March 2022 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
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Most Important
Each year, we observe the Christian season of Lent. If this is new to you, the season of Lent consists of 40 days, not counting Sundays, prior to Easter. The forty days are significant because Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting prior to the beginning of His public ministry. We use the season of Lent to prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday. Day one of Lent is always a Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. This year, that falls on March 2. We will have a brief service in the Building C Sanctuary at 6pm. When the service is concluded, you will still be able to come in, receive communion and the imposition of ashes until 7pm. If you are not available that evening, we will again offer imposition of ashes in the Building C Portico, from 7–9am and 11am-1pm. You can drive through, remain in your car and receive the imposition of ashes.
The last week of Lent reminds us of the last week of the earthly life of Jesus. It begins on Palm Sunday as we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. On Maundy Thursday, we remember Him offering bread and wine to His disciples in the Upper Room. On Good Friday, we remember His sacrifice on the cross. We will have a Maundy Thursday service April 14 at 7pm in the Building A Sanctuary and a Good Friday service at 7pm April 15 also in the Building A Sanctuary. And then on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Resurrection. We will have a Sunrise Service on the Greenspace at 7am, followed by an 8:15am service in Building A Sanctuary, 9:45am services in both Building A and Building C sanctuaries and 11:15am in the Building A sanctuary. It will be a great day!
This year, during the season of Lent, we are going to focus on the Great Commandment. You know the story. A teacher of the Law asked Jesus, “Teacher, of all the commandments, which is most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” If it is truly “the most important”, then we should take some time to think about what it means. We will spend five Sundays prayerfully reflecting on these words of Jesus. We will begin with an overview on the first Sunday of Lent. The second Sunday of Lent we will talk about what it means to love the Lord with all of our heart. And then our soul. And then our mind. And then our strength. I hope you will come and join us during the season. It is my prayer that we will all grow in our love of the Lord during this time.
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
Budgeted expenses first two quarters: $1,106,000
Received through two quarters: $1,025,366.18
Actual expenses through two quarters: $975,559.26Thank you…Thank you…Thank you
As we all look back over these last two years of a worldwide pandemic, it would be easy for us to be overwhelmed with the challenges of living a normal life. But, you, the members of Due West United Methodist Church, saw the opportunities hidden within those challenges. You, the faithful, not only survived the challenges but transformed our ability to reach out and help those in need across our community, in Georgia and around the world. Working through the Holy Spirit, we have reached more people, transformed more lives and raised more money to do so than ever before. It is a humbling experience representing you, the church, as your Stewardship Chair. As of January 1, 2022, estimates of household giving have increased by 22% which translates into an actual 33% increase in dollars pledged for the year. These commitments will allow us to continue to grow and add ministries supporting our mission as a church. Please be on the lookout for these exciting new and existing opportunities. As we continue to invite our community to gather together, grow in Jesus Christ and go serve, I thank you, my brothers and sisters, for doing just that.
Bill Coffeen, 2022 Stewardship and Legacy Ministry Chair
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March 2 - Ash Wednesday Drive-Thru Imposition of Ashes @ 7-9am & 11am-1pm (Bldg C)
March 2 - Ash Wednesday Service @ 6pm (Bldg C)
March 3 - Bible Buddies Project Backpack @ 10am (Bldg C)
March 8 - GRASP Support Group @ 7pm
March 10 - SOS Support Group @ 7pm (Bldg C)
March 13 - Daylight Savings
March 13 - Parkinson’s Support Group @ 3pm
March 13 - Music, Movies & More @ 4:30 (Bldg B)
March 16 - Dementia Ministry Spouse Support @ 1pm
March 18-20 - Youth Spiritual Life Retreat (Camp Glisson)
March 20 - UMM Breakfast @ 7am (Bldg B)
Weekly Support Groups
Grief Share - Sundays @ 6pm (Bldg C)
AA Open Meeting - Sundays @ 7pm (Bldg A)
AA Women’s Group - Thursdays @ 7pm (Bldg A)
Weekly Exercise Classes (Bldg B)
Monday
Tone & Tighten @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
Tuesday
Chiseled Core @ 9:30 am
Yoga @ 10:30 am
Wednesday
Cardio-Sculpt @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
Thursday
Zumba @ 9:30 am
Friday
Boot Camp @ 8:30 am (Nursery)
Stretch & Tone @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
Slow Flow Yoga @ 10:30 am
Senior Fit @ 11:30 am
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Preschool Sunday School
Memory Verse: “‘Come and follow me,’ Jesus said.” Matthew 4:19, NIRV
While Jesus was on earth, He lived a life that very clearly said, “Everyone can be friends with me!” While not everyone took Him up on His invitation, those that did were changed forever in the best way.
