JANUARY 2018
CONNECTIONS
DUNWOODY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THE QUESTION In 1740, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, designed what is now referred to as the Wesley Covenant Renewal Service. It is most commonly held as a watch night service on December 31, or as we do here at DUMC on the first Sunday of the new year. It is a time to confess sins, claim the forgiveness of Christ, and begin the year anew. By now, you have probably had someone ask you the question, “Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet?” It is something we do every year. Where did the ancient custom come from? The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first to make New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago. They held recorded celebrations in honor of the new year, which for them began not in January, but in mid-March during the planting season. Later, the Romans began making promises to the god, Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. For early Christians, the first day of the new year became a time to reflect on past mistakes and resolving to do better in the coming year.
Not too surprisingly, some of the most common resolutions include: staying fit and healthy (37%), losing weight (32%), enjoying life to the fullest (28%), spending less and saving more (25%), and spending more time with family and friends (19%). I’m not sure if you are making any New Year’s resolutions this year; or what they are if you are making them. However, if you need a couple of suggestions, I want to encourage the following. First, make worship for you and your family a priority. If you are already doing this, great! If not, you will be glad you did. I regularly tell people that you can’t get all that the Church has to offer without being in worship. No one knows better than I that not every sermon is a home run, but simply by being with other people where the risen Christ is worshipped deepens our faith, gives substance
to our lives and enhances life. And, if you have children, it will impact their lives forever. The second suggestion follows off of the first. Make the enhancement of your spiritual life a priority. Maybe for you that means getting a copy of the Upper Room available at the Church and starting each day with a devotion. Maybe it means getting active in a Sunday School class, Bible study, or study group. Maybe it means something else. Whatever it is, do it. In my experience, I have never heard anyone regret spending time on soul enrichment, but I have heard many a regret from people who wished they had not neglected this most essential matter. According to one commonly cited statistic, only about 8% of the people who make resolutions keep them. I can’t help but wonder if the reason for that is because too often people try to fix the outside of their lives, without first giving attention to the interior or spiritual part of their lives. Think about it, won’t you? Blessings,
Dan
STAY CONNECTED IN 2018! SUBSCRIBE TO E-CONNECTIONS. Visit www.dunwoodyumc.org/subscribe to sign up for DUMC’s weekly newsletter, e-Connections. It arrives in your email inbox every Friday morning with all the latest news. Other e-newsletter offerings include: Christian Sympathy, Daily Readings, and seasonal Devotionals among others. 2 | JANUARY 2018
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MARK YOUR 2018 CALENDARS Discover DUMC January 7, 21, 28 Wednesday Night Supper Resumes January 10 Preschool Registration January 18 Ash Wednesday February 14 First Sunday of Lent February 18 Kids’ Consignment Sale February 24
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER RETURNS Please join us for good food and fellowship starting January 10. Register for weekly suppers on our website calendar page. Weekly reservations are due by noon each Monday. Please do your best to adhere to this reservation deadline so there will be a meal prepared for you. You can also take advantage of our pre-paid reservation program and sign up for all the dinners and pay at once. This is your ONLY option for making a permanent reservation for dinner. The pre-paid package covers an 18-week period (January 10 – May 9). You will save $1.00 off the adult and $.50 off the child meal cost. The cost for Wednesday Night Supper is $8.00 for an adult meal, $5.00 for a child meal (ages 3-8) and family maximum is $26.00. Children under 3 eat for free.
SERVERS NEEDED FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER
Discover DUMC February 25, March 4 & 11
Please consider volunteering your time as a server for our Wednesday Night Supper program. Serving shifts are from 5:25 p.m. – 6:05 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., one Wednesday per month. To volunteer or get more information, please contact Debbie Collins at debbie.collins@dunwoodyumc.org or 770394-0675, Ext 111.
Habitat Blitz Build March 19-21, March 25-28
DISCOVER DUMC
Women of Grace Dinner February 26
Palm Sunday March 25 Holy Week March 26 – March 30 Easter April 1 Discover DUMC April 15, 22, 29 My Fair Lady May 4-6 Vacation Bible School & God Squad June 11-14 Patriotic Concert June 24 Mission Mondays June/July FoodStock August 11 Discover DUMC September 9, 16, 23 Great Day of Service October 20 Discover DUMC October 28, November 4 & 11 Holiday Festival November 10 www.DunwoodyUMC.org
Discover DUMC classes are an introduction to our church and our 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 3-week class sessions, January 7, 21, and 28, 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 an optional tour on February 4 for anyone interested. To sign up contact Valerie Pitrof at valerie.pitrof@dunwoodyumc.org or 770-394-0675 ext. 136.
GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” - An Irish headstone. Starting January 16, a Grief and Loss support group will begin meeting monthly on the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 - 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, to navigate the ups and downs of grief in a confidential caring manner. Contact JoAnn Akers with questions, akersjoann@gmail.com or 678-352-8334. JANUARY 2018 | 3
MISSIONS HUMAN TRAFFICKING FORUM Join Dunwoody UMC’s Human Trafficking committee Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m., as we welcome guest speakers Amanda Guili from the FBI and Mary Frances Bowley, Founder and Executive Director of Wellspring Living, who will speak about the horrors of Human Trafficking and what can be done to help. You will leave that evening with a wealth of knowledge about the challenges facing Georgia and a list of ways you can personally make an impact.
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS - INFORMATIONAL MEETING Travel to Guatemala or Costa Rica! See the world like you have never seen it before with our international mission program! 2018 brings two opportunities to participate in an adult mission trip. The first team will travel to Costa Rica from July 28 - August 4. A second adult team will travel to Guatemala from August 18 -25. These are two 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, January 17, 2018 in the Francis Asbury A room beginning at 7:00 pm. You will hear details about both 2018 mission trips and you can sign up for the one that interests you the most. Make 2018 the year that you decide to experience one of these great mission trips. You will be happy that you did!
PACKAGE OF HOPE Dunwoody UMC provides “Package of Hope” the last Saturday of each month. Distributing non-perishable 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 January 27 and February 24 in the Youth Area from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. We have complimentary coffee and pastries for fellowship available. Please contact Cindy Hatcher at cindywhatcher@ gmail.com with questions.
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NURSERY MINISTRY PROMISE KIDS Registration begins January 10, 2018. Promise Kids’ Club is the Dunwoody UMC Nursery program on Wednesday nights for children age two through Kindergarten. Activities begin at 4:30 p.m. and pick up is at 7:00 p.m. The registration fee of $125 per child covers the time period from January 2018 through May 2018. Dinner is included and is provided from the Wednesday Night Supper menu. Contact the Nursery Ministry Director, Usha Raghavan, at 770-542-1645 or usha.raghavan@ dunwoodyumc.org for additional information.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PLUGGED IN! K-5TH GRADE, SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:55 A.M. JANUARY THEME: COMMITMENT Growing in faith is not something that happens by simply cramming information about the Bible into a child’s brain. The knowledge in their head means nothing if we don’t help kids experience what that knowledge can do in their heart. To experience faith, we want kids to practice their faith and that takes commitment. God keeps all His promises and puts His plans into action. Because God has kept His promises to us, we can make a plan and stick to it. One of the best plans you can make is to commit to an ongoing relationship with Jesus. Commit to practicing faith by reading God’s Word, praying to Him consistently, talking about Him with friends, and living out your faith every day. WEEK 1 Key Question: How can you hear from God? Bottom Line: Practice hearing and doing what God says.
WEEK 3 Key Question: Who can you talk with about God? Bottom Line: Practice talking about God
WEEK 2- POWER SURGE, COMBINED K-5 Key Question: How do you pray to God? Bottom Line: Practice praying to God
WEEK 4 Key Question: How can you live for God? Bottom Line: Practice living for God.
3RD GRADE BIBLE EXPLORATION At DUMC we not only want to give your child a Bible—we want to show him or her how to use it, which is why we are offering a very special event called Bible Exploration this year! Your child won’t want to miss it! This is a fun experience just for third graders that will include food, fellowship and fun times as we explore and learn more about the Bible. Bible Exploration will be held the evening of February 2, 2018, so mark your calendars today! You can find the registration/ $15 payment info on the church website www.dunwoodyumc.org/children. RSVP as soon as you can so that we will know how many children to plan for.
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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 770-394-0675 x158 for registration information. We hope to see your family represented as we experience anew what it means to be created by God. Interested in helping out? We need 10 parents who would be willing to help facilitate a small group of 6 kids… ideally a man/woman pair for each group. Thanks already to Erin and Mike Griffin for jumping on board!! Please feel free to reach out with any questions! We hope to see your family represented as we experience anew what it means to be created by God. Questions? Email: megan.batcheller@dunwoodyumc.org. Visit www.dunwoodyumc.org/children to register and sign up to volunteer.
