October 2025 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
-
Giving and Expenses
Budgeted Giving, August-25 -- $170,000
Actual Giving, August-25 -- $183,276 (A very solid month. Thank you to all that were
able to give!)
Budgeted Expenses, August-25 -- $170,000
Actual Expenses, August-25 -- $167,069 (Good expense control by our ministries)
__________________
Budgeted Giving, YTD (two months into our fiscal year) -- $334,000
Actual Giving, YTD -- $348,452
Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $334,000
Actual Expenses, YTD -- $331,917
-
Pumpkin Patch
Years ago, serving a church in another town Susan and I developed a strong friendship with a family in the church. They had a great story about how they got involved and how their faith grew. Like Due West, that church had a Pumpkin Patch. Just like we do here, we unloaded the truck and helped in the patch. For years, this family had come to the church to get their pumpkins, but were not active in a church anywhere. One day, their young son said, “When are we going to our church on a Sunday?” It seems he heard other people talk about going to church, which is something his family only did to buy pumpkins. But because it was the only church he knew, he assumed it was “their church”.
Mom and Dad had the conversation and decided that it couldn’t hurt to take the kid to church. So they went. Shortly after that, Dad, in his early thirties, had a significant health scare that landed him in the hospital. Somehow, the church got word and rallied around this family who had only visited one time. The family was touched by the prayerful support and ultimately joined the church and became very active. The children grew up through the youth and children’s ministries while the parents used their gifts to serve the Lord through their church. And of course they spent many years unloading pumpkin trucks and working in the pumpkin patch! God has a way of working through pumpkins!
Let me give you one more story. Fifteen years ago my children were in the youth group. The pumpkin truck was due on Sunday after church at the beginning of Fall break. Our plan was to unload the truck and then drive to Orlando where our family (and some friends) would spend the week at Universal Studios. But on Sunday we got word the truck was delayed 24 hours. I looked at our children and said, “We can wait and unload the truck, but it will cost you a day in the park. Or we can go to the park and miss the truck.” You would have thought I said, “You can have ice cream or mud for dessert!” They didn’t hesitate. We stayed in town, unloaded the pumpkin truck and then left for Orlando. Such is October in a church with a Pumpkin Patch.
Friendships are formed, relationships are deepened, fun is had and yes, the Lord is at work! Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains. I think it’s also true of a pumpkin seed! If you have never experienced it, come join us as we unload the truck. Volunteer to work a shift at the patch. Not only will you be supporting the youth group, but you will be doing kingdom work!
If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,David
-
October 1-31 Pumpkin Patch
October 5 - dwCrew
October 5 - Preschool Dads, Dinner, and Dodgeball Event
October 11 - Pumpkin Patch Palooza
October 12 - Pumpkin Unload #2
October 16 - Firearms & Fellowship
October 18 - Methodist Men - Murphy Harpst Fundraising Dinner
October 19 - 3rd Grade bibles at 11am worship service
October 19 - dwCrew
Oct 24 & 25 - CFA - Winnie the Pooh Kids Performances
October 25 - Estate Planning Workshop
October 26 & Nov. 2 - Due West 101
October 26 - Trunk or Treat
-
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)
-
Challenge Coin
In September, Sandy Weick received a Due West Challenge Coin. Sandy has served in so many ways at Due West and we are grateful for her. Make sure you here in October to find out who gets 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 will be looking
at the Calendar.
To find the Calendar: At the bottom of the Home page, select MORE.
On the next screen, select CALENDAR.
The app defaults to display ALL CATEGORIES, but there is a dropdown menu if you would like to sort by other filters. This view of the calendar allows you to see events that are open to everyone. If you are aware of other groups that should be listed, please contact Denise at the email below. If you have questions about the Church Center app, please contact Denise Luders at dluders@duewest.org
-
Holiday Market
Due West Preschool Holiday Market is coming Saturday, November 8, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. All proceeds benefit the preschool. Shop for Christmas in Building B with all types of craft vendors and a silent auction. To contact the preschool office email skubek@duewest.org or ckunkel@duewest.org or call 770-590-0982 for more information.