That is why we are teaching preschoolers that no matter what kind of shoes we wear, everyone can be friends with Jesus. We can be friends with Jesus no matter how young or old. We can be friends with Jesus wherever we live and whatever language we speak. We can be friends with Jesus no matter how much money and education we have.
There are no special requirements to be friends with Jesus. It’s a come as you are kind of friendship that lasts forever. Everyone can put on their shoes and follow Jesus because everyone can be friends with Jesus.
Elementary Sunday School
Cooperation - Working together to do more than you can do alone.
Memory Verse: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIRV
Cooperation is a spiritual concept that originates with God. God created us to work together in a community. Throughout the Bible, we see how God brought people together to accomplish something big for Him. When we work together, we reflect what Jesus envisioned for His followers. Our love for one another can point people to Him.
dwCrew
dwCrew is a specialized time of fun, learning and service for 3rd-5th graders. Lunch is $3 and check-in is just inside the blue dwKids doors.
March 6 - Scavenger Hunt
March 20 - Sidewalk Chalk Art
March 27 - Party at Big Air
Spring Fling
Spring Fling will be held on Sunday, April 10 from 2-4pm. We are accepting donations of individually wrapped candy that can be stuffed inside of plastic eggs. Please drop candy off in the Narthex of Building A & C or the Admin 2 office.
Mark your Calendars...
Monumental Vacation Bible School is coming June 6-9, 2022. Registration for volunteers and their children begins April 1.
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Movies, Music, & More
Sunday, March 13! This annual variety show is a fundraising event that helps support our Youth Choir.
Ignite
Ignite is a great time of fun and fellowship for 6th - 12th graders Sundays night at 5:30pm in the Youth Center in Building C.
Sunday School
Youth Sunday School classes are available for 6th through 12th graders every Sunday at 9:45am or 11am. Youth Sunday School meets in the Youth Center in Building C. Learn More.
Youth Choir
Youth Choir is an awesome group of 6th through 12th graders who meet on Wednesdays at 6pm! Youth Choir meets in the Choir Room in Building A.
Small Groups
Interested in hosting or organizing a Youth Small Group? Please contact Lora!
Upcoming Events
March 18-20, 2022: Spiritual Life Retreat
June 13-17, 2022 ($500): Big Stuf Summer Beach Trip
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Missionaries at Work
On any given night or afternoon there are groups that gathering to provide support, encouragement, fellowship, and Biblical teachings to their members. Each of these groups is led by our fellow church members or as I like to call them, missionaries! Thanks to all of the leaders for sharing their hearts and time. If you would like to join one of these groups or have an idea for a new one, please let Rev. Lathem Postell know!
Continued thanks to our volunteers that consistently keep the church’s Food Pantry and Weekend Backpack Programs running smoothly.
We have a new group of missionaries that are meeting once a month to do small landscaping projects around campus! If this speaks to your heart, please contact Mark Hellman to get involved. Thanks to Janet Holbrook and her team for making this possible!
Thank you to the flower ministry and the missionaries that both keep the flower pots around campus looking great, but also those that distribute the altar flowers out into the community!
We have several missionaries that work very hard to keep our print and media resources cataloged and available. Special thanks to the team that is working diligently on the Church Library, located in Building C.
As always, there are countless other missionaries that do such wonderful things in and around our community. You don’t have to look far to see God at work!
