MARCH 2018
CONNECTIONS
IN THIS ISSUE Pg 2 �������������������������������������� Easter Season Pg 3 ���������� An Evening with Adam Hamilton Pg 4 ���������������������������Nursery and Children Pg 7 ���������������������������������������� My Fair Lady Pg 8 ������������Mission Highlight: HomeStretch Pg 11 ������������������������������� Women’s Ministry
DUNWOODY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
YOU ARE AMAZING moving into the gym for Sunday School, the Morning Prayer and Communion Service will be moving into the Chapel for their service, and the Traditional Service will be moving into the Fellowship Hall for their service.
Two months from now we will enter a very exciting time in the life of our church. On May 14, 2018 we will exit our current sanctuary and it will become a construction site. As you know, the plans are to bring the choir out of the balcony and put them in the chancel area of the church. There are also plans to reconfigure both the chancel and parts of the sanctuary to make it worshipful for the Contemporary Service, add banners and new lighting, and do the initial work of preparing for the new organ (which will be finished the following year). We are doing something unique. Other traditional churches have contemporary worship services either in a sanctuary that is primarily designed for traditional worship; or in another space in the church building (which is what we have been doing). We are now building a space that will be traditional for traditional worship and contemporary for contemporary worship. I believe that once we do this successfully we will become a model for traditional churches all over the country. I would be less than honest if I didn’t tell you that during the time of construction, there will be disruption. The children will be 2 | MARCH 2018
It will move all of us out of our comfort zones and it will not be easy, but in my experience, I have discovered if we exercise patience and a good spirit it can be a source of joy and laughter, a time we will look back upon with fondness, and a chance for all of us to grow closer together. In that sense, I hope you will begin right now preparing yourself and helping to influence others in your circle to prepare for this exciting time. Between now and then, I would remind you that we have some very special things happening in the church. We will be celebrating the Season of Lent. Holy Week and Easter are just around the corner. We will also have Confirmation S u n d ay, Yo u t h S u n d ay a n d Mother’s Day. I want to thank you as a congregation for your willingness to adapt, step into the future, and work for the benefit of all. You are amazing. I brag on you (with Christ centered pride) all the time. Your Pastor, Dan
Easter Season LENT
Lent Devotional
Subscribe to a daily Lent devotional by visiting www.dunwoodyumc.org/subscribe.
Palm/Passion Sunday March 25
8:45 a.m. Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall Morning Prayer and Holy Communion, Sanctuary 11:05 a.m. Traditional Service, Sanctuary 12:15 p.m. Children’s Ministry Easter Egg Hunt Lunch, egg hunt, crafts, and more!
HOLY WEEK Noon Service March 26 - 30
12:05 p.m., Sanctuary Followed by complimentary lunch, Fellowship Hall
Holy Thursday Communion March 29
7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Good Friday Tenebrae March 30
7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
EASTER SUNDAY April 1
8:00 a.m. Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall 9:00, 10:05, and 11:15 a.m. Traditional Service, Sanctuary
www.dunwoodyumc.org/Easter www.DunwoodyUMC.org
TUESDAY, MARCH 13, DUNWOODY UMC PRESENTS ADAM HAMILTON AND HIS NEW BOOK UNAFRAID: LIVING WITH COURAGE AND HOPE IN TROUBLED TIMES. Join us for an inspiring evening with the renowned author and senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection. For anyone struggling with fear, worry, or anxiety, or who wonders how families and communities can live as peacemakers in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions. The cost ($16) includes a copy of the book. The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Seating is general admission.
Register and pay online at www.dunwoodyumc.org/unafraid.
SMALL GROUPS WHEN WAS GOD WITH ME? Come share a story of the work, the miracles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life. Experience the witness of others about the Holy Spirit’s power and presence. Workshop led by Glenda Joiner, ventriloquist, and Shannon Whiting, teacher. Friday, March 23 and March 30 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
RESTORED Join Rev. David Melton, in a study of Dr. Tom Berlin’s book, Restored, Finding Redemption in our Mess, on Wednesdays, April 4 – May 9, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Asbury Room or on Wednesday evenings, April 4 - May 9, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Asbury Room. Sometimes our lives are in such disarray we can’t envision a way through to redemption. In Restored, author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate through our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we can leave our mess and find spiritual restoration and true redemption. To register contact maryceleste. llaurador@dunwoodyumc.org.
