Friday Focus
News you need for the week of
April 25, 2025
Simon Jones Goodwill Ambassador Awards
Nominations for lay recipients of the Simon Jones Goodwill Ambassador Award are open now!
Submit your nomination now at dunwoodyumc.org/simon-jones.
Current Announcements
Join Us for In-Person Worship
We'd love to see you at one of our worship services on Sunday: Chapel Communion at 8:30 a.m., Modern in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m., and Traditional in the Sanctuary at 11:15 a.m.
Join Us for Online Worship
We offer distinct Modern and Traditional Worship Services online. On-demand streaming begins on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. for our Modern Service and 11:15 a.m. for our Traditional Service on YouTube and Facebook. You can also catch a pre-recorded version of each week's sermon on YouTube. We hope you'll tune in!
Sermon Podcast
If you prefer an audio version of the sermon for on-the-go listening, check out our podcast! You can listen online or subscribe from your podcast app of choice. Search "dunwoodyumc" to subscribe.
Register Your Attendance
Please register your service attendance online. There will be a code on the back of the bulletins and handouts to do this. If you've never used a QR Code before, don't worry...it's easy! Open the camera app on your device. Allow the camera to frame the code until a yellow link appears. Click the yellow box. Complete the form. Or, feel free to click HERE.
Wednesday Night Supper
Join us for Wednesday Night Supper! Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to register for WNS, please fill out the form below. You also have the option of emailing Debbie Collins or calling at 770-394-0675, ext 111. Reservations are due by the end of day on Monday. Please do your best to adhere to this reservation deadline so there will be a meal prepared for you. The cost for Wednesday Night Supper is $10 for an adult meal, $5 for a child meal (3-11 years). Children under 3 years eat for free. The last Wednesday night supper before summer break will be held on Wednesday, May 21. Register HERE! Simon Jones Goodwill Ambassador Awards
The 2025 Simon Jones Goodwill Ambassador Awards are presented annually to two individuals - a laity member and a staff member - who exemplify the characteristics that made our longtime Director of Facilities an incredible gift to Dunwoody United Methodist Church. The two people selected will exemplify Simon Jones’ legacy with their welcoming and caring hearts, always having time to share their love of Jesus Christ with others. A selection committee will choose the recipients from the nominations received by Sunday, May 18. An awards presentation will then be held at all three services on Sunday, June 29. Staff nominations will be made by the clergy and staff only. To make your laity nomination please click HERE. Staff nominations will be made by the clergy and staff only.Worship in the Wild
Join DUMC for "Worship in the Wild," Wednesday, April 30 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the DUMC tree lot. This outdoor, casual worship experience will be a time for us to share food, fellowship, music, and most importantly, our stories. Pick up Wednesday Night Supper to-go (there will be a special menu), bring a chair, circle around the campfire, and invite your friends! Nursery and kids programming (Wednesday Night Kids) will be offered as usual. Contact Rev. Calissa Dauterman to learn more.
Discover DUMC
If you are interested in joining Dunwoody UMC or just need a refresher on what it means to be Methodist, we invite you to Discover DUMC, Sunday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 252. This 1-hour interest session is a great way to learn more about the United Methodist Church and hear directly from a DUMC Pastor. Email Hospitality to let us know you’re coming!
VEiL Exhibit and Meet & Greet
VEiL invites you to enjoy "Georgia on My Mind," a collection of works by Erin Griffin, now on display in the church library through the end on June. We hope you will also plan to join her in the library on Sunday, May 18, following any of the morning's Worship services for an informal Meet & Greet.
Hospitality Trailer Volunteers
Serving with the DUMC Hospitality Trailer is a fun way to share the DUMC experience with our community! Sign up to be added to our list of volunteers who pull and set the trailer, who serve treats from the trailer, and/or who provide periodic maintenance to the interior and exterior of the trailer. This is a low-commitment opportunity, based on your availability, and tons of fun! Sign up HERE.