-
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
Brave is not the first word most people think of when they think of themselves. But when we think of God, - the powerful God who is always with us and can help us be brave - even the most fearful of us can be strong and courageous with God!
Key Question: Who can help you be brave? Bottom Line: God can help me be brave
Memory Verse: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
Week One: Esther (Esther 2:2-8:17)
Week Two: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-50)
Week Three: Gideon (Judges 6-7)
Week Four: Abigail (1 Samuel 25:1-35)
Elementary Sunday School
We may not know the answer to every question or problem, but God does. When we look at God’s Big Story, we can see that we can turn to Him for wisdom whenever we need help.
Core Question: How did Jesus grow in wisdom?
Memory Verse: "It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver." (Proverbs 16:16, NIrV)
Week One: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1-13) Bottom Line: God can help you make the wise choice.
Week Two: David and the Psalms (Psalm 1:1-4) Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, focus on God.
Week Three: Solomon Chooses Wisdom (1 Kings 3:4-15) Bottom Line:You can ask God for wisdom.
Week Four: The Kings (1&2 Kings) Bottom Line: Be wise because your choices matter.
3rd Grade Bibles:
Each year, our church presents Bibles to our 3rd graders as a special gift. This meaningful tradition marks an important milestone in your child’s spiritual journey, celebrating their readiness to explore God’s word on their own. If you are a 4th or 5th grader who did not receive a Bible in the past, we invite you to join us for this special occasion as well.
Bibles will be given on Sunday, October 19, during the 11:00 service. Children and their parents are encouraged to sit in the reserved pews in the front of the sanctuary at the beginning of the service.
dwCrew
dwCrew is a specialized time of fun, learning, and service for 3rd-5th graders. Meet up on October 5 and October 19 from 12:00-1:30 pm inside of Building A, Lower level, just through the blue dwKids double doors. Lunch is $3.
October 5 - We’ll be making Tie Dye tees! Bring an old, light colored tee shirt to tie dye. Be sure to dress appropriately. Lunch will be Nachos and we’ll learn about how God looks at the inside, not the outside.
October 19 - We’re going to play a fun, active game. Please wear shoes for running. We’ll have a chicken nugget lunch and learn about being a good sport when we’re competing.
-
Check out our October 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 monthly newsletter here
Pumpkin Patch
Reminder: Pumpkin Unloads are coming up September 28th and October 12th! To help unload, click here. We’ll have pizza for all workers afterward!
Serve at a Pumpkin Patch Daily Shift (or more than one!) September 29th - October 31st. To join the team click HERE or scan the QR code below. Play a part of the annual fall tradition!
Pumpkin Patch Palooza
Kick off your fall by inviting your neighbors and friends to this fun-filled family event: Pumpkin Patch Palooza, Saturday, October 11th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Pumpkin Patch!
Enjoy a cozy coffee cart, get creative with pumpkin painting, treat yourself at the bake sale, and let the kids have fun with face painting and sidewalk chalk. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall with friends, family, and community. We can’t wait to see you there!
For Pumpkin Patch Palooza to be as successful as possible, we need donations of your most delicious baked goods. We have only 50 donation slots available. Sign up HERE to donate your pastries, brownies, cookies, or cupcakes. Drop off your donations October 10th or October 11th before 10:00 am in the Building C library. -
Sing in the Christmas Choir! All singers are welcome to participate. Rehearsals begin with Christmas Choir practice each Wednesday, 10:30 am or 7:00 pm starting October 1st, in the choir room, Building A. (Christmas Choir members will be dismissed after Christmas rehearsal.) Make new connections, share your talent, and prepare for the Christmas season! Contact csalazar@duewest.org
NOTE: Christmas performances are scheduled for December 13th at 6:00 pm & December 14th at 9:00 am & 11:00 am.
