February 2024 Newsletter
Keeping you updated as we gather, grow and go!
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Lent, Past and Future
Each year, the church observes the season of Lent. It begins on Ash Wednesday and takes us to Easter Sunday. Lent is 40 days, not counting Sundays. It reminds us of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness. For the last several years during Lent, we have focused on some special scriptures. Last year, we spent time in Luke 5. We have looked at the Lord’s Prayer and other scriptures as well.
This year, we are going to be talking about “Good Habits”. It goes back to John Wesley, the original Methodist. He and his friends were originally called “Methodists” because they were so methodical in the way they approached their faith. They were very disciplined about doing things that strengthened their relationship with God. Some people call their practices spiritual disciplines. Another way to say that is to say they developed “Good Habits”.
That is what we will be talking about during the season of Lent. None of them are new. You know that each of them are important. But sometimes, we need to be reminded. They will sound familiar, because we have touched on some of them in the month of January! We will talk about the importance of prayer, the study of scripture, serving, and being a part of a small group. On Palm Sunday, we will read the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem and the people shouting “Hosanna”. And, we will talk about worship. On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the empty tomb and talk about the importance of sharing that story with the world.
John Wesley was not the first to practice these, but he did it with a particular passion. We began the year talking about the mission statement that is specific to Due West. During Lent, we will talk a little more broadly about what it means that we are “Methodists”.
By the way, if you like to travel and want to know more about John Wesley, there is a trip in October that might interest you. It is a Wesley Heritage Tour. We will begin in Ireland for a couple of days, to see the countryside. We will also visit with our friends in Northern Ireland with Drop In Ministries and visit the castle where some of our mission teams have stayed. We will then fly to London and visit sites central to the life and ministry of John Wesley. And, of course, we will also visit many other sites that you must see when you are in England. If you are interested, please let me know. I will be happy to give you information.
In the meantime, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day this year. We will begin the season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. We hope you will join us then, and for all of our regular and special services during the season as we talk about Good Habits.
If it’s Sunday, you want to be at Due West,
David
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February 6 - Bonfire group time of worship
February 8-10 - Wonderfully Made
February 9 – Ladies’ Night Out
February 9-11 – Troop 540 Campout on the Activity Field
February 10 - Pack/Troop 540 celebrate 60 years
February 11 – GriefShare – New 13-week session begins
February 14 - Ash Wednesday & Valentine’s Day
February 15 – Firearms and Fellowship
February 19-23 – Cobb County Winter Break
February 17-20 – Youth Ski Trip
February 25 & March 3 – Due West 101 Class
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Support Groups
AA Open Meeting - Sundays @ 7:00 pm (Bldg A)
AA Women’s Group - Thursdays @ 7:00 pm (Bldg A)
GriefShare - Sundays @ 6:00 pm (Bldg C)
GRASP Support Group - Second Tuesday @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)
S.O.S. Support Group - Second Thursday @ 7:00 pm (Bldg C)
Parkinson’s Support Group - Second Sunday @ 3:00 pm
Dementia Ministry Meetings
Spouse Support Group meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am.
Spouse Group meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm.
Family Support Group meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.
Currently, all meetings are being held via Zoom. For more information, please email dementiaministry@duewest.org.
Weekly Exercise Classes (Bldg B)
Monday
Tone & Tighten @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
Tuesday
Pilates @ 9:30 am
Wednesday
Cardio-Sculpt @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
Slow Flow Yoga @ 10:35 am
Thursday
Zumba @ 9:30 am
Friday
Boot Camp @ 8:30 am (Nursery)
Stretch & Tone @ 9:30 am (Nursery)
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Sam Ordination Celebration
You won’t want to miss the opportunity to join our church family to celebrate the ordination of Sam Gindlesberger, DWMC Associate Pastor. Sam is now ordained as a Global Methodist Church (GMC) pastor. We will celebrate with Sam and his wife, Taylor, and two children, Eli and Ellie, this exciting milestone in their lives and Sam’s life of ministry unto the Lord.
