November 2022 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
Important Dates
Wed., Nov. 2: Breakfast With Santa ticket link will open at 8:00 am (see dwKids)
Sat., Nov. 12: Annual Holiday Market Fundraiser (see dwPreschool)
Sat., Nov. 12: Basic ERT Training Event (see Adults)
Sun., Nov. 13: Guest Speaker Dan Parr makes the case to consider other options outside the UMC (see Season of Discernment)
Sun., Nov. 13: Fall Charge Conference (see Fall Charge Conference)
Nov. 18 & 19: CFA Presents “Christmas to Me” (see Center for the Arts)
Nov. 18 & 20: Youth Fall Retreat "Friendsgiving" (see Youth) *registration open
Sun., Nov. 20: Estimate of Giving Cards Due (see Stewardship Sunday)
Nov. 24: MUST Gobble Jog Fundraiser (see Missions) *join our team now
Sun., Nov. 27: Hanging of the Greens Service and Family Advent Celebration (see dwKids)
Sat., Dec. 3: Breakfast With Santa (see dwKids)
Sun., Dec. 4: Murphy-Harpst Youth Christmas Ball (see Youth)
Sat., Dec. 10: Women’s Christmas Brunch (see Women’s Ministry) *registration open
Dec. 10 & 11: West Cobb Christmas Celebration Performances (see Seasonal Events)
Mon., Dec. 12: Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert (see Seasonal Events)
Fri., Dec. 30: UMM Dollars for Scholars Applications Due (see Adults)
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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
Young people being confirmed into the faith this month
Chick Fil A
Travel
Grandchildren
Friends who make me laugh…
Time each day to read my Bible and pray
A great baseball season, the heart of football season, and the beginning of basketball season!
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, and 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 -
Important Dates (see details below)
Sun., Nov. 20: Stewardship Sunday
Details
This year, think of Partnership Sunday! Think of Paul’s words to the Philippians. “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” … We are all partners with Christ and partners with each other in ministry. One of the ways we share in partnership each fall is by filling out an estimate of giving card. These will be mailed out soon and also available in the narthex. You can also find them on the website or by clicking the link below.
As a reminder, your giving allows us to be the church God has called us to be. All of the missions, all of the ministries are possible because of your generosity. Every worship service, every children’s Sunday school class, every youth gathering, and every opportunity for fellowship is funded by your faithfulness. We are partners with Christ and with each other! Finally, we want to always say “Thank you.” Thank you for your support in 2022 and your planned support in 2023. We continue to live in challenging times, but God has continued to be good to us.
As we all step out in faith together, there will be much to be thankful for in 2023. Please take a moment and share in our partnership! Please submit your estimate of giving by Sunday, November 20th! Thank you in advance for all the ways you will support Due West in 2023!
Click here to complete Giving Card now
Budgeted for JUL 22 - JUN 23: $2,191,000
Received First Qtr (July - Sept): $454,368
Spent First Qtr (July - Sept): $477,857
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Important Dates (see details below)
Sun., Nov. 13: Dan Parr makes case to consider other options outside of the UMC
Details
As we mentioned in one of our weekly discernment emails, we will have a guest speaker on November 13th. The initial advertised time was 5:00 pm, but that has been changed to 5:30 pm, in the sanctuary of Building A. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Dan Parr. He is a member of Dahlonega First UMC and an attorney in Gainesville, GA. While our last guests made the case for staying in the UMC, Mr. Parr will talk about why it could be healthy to look at other options. Please make plans to come and hear Mr. Parr.
UPDATE: Click here to watch Mr. Parr’s presentation on our Season of Discernment page.
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Important Dates (see details below)
Sun., Nov. 13: Fall Charge Conference
Details
Each year, every United Methodist Church holds a Fall Charge Conference. In recent years, district superintendents have been doing these in large groups. This year, every church in the eastern portion of our district (that includes us) will gather at Bethany UMC in Smyrna on November 13th at 2:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.
Location:
Bethany United Methodist Church
760 Hurt Rd SW, Smyrna, GA 30082 -
We wanted to share the following message with everyone. It is because of our amazing church members that we have the ability to make these impacts in our community.
Way Maker Women's Center wants to thank Due West UMC for all the support and donations you have provided over the past year. Without your support, we could not provide classes, formula, and diapers to mothers in need nor could we manage our administrative costs.
We are so excited to announce that on September 23, Way Maker was approved by the State and received its non-profit status! You might ask why we came out from underneath the church umbrella. Without our own non-profit status, we are unable to get grants and receive assistance from other areas that will greatly help us as we grow.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated along with your prayers as we look to God for guidance as we continue on this journey!