Environmental Stewardship
The DUMC Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in room 242 at the church. The committee is involved in many recycling initiatives including Wednesday Night Supper, Modern Service donut box recycling, and Food Stock. We are also working on other sustainable projects with the church including solar, composting, and tree planting. All are welcome at our meetings. For more information, contact Ted Bowden. You can view the tips for May HERE. Sign up HERE to subscribe to the monthly United Methodist Creation Justice Tips.
New Baby?
Are you or someone you know expecting a new baby? If so, please click HERE to fill out the New Baby form. Whether it’s a birth or an adoption, DUMC wants to celebrate the new babies joining our community! Our Knitting Group and United Women in Faith circles have joined forces to create a welcome pack for the newest members of our community and their families. Contact Rev. Garrett Wallace for more information.
Golf Cart Ministry
Need a ride? We have a golf cart team that is happy to get you to and from the building on Sunday mornings. Look for the banners in the parking lot to see the path that the golf cart will drive. Just stand by your car and someone will be by to get you! Our golf cart is currently running three shifts: 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
DUMC Nametags
Anyone may place a name tag order HERE. All requested name tags may be picked up on the magnetic board behind the Parlor welcome desk. Feel free to leave your nametag on this board during the week for easy access on Sunday mornings. If you need a replacement nametag feel free to leave your current nametag at any of the welcome desks and we'll get it fixed
Habitat for Humanity
Each spring, Dunwoody UMC participates in building a Habitat for Humanity home. In 2024, we completed our 33rd Habitat house. We have an exciting build scheduled for 2025. We will need 25 volunteers per day for 7 build days (Saturdays). If you are interested in helping with the next build, sign up HERE. Spring 2025 build dates are underway and are projected to end Saturday, May 31. Contact Jack and Bette Whitley or Rev. Garrett Wallace for more information. Must be at least 16 years old to participate.
CAC - Night of Hope
Join us for an unforgettable evening on Wednesday, May 14 at CAC Night of Hope, featuring an amazing performance of Beautiful: The Carole King Story by the City Springs Theatre Company. This special event serves as a fundraiser for the Community Assistance Center’s vital work in preventing hunger and homelessness in our community. Click HERE to purchase tickets and learn more.
Community Assistance Center (CAC) - Fourth Saturday Volunteers and Donations
Dunwoody UMC continues to support the neediest in our community by providing 15 volunteers each month to staff CAC’s food pantry, market, and Thrift Store in Sandy Springs on 4th Saturdays. Upcoming dates include May 24. Some positions require prior training, while others do not. Interested individuals can fill out this brief form to join the list of participants and receive notifications. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Hicks for more information.
Upcoming Disaster Response Training & Deployments
If you would like to be informed of upcoming domestic disaster relief trips and training, please visit dunwoodyumc.org/missions to be added to the D.A.R.T. Disaster Assistance Response Team Group. As opportunities arise, you will be alerted via email from the Group Leader. Please see the following upcoming opportunities.
LTR (Long Term Recovery) – Augusta Area
· DARE trips are scheduled for the 3rd week of every month
· Contact Leonard Scarboro at 706-340-2221 for details.
· DARE trips are scheduled for the 3rd week of every month
· Contact Leonard Scarboro at 706-340-2221 for details.
Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta
BPBMA has a mission to provide weekend meals to food-insecure children in the Metro Atlanta area to enhance their mental and physical health. Dunwoody UMC is supporting that mission as a Community Buddy. Each week DUMC will have volunteers pick up nonperishable food from the BPBMA warehouse here in Dunwoody. The food is delivered to DUMC and packed by volunteers to be taken to area elementary schools for students to take home for the weekend so that they have food to replace the meals they would receive at school during the week. You can register here to participate in Backpack Buddies. There are three different opportunities: picking up food and delivering it to DUMC for packing, packing meals (approximately 35 meals), or delivering packed meals to Dunwoody Elementary. There are specific times for some jobs and others have some flexibility. Check DCB for more information or contact Bo Lane for details.