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
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NURSERY SPRING BREAK CAMP Join the Dunwoody UMC Nursery for “At the Movies Week” during spring break, Monday through Thursday, April 2-5. Children will participate in fun, movie-themed activities during this half-day camp week. The times are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for ages two - kindergarten. Camps are open to both members and nonmembers. Don’t miss out on the fun! Please bring a peanut-free lunch for your child. Cost is $150 per week, per child.
SUMMER CAMP THEMES • In June, Imagine: Stories and Literature Dr. Seuss and Rhyming Authors, Eric Carle and Collage Techniques; Mo Willems, Teamwork and Related Silliness • In July, Explore: Culture and Community Chefs, Farmers and Food; Doctors, Exercise and Healthy Bodies; Police, Firefighters and Emergency Vehicles • In August, Create: Architecture and the World Around Us Lego; Secret Spy School; Around the World Drop in is open during the summer camp for 6 months – 2 years (Limited Spots). Contact Usha Raghavan, (770) 542-1645, usha.raghavan@dunwoodyumc.org for more information about Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp registration.
CHILDREN VBS/GOD SQUAD REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Please visit www.dunwoodyumc.org/children; click the VBS/God Squad link on the calendar page to register. Select “add additional” upon initial completion to register for multiple children/programs. Questions about registration/available scholarships, please contact megan.batcheller@ dunwoodyumc.org.
EASTER EGG HUNT Sunday, March 25, 12:15 p.m. Please join us on Palm Sunday for an Easter celebration sponsored by the Children’s Ministry. Lunch will be provided by the church, followed by Easter crafts and egg hunts (2 age groups). Also, don’t miss the surprise guests! Visit our website for registration details and volunteer opportunities! www.dunwoodyumc.org/children.
TRAILBLAZERS PAINTING RAMPAGE Sunday, March 18, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 4th & 5th graders, bring your inner artist and let’s get creative - please wear clothes to paint in! The registration link is on the children’s calendar page. Please bring $5 for pizza. Contact Megan Batcheller, (770) 394-0675 ext. 158, megan.batcheller@dunwoodyumc.org.
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www.DunwoodyUMC.org
SPARK! AGE 3-5 YEARS
March Theme: GONE FISHIN’!
This month we’ve GONE FISHIN’ and we can’t wait to see what ideas you and your preschoolers reel in. This month is all about Jesus and how He taught the disciples to be fishers of men. How did they learn to be fishers of men? They followed Jesus! And, we want our preschoolers to know that they can follow Jesus too. Contact Katie McCann, (770) 394-0675 ext. 145, katie.mccann@dunwoodyumc.org. WEEK
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John the Baptist Matthew 3: 3-4, 11, 13-15 Andrew and Peter; John and James Matthew 4:18-22
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Matthew (Tax Collector) Matthew 9: 9-10
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Palm Sunday Matthew 21: 1-11, 15-16
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PLUGGED IN: K-5TH GRADE
March Theme: JUMP BALL, Finding PEACE In The Madness When Adam and Eve decided that their way was better than God’s way and broke God’s rule, they changed the relationship between God and His creation. Where once everything and everyone could be in the presence of God, now we were at odds with God. God could have done anything He wanted, including wiping us out and starting over. But instead God decided to make peace with us. Ultimately God did this through His Son, Jesus. When Jesus died and then rose from the dead, He paid the price for everything that was wrong and unfair in this world. Because of Jesus, we can have peace. We don’t have to get even. Instead, we can reflect the character of Christ by caring for others and making peace. Contact Megan Batcheller, (770) 394-0675 ext. 158, megan.batcheller@dunwoodyumc.org. WEEK
Key Question: Why is it so hard to give up WEEK what you think is fair? Bottom Line: Prove you care more about others by letting go of “what’s fair.” Sometimes choosing peace means letting go of what we want or our perception of ourselves. Preserving the relationship is more important that protecting our own sense of fairness.
