Friday Focus

News you need for the week of
January 17, 2025

Save the Date: Great Day of Service 2025!

Great Day of Service is right around the corner! Save the date for Saturday, March 22, where you can take part in all of your favorite service opportunities to impact our community and the world! More information and signups are coming soon! Visit dunwoodyumc.org/gdos to stay connected!

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.
Worship Location Update
On Sunday, January 26, worship will be held in the Sanctuary for both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. Both services will be modern in style and 11:15 a.m. will feature student speakers. We look forward to worshiping with you! 
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 WNS, please fill out the form below. You also have the option of emailing Debbie Collins or calling at 770-394-0675, ext 111. Reservations are due by the end of day on Monday. Please do your best to adhere to this reservation deadline so there will be a meal prepared for you. The cost for Wednesday Night Supper is $10 for an adult meal, $5 for a child meal (3-11 years). Children under 3 years eat for free. Register HERE!  

New Member Dinner
DUMC's Hospitality Ministry invites all new members who joined in 2024 to attend a New Member Dinner and conversation with the pastors on Wednesday, January 22, 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.

Get Involved
This 1-hour session allows participants to learn about different ways to get involved within the life of Dunwoody United Methodist Church, as well as meet others who are new to the church. Sessions are guided by participants' interests, and therefore each session is different. We will meet in Room 245 at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 26. Come learn of the many ways you can get involved at Dunwoody UMC! Email Hospitality to let us know you're coming!

Important Tax Reminder for Donors
As you prepare for the 2024 tax season, please remember to wait until you receive your 2024 contribution statement before filing your taxes. These statements will be mailed to you before the end of January or you may obtain it at any time by logging into your DCB profile. Your contribution statement is part of the necessary documentation for your records and tax filings. Thank you for your generous support!

Lent Devotions Needed
For over 2 decades, DUMC has produced an annual Lent Devotional Guide, compiled by member Anne West. As we thank Anne for her years of hard work, we are also looking forward to this year’s edition, which needs YOUR submissions! Written by members and clergy, these short Lent devotions are shared with our congregation and friends through daily emails and a limited quantity of printed books. Your devotion should be short (150-200 words is fine) and include scripture, a prayer and a thought for the day. Your devotion can be tied to the Lent themes of reflection and transformation or it can be about anything that helps you prepare for Lent and Easter. Devotions are due by Friday, January 31. Email yours to Virginia McGuffey.

VEiL Exhibit and Meet & Greet
New Year, new VEiL! You are invited to enjoy the creations of Elizabeth Schroeder, on view in the church library through the end of February. We also hope you will join her in the Library on Sunday, February 2 for an informal meet & greet following each of the worship services.

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 242 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 Ted Bowden. You can view the tips for February 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 Rev. Garrett Wallace for more information.
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House
Collecting pop tabs is a fun and easy way to support Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. Across the Metro-Atlanta area, hundreds of individuals, schools and companies are working together to collect Pop Tabs to benefit our mission. Those Pop Tabs are recycled and we receive the market value of the recycled metal. We are collecting pop tabs at the reception desk, bring yours today! Please call Cathy Wright, 404-509-6656, with questions.
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. View our previous month's joys and concerns by clicking HERE.

Great Day of Service 2025
Save the date for the Dunwoody UMC 2025 Great Day of Service! This event will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Thank you to all who have volunteered in the past. We look forward to having everyone join us for another successful event! Stay tuned for registration coming soon!  

Night to Shine
Night to Shine 2025, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, celebrating people with special needs. This event will be held in-person by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, February 7, 2025. Dunwoody United Methodist Church is excited to be a part of this worldwide movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved. We are still in need of items from our Amazon Wishlist. Please visit dunwoodyumc.org/night-to-shine to sign up and learn more!

Community Assistance Center (CAC) - Fourth 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 in Sandy Springs on 4th Saturdays. Upcoming dates include Saturday, January 25. Some positions require prior training, while others do not. Interested individuals can fill out this brief form to join the list of participants and receive notifications. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Hicks for more information.
Backpack 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. Check DCB for more information or 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 visit Corners Outreach for more information or to start the process for volunteering.
Helping Hands Volunteers
Do you have occasional availability and a heart to serve Dunwoody UMC? We often have behind-the-scenes, but very necessary tasks that require light-duty volunteer assistance! Join DUMC's Helping Hands Volunteers group! You will be invited to assist with various projects such as assembling Christmas candles, preparing items for Vacation Bible School, packaging star words for Epiphany, and/or segmenting Sunday giveaway items. Individuals who opt into this Helping Hands Volunteers group will be notified when a general need arises, and invited to serve. Click HERE to opt into the group.
Sundays with Connected
Our Special Needs Ministry, Connected, is growing! 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! For more information contact Nicholle Hansen or Jenny Rolfes.

