APRIL 2018
CONNECTIONS
HE IS RISEN Join us for our next sermon series
WHERE YOU WILL FIND HIM... THE RESURRECTION APPEARANCES OF JESUS
SUNDAYS, APRIL 8-29
WHEN THE WORLD COMES ALIVE of grace and good news was just beginning. Following up on this, we will be starting a series of sermons the week after Easter on the resurrection appearances of Jesus entitled, “Where You Will Find Him”.
Each year when the month of April rolls around, I feel a surge of energy. There are reasons for this. For one thing, while I love every season of the year, by the time we get to April I’m ready for winter to end, and we’ve usually seen the last of the cold weather. Flowers begin to bloom, the sun seems to shine more brightly, and the world seems to once again come alive. For another thing, the Masters Golf Tournament is always held the first full week in April. Having had the wonderful privilege of playing Augusta National on four different occasions, that tournament has a very special place in my heart. I used to take a week of vacation each year during that week in part to watch the Masters. Now, I just sacrifice some sleep at night and stay up to watch the re-runs. Over the last couple of weeks, some of the older guys on the tour are making come backs, which I think will make this year’s Masters even more thrilling. Usually, Easter falls during the month of April. This year, it falls on April 1st… April Fool’s Day. How appropriate! April Fool’s Day is the day when people think one thing is happening and they discover the truth is something else. On Good Friday, the world thought they had put an end to Jesus. On Easter Day they discovered the truth: Not only was Jesus alive, but His message 2 |APRIL 2018
This year, our Confirmation Sunday falls during April (April 15). On this day, dozens of young people who have spent the last year learning about the Christian faith and the Church will stand at the altar, make a commitment of their lives to Jesus Christ, and take the vows of the Church. As a Congregation, we will have the opportunity to celebrate with them and welcome them as full members of the Church. During April, we will build a Habitat for Humanity house. Last November, our Holiday Festival raised the funds, and during April, we will put in the labor to erect a house in just seven days. It is nothing short of miraculous to see it all unfold. To be a part of a Habitat Build is one of the most joyous experiences I know. I hope each of you who can will make the effort to be a part of the build. Quite simply, there is nothing quite like it. My prayer for you, is that like me, you will feel this surge of energy as we enter the month of April. May the power of Christ’s resurrection break in upon you in fresh and new ways, and may you allow Christ to use you to make a difference in the lives of others. Blessings,
Dan
DISCOVER DUMC April 15, 22, 29, Discover DUMC gatherings are an introduction to our church and the United Methodist denomination. Your clergy staff answers questions about what we do, why we do it, what we believe, and how to get involved. During the three week class sessions, you will learn more about the church and its programs and United Methodist beliefs. Rev. David Melton and other church clergy and staff teach the series of classes. There will also be a tour of the church on May 6 for anyone interested. To sign up contact Valerie Pitrof at valerie.pitrof@ dunwoodyumc.org or 770-3940675 ext. 136.
REFORMATION TOUR
Join Rev. Dan and Carol Brown, and Rev’s. David and Joy Melton fo r a Refo r m at i o n to u r o f Germany, Switzerland and Austria, September 10-19, 2018. The trip itinerary will include religious and historical sites. Reformation sites significant to Martin Luther, Phillip Melanchthon, William Tyndale, John Calvin, Martin Bucer, John Hus and Huldrych Zwingli will highlight the trip. Limited space is available. For a brochure or more information contact Rev. David Melton or Mary Celeste Llaurador at 770-394-0675 ext. 114.
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
HOSPITALITY AT DUMC What companies come to mind when you think of excellent customer service? Many of us think of Nordstrom, Chick-fil-a, Walt Disney Corporation, Trader Joe’s and Ritz Carlton. But, what makes their customer service so special? Is it because they go “above and beyond” what the customers, expect?
• Anticipate and fulfill each guest’s need.
We envision Dunwoody United Methodist Church as the church with exceptional hospitality in the Dunwoody area. In early January, three staff members from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Debi Nixon, Dan Entwistle and Yvonne Gentile, spoke to 180 DUMC members about their version of welcoming guests - Radical Hospitality.
• Offer a warm and sincere goodbye.
