Friday Focus

News you need for the week of
SEPTEMBER 4, 2026


Grow in Faith & Community This Fall

Looking for a place to belong and be built-up in faith? New short-term classes on the Book of James and Kate Bowler's book, Joyful Anyway begin Wednesday, September 9, following Wednesday Night Supper. We're also starting new affinity based small groups with a 5-week pilot in September. Find a class or small group by clicking the buttons below.

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Current Announcements

Join Us for In-Person Worship
We'd love to see you at one of our worship services on Sunday: Chapel Communion at 8:30 a.m., Modern in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m., and Traditional in the Sanctuary at 11:15 a.m.

Join Us for Online Worship
We offer distinct Modern and Traditional Worship Services online. On-demand streaming begins on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. for our Modern Service and 11:15 a.m. for our Traditional Service on YouTube and Facebook. You can also catch a pre-recorded version of each week's sermon on YouTube. We hope you'll tune in!

Sermon Podcast
If you prefer an audio version of the sermon for on-the-go listening, check out our podcast! You can listen online or subscribe from your podcast app of choice. Search "dunwoodyumc" to subscribe.

Register Your Attendance
Please register your service attendance online. There will be a code on the back of the bulletins and handouts to do this. If you've never used a QR Code before, don't worry...it's easy! Open the camera app on your device. Allow the camera to frame the code until a yellow link appears. Click the yellow box. Complete the form. Or, feel free to click HERE.

Wednesday Night Supper 
Join us for Wednesday night supper! Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to register for Wednesday Night Supper, click HERE! This form is updated weekly. You also have the option of emailing Debbie Collins by phone 770-394-0675, Ext 111. Reservations are due by the end of day on the Monday before. Please do your best to adhere to this reservation deadline so there will be a meal prepared for you. Click HERE to register for supper. 

VEiL Meet & Greet
VEiL invites you to enjoy a selection of works by Pat Webster, on display through the end of October. Stop by to experience her inspiring artwork, then plan to meet the artist during an informal Meet & Greet on Sunday, September 13, from 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., and immediately following the traditional worship service.

Discover DUMC
If you are interested in joining Dunwoody UMC or just need a refresher on what it means to be Methodist, we invite you to Discover DUMC, Sunday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 252. This 1-hour interest session is a great way to learn more about the United Methodist Church and hear directly from a DUMC Pastor. Email Hospitality to let us know you’re coming!

New Member Dinner
DUMC's Hospitality Ministry invites all new members who joined in 2025 to attend a New Member Dinner and conversation with the pastors on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Children are welcome to participate in Wednesday night activities. Please RSVP to Hospitality.

Accounting & Finance Networking Breakfast
Calling all accountants, CPAs, and financial professionals! Join us for the launch of The Morning Audit: Faith & Fellowship Accountant & Finance Networking Breakfast Series on Monday, October 19, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Enjoy breakfast while connecting with fellow professionals, sharing industry insights, and building meaningful relationships rooted in faith. Featured speakers include Les Bethune, retired EY Managing Partner and author of Clean Dirt: Practical Lessons in Real Leadership—From Farm to Boardroom, and Amy King, Controller at Mt. Vernon School and one of the South's Funniest Accountants. Bring your business cards and your appetite! Click HERE to RSVP by Monday, October 12.

Serve as a Parking Lot Greeter
Become a part of our growing Hospitality ministry by volunteering to serve as a parking lot greeter once a month prior to the 11:15 a.m. traditional service. Help is needed to assist those arriving with finding vacant parking spaces and to welcome those coming to worship. To volunteer or learn more contact Mary Millar.

Stay Connected and Inspired
Sign up to receive resources, news, and uplifting content delivered straight to your inbox. Find encouragement for your daily life, and keep up with the latest happenings across the church through newsletters from United Methodist Communications. Choose to subscribe to one or all of our newsletters and let meaningful, relevant content come to you. Click HERE to learn more. 

