FEBRUARY 2017
CONNECTIONS
TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY On the front of this edition of Connections, you no doubt noticed the passage “Jesus… led them up a high mountain….” Those words come from the first verse of the 17th Chapter of the Gospel According to St. Matthew. They set the stage for when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. In other words, these three disciples received a vision of who Jesus was in all of his glory. Each year in the Church, we celebrate this experience and call it Transfiguration Sunday. One year ago, on Transfiguration Sunday, I shared with you the vision that was adopted by the church. That vision, you will recall, is “To be a dynamic Christian community of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” Since that time, a Strategic Planning Task Force, with input from various committees and last year’s Committee of 100, built a five-year strategic plan directly related to the vision of the church. That strategic plan was to start being implemented on September 1, 2016. This year, Transfiguration Sunday falls on February 26. This year on Transfiguration Sunday, I will be giving the message in all three of our worship services and will be sharing an update on what has been happening in the life of the church, how we are doing with our vision and our strategic plan. I will also be laying out some of the steps we will be taking in the days ahead. I am excited about what has been happening, what is happening, and what lies out ahead of us in the future. I hope you will make every effort to be with us on Transfiguration Sunday, as we once again capture a vision of Christ, and where Christ is leading this church into the future. Your Pastor,
Dan Brown
Jessica & Chris Bryant
Samuel David & Angeline Kanagaraj
KJ & Kyle Huff
Dana Ellingson (photo unavailable)
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www.DunwoodyUMC.org
CHILDREN OF DUNWOODY UMC
VBS AND GOD SQUAD
FAMILY PAJAMA PARTY AND MOVIE NIGHT
June 19-22
Party with a Purpose! Bring Diapers for the Atlanta Women’s Day Shelter. Any size.
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (M-Th) Registration opens Feb. 1. Check the website to register. VBS $20 (T-shirt and CD) /God Squad $60 (travel expenses)
Friday, February 24
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. All ages through 5th Grade Party for the WHOLE Family. We will provide snacks. Bring your blankets and pillows!
Senior Pictures. Attention parents of high school seniors. It is almost time to recognize our soonto-be graduating class! As part of that, we need their senior pictures. Please send your senior picture by March 1 to Andrew Chappell at andrew. chappell@dunwoodyumc.org.
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GRACETIME UMW YOUNG ADULT WOMEN
GraceTime will meet Tuesday, January 24 at 7pm in the Young Adult suite. We will be stringing beads for the organization “Just One Africa” which buys beaded necklaces from African women and turns them into items to sell in the USA. The proceeds are then used to purchase water purification systems in the same African villages. Please join us as we learn about this unique organization while doing crafts at the same time! Visit www.facebook. com/DUMCYA for more information. FEBRUARY 2017 | 3
March 19 at 7 p.m.
Join us in the Sanctuary as the Dunwoody UMC Chancel Choir and the Atlanta Boy Choir present the U.S. premiere of The Farthest Shore, a new oratorio for choir, brass quintet, and organ. Based on Celtic legend, a stranger is cast upon an unforgiving shore during a terrible storm, and proceeds to weave a spell over the inhabitants of a small village in a dramatic tale that entwines reality, morality and faith in the quest for ultimate personal truth. Written by the world-renowned composer Paul Mealor, The Farthest Shore was originally debuted in London in May of 2013 by the BBC Singers. Paul Mealor has been described as ‘the most important composer to have emerged in Welsh choral music since William Mathias‘ (New York Times, 2001) and his music is ‘marked by something outside of himself that is beautifully spatial and evocative of landscape… it illuminates both our past and our future‘ (The Guardian, 2011). Since January 2003, Mealor has taught in the Music Department at the University of Aberdeen where he is Professor of Composition, but he was catapulted to international stardom in April 2011, when 2.5 billion people (the largest audience in broadcasting history) heard his Motet, Ubi Caritas performed by the choirs of Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, conducted by James O’Donnell at the Royal Wedding Ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton (now The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) at Westminster Abbey. It has since topped the Classical singles charts in the USA, UK, Australia, France and New Zealand. In July 2011, Mealor signed to Decca Records and by November of that year, his first album through his new record label, A Tender Light reached the top of the UK Classical Charts where it stayed for six weeks. He broke records that year by being the first classical composer to hold both the classical and pop chart number-one spots at the same time, with his piece for The Military Wives Choir and Gareth Malone, Wherever You Are, which entered the UK Pop Singles Chart at number one and also was nominated for Best British Single in the 2012 BRIT Awards.
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Led by Dr. Charles Page, II Academic Dean, The Jerusalem Institute for Biblical Exploration Jerusalem, Israel Sunday, March 26 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Miracles and Ministry in Judea Palm Sunday Cleansing the Temple Monday, March 27 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Last Supper Jesus’ Arrest in Gethsemane Tuesday, March 28 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Trial of Jesus The Crucifixion and Burial The Resurrection of our Lord DUMC Fellowship Hall $10 per evening or $25 for all 3 nights. Contact Polly Frederick at polly.frederick@dunwoodyumc. org with questions or to register. Child care provided upon request. Call Usha Raghavan at 770-394-0675. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
SMALL GROUPS Join Rev. David Melton and Michele Spitz for this 12 week weight loss program. In Bod4God, Pastor Steve Reynolds, the “Anti-Fat Pastor”, reveals the four keys that have unlocked the door to health and fitness for him and for countless others who have dedicated their bodies to God. Thursdays, March 9-May 13 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. $15 for the book. Contact polly. frederick@dunwoodyumc.org with questions or to register.
