Remember the Sabbath

As you are looking at the Ten Commandments, “Remember the Sabbath” is number 4. When Moses first got these words, the Jewish Sabbath was our Saturday. It was a day of rest. After the resurrection of Jesus, Christians honored Sunday as the Sabbath. There were times when non-essential businesses were not open on Sunday. Also, there were no school activities. There were no sporting events. It was a day to do two things: attend worship and rest.

You may not have noticed, but all that has changed. No, there are just as many activities scheduled on Sundays as on other days. Some weeks it seems there is even more! That is a conversation for another day, but I do want to think about Sabbath. The word in a more general sense refers less to a specific 24-hour period and more to the idea of rest.

Many plants need to go dormant before they can bloom again. Dogs need to nap in the sun before they can go chase another squirrel. We need a certain amount of sleep so we can face another day. The body is not designed to go without rest. You might think you can, but your body will eventually tell you otherwise. Read the gospels. You will see that even Jesus took time to rest. There are moments we simply need to stop. God knew we would need a Sabbath.

The Lord created life with a certain rhythm. If you have school-age children (which we do not) or if you are married to a school teacher (which I am!) you can see this. At the end of the school year, there is a collective sigh. “We did it! We made it. Tomorrow we can rest!”

And so in the summer, people take a little time away. We are looking forward to two trips. In June we will be traveling to Maine for a week with two other couples. These are dear friends we have traveled with for many years. People ask, “What are you going to do?” My answer: Relax and enjoy! And for the Fourth of July, we will spend a few days with children, grandchildren, and friends in the north Georgia Mountains. We have the same agenda for that trip: relax and enjoy.

I hope you have some time this summer as well. Maybe you will go to the beach. Maybe you will go visit family. (Maybe you will go get away from family!) But I hope you take time to rest. Time to recharge your batteries. In a word: Sabbath. While you are gone, look for the Lord to be at work all around you. And when you come back, know that Due West will be here and be about the business of being the church! When I am in town and you are in town, I look forward to seeing you. But on those Sundays, we miss each other, know you are in my prayers.

If it’s Sunday (and you are in town) you want to be at Due West,

David

Budgeted for JUL 21 - JUN 22: $2,191,000

Budget YTD 21 - 22 $1,643,203.50

Received YTD 21 - 22 $1,533,358.55

Spent YTD 21 - 22 $1,514,855.15

We shared with the congregation the need for $95,000 to replace the roof on building A. We were hoping to receive that by May 15, but you all gave $116,000 by May 1! We wanted to update you on what has happened since.

We continued negotiating with Peachtree Roofing and after all our monies were raised, they dropped their bid to $80,000! The work on the roof is scheduled to start on May 31. We wanted you all to know what was happening with the rest of the money you gave.

$12k - Building C flood remediation after water damage.
$9k - Building A drainage correction and sidewalk replacement (the entire job was ~$18k, but half of that was spent from regular Trustees operating budget)
$4,200 - Building C "octagon" exterior window repair and repainting (to be completed in June)
The remaining ~$11,000 is still in the Building Fund. It could go to wireless network upgrades, parking lot improvements or exterior painting.

We wanted you to understand where every penny of your generous giving went. Thank you again for your faithfulness to the work of the Lord through Due West!

With Gratitude,

The Trustees

We will have a called Charge Conference Sunday, June 5 at 12:15pm in the choir room. The sole purpose will be to officially approve officers and budget for next year. Everyone is welcome, but only members of the administrative board are the voting members of the charge conference.

Many of you have heard about divisions in The United Methodist Church. Eddie Fletcher, chair of our Administrative Board, will be holding informational meetings at the times listed below. There will be an opportunity for questions and an anonymous survey will be available for people to share their views. All meetings will take place in the Bldg A Sanctuary. Everyone is invited.

Sunday, June 5 | 5pm
Tuesday, June 7 | 7pm
Sunday, Jun 26 | 5pm
Monday, Jun 27 | 7pm

This Father’s Day we will be receiving a special offering for Wesley Woods!

The Wesley Woods Father’s Day Offering provides charitable financial assistance, pastoral care and wellness programming to older adults living in Wesley Woods communities. Support is provided to residents in need of financial assistance to remain in their Wesley Woods homes. A robust wellness program includes fitness classes and on-site nurses to enhance the well-being of residents, enabling them to live independently longer. Wesley Woods chaplains provide ministry through personal visits, pastoral support, Bible study, and worship. Help create hope and spread joy with a gift to Wesley Woods. You may give online at wesleywoods.org/donate. To make gifts of stock or to place Wesley Woods in your estate plans, please call Kelli Naughton at 404-728-6857. Thank you for helping to ensure seniors living at Wesley Woods continue to thrive.

