MARCH - APRIL 2016
CONNECTIONS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DUNWOODY METHODISTS TO CONNECT
NO MORE MEANINGFUL TIME Death has been defeated… Evil has been handcuffed… Hatred has been trumped by love… And doubt has been forced to concede to faith!
For the Christian there is no more meaningful time of the year than that of Lent and Easter. Contrary to the thinking of many, not even the Advent and Christmas seasons outshine that of Lent and Easter. Now, I know: In one sense the two cannot be separated. Easter can’t be Easter without Christmas, anymore than Christmas can be Christmas without Easter. Each needs the other. At the heart of the resurrection is the fact of the incarnation and the incarnation finds its fulfillment in the resurrection. Still, if you had to divide them up, Easter always stands supreme because Easter proclaims the good news that the final barriers have all been broken:
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This year, as we journey through the Season of Lent, we have the opportunity to walk with the disciples alongside of Jesus during the last fateful week we call Holy Week. Through our series of sermons, The Week That Changed the World, we will look at events that took place on each of the days leading up to the Cross. And then on Easter Sunday, we will be celebrating the greatest event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. During our celebration of Holy Week, March 20 – 27, we will once again have the Weekday Luncheons. You are invited to come for a devotion that starts at 12:05 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Afterwards, we will move to the Fellowship Hall where we will have the chance to enjoy a light, but delicious lunch. Every year, people comment about the difference this makes in preparing them spiritually for Easter.
On Maundy Thursday, March, 24, we will have our Maundy Thursday Communion Service. This is always a meaningful time as we join the early disciples who shared the Last Supper with Christ and celebrate the sacrament he instituted. The service begins at 6:45 p.m. Good Friday is that day when we remember the crucifixion of Christ. Each year, the choir leads us in a deeply moving Tenebrae Service. As passages are read, music is sung, and candles are extinguished, we are invited to remember and experience the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. Finally, on Easter Sunday, we invite you to join us for one of our four celebrations (Please note the listing of times on the adjoining page) of the glorious good news that Christ is alive. It is a wonderful time to be a Christian. It is a wonderful time to be a member of Dunwoody UMC. Blessings,
Dan
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www.dunwoodyumc.org/leisure CHALLENGER BRITISH SOCCER CAMP June 6-10, July 25-29 Half Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. /1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Full Day 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ages 5-14 Half day $165, Full day $270 ALL STAR SPORT CAMP June 13-17, July 18-22 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 6-12/ $185 ALL STAR CHEER CAMP June 13-17 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 4-10 $160
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UFC NINJA WARRIOR CAMP June 27-30, July 11-14 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 5-12 $165 LITTLE PRINCESS DANCE CAMP June 27-30 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 3-6 $150 ART LAB July 11-14, 18-21, 25-28 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 5-12 $185
OUTRAGEOUS OLYMPICS CAMP BY UFC August 1-4 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 5-12 years $165 MINI OLYMPICS PRESCHOOL CAMP BY UFC August 15-19 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 3-6 $165 MINI KICKERS PRESCHOOL SOCCER CAMP August 22-26 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 3-6 $165 MARCH - APRIL 2016 | 3
PRESCHOOL 23RD ANNUAL PRESCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL & SILENT AUCTION Please support the church’s preschool ministry by attending the 23rd Annual Ice Cream Social & Silent Auction on Sunday, April 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall! The event provides a fun-filled afternoon for families with entertainment by DJ Willy Wow, ice cream served by some of our favorite teachers, and the all-important silent auction. Funds raised help the Preschool grow and improve its programs. This year we will be using some of the monies raised to buy sunshades for the playground and make repairs to the ones we have. The cost is $5 per person or a maximum of $20 per family. To purchase tickets in advance, donate an item or service to the silent auction or inquire regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Callie Parker at callieparker@gmail.com or Caitlin Moran at cmmoran@gmail.com.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES “REBOOT” The Children’s Council is in the process of shaking things up! We are updating our Sunday morning program for children and the kickoff will be in August. We are working hard on ways to energize the faith development of children of this community as we strengthen the faith commitment of their parents! Look for meaningful change as we strive to be a dynamic Christian community of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ - Kids and parents alike.
2016 VBS SURF SHACK Mon., June 20 - Thurs., June 23 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Visit our website at www.dunwoodyumc.org to register. Aftercare is being provide by DUMC Leisure Ministries from 8:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m., M-Friday. Please go to www.sportability.com to register for aftercare.