Hospitality Trailer Volunteers
Serving with the DUMC Hospitality Trailer is a fun way to share the DUMC experience with our community! Sign up to be added to our list of volunteers who pull and set the trailer, who serve treats from the trailer, and/or who provide periodic maintenance to the interior and exterior of the trailer. This is a low-commitment opportunity, based on your availability, and tons of fun! Sign up HERE.
Environmental Stewardship
The DUMC Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in room 251 at the church. The committee is involved in many recycling initiatives including Wednesday Night Supper, Modern Service donut box recycling, and Food Stock. We are also working on other sustainable projects with the church including solar, composting, and tree planting. All are welcome at our meetings. For more information, contact Ellen Sparks. You can view the tips for September HERE. Sign up HERE to subscribe to the monthly United Methodist Creation Justice Tips.
New Baby?
Are you or someone you know expecting a new baby? If so, please click HERE to fill out the New Baby form. Whether it’s a birth or an adoption, DUMC wants to celebrate the new babies joining our community! Our Knitting Group and United Women in Faith circles have joined forces to create a welcome pack for the newest members of our community and their families. Contact Tambryn Freund for more information.
Golf Cart Ministry
Need a ride? We have a golf cart team that is happy to get you to and from the building on Sunday mornings. Look for the banners in the parking lot to see the path that the golf cart will drive. Just stand by your car and someone will be by to get you! Our golf cart is currently running three shifts: 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

DUMC Nametags
Anyone may place a name tag order HERE. All requested name tags may be picked up on the magnetic board behind the Parlor welcome desk. Feel free to leave your nametag on this board during the week for easy access on Sunday mornings. If you need a replacement nametag feel free to leave your current nametag at any of the welcome desks and we'll get it fixed

Prayer Concerns
Do you have prayer concerns that you would like to share with the church? Email them to our confidential email address HERE, and we will be praying for you.

Community Assistance Center (CAC) - Saturday Volunteers and Donations
Dunwoody UMC continues to support the neediest in our community by providing 15 volunteers each month to staff CAC’s food pantry, market, and Thrift Store at 8607 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs on 4th Saturdays of the month. Upcoming dates include Saturday, September 26. Saturday shifts are 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Some positions require prior training, while others do not. Interested individuals can volunteer HERE to join the list of participants and receive notifications. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Hicks for more information.
D.A.R.T Assistance Needed 
D.A.R.T - Disaster Assistance Response Team in conjunction with Roswell United Methodist Church DARE has repeating Long Term Recovery to Augusta the 3rd weekend of each month. We are continuing to help folks recover from Hurricane Helene and getting people in need back into their homes. Room and board provided and no particular skills are needed. Contact Ken Sexton at 678-523-3905 for details. 
Back Pack Buddies of Metro Atlanta
BPBMA has a mission to provide weekend meals to food-insecure children in the Metro Atlanta area to enhance their mental and physical health. Dunwoody UMC is supporting that mission as a Community Buddy. Each week DUMC will have volunteers pick up nonperishable food from the BPBMA warehouse here in Dunwoody. The food is delivered to DUMC and packed by volunteers to be taken to area elementary schools for students to take home for the weekend so that they have food to replace the meals they would receive at school during the week. You can register here to participate in Backpack Buddies. There are three different opportunities: picking up food and delivering it to DUMC for packing, packing meals (approximately 35 meals), or delivering packed meals to Dunwoody Elementary. There are specific times for some jobs and others have some flexibility. Contact Bo Lane for details.
Hightower Homework Club
Volunteer with Hightower Homework Club at Crossroads Church (4805 Tilly Mill Rd.) from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday during the school year. There are classrooms and plenty of room for the kids to play outside. Children, from kindergarten to 5th grade, receive instruction and homework help from qualified teachers. Volunteers are needed to assist the teachers, give individual homework help as well as provide playground supervision. Volunteers are welcome to make their own hours. If interested contact Rich Reynell or click HERE for more information or to start the process for volunteering.

Upcoming Disaster Response Training & Deployments
If you would like to be informed of upcoming domestic disaster relief trips and training, please visit dunwoodyumc.org/missions to be added to the D.A.R.T. Disaster Assistance Response Team Group. As opportunities arise, you will be alerted via email from the Group Leader. Please see the following upcoming opportunities. 