Now Go and Serve:
Spring Work Day
Due West families, mark your calendars and make plans to stay after church on Sunday, March 27, to participate in our annual Churchwide Spring Clean-up Day! Wear work clothes to church on that day! The work day will be broken into two sessions, the first one immediately following the 9:45 service, and a second session immediately following the 11:00 service. Lunch will be served at the pavilion by the United Methodist Men from 12-1 pm. Watch for a sign up sheet on the church website. Help us get our campus and buildings ready for Easter Sunday!
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 staffs in our area with God’s Love!
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.
Kennesaw State University CARE Services
There is a hidden problem at college! Did you know that 15% of college students at four-year institutions, and 11% of college students at two-year institutions experience homelessness? Many of these students experienced homelessness or were in the foster care system as teenagers. To combat this problem at a local level, The Kennesaw State University CARE services program was created 10 years ago. In that 10-year, period 44 students have been housed in temporary apartments, and nearly 2,500 students have been able to utilize its full range of services. Program services include offering access to on-campus food pantries, financial assistance, temporary housing, and mentoring. Programs are offered on both the Kennesaw Campus and the Marietta Campus.
Our congregation will be joining this fight. Mission opportunities include hosting food and toiletry drives, volunteering to help with cleaning and upkeep of the apartments that are used for housing, “adopting” students, and serving as mentors.
Be on the lookout for ways to get involved in this special ministry. Please contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information!
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 involved 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 Saturdays 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
The Craddock Center
The Craddock Center in Cherry Log, Georgia will need volunteers in March to help pack books to be distributed in April to local schools. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information. www.craddockcenter.org
2022 Mission Trips
International Sports Federation
Our newest Mission trip partner offers the opportunity to spread God’s love through athletics and coaching. Our first trip with them will be June 4-10 to the Sweetwater, Tennessee community where we will be assisting in leading a sports camp for the kids that live there. Sports that will be offered at this camp are Football, Soccer, Baseball/Softball. Youth and adult “coaches” are needed. If you are feeling called to serve through athletics and coaching, please call Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) for more information.
Ocoee Mission Outreach in Cleveland, TN
A great “first” or family mission trip. We build wheelchair ramps, help with VBS-type activities and much more. Open to families (kids must be 12 years old), couples or singles. We are going June 12-18. Cost information to be determined.
Guatemala
As one of our longest tenured trips, service opportunities include volunteering in both dental and vision clinics, building playgrounds, and interacting with local youth programs including Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout Packs. There are a few slots left for this trip. To sign up or ask questions, contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) or Dale Hajost (dhajost@big-inc.com).
Costa Rica
We are focusing this trip on high school juniors and seniors and their parents. This powerful trip is composed of the continued building of a Methodist Church and hosting VBS style activities in several surrounding villages. We are going the week of September 26-30 (Cobb County Fall Break). Cost information to be determined. Contact Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org) or Julie Austin (juliecaustin@yahoo.com) for more information.
There is no doubt that God is alive and working here at Due West UMC!
-Mark Hellman (mhellman@duewest.org)
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Visit our summer camps webpage to register 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 gradeJoin 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. Cost is $175.00.
Recreation Camps
After VBS All Sport Camps
June 6-9 | 12-4pm
Ages 5-12An 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 5-12We 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 5-12Flag 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
Young Actors Musical Theatre Camp
May 31-June 3 | 10am-2pmRising 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 - FreshmanActors 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. The cost of each camp is $145.00 per week per student.
Princess Camp
June 20-24, July 11-15
Girls Ages 3-5Dance 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 3-6Dress 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 3-5This 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 3-6Ahoy Pirates, Princesses & Mermaids! Jump aboard our ship of fun as 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 3-6Dance & 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 6-10Dances 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 7-10Explore various styles of Musical Theater and Broadway-style dancing! Campers will play acting & improv games & learn how to choreograph dances.
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Registration for the 2022-2023 school year continues in the preschool office. Please contact Shelly Kubek (skubek@duewest.org) or Courtney Kunkel (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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Welcome to our new member!
Jama “Jane” Rawls
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 currently have UMM Autobell gift cards and 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!