GOD SQUAD – ON AND OFF SITE MISSION CAMP
EASTER FLOWER CROSS AND EASTER SUNDAY FOR CHILDREN
This year’s 3rd - 5th graders, 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., $60 supplies, t-shirt and transportation donation.
Each year, our church tradition is for people to bring live flowers to place on the cross on the front lawn of the church. Remember to bring flowers and your camera when you come to worship on Easter Sunday, March 27. There will be something for preschoolers during the services on Easter morning, but in order to let Kindergarten through 5th graders experience the sights, sounds and message of the resurrection of Christ, we ask that families worship together that morning.
To register for both programs, visit www.dunwoodyumc.org/children
Training for all serving in VBS and God Squad – Sunday, May 1, 11:45 a.m. 4 | MARCH - APRIL 2016
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (cont.) EASTER EGG POTLUCK Palm Sunday, March 20, Potluck Brunch in the Fellowship Hall followed by age -level Easter Egg Hunts. Bring your favorite brunch recipe to the gym on Palm Sunday and share a meal with other families before the age-level Egg Hunts beginning around 12:30. To register, pick up a flier in the children’s areas, or download it from our website, and bring a dozen plastic eggs, filled with age-appropriate candy, toys or stickers. PLEASE tape the eggs closed. Bins will be in children’s areas to collect the eggs until Friday, March 18. All details will be on the flier, including how parents can help before, during and after each hunt! The event information will be in the children’s e-newsletter, the Trail Map. If you are NOT receiving this weekly publication, please contact Diane at diane.morgan@
dunwoodyumc.org. TRAIL BLAZERS!! Any and all 4th or 5th grader are invited to participate in Trail Blazers. Our purpose is having fun, building relationships and understanding social justice. We meet once a month on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. and have a program and pizza dinner. We usually meet at the church, but sometimes we take field trips. Visit our website www.dunwoodyumc.org for dates and to register. Micah 6:8, ”He has told you, human one, what is good and what the LORD requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” CEB.
INVITATION TO SERVE (FORMERLY TEACHER RECRUITMENT) During March, invitations will be issued to this church family to become involved in a new direction of our ministries. Persons serving the Lord by using their gifts and talents in areas they are passionate about makes for meaningful and impactful service. When families make it their priority to grow in faith and serve in the love of Christ, change happens. Good things happen. Pray for direction concerning how you can serve and help children grow closer to Christ.
YOUTH MINISTRY SUNDAY NIGHTS AT DUMC YOUTH Sunday Nights at DUMC Youth are crazy and exciting. All 7th12th grades are invited to participate in the craziness. We will always have food (so bring $5) and fun. These are the perfect times to invite friends! The following are the March/April/ May Events. • March 6 - Trivia Night • March 13 - Hawks Game (Off Campus, Info TBD. Register online @ dunwoodyumc.org/youth) SUMMER TRIPS 2016
• March 20 - Real Angry Birds • March 27 - nothing (Easter)
Summers are a big deal for the DUMC Youth. We are taking 4 trips this summer! All trips are $395 per person. After March 1st the price goes up to $450 . So go to dunwoodyumc.org/ youth and sign up! Hurry! Spots are limited!! Any questions? Email andrew.chappell@dunwoodyumc.org.
• April 3 - nothing (Spring Break)
• Youth Choir Tour to St. Louis - June 12-18, 2016 • Middle School Mission Trip to Raleigh, NC July 10-15, 2016 • High School Mission Trip to Red Bird Mission, KY June 26 - July 1, 2016 • Big Stuf 2016 in Panama City, FL - July 18-22, 2016
• May 1 - Scavenger Hunt (6th graders invited!)
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• April 10 - Mission Night • April 17 - GIANT Bananagrams • April 24 - Outdoor Laser Tag (6th graders invited!) • May 8 - nothing (Mother’s Day) • May 15 - Sock Wars (6th graders invited) • May 22 - Slip n Slide Wiffle Ball (6th graders invited) MARCH - APRIL 2016 | 5
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL In the month of May the Young Adult Sunday School class will be reading together the book “5 Marks of Methodist.” These 5 marks are A Methodist Loves God, A Methodist Rejoices in God, A Methodist Gives Thanks, A Methodist Prays Constantly, and A Methodist Loves Others. Join us for discussion and fellowship as we learn together!
