Due West is part of District 6 of the North Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GMC). Don’t miss the Fall Gathering being hosted at Due West, November 9th, at 4:00 pm, in the sanctuary of Building A! All District 6 North GA GMC churches in Cobb and Fulton County are invited. We hope for a strong Due West turnout!

Registration for this gathering is HERE or on the District 6 Global Methodist Church Facebook Page.

Connect and learn with other believers in our denomination at this exciting event.

For This I’m Thankful

Counting your blessings is always good practice. But especially this time of year, it is worth the time to put some on paper and share them. Each year I try to share some of the things I’m thankful for. Some things are always on the list, and some things are new…

A wife who loves me, even though I don’t deserve it.

Our grown children and our grandchildren. Especially our grandchildren!

The opportunity to serve with faithful followers of Jesus

The Varsity

Grandchildren

Toasted pound cake with butter

Friends who make me laugh…

Time each day to read my Bible and pray

A Sabbatical earlier this year

The opportunity to work with an incredible church staff

Have I mentioned the grandchildren?

Beautiful fall days in the mountains

A Savior who showed his love for me on the cross…

Those are just a few of the blessings for which I’m thankful. Some are on the list every year, some are unique this year. I know you have your own list. Make sure as we approach Thanksgiving, you take time to thank God.

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

David

Need prayer? Go to duewest.org/prayer to submit a prayer request!

The Congregational Care Ministry provides tangible love and support to the Due West church family. Members and Pastors work together to connect to and encourage those experiencing illness, loss, or who can no longer attend worship in person. Through this caring ministry, Holy Communion and anointing with oil are offered as a reminder that Christ is always with us in body, mind, and spirit. The Congregational Care team is eager to serve, with confidentiality, any member of the Due West family. To connect to this team and be assigned a Congregational Care Minister, contact Brenda Wyatt (Lay Leader) at bwyatt66chs@gmail.com or call (770) 605-3709.

Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of those brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Giving and Expenses

Budgeted Giving, September-2025 -- $170,000

Actual Giving, September-2025 -- $185,949 (Thank you to all that were able to give!)

Budgeted Expenses, September-2025 -- $170,000

Actual Expenses, September-2025 -- $177,923 (A little over budget, but September was a very busy month )

****************

Budgeted Giving, YTD (three months into our fiscal year) -- $504,000

Actual Giving, YTD -- $534,401

Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $504,000

Actual Expenses, YTD -- $509,840

November 8 - Holiday Market
November 9 - GMC Charge Conference: here at Due West
November 14 & 15 - CFA - Elf Jr. Performances
November 15 - Tax Savvy Charitable Giving Seminar
November 14-16 - Youth Fall Retreat
November 18 - Prayer Meeting
November 27 - Thanksgiving!
November 26-28 - Church Offices Closed
November 30 - Hanging of the Greens

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)
Parkinson’s Support Group - Second Sunday @ 3:00 pm
Better Days - 1st and 3rd Mondays @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)

Weekly Exercise Classes (Bldg B)

Monday - Tone & Tighten @ 9:30 am (Nursery provided)

Tuesday - Pilates @ 9:30 am

Wednesday

Cardio-Sculpt @ 9:30 am
Slow Flow Yoga @ 10:35 am

Thursday - Zumba @ 9:30 am

Friday

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

Hospitality Training

Circle it! Star it! Show up! November 16th at 2 :00 pm in the sanctuary of Building A we will have hospitality training for our ushers, greeters, Visitors Center volunteers, and our staff. Ralph Stevens, long-time Due West member and the owner-operator of the Barrett Parkway Chick-fil-A will lead us. We are grateful to Ralph for his willingness to increase our hospitality!

Administrative Board Meeting Minutes

The Administrative Board would like to make the Board's Meeting Minutes more accessible to the congregation.

CLI C K HE RE to access the Administrative Board Meeting Minutes.

Challenge Coin

In October, Cindy Knupp received a Due West Challenge Coin. Among many other ways that Cindy serves the Lord at Due West, she is the chair of our Worship Committee. We are grateful for all that Cindy does for Christ and His Church!

Be here in November to find out who receives the next one!

Altar Flowers

Share beauty with the gift of flowers! Sunday morning altar flowers can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one, to celebrate a special date, or out of love for Jesus. Recognition is displayed on screen before each service. Flowers may be picked up after the service or donated to the Flower Ministry, where they are delivered on Monday to those on the prayer list. Arrangements are $75 - available to purchase for display January through November on Sundays following the first Sunday of the month. Click here to order Altar Flowers, or contact Denise Luders at dluders@duewest.org or by phone (770) 427-3835.