-
Social Dance Lessons
You’ll wanna be in the room for this - Center for the Arts is thrilled to offer social dance classes for adults age 16 and up. Classes include Latin and Swing style dance - no prior dance experience is necessary. Bring a partner if you have one, but a partner is not required to sign up for these fun classes that will get you moving, meeting in Building C, Room 219. Make friends and connect!
Schedule:
Latin Classes 2:00-3:00 pm (seniors), 6:15-7:15 pm (all adults) Fridays, October 3-31
Swing Classes 3:15-4:15 pm (seniors), 5:00-6:00 pm (all adults) Fridays, October 3 -31
Social 7:30-8:30 pm, October 31
Fees:
Join 5 classes for $80 per person, 10 classes (all Latin and Swing classes) for $150 per person, or drop in for a single class for $20 per person. There will be an optional end of month social for $10 per person on October 31(7:30-8:30 pm). Come in costume!
Click HERE to register.
Teacher: Kiana Sethna of Ritmo Fusion Dance.
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, Sam’s Club, Costco
In October we’ll be collecting individually wrapped items for Blessing Bags, which can be delivered to Admin 2 (Building A) or brought to the Donation Bins in either Building A or C Narthex space.
Suggested Donations:
Bugles corn snacks, Knot shaped pretzels, Candy Corn, Shelled Sunflower Seeds, Raisins or Craisins, M&Ms, Hershey Kisses
Other donations that benefit this work:, gift cards for The Dollar Tree, Wal Mart, Sam’s and Costco
Firearms and Fellowship
Fellowship with us at Governors Gun Club of Kennesaw, Thursday, October 16th, at 6:00 pm, with the opportunity to buy dinner at the club following the event at 7:00 pm. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org no later than noon on Monday, October 13th.
Note: Non-club members must pay for range time.
Join this monthly group HERE.
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.
-
Do You Really Want to Become Financially Independent?
In our consumer-driven society, we are constantly bombarded with the message that the key to happiness is having more – accumulating more (and better) possessions. We’re also told that if we make more money and accumulate a lot of financial assets, we will achieve “financial independence.”
That idea sounds great! But are we ever truly financially independent? Wouldn’t that mean that we don’t need to depend on . . . God? The challenge of accumulating wealth, yet not depending on it for our security, is very real and significant. It is a seriously tough balancing act. Can a Christian really achieve financial independence by trusting in the Provider, and not what is provided?
What is the key to really having real financial freedom? The answer is counterintuitive. The key to having financial freedom is to live generously. But how could that be? Let’s look at 5 reasons.
1. Living generously makes us depend on God.
There is a large body of evidence (both anecdotal and collected data) that many who have accumulated a lot of money also spend a significant amount of time worrying about losing it, how to protect it, how to grow it more, and who might want to take it from them (IRS, anyone?). If the truth were to be told, the wealthy likely spend just as much time doing those things as those who don’t have much worry about not having any money. When one has a lot of material wealth, it may be hard to look elsewhere for security. But when we begin living generously, money starts to lose its hold on us, and we can grow in our ability to trust the Provider and not what is provided.
2. Living generously makes us more like God.
Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us “to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, and to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”We are to put off this worry and this tendency to look to our wealth for security. By living generously and giving of our wealth, we take a big step forward in becoming more like our righteous God and aligning our hearts to Him.
3. Living generously grows our love for God and others.
Our behavior is one of the things that drives our thinking and our feelings. Knowing that, do you want to live in a state of constant worry over your financial assets? Or do you want to live in a state of generosity, and allow that positive, Godly action to guide your mind and heart? If you live generously, you will grow in your love of God and others. There are other benefits to living generously. Psychology Today, Cedars-Sinai, and numerous other respected researchers have reported that giving and acts of kindness can release positive chemicals in the body, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being. These neurochemicals help improve mood and promote social bonding. I think this is true because these actions really make us feel closer to God. So, grow closer to God and feel better physically and spiritually? Those sound like great things.