Calling all men! Join us for an overnight golf retreat at Callaway Gardens, March 24-25. Play both the Lake View and Mountain View Courses with men from Dunwoody UMC and their guests. Join in fellowship, Bible study, and golf. Registration and nonrefundable deposit of $100 deadline is due to Rev. David Melton by February 15. Put it on your calendar NOW!!! FRIDAY, MARCH 24 – Afternoon Golf, Dinner and Bible Study at Night SATURDAY, MARCH 25 – Breakfast, Morning Bible Study and Golf to follow ALL INCLUSIVE CUSTOM PACKAGE: Lodge and Spa accommodations, Two (2) rounds of golf, cart and range balls, Admissions to the Gardens, Use of Fitness Center, Piedmont Grille Seafood Dinner Buffet, Piedmont Grille Breakfast Buffet, all taxes and fees. Single: $425.36 inclusive per person Double: $320.60 inclusive per person Name______________________________________________ Address____________________________________________ City/State/Zip_______________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________ Email______________________________________________ Single or Double Room_________________________________
What a difference a day makes. It could not be truer than when talking about the last day of Jesus’ life. In the study of 24 Hours That Changed the World, Rev. David Melton will help you experience and understand the significance of Jesus’ suffering and death like never before. Written by Adam Hamilton, the book retraces the day that changed human history in a straightforward style that speaks to both long-time Christians and those who are simply curious about the story of Christ’s crucifixion. Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8 and March 1, 8 and 15 from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm or from 7:059:00 pm in Asbury Room. Book is $15. Contact Polly Frederick at polly.frederick@dunwoodyumc.org to register.
In this eight-week class, we will explore some of the myriad cultural and religious beliefs that make up the Muslim religion. We will address questions like, “Is Islam a religion of peace?”, “What does the Quran say about Christians and the Bible?”, “What keeps many Muslims from integrating into mainstream American society?”, “What do we know about Muhammad?” and “How are the teachings of the Quran different than the teachings of the Bible?” This class will be led by Laura Powell, who is actively involved in ministry to Muslims in the Atlanta area and has ministered in over 20 countries including Afghanistan, Egypt, and Jordan. Thursdays, February 2-March 23 from 10:00-11:30 am in the Asbury Room. Contact polly. frederick@dunwoodyumc.org to register.
SEVEN DEADLY SINS Join Dr. Scott and Cheryl Dunbar for this eight week study on the Seven Deadly Sins. See how sloth, lust, anger, pride, envy, gluttony and greed are ever-present in our individual lives and in society and how the scripture leads us to deal with them. Sundays, February 5- April 2 from 5:30-7:00pm in the Women’s Activity Room. Contact polly.frederick@dunwoodyumc.org with questions or to register.
Roommate_________________________________________ www.DunwoodyUMC.org
FEBRUARY 2017 | 5
INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIPS BRAZIL, GUATEMALA, PANAMA! See the world like you have never seen it before in 2017 with our international mission program! Our first ever “family” mission team will travel to Panama during July 8-15, 2017. An adult mission team will travel to Brazil during July 21-30, 2017. And a second adult mission team will travel to Guatemala during August 19-26, 2017. Three wonderful and exciting opportunities to follow John Wesley’s proclamation that “The World Is My Parish”. Join us as we minister to our parish! Come to our first general information meeting on Monday, February 6, 2017 in the Asbury room beginning at 7:00 p.m. You will hear details about all three mission trips in 2017 and you can sign up for the trip that interests you the most. Make 2017 the year that you decide to experience one of these great mission trips! You will be happy that you did!
FAMILY PROMISE Thanks to all our volunteers who helped with hosting Family Promise this past week. It takes over 100 volunteers to properly host families. If you haven’t ever served with Family Promise, mark your calendars and join us when we host again March 19-26,2017. It’s incredibly easy way to impact the lives of those who need it.
PACKAGE OF HOPE Dunwoody UMC provides “Package of Hope” the last Saturday of each month. Distributing nonperishable food that will feed a family of four for several days, DUMC’s goal is to make families feel welcome as they work through tough financial times to get back on their feet. In partnership with Action Ministries, DUMC would love to have you join us (to volunteer or for assistance). Upcoming dates are February 18 and March 25 in the Youth Area from 9-11 am. We have complimentary coffee and pastries for fellowship available. Please contact Cindy Hatcher at cindywhatcher@gmail.com with questions.
