pantry.
Ongoing opportunities:
Simple Needs Georgia
Simple Needs Georgia is a great local partner through which to volunteer. Located just down the road in Marietta, this partner offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities from sorting clothes, to building hygiene kits, to making knot blankets. This is a great place to involve your entire family. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more details. www.simpleneedsga.org
Table on Delk Women’s Ministry
Table on Delk Women’s Ministry provides a safe place for those who are currently, or at risk of, being sexually exploited to have a meal and get connected to resources that they might not know about. Volunteers are needed to prepare food and to show guests the Father’s love. By showing them His love through genuine interactions, telling them that their lives do matter and that He has a plan and purpose for them, some of those we serve will take steps toward healing and restoration.
Volunteer opportunities include serving as hospitality teams at their location for women and children that come for meals, laundry, and Bible Study. Opportunities occur Monday and Tuesday nights and Wednesday and Saturday during the day. Please contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) about getting involved in this powerful ministry.
Mt. Top Boys Home
Located in Sugar Valley, GA, this partner offers great opportunities for families, small groups, Sunday School classes, Scout groups etc. Projects include painting, yard care, etc. Combine service with fun and drop over to beautiful Rome, Ga and catch a Rome Braves game this coming season! Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information. www.mountaintopboyshome.org
2022 Mission Trips
Costa Rica
September 26-30 | Register
Guapiles, in the Limon Province
Volunteers will be involved in construction of a church and VBS activities in the local communities.
Volunteer ages range from 13 to adult. An adult must accompany any youth under the age of 18.
Cost: Approximately $1350 per person for airfare, lodging, food + additional $125 for other expenses
-Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org)
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Galatians 6:9-10
9” Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers”Brenda Wyatt’s June newsletter article beautifully described the mission of the Congregational Care Ministry and how the caregivers are dedicated to carrying out that mission.
As a CCM caregiver, I would like to tell you how this ministry has been a blessing in my Christian walk. We all face many life challenges whether it be illness, death or just unpredictable experiences. Many times, we recognize handling such experiences to be difficult alone. Praying during these uncertain times can be especially difficult. I personally have had the privilege to call upon the Lord in prayer as requested or when granted permission of care recipients and their families. My heart has always been touched by a smile, a soft touch, or a comforting silence expressed by the care recipient as they feel the presence of the Lord. As CCM Caregivers, we want to be there to listen, encourage, and lift fellow Christians up in prayer. Think of CCM caregivers as that unexpected friend who wants to surround you with the Lord’s love and comfort.
If you or a family member feel that Congregational Care Ministry could provide you with the support needed for a difficult time, please do not hesitate to contact Brenda and Dan Wyatt at danwyatt1966@gmail.com , the church office, or Pastor David Campbell.
If you feel called to be a part of this ministry, you can contact Brenda and Dan Wyatt at the above address. Any upcoming training sessions, will be publicized in the newsletter, Facebook, and announced at Sunday Morning Worship services.
Our ministry is ready and waiting to be there for you when you need us.
Brenda Wyatt, Congregational Care Minister
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A huge thank you to the choirs and orchestra, lead by our Music Director, Christine Salazar, for the wonderful musical celebration on Freedom Sunday!
The music ministry is taking a well-deserved break for the month of July and is planning to return for practice on Wednesday, August 10.
Contact Csalazar@duewest.org to get involved in Adult, Youth, and Children’s music groups.
Have a great summer!
HELP NEEDED: Music Associate & Accompanist
Flexible hours during weekdays, approximately 30-35 per week, with room to grow, and a competitive salary, based on experience. Piano Accompanist for blended worship service on Sundays and for orchestra rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, as well as other worship services and rehearsals as deemed necessary; first call Pianist for weddings and funerals occurring on campus, solo rehearsals, and special events. Assistant Music Director for Sunday morning and Wednesday evening rehearsals; includes helping set up the sanctuary for rehearsals and worship - sound board, monitors, mics, chairs, stands, etc. Orchestra Music Coordinator for Planning Center Services - find instrumental music the orchestra can play for worship, organize music and people for rehearsals Music Director for Modern Service, assist with rehearsal, (keys, and vocals as able) Meetings with Music Staff, also Full Staff Creating and editing musical scores and click tracks - using Finale and GarageBand or Logic Assisting with planning and preparation for services and rehearsals for youth & children’s choir, orchestra, and Sunday mornings Assisting in coordinating and planning events for music ministries, including choral retreats and extra rehearsals, Holy Week and Christmas/Advent special services, Youth Choir tour, and fund raising events. This may include auditions, meal planning, ticket sales, organizing auction committees, communicating with families and volunteers, budgeting funds, coordinating places and meals and transportation when traveling. Completing other assigned tasks as needed - making signs, finding small things no one sees and fixing them Rehearsing and preparing as needed Ideal candidate is an accomplished pianist and very detail-oriented, as well as being able to juggle multiple tasks at once. Candidate should have knowledge of the following software (or be able to learn): Mac software (Pages, Numbers, Logic, Garage Band, iTunes, QLab), Pro Presenter, Planning Center, Facebook. If the candidate is a good fit, hours and salary may be adjusted to include directing youth choir. EMAIL RESUME TO: Csalazar@duewest.org
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Visit our summer camps webpage to register for the camps below!
Science Camp
July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29
Grades PK-5th will choose from a great variety of science and technology themes. Each theme will consist of four components, Science, Technology, Art, and Outdoors. Please see our full descriptions. We certainly have something for everyone!
Tech Scientific is our division for grades 5-8. We are offering up to 12 different camps for this category. Themes include: Veterinary Medicine, Young Surgeon, Minecraft, Robotics, Coding and Programming, Quad Copters, Chemistry, Stop Motion Animation.
Recreation Camps
Power Sports Flag Football Camp
July 11-14 | 9am-12pm
Ages 5-12Flag Football Camp combines the skills of learning the positions of Quarterback, Wide Receiver and Running Back with lots of other fun games centered around football. Participants get to have a Super Bowl-style tournament on the last day of camp that combines competition and good sportsmanship. Every camper receives a Power Sports T-shirt.
Theatre Camps
Footloose
Come out and support our young actors by watching their fabulous rendition of “Footloose, Young Performer’s Edition”,
Show Schedule:
- Friday, July 1 at 7 pm
- Saturday, July 2 at 6 pmTickets are $12 (includes processing fee). Children 3 & under get in for free and don't need a ticket.
Dance Camps
All of our FABULOUS dance camps are 9-12 pm OR 1-4 pm & packed full of fun! Each day includes creative daily crafts & offer exciting games, stories & activities that coordinate with the camp themes. Snacks are provided.
Broadway Bound
July 18-22
Boys & Girls Ages 7-10Explore various styles of Musical Theater and Broadway-style dancing! Campers will enjoy play acting & improv games & learn how to choreograph dances.
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!