Hightower Homework Club
Volunteer with Hightower Homework Club at Crossroads Church (4805 Tilly Mill Rd.) from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday during the school year. There are classrooms and plenty of room for the kids to play outside. Children, from kindergarten to 5th grade, receive instruction and homework help from qualified teachers. Volunteers are needed to assist the teachers, give individual homework help as well as provide playground supervision. Volunteers are welcome to make their own hours. If interested contact Rich Reynell or visit Corners Outreach for more information or to start the process for volunteering.
Helping Hands Volunteers
Do you have occasional availability and a heart to serve Dunwoody UMC? We often have behind-the-scenes, but very necessary tasks that require light-duty volunteer assistance! Join DUMC's Helping Hands Volunteers group! You will be invited to assist with various projects such as assembling Christmas candles, preparing items for Vacation Bible School, packaging star words for Epiphany, and/or segmenting Sunday giveaway items. Individuals who opt into this Helping Hands Volunteers group will be notified when a general need arises, and invited to serve. Click HERE to opt into the group.
Altar Guild Volunteers Needed
The Altar Guild is a volunteer group whose ministry is to care for the sanctuary and chapel. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary and chapel each week and help with seasonal decorations. The obligation is 1 to 1 1/2 hours each week for one month out of the year. Each member is placed on a team of 4-5 with other members. For more information or to volunteer, contact Charlotte Turner.
The Altar Guild is a volunteer group whose ministry is to care for the sanctuary and chapel. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary and chapel each week and help with seasonal decorations. The obligation is 1 to 1 1/2 hours each week for one month out of the year. Each member is placed on a team of 4-5 with other members. For more information or to volunteer, contact Charlotte Turner.
NAMI Northside Family to Family Class
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition. The classes will be held Sundays, May 4 - June 29, at 1:30 p.m. in the Wesley Room. NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.
Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP) North Atlanta
ACAP North Atlanta offers in-person programs on the second Tuesday of the month. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and presentations begin at 5:30 p.m. Attending our monthly programs is absolutely free! Click HERE to learn more and RSVP to our upcoming program.
Moms of Young Children
Mothers of children in Kindergarten and younger are invited to join a new support group led by licensed therapist, Rev. Grace Guyton. The group will meet second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Young Adult Suite from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Nursery is available, please contact Meredith Dunn to sign up. To learn more contact Rev. Grace Guyton.
Visitation Ministry
Dunwoody UMC has a congregation filled with unique individuals with fascinating backgrounds and accomplishments. If you have an hour or so to spare each month to meet some of our members who may not be able to get to church, you will bring joy and friendship to those you visit, and you will be blessed to meet them and to get to know them. Our Visitation Ministry is currently looking for friendly visitors who are willing to visit their assigned person(s) at least once per month and to stay in touch with them by phone call or cards. We will provide all the training you need. If you are interested or have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Kathy Brockman at 770-542-1677.
Grief Support Group
If you are grieving the death of a loved one - no matter when that death might have occurred - there is a support group just for you. This group meets virtually via Zoom every week, Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. For further information call Stan Hibbs at 404-625-8451 or JoAnn Akers at 404-434-9467.
Stephen Ministry
When do I need a Stephen Minister? Are you going through a difficult time—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally? A Stephen Minister is someone to listen when we don’t want to burden our friends and family. Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide confidential one-on-one Christian care to help you through whatever it is that you are facing. To find out more, talk with Pat DeBolt 404-931-5443.
Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group for Caregivers
Caregiving for a loved one with a form of dementia can be a challenging and draining experience. If you are that caregiver, even if it is long distance, there is a confidential support group just for you where you can feel support from others who are on that same journey of love. Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, this group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Wesley Room. For further information contact JoAnn Akers at 404-434-9467.
Divorce Care
Have you, or someone you love been impacted by divorce? DUMC has a Divorce Care ministry just for people affected by divorce and separation. In this 13-week course, participants find healing, forgiveness, and practical steps towards a new life. For more information, please contact Ty Reaves at 770-714-8278 or click HERE.Everywhere Is Jerusalem
Everywhere Is Jerusalem by James C. Howell is our new book study starting Wednesday, April 23 after Easter. In Everywhere Is Jerusalem, location matters. Part travelogue, part Bible study, this book will take you on a spiritual journey to the places that are most important in our faith, and you'll discover that the most important place of all is the place where you are, right now. Starting Wednesday, April 23 - May 28 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Asbury Room. The book is available for purchase on Amazon, or you may purchase a copy for $15.00 when you register. Register HERE.