HIGHTOWER HOMEWORK CLUB 2017 We are always looking for volunteers to help read, review math and/or do homework with the children from both Hightower and Kingsley elementary in 2017. DUMC will provide volunteers Mondays & Tuesdays from 2:40-4:15p. These children are thriving in school b/c someone like you takes the time to spend helping them for a short amount each week - a little goes a long way! Sign up online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f48abac23a7fa7-hightower Can’t be there to volunteer but still want to help?! We are looking for donations for after school snacks (pretzels, cheez its, etc) for 70 children four days a week. If interested in donating as a group or individual, http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f48abac23a7fa7snacks
TRINITY TABLE Dumc is hosting lunch & to go meals at trinity table on Sunday, march 19. Our church is filled w generous supporters of this ministry & we count on you every time we serve. Please mark your calendars & look for a sign up genius link to sign up to help w serving at trinity, donating items for the TO GO bags or additions to the delicious meal prepared by Carlton. Contact Samantha Faklaris at Samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org w questions 6 | FEBRUARY 2017
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UMW BOOK CLUB READING SELECTIONS 2017 DUNWOODY UMC BLITZ BUILD
April 27-29, May 3-6
Last year’s Blitz Build was such a success, DUMC is doing it again! Habitat has changed the format slightly to allow for outside vendors to come in during the week, but we still need many hands to help us with the new Blitz Build format. Ask your co-workers to join & take a day off work to participate in our 27th house & second ever Blitz Build. Join us as we engage more volunteers to become the hearts, hands & voices for the cause of adequate & affordable housing. Yes, this requires extra effort, strong leadership, hard work & careful planning...but we have all that and more at DUMC! The impact reaches far beyond the family you are building with/for & warms your heart more than you ever imagined. There is a job for everyone - no skills required.
The UMW Book Club selects books from the UMW Reading Program. The selected books are chosen to increase our sensitivity to all human needs, to encourage critical thinking about issues facing us today and to strengthen our involvement in our church’s local and global missions. You are invited to attend one or all of future meetings. March - Nurturing for Community: Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Jammohamed Discussion Leader: Barbara Giametta Meeting Date: March 13 at 7:00 p.m. Location to be determined.
Contact Jack and Bette Whitley at jwhitley47@aol.com or Samantha Faklaris at samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org for more information.
“Grief is the price you pay for loving someone” Zig Ziglar The journey of grief can be fraught with many twists and turns and you can feel as though your heart has been torn in two. GriefShare is a confidential, caring support group and we meet on the second and fourth Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Parlor. The cost of $15 is for the participant’s workbook. We will walk with you on the long journey through grief toward healing and hope for the future. This group is facilitated by JoAnn Akers who can be reached at 678-352-8334 or akersjoann@gmail.com.
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
WOMEN OF GRACE DINNER Coming soon! The annual Women Of Grace dinner will be on Monday, February 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seat sales will begin on Wednesday, February 1 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. outside the Fellowship Hall and on Sundays starting February 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. outside the Parlor. This year’s guest speaker, Ashley Smith, will share her inspirational story of how faith and Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life book helped her survive being held hostage by a suspected murderer and how it changed her life. This is not Brian Nichols’ story. This is Ashley’s story. A story of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. FEBRUARY 2017 | 7
Dunwoody United Methodist Church 1548 Mt. Vernon Road Dunwoody, GA 30338
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MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF:
Clark David Collins – Mr. and Mrs. Charles Collins Jack Danysh (father of Don Danysh) – Interpreters Class Joy Edwards – Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Williams Robert Fortenberry – Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Williams, Mrs. Danella Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Petersen, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Danysh, Mrs. Nancy Shaw Susan Haun (daughter of Shirley and Len Sheppard) – Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Williams Wilton W. King, Sr. – Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Ratcliffe, The Estate of Thomas Wade Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Hobbs, Ms. Elizabeth Gottwald, Ms. Jessica Kittrell, Ms. Cathy La?Rose, Ms. Mary H. Vaughan, Mr. and Mrs. Al Sanders, Mrs. Dora Biven, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Burney, Mr. and Mrs. James Mowery, The Estate of Maryan Claire Jones, Mr. and Mrs. David Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fisher, The Rogers Family, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Dale, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Almand, Mr. and Mrs. James Broadway, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Harrell, Ms. Linda King, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dannemiller, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hammond III, Mr. and Mrs. James Milner, Mr. and Mrs. James Gonyea Michael Noel (son of Jo Ann and Les Noel) – Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kelly, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Les Noel Michael Reale – Mr. and Mrs. Dave Reale, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Reale, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Reale, Mr. and Mrs. Sscott Reale Janet Smith – Mr. Jeffrey Smith Hugh Spruill – Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bentz, Mr. Eugene Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cadenhead
IN HONOR OF:
Margaret and Ron Gallagher – Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thomas, Jr. Rev. David and Rev. Joy Melton – An anonymous donor William M. Wedding, Sr., Jr., III – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding
Clergy and Office Numbers Dan Brown Senior Pastor Josh Amerson Associate Pastor Kathy Brockman Associate Pastor Jenna Kennedy Associate Pastor David Melton Minister to the Congregation Sonny Walden Minister of Music Church Office: 770-394-0675 Prayer Line: 770-671-8239 FAX Number: 770-394-8492 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.