YOUTH MINISTRY SENIOR PICTURES Attention parents of high school seniors. It is almost time to recognize our soon-to-be graduating class! As part of that, we need their senior pictures by March 23, 2018. Please send your senior’s picture to Karen Bass at karen.bass@dunwoodyumc.org.
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YOUNG ADULT HAPPENINGS
Great Day of Service 2017 We’re just sittin’ out here watchin’ airplanes #GDOS #AngelFlightSoars
After Hours
Interfaith panel at #AfterHours
New Members
Welcome to the family! #newestmembers
BACON
Trivia Champs! #BACON
GraceTime
Let’s get lit #pumpkincarving #GraceTime
Friendsgiving
Thankful for these friend(shrimp). #lowcountryboil #friendsgiving
FIFTY FIVE PLUS
VALENTINE DINNER THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT: WILLS AND TRUSTS LUNCH & BINGO Tuesday, January 16, 12:00 p.m., Epworth Room. Bring a wrapped white elephant gift. Register and pay $5 for soup and sandwich lunch on the church’s website or contact Mary Ruffin at mary. ruffin@dunwoodyumc.org , or 770-542-1675. Last day for payment is Sunday, January 14. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
Join us on Tuesday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Wesley Room as we discuss wills and trusts. Joy Melton will join us to answer your questions and provide basic information that we all need to consider. Not just for those considering retirement in the near future - all are welcome! Contact Rev. Kathy Brockman at kathy.brockman@dunwoodyumc. org, or 770-394-0675 x179.
Join us Tuesday, February 13 for a Valentine dinner and a special performance of the Rat Pack featuring Dr. Pat Sallarulo as an incredible Frank Sinatra tribute artist. With him will be two other great tribute artists, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by the show. Cost is just $20. Last day for payment is Monday, February 7. Register and pay on the church website or contact Mary Ruffin at mary. ruffin@dunwoodyumc.org, or 770394-0675 x112. JANUARY 2018 | 7
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES WOMEN OF GRACE DINNER The annual Women of Grace dinner is Monday, February 26. Our guest speaker is Anne Beiler the creator of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Anne’s professional success was forged after years of depression following the death of her daughter. Join us as Anne discusses her memoir, Twist of Faith, and shares her personal journey with us. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seat sales begin on Wednesday, January 31 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. outside the Fellowship Hall and on Sundays starting February 4th from 9:45 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. outside the Parlor. Contact Barbara Giametta, giametta@bellsouth.net, 770-671-9813 with questions.
RESTLESS: BECAUSE YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE - A STUDY BY JENNIE ALLEN
Join us Wednesday mornings for 8 Sessions, January 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9:45 – 11:45 a.m. in Room 258/259. A practical plan to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together for God’s glory and purposes. Restless explores the fact that God has called each of us to do great things in his name, and then helps us discover what that might mean for each of us individually. Jennie Allen says, “We are called to dream but we’re afraid to. But because we are called, when we don’t act on it we become restless—restless to find purpose, to make a difference in the world, to matter.” Jennie doesn’t suggest women add one more thing to their to-do list, but instead invites them to stop and listen where they are. She frees them to be themselves and to see themselves as valuable. Cost for Book: $10 (pay at first session). RSVP via www. dunwoodyumc.org/restless or to Felicia at feliciatburda@gmail.com for a spot in the class and/or if you need childcare.
GOLIATH MUST FALL: WINNING THE BATTLE AGAINST YOUR GIANTS - A LOUIE GIGLIO STUDY
Join us Wednesday evenings for 6 Sessions, January 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 7, 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Room 258/259.. It’s likely you have a threatening giant in your life . . . an adversary or stronghold that’s diminishing your ability to live a full and free life. Frozen in the grip of rejection, fear, anger, comfort, or addiction, you’ve lost sight of the promise God has for your life. Demoralized and defeated, you’ve settled for far less than his best. God has a better plan for you—a plan for you to live in victory. That’s why he has silenced your giant once and for all. In this six-session video Bible study, Pastor Louie Giglio uncovers a newfound twist in the classic story of David and Goliath. He shows how the key to living free from our giants is not better slingshot accuracy, but keeping our eyes on the one and only giant-slayer: Jesus. Put your hope in him, and watch Goliath fall. Cost for Book: $10 (pay at first session). RSVP via www.dunwoodyumc.org/goliath or to Valerie at scottfour@bellsouth.net for a spot in the class and/ or if you need childcare.