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Key Question: How do you walk away from a fight? Bottom Line: Prove you care more about WEEK others by walking away from a fight. Sometimes creating peace with someone means walking away even if we’re not wrong. Often it takes a stronger person to have the self-control to walk away.
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Key Question: What are ways you can be a peacemaker? Bottom Line: Prove you care more about others by being part of the solution. Peace is often about helping stop an argument before it can escalate into something worse. Acting as a peacemaker between others will take time and energy, but God can give us the strength to help others make peace. Sometimes our outside perspective is what someone might need to see a peaceful solution. Key Question: Who do you need to make peace with? Bottom Line: We can make peace with others because God made peace with us. Jesus is our ultimate example of peace. Because He made peace between God and us, we should strive to make peace a part of how we work together as the Body of Christ. MARCH 2018 | 5
55+ MINISTRY MURDER MYSTERY PARTY Friday, March 16, 2:00 p.m., Parlor. Join us for a high school class reunion to solve a murder mystery. “My Alma Martyr” will bring back memories of your own class reunions but with suspense and drama. Can you find the clues to solve the case? The cost is just $5. Register and pay on line at dunwoodyumc. org/55+ or call Mary Ruffin at 770-542-1675. Last day for payment is Tuesday, March 13.
ECONOMIC UPDATE Tuesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m., Wesley Room. Join us as we continue our series on Preparing for Retirement with an Economic Update. DUMC member Armand Glassman, CPA, CFP will present economic information that may be helpful for all. He says, “Wondering what to make of 2017 and how to prepare for the year ahead? We are here to offer the insight you need. The past 12 months brought a strengthening economy and record highs for U.S. markets. But will the good times last? Join us as we analyze what happened in 2017 and what may be on the horizon in 2018. We encourage you to bring family and friends who want fresh perspectives on the markets and economy.” For more information, contact Kathy Brockman at kathy.brockman@dunwoodyumc.org or 770-542-1677.
SPORTS & LEISURE EMPOWER FITNESS
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:15 a.m. (with Michelle Spitz) and on Mondays at 12:45 p.m. (with Julie Erickson) in the Aerobics room. Total body transformation with classes that incorporate strength training, circuits, intervals, cardio and more. Appropriate for intermediate to advanced fitness levels. 60-minute classes. No purchase necessary. Complimentary to the community.
SPECIALTY CLASSES
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. in the Aerobics Room. Tighten and Tone with Laila Berland. Tone up and slim down with a low-impact, full body workout. Using the barre method and light weights, exercises are designed to shape long, lean muscles, improve posture, and flexibility. Appropriate for all fitness levels. 10-class pass: $100.
CHRISTIAN YOGA WITH SUSAN DERDERIAN
Traditional yoga stretches, poses and relaxation techniques with soothing Christian music and meditation. Invigorate your mind and body while enhancing flexibility, improving range of motion, and relieving stress. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the Thomas Coke Room. 10-class pass: $100. 6 | MARCH 2018
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
YOUNG ADULT HAPPENINGS
Sign up for the spring Kickball League TODAY! Games take place at Hammond Park on Tuesday nights starting in March through May. Email DUMCYA@gmail.com for more information.
We will be participating in a spiritual retreat on Lake Hartwell the first weekend in March. The theme is #Lent.
The sweaters weren’t the only thing getting attention at the YA Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. #whiteelephantgift #tackysweater
YOUTH MINISTRY SENIOR PICTURES Attention parents of high school seniors. It is almost time to recognize our soon-to-be graduating class! We need their senior pictures no later than March 23. Please send your senior’s picture to Brooke Freeman at brooke.freeman@ dunwoodyumc.org. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
#WinnerWinner! Team #2 won the #Steeplechase adventure scavenger hunt across Dunwoody!