Support Groups

Grief Share - Sundays @ 6pm (Bldg C)
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 (Bldg B)

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)

Preschool Sunday School

Jesus can help me do everything.

Memory Verse: “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13, NLT

Have you ever seen the commercial where one person does something kind? Then, a person who witnesses this kindness, is motivated to do something kind. Followed by another person seeing this kindness who feels moved to also be kind. It’s not just in commercials. It’s in real life, too. Waves of generosity. Lives changed. And, it all begins with one act of kindness.

During the next two months, we are going to be teaching our preschoolers that they, too, can Make Waves when they choose kindness—as well as love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Most importantly, we want them to know that Jesus is there to help them choose these things. Because when Jesus is my friend forever, Jesus can help me do everything!

Elementary Sunday School

Make Waves - What you do today can change the world around you.

Memory Verse: “The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.” Galatians 5:22-23A, 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.

Vacation Bible School

Monday, June 6 - Thursday, June 9

At Monumental VBS, kids will celebrate God’s greatness! We will experience crafts, games, Bible adventures, snacks and unforgettable music. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends! VBS packets will be available for pickup from May 31 - June 2 in the Admin 2 office from 9am - 5pm and June 5 in the dwKids check-in area from 9am-Noon.

Summer Calendar
May 29 - June 1 : Youth Choir Tour
June 6-9 : Vacation Bible School!

Volunteers are needed! Rising 7th and older are encouraged to volunteer! You can work with PreSchool, Elementary, or by event (crafts, snacks, etc.) Sign up to volunteer on ChurchCenter starting April 1!

June 12 : Lake Day at Allatoona
June 15 : Six Flags over Georgia
June 20 : Movie Outing!
June 26 - July 2 : Center for the Arts Camp "Footloose"
July 10 : Pop Up Ignite!
July 12 : College Braves Outing

PLUS, other Local Day Trips and opportunities through the Summer!

Click 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 or email Team Leader and Youth Sunday School Teacher, Julie Austin, for more information!

What We're Teaching

A 4-WEEK SERIES FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS ON EVANGELISM

SERIES OVERVIEW:

With social media, just about anyone can be an "influencer" with the right content, good timing, and a little bit of luck. Invent a new dance, share a funny take, catch the right moment on camera, and you could get millions of views. Some "influencers" mostly just use their platforms to get free stuff, but once in a while, you find someone who uses their platform to talk about things that actually matter. Obviously, they didn't have social media back in Jesus' day, but in the Bible, the book of Acts is filled with stories about "influencers" who had important things to say. In this 4-week series, we’ll hear their stories, discover that our lives can pass on the good news, and learn how to pass on the good news to unexpected people, to our families, and with humility.

We will offer Sunday school every week except June 26th and July 3rd!

Women

WOMEN'S MINISTRY JUNE TEA

June 11th 11:30am-1pm | Register

“I am the vine and you are my branches.” - John 15:1

Join us for fellowship, devotion and lunch. (The cost is $20.00)

We have a guest speaker who will provide a presentation to teach us the ins and outs of flower arranging and porch big container arrangements. Sign up on Church Center!

Please bring a new children's book (in English or Spanish) for our mission, The Craddock Center. Please contact Kcasteel@duewest.org with any questions.

Now Go and Serve:

MUST Summer Lunch

Register

We will need lunch packers, Kids Kits packers and drivers/delivery team members. The program will start on Wednesday, June 1, and wrap 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 and Stacey Lucas are teaming up to revitalize 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.

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)

James 5: 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Jesus in His ministry on earth showed He cared about the needs of people. We are all given individual gifts to serve, help and teach. Jesus saw people as individuals and addressed their needs in spiritual and physical ways. As we follow His example, we are reminded in Matthew 25:40 “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Three years ago, we trained our first class of Congregational Care Ministers to meet our congregation’s physical and spiritual needs. Today, we are blessed with twenty CCM’s who have felt the call to minister to the needs of our congregation alongside our Pastors. We will visit when you are ill, and walk alongside you as you grieve the loss of a loved one, loss of a job or any life crisis.

We are available to serve Holy Communion in your home when you are unable to come to services as well as administer healing oils which remind us of God’s presence supporting us in body, mind, and spirit.

We deliver meals when you need them. We send encouraging cards and notes and pray for you daily. We are present with our Pastors as they offer services of healing.

Our ministry is ready and waiting to be there for you when you need us.