Dementia 101: Understanding the Basics
ACAP North Atlanta offers free, in-person educational programs on the second Tuesday of each month. Join us for our next program on Tuesday, September 8, in the Asbury Room. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Join Dr. Melissa Black for an informative introduction to dementia and what families need to know. We will cover the different types of dementia, common signs and symptoms, how dementia is diagnosed, and steps to support brain health. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to better recognize changes and understand the condition. This program is ideal for caregivers, professionals, and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of dementia. Click HERE to RSVP.
DivorceCare
Are you or someone you know going through a divorce? We know it is not an easy time and have a group of caring people who can support you. DivorceCare meets on Sunday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Contact Ty Reaves for more information.
Grief Support Group - In Person
Losing a family member or friend is difficult, no matter how much time has passed. We invite you to join our in-person grief support group, led by licensed professional counselor Line Fleming. Line is a therapist with Summit Counseling Center and holds a certification in grief support. Our groups are ongoing and always welcome new participants. We meet each Monday (6:00 p.m.) and Tuesday (11:00 a.m.) in the Thomas Coke Room, conveniently located near the church offices. Please let us know if you are coming by calling or emailing Rev. Kathy Brockman at 770-394-0675. Additionally, questions and requests for additional information can be directed to Kathy.
Grief Support Group - Zoom
If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, no matter when that loss might have occurred, Dunwoody United Methodist Church offers confidential caring support groups. Come and be with others who are on this same journey. This group meets virtually via Zoom each Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. For further information, please contact Stan Hibbs at or 404-625-8451. An in-person group meets on differing dates and times. For information on in-person groups, contact Rev. Kathy Brockman at 770-542-1677.
Visitation Ministry
Dunwoody UMC has a congregation filled with unique individuals with fascinating backgrounds and accomplishments. If you have an hour or so to spare each month to meet some of our members who may not be able to get to church, you will bring joy and friendship to those you visit, and you will be blessed to meet them and to get to know them. Our Visitation Ministry is currently looking for friendly visitors who are willing to visit their assigned person(s) at least once per month and to stay in touch with them by phone call or cards. We will provide all the training you need. If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Kathy Brockman at 770-542-1677.

Stephen Ministry
Are you or someone you know struggling with challenges like loneliness, anxiety over health, grief due to many different kinds of losses, tension from juggling work, childcare and schooling, financial strain or job loss, or uncertainty about the future? If so, you don’t have to face it alone. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. A Stephen Minister will meet with you privately—in person, by phone, or by video chat—to offer care and support. It’s free and completely confidential. To learn more about Stephen Ministry or to request a Stephen Minister, call the church office at 770-394-0675 or click HERE.

Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group for Caregivers
If you are trying to cope with caring for a loved one with a form of dementia, even if long distance, we have a monthly support group to help you! Come and join others who are on this same journey. Confidential meetings are held the second Thursday of each month in the Wesley Room from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. For further information contact JoAnn Akers at 404-434-9467.
One Lamb
The mission of the One Lamb Mental Health initiative is to nurture and embrace mental wellness in a faithful community of connection and support. For more information, contact Rev. Kathy Brockman or visit their page online HERE.

Grow in Faith & Community This Fall 
Looking for a place to belong and be built-up in faith? New short-term classes on the Book of James and Kate Bowler's book, Joyful Anyway begin Wednesday, September 9, following Wednesday Night Supper. We're also starting new affinity based small groups with a 5-week pilot in September. Find a class or small group by visiting dunwoodyumc.org/classes or dunwoodyumc.org/groups.

Practicing Faith in the Epistle of James
The epistle of James is full of practical advice that rings as true for today’s Christians as it did for the early church. In this 4-week study, led by Rev. Calissa Dauterman, we will dive deep into this ancient letter to learn about its origins, its author, and the wisdom it offers for us as we seek to lead lives of faithful discipleship. No book purchase needed - simply bring yourself and your Bible! Wednesdays, September 9 - October 7, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Library. Register HERE. 

Joyful, Anyway
In a world full of complexities and complications, how we can stop chasing happiness and instead “put ourselves in the way of joy?" Join Rev. Kathy Brockman for a study of Joyful, Anyway, by bestselling author and Duke University professor Kate Bowler. Discover how joy shows up at the edge of our expectations and meets us even in the midst of our messiness. Books can be purchased online HERE. Wednesdays, September 9 - October 7, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Epworth. Register HERE. 