A Minister, a Rabbi, and a Buddhist discussed Miracles in our monthly #AfterHours meeting. MARCH 2018 | 7
MISSIONS
DUNWOODY UMC, TRANSITIONAL FAMILIES AND HOMESTRETCH It’s easy to look at the homeless and think somehow they brought it on themselves. Some poor decisions. A bad attitude. Maybe even laziness. But there are some out there who don’t match any of these stereotypes. They are hardworking families that may have simply encountered tough times. Such as an unexpected crisis. Excessive medical bills. A lost job. Or maybe something as traumatic as fleeing an abusive partner. Whatever the reason, the result is the same – eviction. For many of these families, their car or the streets become their home. HomeStretch gives them a future and the chance to get back on their feet. HomeStretch provides twelve month to two years of low-rent housing, partnered with a structured educational program teaching important life skills, including vocational training and money management. Each family receives an average of 600 volunteers hours coupled with individualized mentoring from social workers. In 2017, DUMC partnered with HomeStretch to support a transitional family. Together, we furnished, decorated and stocked an apartment for a single mom and her son. After members of our committee went through training to become both her family and financial mentors, we met monthly to discuss her path and how to improve it together. After growing to love, care for and support this family, our committee decided to take on another family we met through Family Promise. We now also support another single mother and her children as family mentors. Through the generosity of our congregation, DUMC will begin supporting a social worker focused on youth at HomeStretch in 2018. The goal is to help these children so they don’t follow the cycle of their parents and support them as they encounter struggles. If you’d like to get involved, our Transitional Housing Committee meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Chaired by Linda Danysh and Rita Paschal, we come together to discuss how we can best assist those serving as mentors to the families, as well as impact the families we are supporting directly. Another way to help is serving directly with HomeStretch. They are always looking for mentors (family and financial) for unsponsored families in their program, furniture donations and assistance with maintenance and landscaping projects around their properties. Contact Samantha Faklaris at samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org to find out more. 8 | MARCH 2018
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
ATLANTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BLITZ BUILD Join us for our third Blitz Build and 28th home! April 19-21 and 25-28. Ask your coworkers, friends and family members to take a day off to participate in our build. Our hope is to engage more volunteers to become the hearts, hands and voices for the cause of adequate and affordable housing. The impact is far-reaching and the experience is more than heartwarming. There is a job for everyone - no skills required. Contact Jack and Bette Whitley at jwhitley47@aol.com or Samantha Faklaris at samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org for more information.
TRINITY TABLE Dunwoody UMC is hosting Trinity Table on Sunday, March 18. Our church is filled with faithful supporters of this ministry and we are so thankful for your help. Please take a moment and google “Trinity Table Dunwoody� and click on the first result to see the link and sign up. We need help with: making sandwiches, donations (sweets, fruit, snacks, and drinks), preparing food, and serving that afternoon. Contact Samantha Faklaris at samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org for more information.
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. We would love to have you join us (to volunteer or for assistance). March 24 in the Youth Area from 9:00 - 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 March 13 to carpool down to the ACFB. We will be back around 12:30 p.m. Contact Alan Shinn at awshinn49@gmail. com for more information.
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS This year we are offering two adult mission trip opportunities. Travel to Costa Rica July 28 - August 4 or to Guatemala August 18-25. If you are interested in participating, please contact susan.farrow@dunwoodyumc.org for more information.
CAC PANTRY COLLECTIONS CAC pantry collections have changed. We will collect urgent pantry needs for the CAC once per quarter. Get your custom grocery bag and list of urgent needs during services on Sunday, March 10. Fill the bag with food and return it the following Sunday, March 17, to the second floor alcove of the Activities Building or to the Parlor narthex. Contact susan.farrow@dunwoodyumc.org with questions.