A reception is set for Sunday, February 11th immediately after the 11am service in Building A. Join us in the Gathering Room to greet both Sam and Taylor - two people who have blessed our congregation in genuine love for the Lord Jesus and our mission to Gather, Grow and Go as a family of believers. Sam, a special guy from the “Buckeye” state of Ohio, and Taylor will be happy to see you and receive your congratulations!
To put your thoughts, prayers and congrats into words, please bring a card/note to be collected after all three services in the respective foyer on February 11th by the SPR Committee members. It’s a fun way to show encouragement and support of Sam’s efforts, gifts, and life commitment to serving as a pastor in this capacity. If you are not able to attend services on this date, cards may be delivered to the Church Office Manager, Denise Luders.
Interim Youth Director
As you have heard, Lora Parker Gayler left our staff at the end of January. We are grateful for all she has done for our youth ministry and our church over all. We want you to know that we have established a search committee to find her successor. As always, we are grateful to Wes Anderson, who has been a part of our youth staff for many years, for his commitment and willingness to lead during this time. Although he also teaches full time, Wes always has been and remains fully committed to our youth. Knowing that we all want the best for our youth, I have asked Taylor Gindlesberger to step into a part-time staff role to help during this season of transition. I have watched Taylor become involved in many aspects of the life of our church, including youth ministry. She has been present each Sunday night as a volunteer, developing relationships with our youth. Many of you know her and appreciate her as well. What you may not know is that she and Sam met at Asbury Seminary. She earned a Master's degree from Asbury as Sam was earning his Master of Divinity Degree. We are blessed she has agreed. Please keep Wes, Taylor, our youth and the search committee in your prayers.
-David
Membership Rolls
With the recent disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church, we have transitioned from Due West United Methodist Church “DWUMC” to Due West Methodist Church “DWMC.” All membership rolls of DWUMC are now archived.
Due West Methodist Church “DWMC” began receiving former members of DWUMC on January 7, 2024. If you were a member of DWUMC and want to be a member of DWMC, you need to let us know! Please review our new Member Covenant outlining what membership means. We are also providing our Wesleyan beliefs and core values. If you want to be among the first to join DWMC, please click here to complete the required form.
If you were not on the DWUMC membership roll and want to join DWMC, please register to attend the upcoming Due West 101 2-part classes on February 25th and March 3rd. As we move into the future, we want to do everything we can to help you understand what membership in our congregation means. Please click here to register!
We are excited about our new future!
Info Session
As we seek to discern the best future denomination for Due West, we remind you that Lathem Postell is coming to speak on February 4th, at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary of Building A. As you may recall, Lathem left us to serve as senior pastor of Sam Jones UMC in Cartersville. He served there as a GMC pastor for more than a year before Sam Jones voted to join the GMC. He will provide an experienced perspective about the GMC and will be available to answer questions. Also, there is a meeting of the GMC in Norcross on February 10th. You can find out more about that by clicking here. We hope that you can come and join us.
Name Badges
As we are in a season of starting fresh here at Due West Methodist Church, it seems like a great time for us to learn the names of fellow members of DWMC while we gather together. We likely recognize one anothers’ faces at worship services or other church events, but wouldn’t it be great to put a name with that face? We can help do that by ordering, and wearing, name badges while on campus. If you are interested in ordering a name badge, please reach out directly to Denise Luders via email at dluders@duewest.org. Please do NOT order name badges individually through the newsletter or website at this time. Denise will collect names and place a bulk order which will allow us to enjoy a significant cost savings per badge (individual badges are $18.50). We will notify all who order what the revised price is prior to finalizing the order.
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It's time to start thinking about preschool for the 2024 – 2025 school year! The Due West Preschool and Kindergarten has open registration for children. Our registration form is available on our website. You can schedule a tour so you can come to see our rooms, meet the staff, get answers to your questions about our program, and see why we’re certified as a “Preschool of Excellence"! You can schedule a tour by calling the preschool office at 770-590-0982. If tours are completed by January 18th you can be placed on our preferred list. Please reach out to skubek@duewest.org for more information.
