DECEMBER 2017
CONNECTIONS Celebrate
Christmas withU s!
DUNWOODY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OBSERVING ADVENT Each year as the month of December rolls around, we in the Church find ourselves in the Season of Advent. Not Christmas, but Advent. Christmas comes at the end of December and the Season of Advent comes before Christmas. Christmas announces “To you a child has been born.” The Season of Advent says, “The days are surely coming when….” Christmas is about fulfillment. The Season of Advent is about preparation. As a culture, we tend to bypass Advent and go straight to Christmas. And, why not? After all, who wants to spend all that time waiting? Who wants to expend all that energy getting our lives ready for the coming of Christ? Why not just go straight to the manger? Of course, the answer is because bypassing Advent has a cost. For one thing, there is great value in waiting. Waiting is not easy. Personally, I have discovered waiting can be one of life’s single greatest challenges. But waiting also allows the opportunity to spend time with your soul. It invites you to face up to your fears, confront your sins, deal with feelings that have been buried, and realize that ultimately none of us is really in control. Strange as it may sound, that can be a good thing. Wrestling with those issues can lead to both an encounter with God and depth of the soul. There is also great value in preparation. Again, preparation is seldom easy. It usually involves energy and effort; and that can tempt you to take an easier path. However, without proper preparation, you miss much of the meaning. A few years ago, there was a movie released entitled, “Christmas with the Kranks.” It was based on John Grisham’s book, “Skipping Christmas.” One year Luther and Nora Krank decide to bypass all the chaos of preparing for Christmas and instead plan a cruise. Unfortunately, they discover the hard way that it is in the preparation that relationships are built, meaning is discovered, and love is experienced. The same is true of our spiritual lives. Only by Advent preparations such as prayer, scripture reading, reflection, worship, and the practice of community are we truly ready for the coming of Christ. With that in mind, you will find in this month’s edition of Connections a variety of activities and opportunities that we pray will help with your Advent waiting and preparations. May this Christmas prove to be the best ever! Blessings,
Dan
POINSETTIA MEMORIAL Poinsettias will again be part of our Christmas Eve worship services on December 24. You may purchase poinsettias in memory or in honor of someone for $10. The deadline to order is December 10. Fill out the form below or online at www.dunwoodyumc.org/poinsettia. Although it will not appear on your statement, the cost is a donation to the church for the plants we will purchase for Christmas. Flowers may be picked up in the Sanctuary after the last service on Christmas Eve or before 10:00 a.m. on December 26. The church will be closed on Monday, December 25. Contact Mary Ruffin at mary.ruffin@dunwoodyumc.org. In Memory / Honor
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Of:
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Amount Enclosed $ www.DunwoodyUMC.org
MISSIONS
2016 Christmas Catalogue
CHRISTMAS CATALOGUE 2017 Looking for a way to say thanks to someone who has everything? Need an alternative option for giving? Please consider shopping in Dunwoody UMC’s Christmas Catalogue for a gift that makes a difference in the lives of people in Atlanta and around the world. These gifts/donations can be made in honor of someone. The catalogue is free. Pick up a copy at the Welcome Centers and Reception Desk. Contact Asheley Bumgardner at asheley.bumgardner@ dunwoodyumc.org with questions. Thank you!
ANGEL TREE 2017
Dunwoody United Methodist Church 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd. • Dunwoody, GA 30338 770‐394‐0675 • FAX: 770‐394‐8492 www.dunwoodyumc.org samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org
Looking for angels among us! Please support this year’s Angel Tree in the main lobby of the Activities Building. Choose one (or more) angels from the tree to help make Christmas merry for needy children and seniors in the area. Contact Asheley Bumgardner at asheley.bumgardner@dunwoodyumc. org with questions.
PACKAGE OF HOPE Dunwoody UMC distributes non-perishable food that will feed a family of four for several days on the last Saturday of the month. Next date is December 30 in the Youth Area from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Contact Cindy Hatcher at cindywhatcher@gmail.com.
SUPPORT GRIEFSHARE: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS December 10, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Room 253. Surviving the Holidays is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after the death of a loved one. This seminar features video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death and who offer practical suggestions and reassurance. These people share honestly about: • Being prepared for surprising emotions that may hit over the holidays • What to do about traditions and other coming changes • How to handle holiday parties and invitations • Where to find comfort, strength, and hope in a seemingly hopeless time
GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Starting January 16, a Grief and Loss support group will begin meeting monthly on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in Room 253. This group is designed to help those who have lost loved ones, no matter when that might have occurred, navigate the ups and downs of grief in a confidential caring manner. Contact JoAnn Akers, akersjoann@gmail.com, (678) 352-8334. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
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Celebrate Christmas with U s! Family Advent Celebration
Sunday, December 3 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family Concert, “More Than a Baby”. Children’s Choirs, Youth Bells and Choir, and Tone-Chimes Choir perform. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Living Nativity and food truck dinner. Visit the Christmas tree lot for hot chocolate and the perfect tree!