Visitors tell us that our church already does a good job of greeting and welcoming, but we would like for the whole congregation to move to the next level of hospitality. Here is what was learned from our friends at Church of the Resurrection and what we encourage all members to employ to firmly establish DUMC as a church renowned for its hospitality:
• Facilitate introductions with members you know. 3. Excellent Follow-Through • If you become aware of a problem, own the process of finding a solution.
A couple more tips discussed during the Radical Hospitality meeting are the… • 10-Foot Rule Take responsibility welcoming those within 10 feet of you, especially those who may be alone. • Three-Minute Rule Spend at least three minutes before and after worship talking to someone that you might not know very well. Following the meeting and this initial introduction to a new kind of hospitality, our members have shared some of their own radical hospitality goals and moments that include:
Radical Hospitality – Beyond friendly: strives to consistently exceed guests’ expectations of welcome and inclusion. Three Principles of Radical Hospitality 1. Notice • Offer a warm greeting to each guest, starting with the person in front of you. • Be on the look-out for issues in environment or facilities. 2. Personal Attention • Introduce yourself and learn guests’ names.
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
• Becoming more aware and helpful to new members – stopping in the hallways to help visitors find Sunday School classes or services. • Communicating hospitality principles back to Sunday School classes and small groups, acknowledging how easy it is to become a closed group, without even realizing it. • Providing company to those sitting alone at Wednesday Night Supper.
• Po i n t i n g o u t g u e s t s t o clergy staff and facilitating introductions. • Establishing the “Parking Lot Usher” ministry, by Jim Anchors. As he put it, “I can’t do it all by myself, but I can get others to help, and we can make a whole ministry of this.” Undoubtedly, a fresh spirit of hospitality is breaking out in the congregation and we hope you will be a part of it. Remember, at one time you were new to our church and chances are that part of the reason you are still here is because someone went out of the way to welcome you! Learn More: Attend a hospitality workshop to help continue the education of our members and the growth of this movement at DUMC. • Sunday, April 15, 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m., Wesley Room; • Monday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m., Room 254; • Tuesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m., Wesley Room. If you are called to learn more about hospitality at DUMC, please contact Rev. David Melton at 770394-0675, ext. 114.
APRIL 2018 | 3
EMMET CAHILL BENEFIT CONCERT FOR SUMMIT COUNSELING
PERFORMING ARTS OF DUNWOODY UMC PRESENTS
Emmet Cahill is an award-winning Irish tenor and a principal vocalist with the renowned Irish music show Celtic Thunder. Dunwoody United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that he is performing a concert here on Sunday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. Our Chancel Choir will join him. You will not want to miss this! Proceeds go to The Summit Counseling Center at Dunwoody UMC to provide services to youth in our community. Emmet’s concert in the Sanctuary is part of his 2018 solo tour across the United States to promote his debut orchestral album, “Emmet Cahill’s Ireland,” which went to number one of the Amazon, iTunes and Billboard World Music charts. Backed by the Orchestra of Ireland, Emmet offers his interpretation of the best of the traditional Irish repertoire, including “Danny Boy”, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, “An Irish Lullaby”, “My Cavan Girl” and “The Parting Glass.”
Come hear Eliza Doolittle (Emily Decker), Henry Higgins (Robert Edwards) and an excellent ensemble in this staged concert version of one of the greatest shows in musical theater. Directed by George Fox. Performances are May 3, 4 and 5, at 7:00 p.m., and May 6, at 3:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $15 online, www.dunwoodyumc.org/parts, and at the door.