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Preschool Sunday School
Memory Verse: “Be kind and loving to each other.” Ephesians 4:32, NCV
There is a food truck for just about every kind of food, and when the food trucks are lined up, the whole community comes out. Some people like noodles. Some people like tacos. Some people like hot dogs. And others head straight for the funnel cakes!
Next time you see a row of food trucks look around at all the people in line. Take time to thank Jesus because Jesus loves everyone. Jesus loves the sour as well as the sweet; the spicy as well as the mild; the simple as well as the complicated; your favorites and your not-so-favorites. Jesus loves everyone!
Elementary Sunday School
Kindness - Showing others they are valuable by how you treat them.
Memory Verse: “You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient.” Colossians 3:12, NIRV
God showed kindness by sending Jesus for us—even when we didn’t deserve it. Because of God’s love for us, we can be kind to everyone. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. And when you show kindness to others, you give them a glimpse into the heart of God, and how much God loves them. Kindness should be a characteristic of people who follow Jesus. Not only did Jesus model kindness, but He also commanded it. He taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated.
dwCrew is a specialized time of fun, learning, and service for 3rd-5th graders. We will be meeting this month on February 4 & February 25 from 12:00-1:30 pm. Lunch is $3 and check-in is just inside the blue dwKids doors.
Wonderfully Made: Loved by God
The preteen years are tough. Changes are happening to them physically, mentally, and emotionally which makes it hard to know exactly what’s going on. Wonderfully Made provides kids ages 10–12 the opportunity to not only ask questions about growing up, but to get faith-based answers as well. This program covers physical development and spiritual connection while helping preteens establish a foundation for their life in Christ.
Wonderfully Made is a 3-day course for 5th & 6th grade students and their parents: Thursday evening (parents), Friday evening (students), Saturday (students in the am, all in the afternoon for lunch) **We are still in need of volunteers. If you are a parent of a child coming up, this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the program before your child attends. Please contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org for more information.
Coming February 8 - 10; Registration is open now, sign up on Church Center!
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Join us for Ignite every Sunday this month except Sunday Feb 18th (Winter Break).
Please remember to be in prayer for our youth and chaperones attending our Ski Trip to West Virginia Feb 17-20th!
Be sure to check out our February newsletter for all the details!
Spiritual Life Retreat
Every year, the youth of Due West participate in this event at Camp Glisson. This event is a favorite and will fill to capacity, so be sure to register early and invite friends!
Registration will close on February 11th at midnight. To register click HERE or go to Signups in Church Center.
Youth Ski Trip - February 17-20
Our youth will ski at Winterplace, in Ghent, WV! We are excited to return to this great spot and stay at the Sleep Inn hotel in Princeton, just a few minutes drive from the slopes. This trips price includes transportation, lodging, 2-day lift tickets, ski/snowboard rental, the REQUIRED helmet, and breakfast and lunch. Students will need to bring money for dinners and stops on the way to and from WV. Payment is due by February 1st!
Youth Choir
Weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays from 6 to 6:45 pm in Sanctuary A
Youth choir performance dates have changed to February 4th at the 8:30 service and February 11th for the 11:00 service.
Come support our singers! And better yet…come sing with us!
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Feb. 4 – Youth Choir @ 8:30 and Handbells @ 11:00
Feb. 11 – Youth Choir + dwKids Choir @ 11:00
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There are lots of exciting things coming up for the Center for the Arts!
February 1 - All summer camp registrations are open! We have Art Camps, Theatre Camps, and a Sewing Camp! Check the CFA page on ChurchCenter for the list and the links to signup.
February 17 - Parents’ Night Out
April 12 & 13 - Auditions for our Cue West Players summer musical - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Open to all ages 8 & up! Watch for a signup genius to book your audition time!
Encore
Calling all kids in 2nd - 5th grade! Do you love to sing and dance and perform? Registration is open on church center for “Encore” - a showcase featuring our young artists. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6.