The Church Center app is a tool used at Due West to communicate information to the congregation. By downloading this app to your mobile device and creating a profile, you will be linked to church events, the most updated information, and specific details pertinent to the congregation. Please download the app so you can be well connected! Click here to get the Church Center app‍ ‍

Each month, we will highlight a feature of the Church Center app. This month, we are highlighting 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 photo of yourself to your profile. You can also choose to add a photo 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 questions about the Church Center app, please contact Denise Luders at dluders@duewest.org

Preschool Holiday Market

The Holiday Market will be Saturday, November 8, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm to benefit the Preschool! The Family Life Center will be bursting with all types of craft vendors for your holiday shopping, as well as a silent auction.

For more information about the preschool, contact skubek@duewest.org or ckunkel@duewest.org.

Sunday School is full of excitement this month! The kids will be exploring Bible stories, mastering memory verses, and participating in creative, hands-on activities that nurture their faith. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in the lives of our children throughout this month.

Preschool Sunday School

There is power in a thankful heart! Consider when a heart focuses on what it does not have, it is discontent and unhappy. But when a heart focuses on being thankful for everything, it is content and joyful. Let’s choose a life of joy and give thanks to the Lord with our whole heart!

Key Question: Who can thank God for everything?

Bottom Line: I can thank God for everything.

Memory Verse: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” Psalm 111:1, ESV

Week One: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz (Ruth 1-2)

Week Two: Daniel’s Friends Pray (Daniel 2)

Week Three: Manna and Quail (Exodus 16)

Week Four: Elisha’s Room* (2 Kings 4:8-17, Psalm 144:9-10)

Week Five: The Angel and Mary (Luke 1:26-33, 38)

Elementary Sunday School

Trying to do something on your own is difficult. When we look at God’s Big Story, we can see that no matter the situation, when we follow God, we can have confidence that He is with us.

Core Question: How does believing in God change the way I live?

Memory Verse: “Those who trust in the Lord will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak.” Isaiah 40:31, NIrV

Week One: Jonah (Jonah 1-3)

Bottom Line: God knows what’s best.

Week Two: Daniel and the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6)

Bottom Line: God is always with you.

Week Three: Esther (Esther)

Bottom Line: God can help you stand up for others.

Week Four: Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1-4, 6:1-15)

Bottom Line: God can help you do big things.

Week Five: Jesus is Promised (Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2)

Bottom Line: Jesus is good news for everyone.

dwCrew

dwCrew is a specialized time of fun, learning, and service for 3rd-5th graders. We will be meeting this month on November 3 & 10 from 12:00-1:30. Lunch is $3 and check-in is just inside the blue dwKids doors.

November 2 - Bike Day

November 16 - TBD

Family Movie Event: King of Kings

Join us for a special family viewing of King of Kings on Sunday, November 9, in Building B immediately following the 11:00 service. We’ll provide pizza for lunch and popcorn for the movie—just bring your favorite picnic blankets and camping chairs to get comfy!

It’s a great opportunity to relax, connect with other families, and enjoy a great movie together. Don’t miss this fun-filled afternoon!

Hanging of the Greens/Family Advent Celebration

Families are invited to our Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday, November 30 at 5:00 p.m. in Building A as we learn about the Advent season in a fun, interactive way. This special service will help us prepare our hearts for Christmas while celebrating the meaning behind each tradition of Advent.

Following the service, head downstairs to the children’s area for our Family Advent Celebration. Enjoy an evening filled with crafts, photos, frozen hot chocolate, cookies, Advent wreaths, and face painting. It’s a joyful way to kick off the Christmas season together - don’t miss it!

Check out our November Youth Newsletter for everything you need to know about youth activities this month!

Don’t miss out! We want you here! There are groups for everyone in every age group - for more info click HERE..

Still have questions? Message youth@duewest.org

Join us on Sunday nights from 5:30-7:30 pm for Ignite in the Basement of Building C - Youth Center & subscribe to our monthly newsletter here

The fall YOUTH RETREAT is coming soon - November 14th through 16th and registration is open NOW. Use the QR code to sign up. It will be a weekend of fun at Pine Acres Retreat on Lake Allatoona! Don’t miss it! Make friends, grow in your walk with God, and have a TON of fun. Be in the room when things are happening!