Wednesday Night Connected
Connected is a small group of individuals ages 14 & up with disabilities that meets at the church. We share a meal, complete activities, and engage in fellowship. We’d love to see you! Winter Connected meetings will occur on Wednesday, January 22 and Wednesday, February 12. Click HERE to register. To learn more contact Jenny Rolfes or Amy Penn.

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.

Grief Support Group
If you are grieving the death of a loved one - no matter when that death might have occurred - there is a support group just for you. This group meets virtually via Zoom every week, Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. For further information call Stan Hibbs at 404-625-8451 or JoAnn Akers at 404-434-9467.

Stephen Ministry
When do I need a Stephen Minister? Are you going through a difficult time—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally? A Stephen Minister is someone to listen when we don’t want to burden our friends and family. Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide confidential one-on-one Christian care to help you through whatever it is that you are facing. To find out more, talk with Pat DeBolt 404-931-5443.

Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group for Caregivers
Caregiving for a loved one with a form of dementia can be a challenging and draining experience. If you are that caregiver, even if it is long distance, there is a confidential support group just for you where you can feel support from others who are on that same journey of love. Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, this group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Wesley Room. For further information contact JoAnn Akers at 404-434-9467.
Neighborhood Gatherings
We want to begin the new year bringing people together, to help you get to know other DUMCer’s who live in your neighborhood and even on your street. To do this, we’re hosting over 40 neighborhood gatherings in the first 3 months of the year. These are one-time parties, to build community and help remind us of the support we have here in our church family. Look for an invitation via Paperless Post for your neighborhood gathering and RSVP to let us know if you’re able to attend. We hope over 400 people will take part. If you’d like more information or didn’t receive an invitation and would like to, visit dunwoodyumc.org/neighborhoods.
1 Corinthians: Searching the Depths of God 
In this 4-week discussion, we'll explore Paul's letters to the Corinthians, and address church history, the logic of the cross, spiritual gifts, death, afterlife and the resurrection, human sexuality, and the joys and challenges of living in community. Participants will learn to look at 1 Corinthians from a variety of viewpoints and apply its lessons to their own faith. Wednesdays, 1/8 - 1/29, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Asbury Room. Register HERE.
Financial Peace University
Tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went! Financial Peace University is a nine-lesson class, created by Dave Ramsey Solutions, designed to help you build a budget, dump debt, grow your wealth, and leave money stress behind. Each lesson is based on biblical wisdom and common sense. Wednesdays, 1/22 - 3/19, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Conference Room A. Register HERE.
The Whats and Whys of Christian Worship
We worship every week, but how did our worship come to look the way it does, and what do our words and actions tell us about who we are? Join Rev. Calissa Dauterman for a four-week class exploring the history and theology of worship - what we do, and why we do it. Wednesdays, 2/5 - 2/26, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Asbury Room. Register HERE.
The Road Back to You | An Enneagram Journey 
The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system that helps describe how human beings are wired. In this 5-week study through the renowned book, The Road Back to You, Kathy and Calissa will guide you through a practical, comprehensive way of accessing Enneagram wisdom and exploring its connections with Christian spirituality for a deeper knowledge of ourselves, compassion for others, and love for God. 

Sundays, 3/9 - 4/6, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (during the Sunday school hour), Chapel. Register HERE. 

Wednesdays, 3/12 - 4/9, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Asbury Room. Register HERE.
Wednesday Night Connected
Connected is a small group of individuals ages 14 & up with disabilities that meets at the church. We share a meal, complete activities, and engage in fellowship. We’d love to see you! Fall Connected meetings will occur on Wednesday, January 22. Click HERE to register. To learn more contact Jenny Rolfes or Amy Penn.
Spring Musikgarten Classes
Dunwoody UMC Music Department is excited to offer baby and toddler music classes for toddlers, babies, and caregivers. This ministry is designed to provide dedicated time each week to have fun making music while bonding with your child. We will be using the well-known Musikgarten curriculum. Classes are offered at the church. Music for Babies, newborn to 18 months (and caregivers), are Tuesdays, 9:15 am to 9:45 am, January 14 - April 22. Music for Toddlers, aged 15 months to 3 years old (and caregivers), are Thursdays, 9:15 am to 9:45 am, January 16 - April 24. Cost is $155 first child, (cost includes family materials) and $100 for an additional child. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Norgaard. 
Click HERE to register.

Tapestry UWF 2025 Meeting
Please join Tapestry UWF on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Young Adult Suite. We will be hosting our planning session for 2025 and would love to have you join us. Please contact Amanda Latham or Kristin Eaton for additional information. Click HERE to RSVP. 

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 the Kids Activity Room at 5:00 p.m. (look for the signs) for a casual, drop-in session of sharing and study. Contact Rev. Calissa Dauterman to learn more.