EASTER BASKETS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED Join the Young Adults in making Easter special for children in our community in need! Every year the young adults partner with the United Methodist Children’s Home to put together Easter Baskets. We need to fill 75 baskets for a wide variety of ages. Please consider donating baskets, eggs, candy, grass, and fun toys. In addition we also love to put children and teen Bibles in the baskets. We are collecting through March 6. If you have any questions please contact Rev. Ashley Jenkins at ashley.jenkins@dunwoodyumc.org.
Join us in the Dunwoody UMC men’s golf ministry. We meet for breakfast on the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:00 am at Dunwoody Country Club. Our devotion is followed by a discussion on the topic of the day that focuses on faith and life issues. Once a quarter we play golf after breakfast. For more information contact Rev. David Melton at 770394-0675 ext. 114 or david.melton@ dunwoodyumc.org.
STUDY ON “ASK : FAITH QUESTIONS IN A SKEPTICAL AGE” Rev. Ashley Jenkins will be leading a study on the book “Ask : Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age.” This study will be looking at a series of questions: Can only one religion be true? Why is there suffering and evil? How can I believe in science and creation? How can I believe in a God I can’t prove? Can I trust the Old Testament? Was Jesus’ resurrection real? Why do Christians disagree about so many things? The message is strong and clear: Don’t let your questions stop you from accepting God’s invitation to faith. Engage your doubt, and you may find you are closer to God on the other side. This is a great follow-up study to the recent sermon series, WHY CHRIST? The study will meet for 4 weeks on Wednesday nights starting March 9 going through April 6. We will not meet during Holy Week. RSVP to Cathy Wright at cathy.wright@dunwoodyumc.org. You can purchase the book for $15 although that is not required.
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UPCOMING JOHN WESLEY AND THE METHODIST MOVEMENT
BRIDGE GROUP The Thursday Afternoon Bridge Group meets in the Young Adult Suite on the second and fourth Thursdays from 12:45 to 3:15 p.m. Men and women, young adults to seniors, are welcome. For more information, contact Betty Daugherty, 770-390-0814 or Betty Ringley, 770-704-4007, cell 276-3562681. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
The United Methodist Church’s movement began predominantly in England. Rev. Ashley Jenkins went on her ordination trip with Bishop Mike Watson to England in February. Ashley is offering a class on John Wesley and the Methodist Movement in England. This class is one time on April 27 from 7-8 p.m. No RSVP is required. She will have pictures and videos to help you learn more about Wesley and the Methodist Movement. This class is perfect for both Wesley scholars and new learners alike! For questions, contact Ashley at ashley. jenkins@dunwoodyumc.org. MARCH - APRIL 2016 | 7
MISSIONS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
The building of our 26th Habitat for Humanity house is scheduled to being on April 16 and end April 23. The build will take place over 7 consecutive days and we need your assistance to make this happen. For the first time ever, Dunwoody UMC is participating in a Blitz Build. One of our goals is to engage more volunteers to become the hearts, hands and voices for the cause of adequate and affordable housing. Organizing a blitz build like this is one way that we attract more people. Yes, it takes us outside our routine. Yes, it requires extra effort. And yes, it takes strong leadership, hard work and careful planning. The impact, however, reaches far beyond the Habitat families who purchase the homes that result from the blitz. Please consider sharing your time…asking your co-workers to join you and take a day off work to complete our first ever Blitz Build. There is a job for everyone – no skills required!! You must be 16 years of age to participate. Contact Jack Whitley at jwhitley47@ aol.com, or Samantha Faklaris at Samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org for more information. YOUNG ADULT HABITAT BUILD Calling all young adults - join us as we swing, cut, and lift together to build DUMC’s 2016 Habitat House. The young adults will build together as a group on April 16. Please sign up with the rest of the church. Thanks for your help in making this house possible! ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
DUMC member John Hewitt, we have been sorting and packing food once a month for over 20 years. The ACFB receives donations from retailers such as Publix, Kroger, Walmart and CVS and, after sorting these bulk gifts into manageable quantities of cans/boxes, beverages, health and beauty items, etc., redistributes them to local food kitchens and pantries to get them directly to those in need. Taking the bulk donations and sorting them is where we come in - it’s fun work and they even provide a snack! We go to the ACFB once a month on the second Wednesday, meeting at 8:30 a.m. under the Wiley and Linda Stephens portico, or, if it’s cold, just inside the church. Transportation is provided and we get back to the church by 12:30 pm. Please come and join in! Questions, contact Alan Shinn, 770-849-0719, or awshinn@comcast.net. For more information on the ACFB, their website is www.acfb.org.