Kindermusik Classes
We are now offering mommy and me (or caregiver and me) classes for babies and toddlers. These classes are offered in partnership with Kindermusik of West Cobb. Please see their site to register https://regalperformingarts.com/
Watercolor Classes for Adults
Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:30-12 for a fun watercolor class with Annette Lewis. Commit just one class at a time, and no experience is necessary - Annette will guide you step by step. Just bring yourself and your supplies, or if you don’t have supplies just let her know and Annette will provide those for you. Cost is $13 if you bring your own supplies, $17 if you’d like Annette to provide them. Simply send Annette a text at (404) 664-9906 if you’d like to join the class.
Instrumental lessons
We are thrilled to offer you lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and harmonica. If you are interested in private lessons in any of those things please send an email to Nicole at cfa@duewest.org for more information.
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Mark Hellman
We are pleased to announce that Mark Hellman has been approached to help nearby churches in the area of missions. 14 churches in Cobb and Paulding Counties have recently disaffiliated. Some of those are currently independent and some have joined the Global Methodist Church. A network has formed to connect and support all of our churches. Mark has been asked to be the District Missions Coordinator. We are one of the few churches that has a Director of Missions on staff, and Mark will be able to provide valuable assistance and resources to the other churches in our area. We are grateful to Mark for the work he continues to do at Due West. Please keep him in your prayers for the work he will continue to do for Due West as well as for the Greater Kingdom in this new, volunteer position.
Missions Newsletter - February
Check out our missions newsletter to learn more about all the church wide mission projects we have going on here at Due West!
Backpack Program Food Drive (Jan 14 to Feb 14)
We are asking specifically for donations of:
Hearty canned soups
Canned ravioli
Beanie weenies
SpaghettiO’s
Mission Activities Survey 2024
Successful Christmas Gift Drives
Teach Love Serves Harrison High School
Mission Trip Dates for 2024
Guatemala: May 31 to June 8th - Deadline to register is Feb 29th!
Click HERE to read the Missions Newsletter for February.
Click HERE to have the monthly email newsletter delivered directly to your email inbox!
Mission Activities Survey 2024
Hey, Due West are you ready to be the hands and feet of God? Where should we go in 2024? What should we do?
We want to know what you think! Help us discern where God is calling us by answering the questions on the Mission Trip Survey! Please pray over your answers and fill out the survey before February 4th.
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February Ladies’ Night Out - The Sacred in Everyday
Join us on February 9th, as we host MacKenzie Chester, a blogger, speaker, an everyday journaler and soon-to-be mother of 9! She will tell a bit of her story and teach us how to walk in the present and find God in the details of everyday life, not just the big moments.
This is an interactive journaling experience like you have never experienced (journals provided). Charcuterie boards will be provided at each table of 5. Registration is just $25.00 each. This event will be held in The Gathering Place. Please come and enjoy this intimate and relaxing event.
Women's March Stay-Retreat - Abide and Grow
Have you always wanted to come to our Women's Retreat? This is your year. We are having a Stay-Retreat right here at the church on March 8th and 9th. It's going to look different, but what's wrong with mixing it up a little?!
Abide and Grow is this year’s theme. Our guest speaker is comedian and speaker Debbie Childers. You've all been asking for a deep dive into the Word and that's right up Debbie's expertise alley. Comedy is just her side gig!
We will start Friday evening with dinner and comedy then return Saturday morning for a deep dive into the Bible to discuss how we abide in Him and in our faith. Lunch will be provided on Saturday as well. Don't worry, there will still be some of those icebreakers!
The entire event is just $125.00 for the weekend. Click here to register!
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10 Financial Resolutions for the New Year
While it is true that we are already into the activities of 2024, it is more than likely that many of us have not set financial resolutions for the new year. It is never too late to begin this important process that will have a lasting impact on your financial well-being for years to come. Check out these timely tips that have your family’s best interests at heart.