Christmas Choir Concert Sunday, December 10, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Chancel Choir, Musica Gloria and the Rev. C.G. Walden III present Vivaldi’s Gloria and other festive works.
Preschool Christmas Programs Wednesday, December 13, 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary - Threes Classes. Thursday, December 14, 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary - Fours and Kindergaten.
Miracle on 34th Street December 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m., December 17 at 3:00 p.m. Performing Arts of DUMC presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Radio Play. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets $10 at the door.
A Night of Christmas Worship Saturday, December 23, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Contemporary-style worship in the Fellowship Hall.
Christmas Eve Morning Worship Sunday, December 24, 10:00 a.m. One worship service in the Sanctuary.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Sunday, December 24 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. – Family Services with Children’s Choirs* 7:00 p.m. – Holy Communion with Youth Choir* 9:00 p.m. – Service of Lessons and Carols with Chancel Choir* 11:00 p.m. – Holy Communion with Chancel Choir *Nursery Available
Christmas Eve Offsite Parking 100 Ashford Center North parking deck (Ashford Dunwoody Road across from Dunwoody Baptist Church) Shuttle service begins at 3:00 p.m. for 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. services. 4 | DECEMBER 2017
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PRESCHOOL
2018-2019 DUMC PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION IS COMING! Our SACS/CASI AdvancEd accredited program is available for toddlers (age 1 months by 9/1/18) through Kindergarten (age 5 by 9/1/18). Dunwoody UMC Preschool has served the community for over fifty years offering a developmentally appropriate education in a loving, Christian environment. Registration for new families is Thursday, January 18, 2018. Dunwoody UMC members’ applications will receive priority over community applications. Scheduled tour dates are: December 7, 2017 and January 4 and 11, 2018 at 10:00am. To schedule a tour, please contact the Preschool at 770394-2555 or preschool@dunwoodyumc.org.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SPARK, SUNDAY MORNINGS, 9:55 A.M., PRESCHOOL Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Time to decorate, bake cookies, buy gifts, sing carols. And, in our world, it’s time to teach preschoolers the true story of Christmas—the story of when God gave us Jesus—the best gift ever! If we’re not careful, we can easily forget that the story we’ve heard a million times is brand new for many of the preschoolers who will be hearing it for the first time this year. The story we get to share with preschoolers this time of year is so special that we need to tell it with excitement and wonder so that our children are excited about it too! We want to tell the true story of Christmas in a way that communicates to preschoolers that Jesus really is the best gift ever! He’s a very special delivery!
PLUGGED IN, SUNDAY MORNINGS, 9:55 A.M., FELLOWSHIP HALL Every good and perfect gift comes from God. In fact, generosity is at the very core of God’s character—He even gave us His own son, Jesus! Jesus showed unwavering generosity as He traded His life for ours. And, because God gave us Jesus and Jesus gave His life, we can be generous towards others. Not only that, but when we are generous towards others, we prove that we love God by loving the people He loves. We pray that this Christmas, as kids celebrate God’s amazing generosity, they’ll see how they can be generous with their family, friends, and neighbors. 6 | DECEMBER 2017
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (cont.) CREATED BY GOD Created by God is a study of human sexuality with a Christian foundation designed for 5th & 6th graders and their parents. It will offer both you and your child opportunities to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully created by God. The schedule is: Parents: 1/25/2018 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Students: 1/26/2018 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 1/27/2018 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Students and Parents: 1/27/2018 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. The fee for the event is $60.00, covering the cost of both student and parent books, meals and snacks, supplies, and leadership. To participate, complete the registration form and fee on the church website no later than 1/10/2018. Also be aware that this event is open to all who are interested in a church-based study of sexuality—friends, neighbors, other family members, or persons from the community at large. Have them call 770394-0675 x158 for registration information. We hope to see your family represented as we experience anew what it means to be created by God.