4 |APRIL 2018
General admission tickets are $30 and may be purchased in the church office, online at www.emmetcahill.com/tour-dates or at the door. A limited number of Meet & Greet tickets, which include a pre-concert meeting with Emmet plus the concert, are available for $45. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
MISSIONS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BLITZ BUILD This month Dunwoody UMC builds our 28th house with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. It is inspiring that our congregation and community has supported 28 builds in the last 23 years. Our first build was in 1995. During DUMC’s Great Day of Service in 2016, we returned to that first house to make updates for the original owners through Habitat’s Brush with Kindness program. It was wonderful to see the warm reception DUMC members Bette and Jack Whitley received from Ms. Mary Ann Melvin. The relationships that are built along with the house are part of what makes Habitat so special. The Habitat for Humanity program is incredible to behold and particularly a Blitz Build, which speeds up the build process to a two-week timeframe. Under the guidance of Habitat’s plans, Habitat’s leaders, and community members with varying skill levels, a concrete slab transforms into a home in a matter of just a few days. It’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. Best of all, are the impactful bonds formed when you build with those you worship with at DUMC, your friends, Sunday School classmates or a co-worker you invited to help – all alongside the future homeowners. Being a part of this combined sweat equity motivates you to want to do even more. If you haven’t been part of a build yet, make this your year to join. DUMC’s 28th Habitat house build takes place April 19-21 and April 25-28. Registration is open now at www. dunwoodyumc.atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com. Contact Jack and Bette Whitley (jwhitley47@aol.com) or Samantha Faklaris (samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org) with questions.
PACKAGE OF HOPE Join us the last Saturday of each month to make families feel welcome as they work through tough financial times to get back on their feet by distributing non-perishable food that will feed a family of four for several days. Join us to volunteer or for assistance, April 28 and May 19 in the Youth Area from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Please contact Cindy Hatcher at cindywhatcher@ gmail.com with questions.
ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK Join us as we help serve the hungry by packaging food at the Atlanta Community Food Bank! Meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. on April 12 and May 9 to carpool down to the ACFB. We will return around 12:30 p.m. Contact Alan Shinn at awshinn49@gmail.com for more information.
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
APRIL 2018 | 5
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VBS/GOD SQUAD ROLLING RIVER RAMPAGE JUNE 11-14 Vacation Bible School is four days of fun, fellowship and missions for Ages 4-Rising 3rd Grade! We meet in small groups each day and rotate through activities on the church campus including music, storytelling, arts/crafts, science, snack and recreation! God Squad is also four days of fun, fellowship and missions for rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders! We meet in small groups each day, where there will be time for devotion, relationship building, outdoor activities/games and missions. Most of our activities will be off site with a missions related focus, capping off the week with a fun outing for the whole group (volunteers with access to higher occupancy vehicles are ideal, but not required). Registration is OPEN! Please visit the DUMC website; click the VBS/God Squad link on the calendar page to register. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES! If you register your child and would like to volunteer, information can be found within your child’s registration form. Willing to VOLUNTEER but don’t have a child participating? Are you a youth willing to help? We have a spot for you! Please visit the VOLUNTEER sign up link on the children’s ministry home page! Questions about registration/available scholarships, please contact megan.batcheller@dunwoodyumc.org.
PLUGGED IN - K-5TH GRADE, 9:55 A.M., SUNDAYS God is patient. Why? Well, because God is in control and He knows how the story ends. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we know how the story ends, too. Because of Jesus, WE CAN WAIT. We can trust that God is in control. We can have hope that things will work out in the end. And we can be patient because we know all that God has done. Patience is a reflection of the character of God. Contact megan.batcheller@dunwoodyumc.org. WEEK 1 - EASTER SUNDAY, NO PLUGGED IN Key Question: How do you celebrate Easter? Bottom Line: Jesus is alive! WEEK 2: 4/8 Key Question: When is it hard to have patience? Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, talk to God about it. WEEK 3: 4/15 Key Question: What do you do when it’s hard to wait? Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, keep your cool.
WEEK 4: 4/22 Key Question: What can you think about when it’s hard to wait? Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, think about what’s true. WEEK 5: 4/29 Key Question: What could you miss out on by not waiting? Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, think twice.
SPARK!: PRESCHOOL AGES 3-5, 9:55 A.M., SUNDAYS We have some BIG NEWS for you! Are you ready for it? JESUS. IS. ALIVE! Okay, okay. You already know that, but for many of the preschoolers who will be celebrating Easter with us, this will not only be BIG NEWS, it will be NEW news as well! We have the awesome privilege of telling preschoolers that Jesus is God’s Son, He is alive, and He wants to be their friend forever. It truly is BIG NEWS! Contact katie.mccann@dunwoodyumc.org. 6 |APRIL 2018
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
YOUTH MINISTRY GRADUATION SUNDAY Sunday, May 6 is an important day at DUMC. We will honor our high school seniors for past achievements and celebrate their upcoming college and career endeavors. We have seniors from 11 different high schools that will be attending nine different colleges, with four different areas of study and two are committed to play sports. An impressive bunch! Peter Johnson, a senior at The Galloway School, recalls some of his favorite DUMC youth group memories. He remembers his favorite mission trip in 2017 where he went to work with the Bahamas Methodist Habitat organization.