1. Inventory your assets and review your will and beneficiaries.
Keep in mind some assets like bank and retirement accounts may transfer outside of your will. Is your plan to give to family, friends, and the church up to date? Make a date to discuss your plans with your loved ones and executor. Attending Due West’s quarterly estate planning seminars just might help you explore the possibilities.
2. Conduct an annual investment checkup.
Are you on track to meet your long-term goals? Is the risk in your portfolio in line with your stage in life? Have your needs changed? Are you saving enough?
3. Develop a budget and stick with it!
Resolve to save more money and spend less. Before every purchase, ask yourself if it’s a want or a need.
4. Reduce your debt.
Develop a plan that includes making extra payments toward your student loan, car loan, mortgage, or credit card debt.
5. Increase your retirement plan savings.
Did you get a raise? If you put that additional money into your 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account, it is likely you will never miss it.
6. Conduct an energy audit of your home, church, or workplace.
You will be amazed at how much money and energy you can save! Good energy conservation is good stewardship. Google energy audits on the web or contact your power company to learn about programs to help.
7. Identify new ways to save money.
Have a brainstorming session with your family to identify ways you can work together to reduce spending. Pack your lunch. Eat at home instead of going out to a restaurant. Make your own coffee. Turn off the lights. Stick to your grocery list. Cancel memberships you never use. You get the idea!
8. Conduct annual reviews of your service providers.
At the beginning of the year, compare rates for insurance, cell phone plans, utilities, TV, internet, and entertainment packages, and other providers to make sure you’re receiving the best rates possible.
9. Start an emergency fund.
Build a 90-day emergency fund. This way you will be prepared in the event of unexpected expenses such as a job loss, illness, repair bills, or unplanned travel.
10. Check your credit report.
It’s important to maintain good credit. Check your credit report annually.
These tips brought to you by the members of your Legacy Ministry Committee
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Biblical Citizenship in Modern America
Start Date: February 1st, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Every Thursday for 8 Weeks
Location: Building C, Room 242
Each week we take a journey through American history to learn the historical biblical values of our Country so we can utilize them in our community to be the “salt & light”. Our goal is to support our young leaders to walk in confidence as a Christian in today’s culture. Join the group today!
Program Outline:
National Monument – Biblical Foundation Part 1
National Monument – Biblical Foundation Part 2
Tending the Garden
Our Foundation as Christians
Understanding the Times
Project 1619 vs. Truth
What about Separation of Church and State – Christian Culture Role
Being Salt and Light in Today’s Culture
Methodist Men Host Firearms and Fellowship
February 15th, 6pm
Make plans to fellowship with us at Governor's Gun Club of Kennesaw on Thursday, February 15th for the next Firearms and Fellowship event. We gather at 6:00 pm for range time, and those that are interested are welcome to stay for dinner at the club at 7:00 pm. This is a "dutch treat" style event. Please RSVP to Mark Hellman at mhellman@duewest.org by Tuesday, February 13th.
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Upward Spring Outdoor Soccer
Registration is now open for Upward Spring Soccer that begins the first of March and goes through May. This league is for children age 3, by Sept 1. through 8th grade. We are looking for coaches and offer a discount for Head Coaches. For more information contact Joyia Buckelew at jbuckelew@duewest.org.
Due West MC has its very own fitness program offering classes for all levels and open to anyone age 12 and up. Classes are $4.00 (includes childcare on Monday, Wednesday & Friday) and you can find our class schedule on Facebook at Due West Adult Fitness Classes. Punch Cards are also available and cover 11 classes for $40.00. These cards are available from the class instructors.
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Congregational Care Ministry
Our Ministry is ready and waiting to be there for you and assures complete confidentiality. We are committed to sharing the love of Christ and the love and support of your church family with you. To be assigned a CCM, please contact Pastor David Campbell or Lay Leader, Brenda Wyatt at bwyatt66chs@gmail.com, cell 770-605-3709.
Matthew 25:40, “ Truly, I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.”