YOUNG ADULTS 2017 IN REVIEW • The first ever young adult softball league came to a thrilling close as the Generation Y Believe Sunday School took home the championship title! • All the feels after an amazing (grace) retreat at The Ark on Lake Lanier. • We closed out an impactful year on the Concrete Jungle farm donating hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to local homeless shelters. • We welcomed several new members to the church! • All’s well that ends well at Red Brick Brewery with a free tour and tasting! • After Hours is coming in hot with topics like heaven, judgement, and unconditional love. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
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RADICAL MENTORING Radical Mentoring is a program that helps men take the next step in their walk with Christ, to become better husbands, fathers, and disciples – to go “all in” for Jesus. And it is all of that. But, it’s also a program for families. Wives of Radical Mentoring graduates consistently tell stories of how their husbands were transformed to become better men, husbands and fathers. What is Radical Mentoring? Radical Mentoring is a group of 5 to 7 men on a 10-month journey together. The goal is to become more Godly men, to take the next step in living a God-centric life, to intentionally become better husbands, better fathers, and better disciples of Jesus Christ. They go on this journey with a guide, another man who is on his own journey just like them but is a season or two ahead of them in life and can help them avoid some of the mistakes he made and benefit from some of the successes he had. They read books, memorize scripture, and practice being intentional about putting God first in their marriages and in their lives. They learn from each other as much as they learn from the books and from the mentor on topics including Godly marriage, parenting, worship, character, and leadership. They have “homework” assignments with their wives and kids that reinforce key concepts and help them model the marital relationship and spiritual character they want their kids to learn and emulate. They have fun encouraging each other, bearing each other’s burdens, and becoming close friends with Jesus Christ and with each other, sometimes life-long friends. Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ mentored 12 men and through them He transformed the world. When we meet in a Radical Mentoring group, Jesus Christ sits among us and continues his work of transforming men, their wives and their families. Is Radical Mentoring worth your time? Since 2010 when Pat Morgan brought Radical Mentoring to DUMC a total of 115 men have taken this journey. They would answer “YES” with their words and have answered a resounding “YES” with their actions, preparing for and attending 1,150 Radical Mentoring meetings over eight years with nearly perfect attendance! Are you ready to transform your life and your family? Are you ready to go all in for Jesus Christ? Do you know someone who is ready? If you answer yes to these questions, Contact Pat Morgan at 770-862-3930 or ptm.1stst@gmail.com about the Radical Mentoring groups that will be forming January 21st.
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TITUS2 The Titus2 Mentoring Program for Women is built on the mentoring style displayed by Jesus Christ for His disciples. He mentored in small groups, He chose those He would mentor, and He taught them on His timetable with the lessons He knew they needed to hear. After equipping them, He commanded them to impact the world with His teachings. As with Jesus’ ministry, choosing to be a part of Titus2 requires a serious commitment of time, energy, and accountability; but if you do, you will never be the same. We completed the first Titus2 Mentoring Program for Women at DUMC with 10 women this year. Our program began in January and ran for 10 months. Our vision was to connect a small group of 6 to 8, younger, married women who were in the same stage of life as far as the number and ages of children with an older woman to encourage and equip them in fulfilling God’s purposes in their lives. Each month we focused on different topics which are vital to us as followers of Christ in our daily roles as wife, mother, employee, daughter, and friend. Monthly assignments for each topic included reading a book written by a Christian author, memorizing and reflecting on illuminating scripture, and conducting marital exercises to encourage communication in the family. We went on a spiritual retreat for 2 nights at Big Canoe where we shared faith stories, and each month the mentees had an assigned buddy to spend time together outside the regular program time. As the mentor, this has been a magical experience and journey of bringing women together who have not only strengthened in their faith, but have established life-long friendships to help them now and in the future with personal, family and worldly issues. I am certain these women are stronger advocates and agents of the Holy Spirit and will continue spreading the Word to all those around them. Here are some testimonials from our mentees from this year’s program: “Best-fellowship with other women seeking to be closer to Christ”, “I enjoyed having a scripture piece(s) to reflect on each month and to try and tie it to the book as well as the marriage exercises”, “Watching and experiencing spiritual growth together and the friendships formed”, “We really bonded at the retreat. It was a great way to get to truly know everyone, learn their faith stories and this led to us better understanding each other”, “What I gained from the monthly peer buddy meetings was being able to discuss the books with another person face to face and it was also a nice time to get to spend some leisure time with each person”. We are recruiting for our 2018 program which begins on January 21st. For anyone interested in participating, please contact Cindy Glassman at 404-272-4142 or by email at cindy_glassman@yahoo.com.
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SPORTS AND LEISURE CHESS CLUB Led by Chess Grand Master, Alonso Zapata, this class is designed to improve the knowledge, skills and techniques to enhance students’ growth in the game of chess. Students receive appropriate instruction based on individual need and skill in an encouraging, structured environment. Through February 12, we meet weekly on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Cost is $250 (Prorated fees available to students who start session late). The chess club is open to boys and girls in grades 1-8. Enrollment Max: 20 students.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES UMW GREEN AND WHITE BANQUET All women of the church are invited to join the Dunwoody UMW for its 47th Annual Green and White Banquet in the Fellowship Hall on December 5th at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a delicious buffet, special music and an inspiring program. Submit your $10 check payable to DUMW to your Circle leader or contact Melanie Williams at 770-394-8977 or mwidinc@aol.com.