Adult Sunday School
We all need people who help encourage us to be more like Jesus. At DUMC one of the best places to find your people, is in a Sunday School class from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. We have 18 offerings that span every season of life and concurrent offerings for kids and youth. Click HERE to see a full list of options or stop by a Welcome Center on Sunday morning. You can visit a different class every week if you want, and we promise your people are here! 

Get Involved
The music ministry of Dunwoody UMC is excited to kick off another great season. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you might participate in and support the musical life of this church. We have choirs for all ages, from 3 to 93 and beyond; handbell choirs for 3rd graders through adults; opportunities for instrumentalists in a variety of styles and capacities, and more. We invite you to click HERE to get more information about our opportunities and to connect with someone who can tell you more. Also be sure to check out our website for updated concert and performance information, as well as more information on how you can serve.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Theater 1548 presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, telling the inspiring story of Carole Klein, a spunky young songwriter from Brooklyn who became the legendary Carole King. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for some of music’s biggest acts to her own trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began and brings her incredible journey to life. Performances are Friday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, October 3 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

Connected Sunday School
Join us for a small group Sunday school class focusing on life lessons & spiritual growth. This group is designed for individuals with special needs ages 14 and up! The class will be held in the Wesley Room at 10:00 a.m. To learn more contact Connected

Connected Community Fellowship
Join us weekly on Wednesday evenings. We share a meal, participate in a social activity, and engage in fellowship. View our upcoming dates HERE. To learn more contact Connected.

Ladies Night Out
Ladies, join us Monday, October 5, at 6:00 p.m. for Ladies Night Out—an evening of music, food, and fellowship! Let someone else plan dinner, cook, and wash the dishes while you enjoy time with good friends and make new ones. Our special guest will be Ronda Rich, author, columnist, and keynote speaker, who will share her inspiring philosophy that no matter how difficult times may be, a better day always comes again. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. Registration is $30 per person, with payment accepted online by credit or debit card only. For questions, please contact Jane Cox at 404-317-6399. RSVP HERE.

Midweek Moms Meetup
Calling all moms! While the kids are in Wednesday night programming, take a moment for yourself. Learn and grow with other moms in one of our midweek meetups. Join us in Room 251 (look for the signs) for a casual, drop-in session of sharing and study. Contact Rev. Calissa Dauterman to learn more.

UWF Circle Meetings
DUMC offers 8 Circles representing all ages and stages that meet monthly for fellowship, mission work, bible study, and devotions. For information, contact Donna Houseal, Membership Chair, at 404-247-4071, or visit dunwoodyumc.org/women to learn more. 
18Steps to Spiritual wHoleness Breakfast
Did you know we have a men's golf group? 18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness gathers monthly for breakfast and a lesson, and these friendships help fill out your foursome. Join us on Friday, September 11, at 7:00 a.m. in the Epworth Room. Click HERE to RSVP by noon on Thursday (September 10), to help us plan breakfast, feel free to bring a friend! 
Men's Friday Morning Bible Study
Join Erik Olson on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. (excluding the 2nd Monday of each month) as a group of men walk through Scripture a chapter at a time. You'll learn and leave with new friends and a deeper faith. This group meets in the Young Adult Suite. Email Erik Olson with questions or to learn more.
BEST MAN Bible Fellowship
Men: Are you hungry for spiritual growth? BEST MAN Bible Fellowship starts with hot coffee, breakfast, and fellowship at 6:45am in the Fellowship Hall followed by an in-depth scripture lesson from 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. and guided small group discussion from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. We end promptly at 8am so you can get on with your day. Led by our pastors, we encourage each other to prioritize JOY in our lives - Jesus, Others, Yourself! No registration or RSVP needed. Don't miss a Tuesday due to travel or absence; join via Zoom HERE: Meeting ID: 840 8951 4181 Passcode: 668875. Take a step this Tuesday to become your BEST MAN!
Parent's Morning Out
Playtime is Changing to Parent’s Morning Out. As of September 1, Playtime becomes part of the DUMC Preschool program and will be known as Parent’s Morning Out (PMO). Click HERE to learn more about program updates. Please contact Meredith Dunn with questions.