SMART KID, SMART LUNCH SPRING BREAK LUNCHES Help us provide lunches to children at Hightower Elementary over spring break from school. We need volunteers to make 35 sandwiches/day and deliver them between noon and 1:00 p.m. April 2 - 6. Questions? Contact Cassie Odom at cassie.odom@ dunwoodyumc.org or Samantha Faklaris at samantha.faklaris@dunwoodyumc.org. www.DunwoodyUMC.org
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DISCOVER DUMC
DUNWOODY April 15, 22 and 29, 9:55 a.m., Young Adult Suite. 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, 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. To sign up contact Valerie Pitrof at valerie.pitrof@dunwoodyumc.org or 770-542-1665.
UNITED METHODIST CHURC
SUPPORT GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal�. An Irish headstone The Grief and Loss support group meets monthly on the third Tuesday of each month, 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 with questions, akersjoann@gmail.com or 678-352-8334.
DIVORCECARE DivorceCare is a small group which lends support to those who have gone through a divorce, are going through a divorce, or anticipate going through a divorce. DivorceCare for Kids runs concurrently in Room 241 for children ages 5-12. Please contact Cathy Wright for more information or to register at 404-509-6656 or kd111649@gmail.com. Free nursery is available by calling Usha Raghavan, Nursery Director, at 770-542-1645.
REFORMATION TOUR SEPTEMBER 10-19, 2018
Visit the actual sites where John Calvin, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Knox, among others, made history and formed the protestant faith. Led by Rev. Dan and Carol Brown and Revs. David and Joy Melton. Cost is $3,824.00 from Atlanta ($4,399.00 including tips $100.00, taxes and fuel surcharges $450.00) or $3,499.00 Land Only. Contact Rev. David Melton for information at 770-394-0675 Ext 114 or david.melton@ dunwoodyumc.org. 10 | MARCH 2018
www.DunwoodyUMC.org
WOMEN’S MINISTRY WORKING WOMEN’S NETWORK The vision of United Methodist Women is “turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.” This is the purpose and goal of the Working Women’s Network (WWN) circle of DUMW. Our members serve and support many programs within UMW and DUMC (CAC, Wellspring Living, Family Promise, Foster Parents, Holiday Festival, Habitat Build, Christmas Shoe Boxes, Methodist Children’s Home, Murphy Harpst, Greeters & Ushers, Altar Guild, Music Ministry, Library Workers, Bible Study & Sunday School Leaders, etc.) Our annual retreat allows us to spend time together free from the distractions of everyday life; a way to bond in Christian sisterhood as well as learn more about ourselves and each other. We truly enjoy being and serving together. WWN is a group of women who do or did work outside the home and find it convenient to meet in the evening at DUMC on the second Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in learning more about WWN, please contact Shirley Layne, shirley.layne@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us.
LIVING AS A COVENANT COMMUNITY - MISSION STUDY Wednesday, March 7 and March 14, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wesley Room. “Living as a Covenant Community” is a UMW mission study and will be facilitated by Rev. Kathy Brockman. Our responses to God’s covenants will guide our lives towards greater compassion and openness and will enhance understanding of how God works with us, in us, and through us. For more information contact JoAnn Akers at akersjoann@gmail.com.
MEMORIALS FOR JANUARY IN MEMORY OF: Eugene Curran – Mrs. Gene Brown Betty Daugherty – Mrs. Gene Brown Rosalie FitzPatrick – Mr. and Mrs. William Schuh, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Yates, Ropes & Gray LLP, Mrs. Susan Cunnold Anne Francisco – Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Yates, Serving and Sharing Circle Priscilla Holman – Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ellis Mary Frances Hudson (mother of Lanny Gilbert) – Mr. and Mrs. William Schuh David Jager – Ms. Charlotte Christopher Ralph Martin – Crusaders Class
IN HONOR OF: Betty Marshall – Mrs. Gene Brown 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
NEW MEMBERS
Clergy and Office Numbers Rev. Dan Brown Senior Pastor Rev. Josh Amerson Associate Pastor Rev. Kathy Brockman Associate Pastor
Bill and Nancy Fossett
Bradley and Brie Goodwin Grayson and Anna
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
Jason and Jennifer Dempsey Maddox and Cooper
Allen and Carol Head
Not pictured: Molly Barnes Larry and Leslie Dove (Children: Mason and Lauren) Nicholas Isaac
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.