With appreciative hearts,
The Way Maker staff -
Important Dates (see details below)
Nov. 1-18: Poinsettia Sales Fundraiser (see below)
Sat., Nov. 12: Annual Holiday Market Fundraiser (see dwPreschool)
Nov. 18 & 19: CFA Presents “Christmas to Me” (see Center for the Arts)
Sun., Nov. 27: Hanging of the Greens Service and Family Advent Celebration (see dwKids)
Sat., Dec. 3: Breakfast with Santa (see dwKids)
Sun., Dec. 4: Murphy Harpst Youth Christmas Ball (see Youth)
Sat., Dec. 10: Women’s Christmas Brunch (see Women’s Ministry)
Dec. 10 & 11: West Cobb Christmas Celebration (see below)
Dec. 12: Golden Bells of Atlanta Concert (see below)
Details
Poinsettia Sales
This is an annual tradition at Due West UMC! Purchase these beautiful flowers in honor or memory of loved ones. They will be used to decorate both Sanctuaries and the Family Life Center during the month of December. We will list everyone for whom the flowers are purchased during December. These beautiful 6” pot Poinsettias come in Red or White, boasting 4-9 blooms each. The cost is only $12 each. Visit Church Center Sign-ups to place your order.
Hanging of the Greens Service and Family Advent Celebration
Welcome the season of advent with our Hanging of the Greens Service and Family Advent Celebration. Join us in a multigenerational service at 5pm on November 27th followed by a time of fun and crafts for the family.
Christmas Performances
West Cobb Christmas Celebration is a time for the entire family to get into the Christmas Spirit! Support this musical celebration with your presence on Saturday, December 10th at 6pm, or Sunday, December 11th at 9 and 11am.
The Golden Bells of Atlanta will be in concert on Monday, December 12th at 7:30 pm.
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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
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)
Pilates @ 9:30 am
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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Important Dates (see details below)
Sat., Nov. 12: Holiday Market
Details
November is a fun month in the preschool as we talk about the things we are thankful for because Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude.
Holiday Market
Our biggest fundraiser of the year is the Holiday Market on November 12th from 9:00 am-2:00 pm in the Family Life Center (Bldg. B). This free event is open to all church families and the public, so plan to attend and invite your friends! We have many vendor booths, entertainment, a raffle with great prizes, and an extensive silent auction full of wonderful items. It’s a very fun day and a great way to start your Christmas shopping! We hope to see you there!
Please email skubek@duewest.org if you have any questions or are interested in being a vendor.
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Important Dates (see details below)
Wed., Nov. 2: Breakfast With Santa Ticket Link available at 8:00 am
Sun., Nov. 6: dwCrew meeting
Sun., Nov. 13: dwCrew meeting
Sun., Nov. 27: Family Advent Celebration
Sat., Dec. 3: Breakfast with Santa
Details
Breakfast with Santa will be on Saturday, December 3rd. The link to purchase a sitting time will go live on Church Center/Signups at 8:00 am on Wednesday, November 2nd.
Preschool Sunday School
Memory Verse: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” Psalm 107:1, NIV
Sometimes we get so excited about the gift that we forget to remember the giver. So, this month, we will take some time to look around at the wonderful gifts God has given us and teach our preschoolers that God is good!
We want our preschoolers to know that all of the good things they see in the world are good gifts from a very good God who loves them. And we can say “thank you, God!” Everywhere we look, we see good gifts that God has given us like friends and family, people who help us, and yummy food ... like donuts! But DONUT forget to thank God, because God is good!
Elementary Sunday School
Courage - Being brave enough to do what you should do, even when you’re afraid.
Memory Verse: “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9B, NIRV
As we continue our journey through God’s Big Story, we take a closer look at the lives of significant people in the Jewish Scriptures: Joshua and Caleb, David, Daniel, and Esther. Each of them trusted God and found courage to face difficult circumstances. They also represent major time periods in Israel’s history—from entering the land of Canaan, the United Kingdom, and Exile.
Like these people we read about in the Old Testament, God may ask us to take a risk or do something we might not feel prepared to do. But God will also give us the courage we need to face that challenge. We can also look to Jesus. He faced the biggest challenge of all: death on the cross. Still, He chose to be brave and follow God’s plan.
dwCrew
dwCrew is a specialized time of fun, learning, and service for 3rd-5th graders. We will be meeting this month on November 6th & 13th from 12:00-1:30 pm. Lunch is $3 and check-in is just inside the blue dwKids doors.
Family Advent Celebration
Join us on November 27th for our Hanging of the Greens service followed by the Family Advent Celebration. The service will start at 5:00 pm in the Building A Sanctuary and the family celebration will immediately follow downstairs in the Children’s area. We will have hors d'oeuvres, crafts, activities and family advent wreaths.