4. Living generously breaks our dependence on materialism.
When we give from our financial resources, we not only experience the abundant joy of giving, but we realize that this joy is far greater than our enjoyment of adding the next level of stuff – or than anything else we could do with our resources. The law of diminishing returns in regard
to growing wealth is clear: every additional input (here, more money) yields less and less of the intended end product (happiness).
5. Living generously gains heavenly reward and gives us the life that is truly life.
The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:17-19) tells us “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
You will always ultimately profit when you give yourself away. This is counterintuitive.
The purpose of giving and stewardship isn’t to fund God’s church or His work. The purpose of giving is for us to make our hearts right in our relationship withGod, and to demonstrate that we are aware that our purpose on earth is to honor and glorify Him while furthering His kingdom on earth. 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.
-
It is always a joy to share good news and we have plenty to share!
If you were around in the month of September you have seen the great crowd we had for preschool Sunday. You also experienced a great day in our Morning of Worship through Song. And you know that a team of Due West members travelled to Costa Rica to serve Christ and His church! Due West is an active, vibrant, growing congregation. And we want that growth to continue.
With that in mind, as you have probably heard we began more than a year ago working on a Strategic Plan to cast a new vision as we move into the future. Our focus has been on being the church God has called us to be, fulfilling our mission and continuing to grow by reaching people in West Cobb with the gospel of Jesus. This group is finishing its work. The final plan will be presented to the Administrative Board (who established the Strategic Planning process) for approval. They will vote in November and, if approved, we will begin in January fully implanting this new vision.
There are items in the plan that are obviously good things for our church to do, and on those, work is already underway to secure leadership and funding. We are always seeking to move forward for the kingdom of God! Once the plan is approved, we will have copies available for anyone who wants to see it. But rest assured it has been filled with prayer and a desire for Due West to “Gather, Grow and Go” into the future to which our Lord has called us.
In Christ,
David
-
Trunk-or-Treat
Mark your calendar for Trunk-or-Treat at Due West on October 26th, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Dress up your trunk, bring candy for 300 kids, or even host a game at your vehicle. Be involved in other ways: Serve popcorn, pour drinks, or help cleanup. Register now to hold your car’s spot or to volunteer! Donations for this event are happily received in the Admin 2 Office (Building A) at Due West.
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 will open October 29th. Tickets for this cheery, wholesome event go very quickly so don’t wait to sign up!
-
Women’s Christmas Brunch - Make Him Room
Make space to seek Jesus in the rush of the holidays! Prepare your heart and home for Christmas on Saturday, December 13th, 10:30 am, at the Women's Christmas Brunch. Humorist Joy Earle will share her voice in song and her story of God’s goodness from Luke 2:10. Hear how to set aside the pursuit of “perfect” and create room for the Savior who has come.
Tickets: $30 Click to buy tickets Mission this year: KSU Addiction and Recovery
Table hosts are needed - please contact Kerri Casteel kcasteel@duewest.org
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 October 7th, from 9:30 - 11:30 am, the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study will begin “Set Apart” a 6-week video study by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. New members and familiar faces are welcome to participate in Building C, room 219, every Tuesday. Books can be purchased by individuals on Amazon or Walmart. Come, study God’s word with us!
-
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.
-
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.”
-
The Legacy Ministry Committee is offering a no cost Estate Planning Workshop taught by an experienced estate planning attorney on Saturday, October 25th, 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm in Building C, Room 242. Those in attendance will have access to complimentary healthcare directives, living wills, and legal powers of attorney which will be drafted, witnessed, and notarized that night. This free event is highly recommended for those 18 and older, and class size is limited (14 seats only). Click here to register. To learn more contact Bill Coffeen at billcoffeen@gmail.com
-
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!
-
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!