UWF Book Club
All women are invited to join the United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) Book Club on Monday, January 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor to discuss "A Right Worthy Woman" by Ruth P. Watson. There are a couple of copies of the book in the church library (if they aren't already checked out) or you may find them in your local county library. You don't have to be a UWF member to participate. Please join us! Questions? Contact Angela Arnold Go at 404-783-0994.

Women's Ministry Retreat
Mark your calendars for time away with our Women’s Ministries. DUMC’s Women’s Ministry will offer a retreat from February 28 - March 2, led by Kristen Vincent. Kristen Vincent, a spiritual director and Christian retreat leader, will lead our first women’s retreat, "Be Still and Know." Participants can come on Friday night or Saturday morning. The retreat will run through Sunday morning with a closing worship service. Please indicate your interest in this retreat by completing the interest form HERE. Price and location still to be determined. Visit dunwoodyumc.org/women to learn more.

UWF Circle Meetings
United Women in Faith will begin their new year of circle meetings in September. 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. 

Radical Mentoring 
Do you want to go ALL IN for Jesus Christ, "do life together" with a small group of like-minded men, and become a better husband, father, and disciple of Jesus Christ? Join us to learn more or contact Mallard Holliday at 470-544-3591. We have a group starting Sunday, January 26 – you could be part of it!

18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness Breakfast
The 18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness group will meet Friday, February 7 at 7:00 a.m. for a full breakfast and study in the Epworth Room. RSVP by noon the preceding Thursday, and make sure you RSVP for invited friends, too. Please bring your loose change to donate to CAC through the Mission Ministries of the Church. Click HERE to register.
Hall of Famers
The Hall of Famers are a group of senior men that gather on the second Friday of each month at DUMC for a full breakfast, fellowship, conversation and the occasional speaker. Join them at La Madelines at 1165 Perimeter Center W Ste 330, Atlanta on Friday, February 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. They would love to have some new faces, invite a friend! You may order your favorite breakfast from their menu. Contact Johnny Stone at 404-401-0550 for more information.
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!
Playtime
The Nursery's Playtime program offers care for children aged six months through five years. If you are interested in using Playtime to help with your weekday childcare needs, please contact Meredith Dunn, or click HERE to register now.
Club 45 Evenings
Club 45 Evenings offers 4th and 5th graders a monthly meeting aimed solely at their age group. We’ll use the monthly Kid’s theme used in all other programming for the month, but delivered in a single worship service. In addition, the kids will fellowship across a meal and participate in interactive activities aimed at digging deeper into the lesson and building community. Club 45 meetings are 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 2 at the Kids Suite downstairs near the gym. Please walk your child in to drop them off, and walk in for pickup at 6:30 p.m. Register HERE to help with food orders.
DYM Worship
DUMC is the place to be on Sunday Nights! Our Worship night is filled with engaging games, dynamic speakers, a live worship band, and some of your favorite small group leaders. Plus, there is FOOD! Sunday Nights, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge, Gym & Fellowship Hall.

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
Young Adult Retreat in Blairsville, GA
DUMC Young Adults are hosting a retreat in Blairsville, GA, on Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16, 2025. We will explore what it means to love God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves. Spiritual Director Kristen Vincent will use the Enneagram to help us explore these topics as we seek to deepen our faith, as well as enjoy fellowship with each other in the mountains. The cost is $250 and all meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday will be provided. Please click HERE to register. If you have any questions, please call Rev. Garrett Wallace at ext. 124. 
New Friends
Please join New Friends (Widowed) as they dine out at The Hungry Peach at 5533 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, on Monday, February 10, at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP by Saturday, February 8 to Betty Moreland at 770-641-8519.
Pryme Tyme Valentine Lunch
Celebrate Valentine's Day with friends! On Thursday, February 13, after lunch in the Epworth Room, we will be entertained by Mark Lamback, with his accordion. Mark has prepared a program of love-themed songs and other songs, including some sing-along selections. We will gather between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. for visiting, and plan to eat at 12:00 p.m. Lunch will be prepared by our church kitchen, and will offer a variety of sandwiches and soup, as well as salad and dessert. Lunch and entertainment will cost $12 per person, and you must register and pay by February 6. You can pay HERE or you can bring payment your payment to the church office to Becky Springer. For more information call Ann Stone 770-399-1887.
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.
DUMC Sports and Leisure Summer Camps
Join us for summer fun! Camps run Monday through Thursday and are open to the community. Online registration begins Saturday, February 1, 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.
DUMCP Preschool Tours
Get to know Dunwoody UMC Preschool! Admissions tours for the 2025-2026 school year begin in November. RSVP HERE for a tour. The initial registration deadline for new families is January 17, 2025.

Interested in Communicating Your Event?

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