get back on their feet. In partnership with Action Ministries, Dunwoody UMC would love to have you join us (to volunteer or for assistance). Upcoming dates are March 26 in the Youth Area from 9-11 a.m. We have coffee and pastries for fellowship available. Please contact Cindy Hatcher at cindywhatcher@gmail.com with questions. TRINITY TABLE It’s that time again - Dunwoody UMC is hosting Trinity Table on Sunday, March 20. Our church is filled with faithful supporters of this ministry and we are SO thankful for your help. Please take a moment to click on the link and sign up to help again - whether it’s making sandwiches, sweets or buying fruit, snacks or drinks for to go bags... or preparing food and/or serving that afternoon - we appreciate any help you can offer. http://www.signupgenius. com/go/30e0f4eaaa623a13-dumc3
FOSTER CARE MINISTRY
We recently had three Dunwoody UMC couples complete the United Methodist Children’s Home IMPACT training to become Foster parents. Many thanks to those who have supported the Foster Care Ministry with donations. If you are interested in assisting our foster families with babysitting, it’s a simple process to become approved. They would be thankful for an hour or two here and there to run an errand! AND/ OR if you are interested in becoming a foster parent too, please contact Rosemary Watts at wrosemary@ hotmail.com, or Samantha Faklaris at Samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc. org to receive more info on our next orientation session. PACKGE OF HOPE
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is one of the many charitable organizations to which members of Dunwoody UMC lend a helping hand. Led by longtime 8 | MARCH - APRIL 2016
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, Dunwoody UMC’s goal is to make families feel welcome as they work through tough financial times to www.DunwoodyUMC.org
CAREER MINISTRY Contact Joann Akers at akersjoann@gmmail.com or 678-352-8334 with questions. CROSSROADS CAREER TRANSITION MINISTRY Meet one-on-one with individual career transition “coaches” who will help guide you during times of career transition and or job searching. Get some advice regarding your resume and how to best present yourself during an interview, as well as how to keep your faith during times of uncertainty. Each attendee has the opportunity to meet with two - three different “coaches”. Registration is free, but required so that the attendee can be “matched up” with the best “coach”. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m. in Francis Asbury B.
BE WHO YOU ARE Ever wondered if you were in the right career? Or whether you are leveraging your natural God given talents? Or even just who you essentially “are”? If so, please come to this session, Tuesday, March 8 from 7-9 p.m. in Francis Asbury B, to learn more about your personality, preferences, and what natural strengths you bring to any situation. A free personality assessment will be offered, scored and the applied in a series of fun exercises and discussions. Career/job types that may best fit will also be discussed. The class will be facilitated by Dr. Randall H. Lucius, Organizational Psychologist and Director of Organizational Development for Emory University.
GIBBS GARDENS OUTING Join us when we travel to Gibbs Gardens on Friday, April 1, just 1 hour north of Atlanta. Enjoy 220 acres of varied flowering gardens located in Ball Ground, GA. We will depart from the church at 9:30 a.m. and use car pools and the church bus. You are encouraged to car pool and actively seek others to share your ride so everyone who is interested can go. The church bus will be available to the first 15 who register and pay. We will return around 3:30 p.m. Cost of entrance and all day access to the tram ride is just $21. Lunch will be an individual expense at the on-site Arbor Cafe which features sandwiches and salads. Contact Exa Grubb, 770-394-0675 ext 205. Last day for payment is Tuesday, March 29.
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STEPHEN MINISTRY THE AFTER PEOPLE
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the “After People”. Stephen Ministers are there: • after the phone call you hoped you’d never get. • after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life. • after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you. • after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.” • after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.” • after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away - and the house suddenly seems empty. • after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away. • after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible. • after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck. • after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please call Pat DeBolt at 770-396-6836. Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” They are ready to come alongside you - or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives - and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as needed.
DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people with whom you will learn about and discuss important information on relevant topics (depression, loneliness, faith, finances, anger and others) through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Or, if you know someone going through a divorce, make sure he or she knows about this group. DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) is a 13-week program that helps children through the grieving process brought on by divorce. It provides children with a safe and neutral place to recognize and learn how to share their feelings, and gives them the tools necessary to develop healthier relationships within their own families. These 2 classes, which happen simultaneously, run through Wednesday, April 27, and are designed for people to join at any time. For more information contact Cathy Wright at cathy.wright@dunwoodyumc.org or 770-394-0675, ext. 112.
PATHWAYS OF GRIEF “NO. It can’t be. It just can’t be. Someone I love is gone and my life is shattered into a million pieces. I want everything back the way it used to be. God, are you there? Are you listening? I want my loved one back. I’m not ready to let go.” (Dr. KennethHaugk). When you lose someone you love, you lose part of yourself. And that can hurt....deeply. Grief has no timetable and, regardless of who you lost and when the loss occurred, it can still create a huge void.Your church is offering a four week session designed to help you understand how grief works, what you can expect and how to be able to respond in ways that are right for you. The journey of grief can often feel overwhelming and very dark....but come and be with others who are on this same journey. We will meet in the Thomas Coke Room Sunday, March 6, March 13, March 20 - SKIP Easter Sunday; April 3 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. These pathways sessions will be facilitated by JoAnn Akers who can be reached at akersjoann@gmail.com. 10 | MARCH - APRIL 2016
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WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
W.O.W. BIBLE STUDIES THE EMPTY NEST: BARBARA & SUSAN’S GUIDE TO DISCOVERING NEW PURPOSE, PASSION & YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE We invite you to Barbara & Susan’s Guide to the Empty Nest: Discovering New Purpose, Passion & Your Next Great Adventure. The study begins March 2, on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and lasts for 6 weeks. You’re done . . . but you’re not finished! And one more thing. You’re not alone. Feeling unsure? Scared? Expectant? Maybe even giddy? Is your nest empty--except for a bundle of mixed emotions? As you grieve what’s behind and daydream about possibilities, you’ll feel young again, ready for new challenges and adventures. Yet you may not know what to pursue or how to discover what’s next. Many women in this season of life wonder: Who am I now? And what should I do? How will my marriage be affected? Does anyone need me? How do I relate to my children? Is it okay to feel sad? Or thrilled? What’s next? Barbara and Susan can be the friends you need to walk you through these new experiences. They’ll guide you to answers, and together you’ll discover a new purpose and passion for your next life adventure. Please contact Sally Abele (sallyabele@msn.com) to sign up for the study and/or to make free childcare reservations. Cost for book: $10.00 Classroom: 258/259.
MOMS ON THE GROW CIRCLE This group of mothers was founded over ten years ago and has been “growing” strong ever since. Moms on the Grow is a group of mothers with infants and/or preschoolers that meets one Tuesday morning each month in the church parlor. We gather to engage in religious, social and philanthropic endeavors. The moms within the group contribute casseroles to the holiday festival, sweets to the gourmet shop, and volunteer countless hours at Vacation Bible School and the consignment sales. In fact, some founding members of Moms on the Grow started the DUMC consignment sale. We assemble the candles for our church Christmas Eve services and assist with the prep work for arts and crafts for our summer Vacation Bible School program, all while socializing and supporting one another. At our meetings we invite speakers to teach on a range of topics relating to faith, marriage, family, and raising little children. We cherish this group and always walk away having learned something new and feeling uplifted and encouraged. If you are a mom with young children, please consider joining us. This is a great place to feel safe, supported and normal as we walk through this journey of motherhood together. Nursery care is provided and we always welcome babies on laps. For more information please contact jennyrolfes@gmail.com or leighkcohen@gmail.com. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAI D Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3607
DUNWOODY Dunwoody United Methodist Church 1548 Mt. Vernon Road Dunwoody, U N I T E D GA M E30338 THODIST CHURCH
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Clergy and Office Numbers
JANUARY NEW MEMBERS
Dan Brown Senior Pastor Josh Amerson Associate Pastor Exa Grubb Minister with Older Adults
Kate & Alex Butler (Hunter & Banks)
Heidi & Daniel Neumann (Wil & Lucy)
Patricia White
NOT PICTURED
Abby & Casey Crangle (Harrison)
Nicole Sullivan
Kathryn Cannon & Steve Alvarez Karen Dempers Jean Hill
Laura Kollar (Paxton)
Sylvia Warden
Ashley Jenkins Minister with Singles/Young Adults & Women 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 770-316-1935
In case of an emergency such as a death or critical illness.