Retreat a Week
Wouldn't you love to get away on a retreat, but never have to leave the comfort of your community? Then join us for a Retreat a Week. It is a small group exploration of your unique faith journey hosted by Jim Labus, which utilizes varying spiritual disciplines in an enjoyable and interactive format. Join us anytime during our 8-week journey from Thursdays, 3/27 - 5/22 at 7:00 p.m. in the WAR Room beneath the Chapel. Register HERE.
"The Chosen" TV Series Showing
"The Chosen" series Season 1 - Season 4 will begin on Fridays, 3/14 - 7/18 in Room 255 from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Exception Fridays that there will not be showings are 6/13, and 7/4.
Connected Community Fellowship
Join us twice a month on scheduled Wednesday evenings. We share a meal, participate in a social activity, and engage in fellowship. Winter Connected meetings will occur on Wednesday, 5/14, 5/28 at 5:30 p.m. Click HERE to register. To learn more contact Nicholle Hansen.Connected Sunday School
Join us for a small group Sunday school class focusing on life lessons and spiritual growth. To learn more contact Nicholle Hansen.Children's Choir Musical
Join DUMC Children's Choirs for a high-energy musical, "The Agape League," on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The story unfolds in the Agape Fortress where General Agape has called the mighty Agape League together to solve a crisis in Suburbiana City. Calling on the super-powered fruit of the spirit available to every follower of Christ, these superheroes soon find themselves facing a problem within their own ranks. Will the source of true power, God's Word, finally be utilized before time runs out? Come along for the adventure to find out!
Theater 1548 Presents: Summer Camp for Rising 1st – 6th Graders!
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend the summer? Join us at Theater 1548 for our exciting summer camps, where young performers will explore the world of theater through dance, music, and acting! Led by professional instructors, campers will build confidence, develop new skills, and showcase their talents in a final performance for family and friends. Camp Session: Annie Kids – June 9-12 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Space is limited! Register today at dunwoodyumc.org/theater-1548. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shine on stage!
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend the summer? Join us at Theater 1548 for our exciting summer camps, where young performers will explore the world of theater through dance, music, and acting! Led by professional instructors, campers will build confidence, develop new skills, and showcase their talents in a final performance for family and friends. Camp Session: Annie Kids – June 9-12 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Space is limited! Register today at dunwoodyumc.org/theater-1548. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to shine on stage!
Women’s Bible Study
Please join us for a study of the, "Parables" by Josh Scott on Wednesday nights starting April 23 - May 28 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 240/242. Read the stories of Jesus in a new light. When Jesus taught in parables, he was doing more than telling simple morality tales. His stories were grounded in the world in which he lived and his vision of the Kingdom of God. The study guide can be ordered HERE, or from your favorite book vendor. Register HERE.
Moms of Young Children
Mothers of children in Kindergarten and younger are invited to join a new support group led by licensed therapist, Rev. Grace Guyton. The group will meet second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Young Adult Suite from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Nursery is available, please contact Meredith Dunn to sign up. To learn more contact Rev. Grace Guyton.
UWF Circle Meetings
United Women in Faith will begin their new year of circle meetings in September. DUMC offers 8 Circles representing all ages and stages that meet monthly for fellowship, mission work, bible study, and devotions. For information, contact Donna Houseal, Membership Chair, at 404-247-4071, or visit dunwoodyumc.org/women to learn more.
18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness Breakfast
The 18 Steps to Spiritual wHoleness group will meet Friday, May 9 at 7:00 a.m. for a full breakfast and study in the Epworth Room. RSVP by noon the preceding Thursday, and make sure you RSVP for invited friends, too. Please bring your loose change to donate to CAC through the Mission Ministries of the Church. Click HERE to register.