Breakfast With Santa

Breakfast with Santa is coming Saturday, December 6th at 8:00 am! This annual event, held in the sanctuary and narthex of Building C, is a wonderful tradition to kick off your holiday family fun. Cost for a family of 4 is $40 and includes breakfast and a professional photo with Santa, along with activities and crafts for the kids. Registration is open NOW! Click HER E to register. Tickets for this cheery, wholesome event go very quickly so don’t wait to sign up!

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Begin the Advent season in a joyful, theatrical service on Sunday, November 30th at 5:00 p.m. in Building A. This interactive Living Nativity prepares our hearts for Christmas, celebrating the meaning behind traditions and symbols of Advent. Invite your friends and neighbors to this festive service!

Family Advent Celebration

Following the Hanging of the Greens (Building A: 5:00 pm, November 30th) we welcome ALL families to the children’s area in Building A for our Family Advent Celebration. Celebrate an evening filled with crafts, photos, frozen hot chocolate, cookies, real greenery Advent wreaths, and face painting. Kick off the Christmas season with us - don’t miss it!

Women’s Christmas Brunch Women’s Christmas Brunch - The Brunch is SOLD OUT! We look forward to seeing all 117 women on December 13 at this meaningful and cheerful event.

Cookies With Santa

Cookies With Santa, held at Due West, is a sparkling moment of the holiday season for children in the care of the state court. Santa is on-the-scene giving out presents and visiting with the children while they have supervised time to connect to their parents at this joyous occasion. We’ll lead games, provide snacks, host cookie decorating, and share the story of Jesus! Kick off your Christmas by serving families as one of Santa’s Elves. 20 volunteer elves are needed to make this happen on December 6th, 2:00-4:30 pm. Must be 18 years or older to volunteer. SIGN UP HERE to serve. Contact Kcasteel@duewest.org with any questions

Tuesday Women’s Bible Study

Beginning November 11th, from 9:30 - 11:30 am, the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study will begin a three week Advent Study entitled "Cradle, Cross and Crown" by Billy Graham. This short study is open to women of all ages, gathering weekly at 9:30 am in Room 219 (Building C). Books have been purchased and are available. To join in, contact Robin Northcutt at (404) 434-9374. Come, study God’s word with us!

Hanging of the Greens

Begin the Advent season in a joyful, theatrical service on Sunday, November 30th at 5:00 p.m. in Building A. This interactive Living Nativity prepares our hearts for Christmas, celebrating the meaning behind traditions and symbols of Advent. Invite your friends and neighbors to this family-friendly service!

Prepare your heart for the season and worship Jesus at our West Cobb Christmas Celebration! Remember the reason for the holiday season December 13th, (6:00 pm) and December 14th (9:00 am and 11:00 am). Invite your friends and neighbors to this festive celebration highlighting the Christmas Choirs (adult, youth, children), and full orchestra proclaiming the glory of Jesus at Christmas!

Elf Jr. The Musical

Tickets are now on sale for Elf the Musical JR! Don’t miss this fun-filled, high energy show based on the hit movie. Shows are November 14th at 7:00 pm, and November 15th at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. Click HERE to purchase tickets!

PARENTS NIGHT OUT IS BACK!

Spend an evening out and let us entertain and feed your kids (dinner is included). Featuring performances by some of your kids’ favorite characters, “Once Upon a Parents’ Night Out” is November 22th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Click HER E to register. NOTE: Advance registration is required.

Kindermusik Classes

Mommy and me (or caregiver and me) classes available for babies and toddlers. Classes are offered in partnership with Kindermusik of West Cobb. Register for Kindermusik.

Watercolor Classes for Adults

Watercolor classes with artist Annette Lewis are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:30 am-12:00 pm in Building C, Room C243. Classes appropriate for both beginners and experienced artists are offered in “A la carte” style. Prices are $13 for those bringing their own supplies, and $17 with supplies provided and advance notification. To join the class, please text Annette Lewis at (404) 664-9906.

Instrumental Lessons

Hoping to add more music to your family? Private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and harmonica are available through the Center for the Arts. Contact Nicole at cfa@duewest.org for more information.

Check out the information below to learn more about all the churchwide mission projects we have going on here at Due West! Peek at the missions newsletter archives HERE. Sign up for our missions newsletter HERE.