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Important Dates (see details below)
Nov. 18-20: Fall Retreat "Friendsgiving"
Click here to register for all youth events!
Details
Many thanks to all our volunteers who made the 2022 Pumpkin Patch so successful! We are so thankful for the support of our church family and youth families!
November Ignite Schedule
Nov. 6: Sunday School and Ignite (5:30-7:30)
Nov. 13: Sunday School and Ignite (5:30-7:30)
Nov. 18-20: Fall Retreat "Friendsgiving"
Nov. 20: Sunday School available for those not on the retreat (No Ignite)
Nov. 27: Sunday School and Hanging of the Greens Service and Advent Celebration (No Ignite)
Upcoming Retreat
Our Fall Retreat “Friendsgiving” is November 18-20th at Camp Lee in Anniston, Alabama!
This retreat is open for 6th-12 grade students who are interested in serving, fellowshipping, and slowing down before the holiday season. Deadline to register has been extended to November 1st!
$130 price includes meals, lodging, transportation, and a shirt. For more information, click the link!
Sunday School Series for November: No Problem
Apologies — they’re hard to give, but they’re sometimes hard to receive, too. When you’re the one who has hurt someone else, saying you’re sorry (and actually meaning it) takes work and practice. But when you’re the one who’s been hurt by someone else, things get even more complicated. What if you don’t want to forgive them? What if they don’t seem sorry? What if they won’t even admit they’re wrong? What if they’ve moved on, but you’re still not over it? In this 4-week series from the Old and New Testament, we'll find out what it means to truly give (and receive) forgiveness. We’ll discover that when you need forgiveness, it’s not enough to just apologize. And when you’ve been hurt and need to forgive, we’ll explore the importance of shifting your perspective, remembering God forgave first, and remembering Jesus knows what it’s like to be hurt.
Join us at 9:45 or 11:00 in the Youth Center in the basement of Building C! Open to all 6th-12th grade students!
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Important Dates (see details below)
Nov. 18 & 19: CFA Presents “Christmas to Me”
Details
On November 18th and 19th, the Center for the Arts will present “Christmas to Me.” Our students, ages 7-18, will share what Christmas means to them using music and songs from Broadway and film and some all-time Christmas favorites. This joyful and energetic revue will help you kick off your holiday season! Tickets start at $8.
Click here to purchase tickets
You don’t want to miss this!Join Center for the Arts (CFA)
Our CFA ministry is a fun and exciting program exposing members to various Arts & Entertainment activities.
Click here to learn more and to register for classes & events.
Donations Needed
We are also in need of some donations of the following:
freestanding garage-type shelving (new or used)
plastic storage bins with lids (all sizes)
gently used dance shoes
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Important Dates (see details below)
Nov. 12 (or Dec. 10): Basic ERT Training Event
Fri., Dec. 30: UMM Dollars for Scholars Applications Due
Details
Basic ERT Member Training Event
What is an Early Response Team (ERT)? While ERTs are not first responders, they fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to clean damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence.
Due West UMC will be hosting an UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Basic ERT Member Training on November 12th. The class is intended to be for both initial training and recertification, and will be an eight-hour class. To register, contact Charlie Holbrook at cnjholbrook@bellsouth.net or call 404-702-7384.
UMM Dollars for Scholars
The United Methodist Men “Dollars for Scholars” applications will be due no later than December 30, 2022.
IMPORTANT: These applications will be for students enrolled in and or attending Methodist-related colleges or universities ONLY!!
These scholarships are provided through a combination of Due West United Methodist Men, North GA UMC Conference, the school, and the United Methodist Higher Education Fund.
Applications can be turned in to United Methodist Men’s mailbox in Bldg. A, Admin 2.
Deadline: December 30, 2022
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Important Dates (see details below)
Sat., Dec. 10: Women’s Christmas Brunch
Details
Women’s Christmas Brunch | December 10th | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Our annual Christmas Brunch is a tradition for many and an awesome way to start the Season!
1 John 1:5 “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”
We invite you to share the Light of the newborn Savior, Jesus - "Love's Pure Light.” Come block out the holiday chaos to focus on the Light of Jesus and our calling to be light in the world.
Our speaker this year is Tracy Arntzen. Tracy has an orphanage ministry called Saving Susan and another called We Pray Through which is a ministry dealing with families who have gone through or are going through mental health issues. Her focus at the brunch will be on "shining light into a hurting world.”
If you want to host a table, contact Kcasteel@duewest.org.
