Friday Focus

News you need for the week of
December 12, 2025

Christmas Eve Offering 2025

Each year, DUMC dedicates our Christmas Eve offering to missions outside the walls of our church. This year that offering will support two worthy causes - our annual Habitat for Humanity build and disaster response. By giving on Christmas Eve you help DUMC provide stable, affordable housing for a family in our community. You will also make a difference for communities in Eastern Georgia and Western North Carolina who are still living in substandard conditions due to the destruction of Hurricane Helene. DUMC is grateful for the generosity of our congregation and the difference your giving has already made in the world. This Christmas season, we pray that you’ll join us as we continue to make God’s love known in the world through our giving. 

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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.

Christmas Eve Offering 
Each year, DUMC dedicates our Christmas Eve offering to missions outside the walls of our church. This year that offering will support two worthy causes - our annual Habitat for Humanity build and disaster response. By giving on Christmas Eve you help DUMC provide stable, affordable housing for a family in our community. You will also make a difference for communities in Eastern Georgia and Western North Carolina who are still living in substandard conditions due to the destruction of Hurricane Helene. DUMC is grateful for the generosity of our congregation and the difference your giving has already made in the world. This Christmas season, we pray that you’ll join us as we continue to make God’s love known in the world through our giving.  

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. 

Christmas Poinsettias
The Christmas season is the time for poinsettias, and we have them for you to purchase. You can purchase them in memory or honor of someone special, and they will be used to add color in our three worship spaces. You are welcome to take the plant you ordered after the last service on Christmas Eve. The cost of each plant is $12 and the deadline to place your order is Friday, December 12. Click HERE to order. Volunteers are also needed to deliver poinsettias to our homebound members on Tuesday, December 16. This is a great family service opportunity! If you have any questions, please call La'Saundra Anderson at 770-394-0675.

VEiL Exhibit and Meet & Greet
VEiL invites you to the library to view the work of their November/December featured artist, Mary Phillips. 

Lay Members At-Large to the North Georgia Conference
The 2026 North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church will be held June 18–20, 2026, at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. Each district will send Youth, Young Adult, and Adult Lay Members at Large to serve and vote alongside clergy and local church representatives, maintaining equal lay and clergy representation. Adult and Young Adult Lay Members at Large may request a $300 expense stipend at on-site check-in. Youth delegates will receive hotel accommodations and meals, and will attend a Youth Delegation Summit in April for preparation. Applicants should be informed and engaged, as Lay Members play an important role in conference decision-making. Districts strive to form a diverse delegation based on age, gender, ethnicity, experience level, and church size. Applications must be submitted online by January 31, 2026: Adult Application and Youth Application (under 19 at time of conference).

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 Ellen Sparks. You can view the tips for December 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.
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 2026, 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 13, 2026. 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. Visit dunwoodyumc.org/night-to-shine to learn more!
2026 Habitat Build Dates Now Open
Save the Date! Dunwoody UMC will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity for our annual home build, taking place February–March 2026. After celebrating the completion of our 34th Habitat house in 2025, we are excited to begin another meaningful project this coming winter. Build days will begin on Saturday, February 7, and are expected to conclude on Saturday, March 28. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate. If you’re interested in joining the team, please click HERE to sign up. For more information, contact Kevin Gracey or Nicholle Hansen.
Serve During the Holidays
The holidays are a time of giving, and there are countless ways you can help make our community brighter and more joyful. Whether you have time, skills, or resources to share, there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Learn more about how you can contribute by visiting dunwoodyumc.org/serve-during-the-holidays.
Christmas Eve Offering 
Each year, DUMC dedicates our Christmas Eve offering to missions outside the walls of our church. This year that offering will support two worthy causes - our annual Habitat for Humanity build and disaster response. By giving on Christmas Eve you help DUMC provide stable, affordable housing for a family in our community. You will also make a difference for communities in Eastern Georgia and Western North Carolina who are still living in substandard conditions due to the destruction of Hurricane Helene. DUMC is grateful for the generosity of our congregation and the difference your giving has already made in the world. This Christmas season, we pray that you’ll join us as we continue to make God’s love known in the world through our giving.  
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 and for the month of August the 5th Saturday too! Upcoming dates include Saturday, December 27. 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.
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. 

LTR (Long Term Recovery) – Augusta and Griffin (tentative) Area
· DARE / DART trips are scheduled for the 3rd week of every month (subject to change).
· Contact Ken Sexton at 678-523-3905 for details.
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 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. We have two opportunities for you to engage. One group meets virtually via Zoom each Wednesday 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.

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. For more information, contact Pat Debolt at 404.931.5443.

Alzheimer's/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.
Divorce Care
Healing from divorce is not easy. In our Divorce Care and Support group, people in a time of separation and/or divorce find tools, teaching and support to help them deal with their pain and give them hope for the future. Whether you are recently separated or divorced or it has been a while, you are welcome to take part in this group. Currently, this group meets year-round and currently on Sunday afternoons but for more information on exact meeting times and locations, contact Kathy Brockman. 
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.