Teach Love Ministry

Show God’s love to our area educators through Teach/Love ministry. Gift card and check donations are always accepted to benefit the work of the ministry. Donations by check can be designated with “Teach/Love” in the memo section. To donate gift cards, please deliver them in an envelope labeled “Teach/Love” to Admin 2 (Building A). Gift card suggestions: The Dollar Tree, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon, Costco

In November we’ll give staff at area schools a “Basket of Cheer” and a warm beverage as a gift from Due West! We’ll be collecting Medium/Large sized baskets, along with Hot Chocolate envelopes, Keurig coffee pods, apple cider mix (pods or envelopes), tea bags in individual envelopes (Twining and Bigelow). Please deliver all donations either to Building A (Admin 2), or in the white donation bin in the Narthex through Sunday, November 30th, or bring them to the December Teach/Love Prayer& Project meeting on Monday, December 1st at 9:30 in Building C (Room 219).

Please NOMINATE your favorite teacher to receive recognition! NOTE: We were experiencing technical issues during August, September, and October with our nomination link. Because of that - Please resend any nominations for those months again through the new LINK. Honor your favorite teacher!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: It’s all about Jesus! Tangibly share the joy of Christmas and the Gospel of Jesus with children around the world! Pack a shoebox with toys, small treats, and messages of Jesus’ love as we join in with Samaritan's Purse to make disciples in every nation. Provided boxes and a suggested packing list will be available for pickup in the Narthex of both Building A and C beginning October 12th. Be sure to return filled boxes to Due West by November 16th to share in the Christmas joy! Click HERE to pack a box online to help us meet our goal.

In light of the SNAP/Food Stamps program being affected by government shutdown, & the need of food support for families in Cobb and Paulding Counties, our Food Pantry is stocking up! Drop donations into the food bins in the church lobbies. The more needed items are below (canned meats are among the greatest need):

cans of tuna
cans of chicken
cans of ham
boxes of instant potatoes
bags of rice
whole grain pasta
macaroni and cheese
jars of jelly/jam
jars of peanut butter
large cartons (not cans) of chicken broth

Pickleball

Don’t Volley from the Kitchen! Come play Pickleball to learn more: Due West has equipment to share, so borrow a paddle, volley a dink shot, and smash with us in Building B, Family Life Center, Mondays 6:00-8:00 pm and Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 pm.

Upward Indoor Soccer

Registration for Upward Indoor Soccer will be open September 1 - October 12. Registration includes a team jersey and socks. Teams forming for ages 3 (by September 1) through 5th grade. Practice once a week for the 8-game season November 3 - February 7. Head coaches receive a discount price of $75 for 1 child and coaches are needed! To volunteer or ask questions contact jbuckelew@duewest.org.

How Do Christians Achieve Real Contentment?

I like my Sunday School class a lot. I love my class’s camaraderie and the new friends I’ve made, but the best thing is the top-notch study of the Bible and the great discussions we have. Every Sunday, there is some nugget of wisdom in the lesson that I really think about and apply to my personal situation.

We just finished up a study of the Book of Hebrews. What an epic book! Hebrews is a masterful document written to Jews who were evaluating Jesus or struggling with this new faith. The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is better, Christianity is superior, Christ is supreme and completely sufficient for salvation – great stuff! Hebrews

wonderfully connects the Old Testament to the New Testament through Christ. I sincerely encourage you to read Hebrews.

Toward the end of the Book of Hebrews, there are guides for leading a God honor life and reminders of the rewards of faithfulness – one of which is contentment, or a feeling of peace here on Earth. This last point grabbed my attention one recent Sunday morning. I’ve written before about how following God’s commands and living generously can produce great feelings of happiness and well-being (last month).

Here’s what Hebrews tells Christians about how to reap those benefits:

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

So, how can we experience real contentment and peace here on Earth? We become content when we understand God’s sufficiency for our needs. When we, as Christians, become materialistic, our behavior suggests that we believe God can’t take care of us the way we want or need. Feelings of insecurity (which can come from a lack of trust in God’s promise to take care of our needs) can lead to the love of money, whether we are rich or poor. The only way to avoid this is to fully trust God to meet all our needs. That’s how we can experience true Earthly contentment.

Strive to apply this lesson to stewardship. Remember, the purpose of giving and stewardship isn’t to fund God’s church or His work. The purpose of giving is for us to orient our hearts correctly in our relationship with God, and to demonstrate that we are aware that our purpose on Earth is to honor and glorify Him while furthering His Kingdom.

Please prayerfully consider where giving to God ranks among the things in your life, and remember, we are only the temporary stewards of our worldly possessions.

* * * *

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 in-kind contributions of stocks. If you would like more information, please contact our Business Coordinator, Amber Wilson at awilson@duewest.org.