NEXT STEPS Next Steps is a new UMW circle that formed this Fall for mothers with children in elementary school. Our group kicked off our studies with the Birds on a Wire - Mom Core, encouraging moms by giving them the tools to succeed as Christian mothers and wives. The topics of the study include Our Purpose as Mothers, Boundaries, Time Management, Being a Student of Your Child, Discipline, and Contentment. We meet every second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Please check the church calendar for the location. For more information or to be added to our distribution list, please email Leigh Cohen (leighkcohen@gmail.com) or Erin Griffin (engriff@yahoo.com).
WOMEN OF GRACE Save the date for next year’s event on February 26, 2018. Our guest speaker will be Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Anne will share her faith journey from the death of her young daughter to surviving the rigors of building a successful business to her struggle with depression.
W.O.W. BIBLE STUDY - RESTLESS The W.O.W. (Women of the Word) Ministry invites you to join us for an 8 week, Jennie Allen Bible study in January and February entitled RestlessBecause You Were Made for More. Using her own story and that of women with whom she has walked through this process as examples, Jennie weaves in the story of Joseph the dreamer and how God used his threads to fit into the greater story of God. Untangling the threads of our lives and assembling them together in one place reveals a beautiful plan designed by the Creator himself: God’s Agenda + my threads + the need + the Holy Spirit = my purpose. Visit www.dunwoodyumc.org/wowstudy to register and request complimentary childcare if needed. 10 | DECEMBER 2017
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MEMORIALS FOR OCTOBER IN MEMORY OF:
Mildred (Moe) Cervenka – Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Yates Jim Collins (husband of Debbie Collins) – Rev. and Mrs. Scott Dunbar, Mrs. Florence Fortenberry Eugene Curran – Mr. and Mrs. Olen Akers Clara Danysh (mother of Don Danysh) – Interpreters Class, Mr. and Mrs. Olen Akers Betty Daugherty – Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Yates, Rev. and Mrs. Scott Dunbar, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Patrick, Bible Study Circle William Gorman – Mr. and Mrs. Olen Akers Ellen Halter (mother of Linda Hancock) – Mr. and Mrs. Olen Akers Phineas Haq – Mr. and Mrs. Brett Hensley Sam Harrell – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry, Mr. William Tolleson, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fair, Mrs. Jane Kitchel, Mrs. Dale McGowan, Mrs. Ann Barnes, Mrs. Karen Goolsby, Mrs. Pat Bower, Mrs. Carolyn Dvorscak, Mrs. Marge Lundberg, Mrs. Joyce Gunter, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Masecar, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Raffensperger, Ms. Patricia Carter, Mr. and Mrs. David Schwenk, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Patrick, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. George Steinheimer, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Yates Paul Hudgins (son of Frances Hallenberg) – Interpreters Class David Jager – Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Patrick, Mrs. Anne Sarris, Mr. and Mrs. William Schuh, Jennifer Schultz and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cox Richard Martz – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry, Mr. and Mrs. Fran Millar, Mr. and Mrs. Olen Akers, Mrs. Suzanne Decker, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Drury, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cox Jo McLean – Mr. and Mrs. Gil Yates, Rev. Jim McLean, Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Ruth Brown, Mr. and Mrs. David Schwenk, Ms. Patricia Carter Patricia Moncrief – Mrs. Statia Carey, Mr. and Mrs. Don Braswell Jeff Osborne – Mrs. Joyce Ramsey-Coleman, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital Executive Team Dr. and Mrs. Charles C. Richardson – Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Weber Christopher Trotter – Mr. James Trotter, Mr. and Mrs. William Trotter, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Story, Ms. Susan Moss, Mrs. Statia Carey, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nuckols, Mr. Chris Scislowicz and Mrs. Betsy Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. David Schwenk, Ms. Patricia Carter Nan Warlick – Mr. and Mrs. Gil Yates William M. Wedding, Sr. – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding William M Wedding, Jr. – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding
In Honor of:
Crusaders Class – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry DUMC Clergy and their families – Mrs. Danella Jones Monday Prayer Group – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry W.O.W. Members – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry
NEW MEMBERS
Wendy and Josh Moreland Davis, Win, and Henry www.DunwoodyUMC.org
Lori and Craig Shweers
Maria Sutej
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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
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
SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:45 AM
9:55 AM
CONTEMPORARY
S U N D AY S C H O O L
8:45 AM
11:05 AM
M O R N I N G P R AY E R
T R A D I T I O N A L
Rev. Sonny Walden Minister of Music Church Office: 770-394-0675 Prayer Line: 770-671-8239 E-mail: mail@dunwoodyumc.org Website: www.dunwoodyumc.org
Minister After Hours 770-542-1667
In case of an emergency such as a death or critical illness.