The Angels of Christmas Online Advent Study 
In this three-week Advent study, we will take an hour from our busy days to dive into Susan Robb's book The Angels of Christmas, which explores the angelic visits to Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph surrounding the birth of Jesus. Through video, reading, and discussion we discover what these angelic appearances can teach us about God’s presence in history and our lives today. Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 17, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., Meets on Zoom. Led by Rev. Calissa Dauterman. Click HERE to register.

Reset: How to Change What's Not Working 
This New York Times Bestseller is a revolutionary guide to fixing what's not working—in systems and processes, organizations and companies, and even in our daily lives—by identifying leverage points and concentrating resources to achieve our goals. Changing how we work can feel overwhelming. Like trying to budge an enormous boulder. We're stifled by the gravity of the way we've always done things. And we spend so much time fighting fires—and fighting colleagues—that we lack the energy to shift direction. But with the right strategy, we can move the boulder. In Reset, Heath explores a framework for getting unstuck and making the changes that matter. The secret is to find "leverage points" or places where a little bit of effort can yield a disproportionate return. Then, we can thoughtfully rearrange our resources to push on those points. This class will be taught by four different "business leaders" within our DUMC Community. The book is optional and may be purchased through your preferred retailer. Wednesday evenings starting January 7 - 28, 2026, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Asbury Room. Click HERE to register.

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.

Sunday School Options
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! 

Connected Sunday School
Join us for a small group Sunday school class focusing on life lessons and spiritual growth. To learn more contact Connected.

DUMC Music Ministry presents, "The Many Moods of Christmas"
The Music Ministry of Dunwoody UMC invites you to experience the splendor of the Christmas season as we present "The Many Moods of Christmas", featuring the DUMC Chancel Choir, Musica Gloria Chamber Choir, and full 45-piece orchestra. This beloved collection of familiar carols and choral classics by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett showcases the full spectrum of holiday spirit and the vibrant tonal colors of the choir and orchestra. In addition, the concert will include cherished holiday classics by composers such as John Rutter, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Felix Mendelssohn and more! You do not want to miss this festive musical event, presented at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 14 in the Dunwoody UMC sanctuary. Admission is free and open to everyone. Nursery will be provided. Concert offering will benefit the Buford Highway Orchestra Project and the Music Ministry of Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

DUMC Choirs 
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 be connected with someone who can tell you more. Also be sure to check out dunwoodyumc.org/music for updated concert and performance information, as well as more information on how you can serve.

Not A Silent Night Women's Study
Experience the Christmas story through Mary’s eyes—proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, and guided by a deep, tender love. In Not A Silent Night, Adam Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and resurrection, then travels back through her journey as she witnesses Jesus’ life and ministry, and finally arrives at the beginning, with the Christ child born in a humble stable. This Advent, see the story of Jesus’ birth as Mary experienced it.
We will meet in Room 240/242 at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, November 19 through December 17. Please note: we will not meet on November 26 due to Thanksgiving week. Reserve your copy of the book by contacting Amanda Latham. RSVP HERE.
The Angels of Christmas Women’s Study
Women of all ages and stages are invited to join us for this three-week Advent study of Susan Robb's book, “The Angels of Christmas,” which explores the angelic visits to Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph surrounding the birth of Jesus. Through video, reading, and discussion we discover what these angelic appearances can teach us about God’s presence in history and our lives today. Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Room 255-257. Led by Rev. Calissa Dauterman. Click HERE to register.
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 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 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. 
18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness
The 18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness group will be meeting Friday, January 9 at 7:00 a.m. for a full breakfast and study in the Epworth Room. Scott Ackaway will be discussing Luke 2:41-52. 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.
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.
Men's Ministry Breakfast Speaker
Habitat for Humanity is special! In the last 30 years, DUMC built 34 Habitat houses and helped 34 families elevate themselves from substandard housing. We're building our 35th Habitat House this February - March, and YOU can help make the dream of home ownership come true for another family! Please join us on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall to hear Ryan Clark, Habitat for Humanity's Director of Partner Engagement, talk about how Habitat impacts lives and how you can be part of this ministry! This event is open to everyone. Plus, we'll have a full southern breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, OJ, grits, and all the fixins! Click HERE to RSVP.
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.
3rd Grade Bibles
One of our favorite Faith Milestones is gifting our Third Graders with Bibles and then teaching about their bibles through the Bible Club. Bibles are given at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday, January 11. Bible Club kicks off during Sunday School on Sunday, January 18 and will continue each week during the Sunday school hour for the rest of the semester. To honor the Third graders, we will host a reception Sunday, January 11 at the 10:00 a.m. hour. This is a great time for families to get to know each other before Bible Club kicks off. Click HERE to RSVP!
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
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 Night (August - April) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Youth Lounge, Gym & Fellowship Hall
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 J. Christopher's, 5482 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody on Monday, January 12 at 11:30 a.m. for fun and fellowship. Please RSVP by Saturday, January 10 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.

Preschool 2026-2027 Admissions Tours
Get to know Dunwoody UMC Preschool! Our accredited program is available for Toddlers (age 1 by 9/1/26) through Kindergarten (age 5 by 9/1/26).
Dunwoody United Methodist Church Preschool provides a developmentally appropriate education in a loving Christian environment where children are nurtured and encouraged to develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to their full potential. Join us for a tour December 4, December 11, January 8, January 13, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. RSVP HERE.

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