In His Service by Your Side,
Brenda Wyatt
Congregational Care Minister
GriefShare - Comforting Others
After the funeral, when the cards and flowers have stopped coming, most of the people around you return to their normal lives. But your grief continues and you feel alone. Often friends and family want to help, but don't know how. That's the reason for GriefShare. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and have successfully rebuilt their lives. We understand how you feel because we have been in the same place. We will walk with you on the long path through grief toward healing and hope for the future.
GriefShare is a nationwide network committed to biblical concepts for healing from your grief. To learn more visit the GriefShare website at www.griefshare.org.
What to Expect:
GriefShare is a group that meets weekly for 13 weeks. There are three key parts to the group.
· Video Seminar
· Support Group
· Workbook (Provided)
The next 13-week cycle starts February 11, 2024. Click here to join the group!
If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact Connie at cmm10500@gmail.com or 904-651-2732.
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Guidelines for the Journey
Kindness above all … your loved one may not remember the words you said, but he/she will remember how you said them … and so will you.
Allow 9-11 seconds for your loved one to respond to a question.
Tone matters. Keep your voice calm, and a smile on your face. People who live with dementia are particularly sensitive to body language and facial expressions.
Do not argue or correct. Instead, redirect. Calmly find a way to divert your loved one’s attention.
Quickly determine what or who triggered an outburst or unwanted behavior.
If you are doing something that triggered the unwanted behavior, STOP.
Remove or change whatever that trigger might be, even if it is you. REDIRECT.
Try not to take anything said or done personally. Your loved one would never say or do the things that just hurt you, but dementia would.
Remember: Every minute, your loved one is doing the very best he/she can. Never hesitate to say I’m sorry.
Recognize that you began grieving at or before diagnosis. Every day brings added grief. Allow yourself the grace to grieve throughout the journey … just not in front of your loved one.
Protect yourself and your family as you are protecting him/her. Do whatever you have to do to avoid being consumed by the caregiving. Take breaks … sooner rather than later. For his/her sake, for your family’s sake, and for yours.
Your loved one’s reality is not and never will be your reality. Let go of yours … go into his/hers. Meet your loved one where he/she is.
It is difficult for your broken heart to find joy in the journey. But it is there.
Our loved ones are teaching us throughout, if our hearts are open. Our own God given Fruits of the Spirit can grow … and we can love more beautifully.
If you are a dementia family, Loving Through Dementia is here to help.
Sheila Welch: dementiaministry@duewest.org or 404-642-6027
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Due West’s Pack and Troop 540 Celebrate 60 Years
Come one and all when we celebrate 60 incredible years of Scouting during the day and evening of February 10th, 2024, reflecting on “Then and Now on the Green” from 1964-2024. All four of our charter units will be camping and participating in activities out “on the Green” between the Family Life Center and Pavilion. We encourage all members to drop by and see Scouting in action. All former Scouts and Scouters over the last 60 years are invited to a special campfire Saturday night by first honoring our country with a flag retirement ceremony and then those who have served Scouting here at Due West over the years. If you can attend, please contact Bill Coffeen at 770-757-8147 or billcoffeen@gmail.com to receive a special anniversary patch.
For those who like to get up early, you are welcome to attend a Youth-led worship service in the sanctuary of Building A Sunday morning, February 11th, at 8:15 am. We will also be presenting special God and Life awards to three very deserving high school students and Scouts.
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Sunday School Volunteers
dwKids Sunday School Volunteers - Contact Alicia Iles at ailes@duewest.org for details.
Join Our Usher Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11:00 am church service in Building A. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dianne Harrison at cdharrison830@gmail.com or 678-522-4909.
Online Giving
You can give online using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Click here to begin giving through our system. Contact Amber Wilson at awilson@duewest.org if you have any questions.
Due West Market
Click here to shop! We are taking orders for congregational name tags!
Altar Flowers
Honor a loved one with altar flowers displayed in front of the pulpit on Sunday mornings. Learn More & Purchase
Prayer Requests
Need prayer? Click here to submit a prayer request!