Friday Focus

News you need for the week of
October 30, 2026


Night to Shine 2027

Night to Shine 2027, 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 12, 2027. 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. Click the button below to learn more! All signups will open on Sunday, November 1!

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2027 Estimate of Giving

2027 Estimate of Giving

If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to take a moment to click the button below and submit your estimate of giving for 2027. Your estimate helps us greatly as we plan for the upcoming year of ministry together.

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Current Announcements

All Saints' Sunday
On Sunday, November 1, DUMC will celebrate All Saints' Day. This church holiday is an opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith. In each service, we will remember the members of our community who have passed this year, reading their names, and lighting candles for our loved ones. 

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 Exhibit
VEiL invites you to enjoy a selection of works by Pat Webster, on display through the end of October. 

Join Kind30 This November
Everyone is facing challenges, and kindness can make a real difference. That’s why Dunwoody UMC’s OneLamb Wellness Initiative is sponsoring Kind30, a movement encouraging one small act of kindness each day. Pick up your Kind30 calendar at the church or download it HERE for daily ideas. Together, let’s bring more joy, peace, and compassion to Dunwoody and beyond—one kind act at a time!

DUMC 101 & 102
If you’re curious about what it means to join Dunwoody UMC, we invite you to join us for our DUMC 101 and 102 classes. Each session has a different focus and offers a welcoming introduction to our church and the United Methodist faith. In DUMC 101, you’ll meet our pastors and staff while learning more about United Methodism, the sacraments, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, and the importance of grace. In DUMC 102, you’ll explore our discipleship process, membership vows and expectations, and opportunities to get involved and serve. Whether you’re new to the area, new to Dunwoody UMC, or simply exploring what a life of faith looks like, these classes are a great way to get started. No preparation is needed—just bring yourself! Join us for DUMC 101 on Sunday, November 8, and DUMC 102 on Sunday, November 15, at 10:05 a.m. in Conference Room A. Email Hospitality to let us know you’re coming!

Cutting Costs Through Home Electrification 
Please join the Environmental Stewardship Committee for a discussion on home energy rebates and home electrification on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Suite. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how they can lower energy costs through home and congregational electrification. Electrify Decatur and Larry Heiman of Clean Cities Georgia will share resources and information from their respective community-led electrification program and lived experience while also inviting participants to get involved.

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 November 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.

Night to Shine 
Night to Shine 2027, 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 12, 2027. 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. Click HERE to learn more! All signups will open on Sunday, November 1!
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, November 28. 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 Larry Steelman 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. To learn more about upcoming trips visit whofixedtheroof.com or contact Ken Sexton at 678-523-3905 for more 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. 

Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP) North Atlanta
ACAP North Atlanta offers free, in-person educational programs on the second Tuesday of each month. Join us for our next program on Tuesday, November 10, in the Asbury Room. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. This month's topic, Home for the Holidays: The (Yellow) & Red Flags that More Help is Needed & Creating a Plan. Attendees will leave this presentation with a more in depth understanding of these benefits as we age. Click HERE to learn more and RSVP. 
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 a licensed therapist. Our groups are ongoing and always welcome new participants. We meet each 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.
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.
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.

Fierce Conversations
Having the right kinds of conversations can change everything - both at work, and with our families and friends.This fall, join Rev. Calissa Dauterman and Rev. Eric Burton-Krieger for a discussion of Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott. Together, we’ll learn how thoughtful communication can help us overcome barriers, enrich relationships, increase clarity, and handle strong emotions. Books can be purchased online HERE. Wednesdays, October 14 - November 18, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Epworth. Register HERE. 

Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith
Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Is there a heaven? Does God hear my prayers? Join Rev. David Melton for a discussion of Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith by Adam Hamilton. Wrestle with your own doubt and find deeper faith - belief and trust, not certainty; mystery, rather than simple answers. Books can be purchased online HERE. Wednesdays, October 14 - November 18, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Library. 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! 

All Saints' Concert - Fauré Requiem
In observance of All Saints' Day, the DUMC Chancel Choir, featured soloists, and chamber orchestra present Gabriel Fauré's beloved Requiem. In this deeply moving work, we remember and honor the saints of our community who have gone before us, celebrating their lives and the enduring hope, peace, and light of God's eternal love. Please join us for this free concert on Sunday, November 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

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.