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WOMEN’S MINISTRIES (cont.) UMW MOMS ON THE GROW Any moms of infants and young preschoolers out there looking for a way to get involved in the church, or simply just some fellowship with other moms? Moms on the Grow is a perfect way to meet other moms in the church! Meetings are planned with emphasis on families growing spiritually while meeting the everyday demands of motherhood. Come join us, meetings are typically held the 2nd Tuesday of every month, with some dates subject to change due to the preschool calendar. Meetings are from 9:15-10:45 in the parlor at the church and there is free childcare for your children. Please contact Casey Drake at casey_drake@hotmail.com for more information!
SPORTS & LEISURE MINISTRY
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GREAT DECISIONS 2018 A series of 8 weeks on Thursday nights, to increase citizens understanding of world affairs. Begins on January 11th – March 1st from 7:30PM till 9 PM in Fellowship Hall. Topics this coming year are: Russia’s Foreign Policy, the Waning of Pax Americana, Media & Foreign Policy, China & America, Turkey, South Africa, U.S. Global Engagement, and Global Health. Information & Registration is available through the GCIV website http:// gciv.org/programs/gd/ go call 404-832-5560x21 or contact Kay or David Schwenk 770634-0606 or Harry Findley 770-710-9242 for additional information.
MEMORIALS FOR OCTOBER IN MEMORY OF:
Carlton Adams – Mr. and Mrs. Wade Hatcher Jim Collins (husband of Debbie Collins) – Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Linton Eugene Curran – Ms. Linda King, Mrs. Janet Greenwald, Mr. Bo Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Scott Betty Daugherty – Crusaders Class Christopher Fontaine – Mrs. Jane Mallory Sam Harrell – Ms. Linda King, Mr. and Mrs. John Reid, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Peden, Mrs. Jane Mallory, Ms. Sara Strickland, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Linton, Mr. and Mrs. Moffatt Ware Jr. Joseph Heckle – Mrs. Danella Jones John Hewitt – Ms. Linda King David Jager – Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Peden, Credex Systems Employees, Ms. Nancy Guthrie, Ms. Jan B. Flint, Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Rawls, Mr. and Mrs. Leighton LeBoeuf, Mrs. Susan Cunnold, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Guidos, N. H. Welch, Mrs. Jane Mallory, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Pitt III, Ms. Joan Crane, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Millar, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Drury, Shrill Salay, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Scott, Mrs. Susan Scott, Dr. and Mrs. Steve Dukes, White Columns Questers, Mrs. Suzanne Decker Hugh Jordan – Mrs. Karen Jordan Wilton King – Mrs. Jane Mallory Marvin Krehmeyer (father of Brian and Kevin Krehmeyer) – Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Linton Richard Martz – Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Linton, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Scott Jo McLean – Ms. Linda King, Mr. and Mrs. John Reid, Mrs. Jane Mallory, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Matthews, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart McLean, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Linton, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Creasy, Mr. and Mrs. George Freisem III, Mrs. Clio McEuen Patricia Moncrief – Ms. Linda King John Petersen – Mrs. Florence Fortenberry David Reid – Mrs. Jane Mallory Tan Joo Weng (father of Lilian Tan) – Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Ruth Brown Thomas Thompson – Mrs. Jane Mallory Virginia and Don Vann – Mrs. Jane Mallory Harry Watkins – Mrs. Jane Mallory William M. Wedding, Jr. – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding William M. Wedding, Sr. – Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wedding Christine Wilson (mother of Jae Oden) – Interpreters Class, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Browne, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Peden 10 | JANUARY 2018
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NEW MEMBERS
Dianah Ampada and Patricia Ohemeng
Anna D’Alessandro
Rich and Molly Hudson Brady, Morgan, and Grace
Ian Angstadt
Tambryn and Marc Freund Colin and Donovan
Caroline Luehring
Not pictured: Louise Woods
ASH
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2018 6:30 P.M. IN THE SANCTUARY www.DunwoodyUMC.org
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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
EASTER LILY MEMORIALS ORDER AN EASTER LILY IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF SOMEONE TO BE DISPLAYED DURING WORSHIP EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2018. The deadline to order is Sunday, March 4, 2018. The cost is $10 each. Visit our website: dunwoodyumc.org/orderlily to order and pay online. You may pick up your Easter Lily on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Contact Mary Ruffin at 770 394-0675 ext 112 or mary.ruffin@dunwoodyumc.org. In Memory/Honor (please indicate) Of:____________________________________________________________ By:____________________________________________________________ Of:____________________________________________________________ By:____________________________________________________________ Of:____________________________________________________________ By:____________________________________________________________ # of Easter Lilies:______ Amount Enclosed:_____________
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.