Brenda Wyatt
Congregational Care Minister

Freedom Sunday

As we prepare to honor our veterans this coming freedom Sunday (June 26), we want to engage the congregation in two very meaningful ways. First, we need representatives (active or veteran) from EACH branch of the military to carry that branch’s flag. We need a representative at EACH service. Email csalazar@duewest.org to volunteer. Second, if you have served, or would like to recognize immediate family that has served (or are currently serving), and have ***never before had their photo in the slideshow,*** please submit a clear photo with their full name, branch and rank. Email photo submissions with details to csalazar@duewest.org by June 1.

Visit our summer camps webpage to register for the camps below!

Science Camp

June 27-July 1 , 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.

dwKids Preschool Camp

June 20-23 | 9am-1pm
3yo-Rising 1st grade

Join us for 4 days of fun! All potty-trained Preschoolers (age 3) through completed Kindergarten will participate in Arts, Crafts, STEM, water activities and more.

Recreation Camps

After VBS All Sport Camps
June 6-9 | 12-4pm
Ages 5-12

An awesome sports program where the main ingredient is FUN! This program includes sports like Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football and may include other fun games like Capture the Flag, Kickball and Dodgeball. Participants get lots of exercise while enjoying every minute of it. Every camper receives a Power Sports T-shirt.

Power Sports Soccer Camp
June 20-23 | 9am-12pm
Ages 5-12

We are so excited to announce our new summer soccer camp. This camp is perfect for all ages and skill levels. New to soccer? We have a spot for you! Want to take your game to the next level? We are here to help. We will be teaching both skills and positions. Camp will include a Power Sports T-Shirt and a Soccer Ball! This camp will be head coached by our own collegiate soccer player Kofi Mensah!

Power Sports Flag Football Camp
July 11-14 | 9am-12pm
Ages 5-12

Flag 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

Young Actors Musical Theatre Camp
May 31-June 3 | 10am-2pm

Rising 1st-6th grade actors will work on singing and dancing in this fun camp. We will incorporate songs and characters from some of our favorite Disney musicals. We will send a link to music as we get closer to camp week. Auditions for camp are not necessary. Solo auditions will be held at camp. We have a mini-performance for families on Friday at 2pm. Actors should bring their own lunch each day.

Musical Theatre Summer Camp Auditions

Auditions Due By Sunday, April 24
Rising 6th Graders - Freshman

Actors will learn a junior musical and perform it at the end of the week. We will meet via zoom and in-person before camp begins for a read thru and music rehearsal. The camp week is only 8 days, so perfect attendance is necessary.

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.

Princess Camp
June 20-24, July 11-15
Girls Ages 3-5

Dance into a world of imagination & discover the life of a Princess. Each day your child will dress up in beautiful costumes and dance with fun props. They will also discover that they too are Princesses, because their father, God, is a King.

Disney Junior Camp
June 6-10, June 27-July 1
Girls Ages 3-6

Dress up everyday in costumes and dance with Fancy Nancy, Vamparina, Sophia the First, Doc McStuffin and Puppy Dog Pals!

Sparkle Fairy Rainbow Unicorn Camp
June 13-17, June 27-July 1
Girls Ages 3-5

This whimsical ballet dance camp will include all the things little girls love.....sparkles, rainbows, unicorns & fairies!

Neverland Dance & Tumble Camp
June 13-17, July 11-15
Boys & Girls Ages 3-6

Ahoy Pirates, Princesses & Mermaids! Jump aboard our ship of fun as we tumble, dance, craft & play the day away! Lots of hip hop, creative movement & tumbling!

Pixar Dance & Tumble Camp
June 6-10, July 18-22
Boys & Girls Ages 3-6

Dance & Tumble with The Incredibles, Woody & Buzz, Nemo & Dory and all your favorite Pixar movie characters! Lots of tumbling, creative movement & hip hop!

Disney+ Dance Camp
June 20-24
Boys & Girls Ages 6-10

Dances and activities will be themed around favorite characters from Disney Plus movies, focusing in the styles of jazz & hip hop.

Broadway Bound
July 18-22
Boys & Girls Ages 7-10

Explore various styles of Musical Theater and Broadway-style dancing! Campers will enjoy play acting & improv games & learn how to choreograph dances.

June 2022 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times

June 2022 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Pastoral Update

Stewardship Report

Roof Update

Charge Conference

Conversations on the future of Due West and The United Methodist Church

Father's Day Offering

Ongoing Events

dwKids

Ignite Youth

Adults

Missions

Congregational Care Ministry

Music

Summer Camps

July 2022 Newsletter

May 2022 Newsletter

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times