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.

UWF Green & White Banquet 
You are cordially invited to the DUMC United Women in Faith Green and White Celebration on Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. After selections by the DUMC Women's Choir, there will be a brunch followed by "Finding Our Ways to Santiago." Speakers Janna Benston, NP, & Karen Drexler, MD will share their experiences of walking the Camino de Santiago with us. Tickets will be $20 per person; register & pay electronically online or using cash/check with La'Saundra Anderson in the church office. Click HERE to register. We will also accept donations at the event to both Murphy Harpst and Wellroot Family Services. Cash or check is acceptable for both (checks should be payable to each specific agency). For Murphy Harpst: Amazon, Walmart, or VISA gift cards or gifts appropriate for preteens and teens are also options for donation. Please register by Wednesday, November 18. If you need further assistance, please email La'Saundra Anderson or call her at 770-394-0675.

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. 
Best Man Breakfast with Les Bethune
Join us for breakfast with Les Bethune on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 am. Les retired as Managing Partner from accounting firm EY and is the author of Clean Dirt: Practical Lessons in Real Leadership - From Farm to Boardroom (click HERE for a link to the book). Les believes that leadership is humble stewardship. You don't own the role - you borrow it. What matters most is what you pass on when your time is done. Les will share his lessons for leadership and how his faith helps him withstand the pressures to compromise his values in pursuit of business goals. Les introduces himself as "a proud farmer's son from North Carolina - from a little town called Lillington, almost smack in the middle between Raleigh and Fayetteville. A place where faith, character, family, community, hard work, and doing the right thing were taught and lived every day." Everything Les believes about leadership traces back to that. Your cost of $10 includes a full southern breakfast with all the fixin's prepared to perfection by our very own Chef Zacka. Click HERE to register. 
18 Steps Year-End Men's Dinner
Please join us on Friday, November 13 for dinner as we celebrate the end of another successful year. Our evening will begin with an optional happy hour at the Dunwoody Country Club (DCC), followed by dinner in the Magnolia Room. For those interested, we will also offer the option to play a round of golf at the DCC with tee times starting at noon that day. Please note that this is a limited opportunity available to the first 20 guests. Click HERE to learn more and register. 
Transcendence Men’s Retreat
Men, sign up HERE if you’re interested in attending the Transcendence Men’s Retreat over MLK weekend, Saturday, January 16, through Monday, January 18, 2027. No payment is required at this time. This intentional retreat is an opportunity to get to know other men, grow in faith, and explore our true purpose in life. The estimated cost is $350 for a shared room or $450 for a private room, which includes lodging, meals, activities, and the retreat program.
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 is Now Hiring
Our Parent's Morning Out program is hiring. We are looking for part-time staff on Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information, please reach out to Meredith Dunn or click HERE to fill out an application. 

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. Join us on Sunday, November 8, 5:00 p.m., click HERE to let us know you’re coming!

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.

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 Chick-Fil-A, 8475 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta on Monday, November 9 at 11:30 a.m. for fun and fellowship. Please RSVP by Saturday, November 7 with Betty Moreland at 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.
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.

Winter Basketball League
We have ONE WEEK LEFT of Early Bird pricing! A week from today, registration will return to our standard price. If you’re planning to join us this winter, now is a great time to get registered and save! Click HERE for more info and to sign-up.

Fall Break Art Camp
We still have a few spots available for our Fall Break Art Camp, but space is limited! Click HERE for more info and to sign-up.

Robot Dog Coding Class
Our new Monday after-school Robot Dog Coding Class also has limited space remaining. We’re excited to bring this new program to DUMC this fall! Click HERE for more info and to sign-up.

Adaptive Basketball
Our Adaptive Basketball program for athletes with special needs starts this Saturday! We still have spots available for families who would like to join us. Click HERE for more info and to sign-up.

Basketball Skills Clinic
Our fall Basketball Skills Clinic starts next week! This is a great opportunity for players to get some extra work in and continue developing their game before winter basketball season. Click HERE for more info and to sign-up.

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