Due West observes a time of consecration and commitment in November. We will hear messages from the pulpit emphasizing the importance of stewardship as a building block in growing closer to God, showing our gratitude for the gift of salvation, and reflecting on our faith and how all these should impact our financial commitment to our church and to furthering the Kingdom of God.

We will be asking each family that attends our church to complete an ‘Estimate of Giving’ card, with an estimate of the amount that the family will be able to contribute to our church during calendar year 2026. These estimates are seen only by Due West’s Contribution Specialist. They are totaled and the sum is provided to the Finance Committee to assist with budgeting and financial management.

When the cards are distributed, please prayerfully consider completing an ‘Estimate of Giving’ card either on paper, or online through Church Center, to record your family’s estimate and to assist our Finance Committee with future financial planning.

If at any point your personal financial situation changes, after completing a card, simply reach out to the Contribution Specialist and let her know what change should be made to your estimate. Thank you in advance.

Upcoming Tax Savvy Charitable Giving Strategies Seminar: Saturday, November 15

There are at least 11 different ways you can contribute to our church’s ministries and avoid paying income or capital gains taxes! We will address these and other ways to make smart decisions in favor of the kingdom on Saturday, November 15 from 2 to 4 pm in Building C, room 242. Limited to 14 people. Please sign up now to ensure your place in this important program sponsored by your Legacy Ministry committee. Sign Up HERE . Note: The speakers are not tax accountants but will be addressing these issues generically. It is always appropriate to consult your own accountant to determine the applicability of any tax strategy.

Meet at Governors Gun Club of Kennesaw, Thursday, November 20th, at 6:00 pm, with the opportunity to buy dinner at the club following. Contact Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org no later than noon on Tuesday, November 18th to reserve your spot. Note: Non-club members must pay for range time. Join this monthly group HERE.

This Thanksgiving, Due West will be showing “Monumental,” a movie for the whole family that shines a light on the deep faith of the Founding Fathers of the greatest nation the world has ever known. 'Monumental' shares America's beginnings with the treacherous journey of the pilgrims, their amazing sacrifice, and steadfast commitment. Admission is free for this event on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Building B, from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm (doors open at 3:30 pm). Missions at Due West will be accepting donations in lieu of a ticket cost.

Watch the trailer HERE and then sign up on Church Center!

This November, American Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop GA4224, which is chartered by Due West Methodist Church, is honoring fallen veterans with Wreaths Across America (WAA) and raising funds for their troop ministry.

The mission of WAA is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. The girls will be volunteering in December, placing a remembrance wreath on each veteran's grave at Marietta National Cemetery. Wreath sponsorships provide for each wreath, and a portion of the funds received will support the American Heritage Girls ministry of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.

A table will be available in the church lobby on Sunday, November 2, and Sunday, November 9, after each service, so you can meet members of the troop and sponsor a wreath for a fallen veteran.

To give an online wreath sponsorship or to donate directly to our Due West American Heritage Troop click HERE. Learn more about American Heritage Girls: www.americanheritagegirls.org. To make an online wreath sponsorship through Wreaths Across America click HERE.

Media Team Sunday Volunteering

Have you used the lyrics on screen to follow the worship, read the scripture with Pastors David and Sam, or watch announcement videos? Those are handled by the volunteer Media Team serving in the tech booth using ProPresenter, similar to PowerPoint. Volunteers are needed to serve on the ProPresenter Operator team for every service. Matt Boullain, Director of Media, trains and assists new volunteers to become comfortable using ProPresenter. Volunteer scheduling is flexible, with opportunities once a month, weekly, biweekly or occasionally, depending on your availability. Contact Matt Boullain mboullain@duewest.org for more information or to try it out!

November 2025 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times

November 2025 Newsletter

Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!

Global Methodist Church Fall Gathering

Pastoral Update

Prayer Requests

Congregational Care Ministry

Stewardship Update

Seasonal Events

Ongoing Events

General Announcements

How to Church Center!

dwPreschool

dwKids

Youth

Family Ministry

Women's Ministry

Music Ministry

Center for the Arts

Missions

Food Pantry: Donations Needed!

Recreation Ministry

Stewardship Article

2026 Estimate of Giving

Legacy Ministry

Firearms & Fellowship: Interest Group

Monumental Movie

American Heritage Girls

Volunteer Opportunities

December 2025 Newsletter

October 2025 Newsletter

Due West Methodist Church

Sunday Service Times