Club 45 Evenings
Join us on Sunday, September 13 for Club 45! Club 45 is our monthly gathering just for 4th and 5th graders! It's a place where kids can build friendships, grow in their faith, and have a blast together. Each month, kids enjoy dinner, games, crafts, engaging Bible lessons, and fun activities designed just for them. Whether they're laughing over a meal, competing in games, or connecting in small groups, Club 45 is all about helping preteens find community, ask questions, and deepen their relationship with Jesus in a fun and welcoming environment. Click HERE to let us know you’re coming at the link below!

Kids' Sunday
Join us for Kids Sunday on Sunday, September 20 as we celebrate the incredible ways God has been at work in the lives of our children throughout the year! On this special Sunday, kids will take an active role in worship by serving as greeters, ushers, readers, singers, and more, using their gifts to lead our church family in worship. If your child would like to help, we'd love to have them join us! Click HERE to sign up and be part of Kids Sunday!

Dunwoody Kids Sunday School
Sunday School is available for children ages PreK (4-year-olds) through 5th grade every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Families should use the NEW Upstairs Kids Check-In before class. All children, regardless of grade, will be dropped off and picked up in the NEW Kids Hallway. Children attending Modern Kids Worship will be escorted by a staff member to the NEW Kids Hallway following the service.

DYM Worship Kick-Off
DYM Worship kicks off on Sunday, September 13 from 6-8pm! We're excited for an AWESOME Sunday Night filled with GAMES, PRIZES, MOE’S, WORSHIP & SMALL GROUPS! Your student & all their friends will not want to miss this Sunday! Make sure to click HERE to fill out the DYM Student Info Form for your student to participate in all on campus events this school year!
Confirmation
For students entering 8th grade this school year, Confirmation at Dunwoody United Methodist Church is a process involving youth, parents, coaches, and clergy from September-March. It's a special time when Confirmands learn about and experience the Christian faith. They learn about the Holy Trinity, the Bible, United Methodism, and how to continue growing as a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. Registration for Confirmation is now open and will close Sunday, September 13. Click HERE to register. For more information about Confirmation reach out to Jonathan Sanders.
Color War
On Sunday, September 27 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., join us for - over 500 pounds of color powder, 4 giant slip’n slides, baby pools filled with colored slime, 1000 water balloons, and the best leaders we know! This is a night you do not want to miss! Click HERE to fill out your NEW DYM Student Info form for the year to participate.
Morning Blend
Morning Blend is our version of Sunday School. We have a light breakfast and a lesson. Each week is a little bit different - from local missions projects, to worship experiences, to games days. It’s an awesome time to be with your friends while learning more about Jesus. Sunday Morning (Year-Round) 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. | Youth Lounge | 6th-12th Grade

New Friends
New Friends is a group of widows and widowers who enjoy lunch out together once a month. Please join New Friends (Widowed) as they dine out at Hudson Grille, 6317 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs on Monday, September 14 at 11:30 a.m. for fun and fellowship. Please RSVP by Saturday, September 12 to Betty Moreland 770-641-8519. 

Join Our Mailing List!
Creating the environment to Listen and Hear the voice of God through active and enjoyable experiences in nature. Please join us as we get outside to hike, kayak, fly fish, bird watch (and more) as we explore God’s creation together. Each activity in which we participate brings new people. You are welcome regardless of outdoor experience or where you are on your faith journey. To get on the mailing list, please contact Jim Labus.
Fall Soccer League
For boys and girls ages 3–12. Join us for a fun season of skill development, teamwork, and Saturday games! 
Fall Basketball Clinic
For ages 5 and up. Players will build confidence through skill development, drills, games, and fundamental basketball instruction. Click HERE to learn more.
Art Enrichment (After School)
For ages 5–12, held Thursdays. Kids will explore their creativity through exciting hands-on art projects in a fun and encouraging environment. Click HERE to learn more.
Fall Break Camp
For ages 3–5, happening October 5–8. A week filled with games, crafts, activities, and plenty of fun while school is out! Click HERE to learn more. 
Thursday Afternoon Bridge Group
The second and fourth Thursdays, 12:30 p.m., Young Adult Area. Adults of all ages are invited to play. Contact Fred Bounds 404-428-6630 for details.

Interested in Communicating Your Event or small group?

Start by submitting a communications request form. This will give us a written record and start the conversation. Need something else? Not sure what you need? We’ll talk through it with you and do our best to help. Reach out to Communications with additional questions.

Communications Request Form