Hall of Famers
The Hall of Famers are a group of senior men that gather on the second Friday of each month at DUMC for a full breakfast, fellowship, conversation and the occasional speaker. Join them at La Madelines at 1165 Perimeter Center W Ste 330, Atlanta on Friday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. They would love to have some new faces, invite a friend! You may order your favorite breakfast from their menu. Contact Johnny Stone at 404-401-0550 for more information.
Men's Friday Morning Bible Study
Join Erik Olson on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. (excluding the 2nd Monday of each month) as a group of men walk through Scripture a chapter at a time. You'll learn and leave with new friends and a deeper faith. This group meets in the Young Adult Suite. Email Erik Olson with questions or to learn more.
BEST MAN Bible Fellowship
Men: Are you hungry for spiritual growth? BEST MAN Bible Fellowship starts with hot coffee, breakfast, and fellowship at 6:45am in the Fellowship Hall followed by an in-depth scripture lesson from 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. and guided small group discussion from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. We end promptly at 8am so you can get on with your day. Led by our pastors, we encourage each other to prioritize JOY in our lives - Jesus, Others, Yourself! No registration or RSVP needed. Don't miss a Tuesday due to travel or absence; join via Zoom HERE: Meeting ID: 840 8951 4181 Passcode: 668875. Take a step this Tuesday to become your BEST MAN!
Playtime
The Nursery's Playtime program offers care for children aged six months through five years. If you are interested in using Playtime to help with your weekday childcare needs, please contact Meredith Dunn, or click HERE to register now.
VBS & VBX Volunteers
Inviting 400 kids to DUMC to learn about the light of Christ means we need LOTS of leaders to assist! Signing up to give one (or more) mornings (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) from June 16-20 means you’re helping to reinforce the DUMC message that kids belong here, they have a place in
God’s big plan, and we are excited to be with them. Visit
dunwoodyumc.org/kids to learn more and register. VBS & VBX
VBS & VBX will be held June 16 through 19. Registration is open, visit dunwoodykids.org to learn more and register! Senior Sunday
We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2025 Seniors on Sunday, May 4, during both of our worship services at 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.! Join us as we honor and pray for our graduating seniors, recognizing their hard work and achievements.
DYM Worship
DUMC is the place to be on Sunday Nights! Our Worship night is filled with engaging games, dynamic speakers, a live worship band, and some of your favorite small group leaders. Plus, there is FOOD! Sunday Nights, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge, Gym & Fellowship Hall.
Morning Blend
Morning Blend is our version of Sunday School. We have a light breakfast and a lesson. Each week is a little bit different - from local missions projects, to worship experiences, to games days. It’s an awesome time to be with your friends while learning more about Jesus. Sunday Morning (Year-Round) 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. | Youth Lounge | 6th-12th Grade
New Friends
Please join New Friends (Widowed) as they dine out at at Chupito’s Azteca Grille located at 1412 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody on Monday, May 12 at 11:30 a.m. for fun and fellowship. Please RSVP by noon on Saturday, May 10 to Betty Moreland at 770-641-8519.
Join Our Mailing List!
Creating the environment to Listen and Hear the voice of God through active and enjoyable experiences in nature. Please join us as we get outside to hike, kayak, fly fish, bird watch (and more) as we explore God’s creation together. Each activity in which we participate brings new people. You are welcome regardless of outdoor experience or where you are on your faith journey. To get on the mailing list, please contact Jim Labus.
DUMC Sports and Leisure Summer Camps
Join us for summer fun! Camps run Monday through Thursday and are open to the community. Online registration is now open, click HERE to learn more!
Thursday Afternoon Bridge Group
The second and fourth Thursdays, 12:30 p.m., Young Adult Area. Adults of all ages are invited to play. Contact Fred Bounds 404-428-6630 for details.
2025-2026 Preschool Registration
DUMC Preschool registration is open for the 2025-2026 school year! Limited spaces remain. Contact preschool@dunwoodyumc.org for details or visit www.dumcp.org.
Interested in Communicating Your Event?
Start by submitting a communications request form. This will give us a written record and start the conversation. Need something else? Not sure what you need? We’ll talk through it with you and do our best to help. Reach out to Communications with additional questions.