Peter Johnson
Cammy Fancher
Brady Westmoreland, a senior at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, says his favorite memory is being able to volunteer with Restoration Atlanta and working with the kids on RATL Retreats. Looking forward, Turner Bynum, senior at The Cottage School, and Daniel Bynum, senior at Dunwoody High School, hope to become active in their colleges’ Methodist Student Centers or a local Turner Bynum Methodist church. Cammy Fancher, senior at North Springs Charter School, is looking forward to finding likeminded people to worship with in college. We’re happy to know that our students will take with them what they’ve learned and experienced here at DUMC. We wish them all the best. Congratulations seniors!
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD DAY Join us for Dunwoody UMC’s 2018 Blitz Build!! The Young Adults will be participating on Saturday, April 21. Please arrive by 7:00 a.m. and plan to work until 3:00 p.m. This will be Day 3 of the overall build, which includes the below activities: deck and felt roof, install interior framing, install sub-fascia and drip edge, continue siding. Don’t worry - there is a job for every one, no matter your skill level! Register today at www.dunwoodyumc. atlantahabitat.volunteerhub.com.
FIFTY FIVE PLUS GEORGIA STATE BOTANICAL GARDENS TOUR Wednesday, April 18, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost, including a chartered bus fare and a walking tour (no stairs), is $25. Lunch will be in the Botanical Gardens café as an individual expense. Register and pay at www. dunwoodyumc.org/55+ or call Mary Ruffin at 770-542-1275. Last day for payment is Monday, April 16. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
APRIL 2018 | 7
DUNWOODY Dunwoody United Methodist Church 1548 Mt. Vernon Road GA UDunwoody, NITED M E T30338 HODIST CHURCH
Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAI D Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3607
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
MEMORIALS FOR FEBRUARY IN MEMORY OF: Anne Criscillis (mother of Chuck Criscillis) – Rev. and Mrs. Scott Dunbar Glenda Chrisman – Dr. and Mrs. Charles Mathis Rosalie Fitzpatrick – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry, Ms. Ellen Runge, Mr. Bob McCormick, Ms. Ginny Johansmeier, Ms. Laurel Odom Priscilla Holman – Mr. and Mrs. James Snoddy, Ms. Terrie Slaton, Rev. and Mrs. Marvin Brown, Rivermont Women’s Association, Coworkers of Charles Holman III at Washington Navy Yard, Ms. Sharon Gray Betty Marshall – Mr. and Mrs. David Schwenk Betty and Garwood Marshall – Mr. and Mrs. Edward Trundle William M. Wedding, Sr. – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding William M. Wedding, Jr. – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding
IN HONOR OF: Linda Miller – Ms. Britton Adams, Mr. Chip Busbey, Ms. Elie Engler, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ghioto, Mr. Jason Huggins, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Inglesby Jr., Mr. William Inman Jr., Mr. Charles Jordan III, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Ketchie, Mr. Matthew Lipscomb, Chris Means, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Travis Moore, Mr. William Mumpower, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Plotkin, Mr. and Mrs. Ned Richards, Reagan Wolfe, Ms. Lisa Arnold
Clergy and Office Numbers Rev. Dan Brown Senior Pastor Rev. Josh Amerson Associate Pastor Rev. Kathy Brockman Associate Pastor Rev. Jenna Kennedy Associate Pastor Rev. David Melton Minister to the Congregation Rev. Sonny Walden Minister of Music Church Office: 770-394-0675 E-mail: mail@dunwoodyumc.org Website: www.dunwoodyumc.org Prayer Line: 770-671-8239 Email: prayer@dunwoodyumc.org
Minister After Hours 770-542-1667
In case of an emergency such as a death or critical illness.