Cost is $25.00 per person (note we only have room this year for 80 people, register NOW to secure your spot)
Come enjoy the table decorations, great food, a fabulous speaker and the Word of our Lord and Savior!
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Due West UMC has its very own fitness program offering classes for all levels and open to anyone age 12 and up. Classes are $4.00 (includes childcare on Monday, Wednesday & Friday) and you can find our class schedule on Facebook at Due West Adult Fitness Classes. Punch Cards are also available and cover 11 classes for $40.00. These cards are available from the class instructors.
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Important Dates (see details below)
Nov. 13: Deadline to return OCC Shoe Box Gifts
Nov. 24: MUST Gobble Jog
Details
Below are featured ministries & missions for November. Click here to see a full listing of all our current activities.Put Something In
By: Shel Silverstein
Draw a crazy picture,
Write a nutty poem,
Sing a mumble-jumble song,
Whistle through a comb.
Do a looney-gooney dance
‘cross the kitchen floor,
Put something silly in the world
That ain’t been there before.
As we head into the crazy, worrisome, stressful and all too often just too busy seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s not take ourselves too seriously. Make time to breathe, to love, to play, and to serve.
Upcoming Service Opportunities!
MUST Gobble Jog Fundraiser
MUST Ministries Gobble Jog is Thanksgiving morning on the Marietta Square. Earn your turkey and support MUST, while you Jog, Walk, or Watch this Family and Pet Friendly holiday tradition! Due West has a team at Due West - Gather Grow GO.
Click here for details gobblejog.org
Click here to join our team“Angel Tree” Opportunity
Be on the lookout for more information about “Angel Tree” opportunities with Murphy-Harpst Children’s Home, Calvary Children’s Home, and Compton Elementary School. There will be more info in the upcoming Tuesday Insight emails and on the Missions Facebook page.Operation Christmas Child
Shoe boxes are in the narthexes of both sanctuaries. Be sure to pick one up, fill it, and return it by November 13th.Christmas Gift Wrapping with Cobb Police
We have scheduled this fun annual event with Cobb County Police Community Affairs department! This year’s date is Monday, December 19th!2023 Mission Trips!
It’s not too early to begin making plans for next summer’s mission trips! We will be providing information as they are booked.
Sweetwater, Tennessee Sports Camp Trip - This is a great week of fun, activity and worship as we help two different churches put on an exciting summer program. We need adults, teens and college kids to come and serve as a “coach” for one of the stations, or be a “team leader.” In 2023, we will be going June 3rd-9th. The cost for meals, lodging, and program supplies will be $400. For more information contact Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org,
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Adopt-a-College Student
DWUMC is kicking off a new program called “Adopt-a-College Student.” Our heart and vision for the program is to live intentionally alongside our college students by simply reaching out periodically throughout the year. If you are interested in supporting a college student with notes, emails, and texts, please email the College Care Ministry at collegecare@duewest.org. If you have questions, contact Tracie Cantrell at 770-891-5073 or Patti Pass at 404-542-8676.
UMM Dollars for Scholars
This is a program open to students attending Methodist-related colleges or universities. Applications are due no later than Dec., 30th. See the “Adults” section of this newsletter for more details.
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Our Congregational Care Ministry
“Answer us when we call to You, O my righteous God, Give us relief from our distress; be merciful to us and hear our prayers.” Psalm 4:1
As Care Ministers, we have felt called to provide support and comfort to those who are going through tough times that life brings to each of us. Times of discouragement, job loss, illness, surgery, loss of loved ones, to name a few.
You do NOT have to lack comfort, connection or prayer. Pastor David and the Congregational Care Ministers are the only people who know who is receiving care. Privacy is critical and respected.
A Care Minister can send notes, emails, connect by phone, pray with you, offer Communion and visit with you, if desired.
To begin receiving care, please call Denise Luders (church office) at dluders@duewest.org, Brenda and Dan Wyatt at danwyatt1966@gmail.com or Pastor David Campbell at dcampbell@duewest.org.
Please reach out, so together we can be the church.
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 you, but don't know how. That's the reason for GriefShare. GriefShare is a network of over 15,000 churches and grief support groups. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief due to the loss of a loved one and have successfully rebuilt their lives. We will walk with you on the long path through grief toward healing and hope for the future. The program is nondenominational and features biblical concepts for healing from your grief. This support group meets weekly on Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Bldg. C, Room 219. The current 13-week cycle started October 2nd, 2022.
If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact Connie at cmm10500@gmail.com or 904-651-2732.
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Sunday School Volunteers
dwKids Sunday School Volunteers - Contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org for details.
Join Our Usher Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11:00 am church service in Building A. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dianne Harrison at cdharrison830@gmail.com or 678-522-4909.
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!