Friday Focus
News you need for the week of
JuLY 18, 2025
An end-of-summer update with Pastor Phil
We've already done so much this year...but there's even more ahead! Stay connected by subscribing to our Friday Focus newsletter below.
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Current Announcements
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, July 20 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!
Get Involved
This 1-hour session allows participants to learn about different ways to get involved within the life of Dunwoody United Methodist Church, as well as meet others who are new to the church. Sessions are guided by participants' interests, and therefore each session is different. We will meet in Conference Room B at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 17. Come learn of the many ways you can get involved at Dunwoody UMC! Email Hospitality to let us know you're coming!
Summer Office Hours
This summer (June 6 - July 25), the Dunwoody UMC office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will have limited staff available on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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.
· DARE trips are scheduled for the 3rd week of every month
· Contact Leonard Scarboro at 706-340-2221 for details.
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! Join us for our next program on Tuesday, August 12 - Help prevent falls: Balance and the Environment. Click HERE to learn more and RSVP to our upcoming program.
Connected Buddies
Connected Buddies is a new program at DUMC that provides inclusive support for preschool and elementary-aged children with special needs by helping them transition comfortably into worship alongside their peers. With caring, trained Buddy Volunteers, we can provide a fun, calming sensory room, where each child is supported, engaged, and encouraged to grow in faith in a welcoming environment. There will be a Buddies Training held on Wednesday, August 13, 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel. To learn more or get involved, visit dunwoodyumc.org/buddies.
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.
Adventurous Eats with Phil
Join Dr. Phil on Friday, August 1 at LanZhou Ramen, a Michelin Star restaurant to expand your palate and try some new foods. If you’re already an adventurous eater, you are still welcome to join us. Meet at the restaurant at 11:45 a.m. or plan to meet in the church parking lot at 11:15 a.m. LanZhou Ramen is located at 5231 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville. In order to have adequate seating please RSVP HERE or contact Jill Brunelle in the church office at (770) 394-0675 ext. 120 by Tuesday before the event.
Adult Summer Sunday School
This July, you'll have the opportunity to take part in our Adult Summer Sunday school options. These sessions are open to all adults, and an option for those whose regular Sunday School classes break for summer. Come for all four sessions, or drop in as you can! Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Asbury Room: July 20, 27 - Parenting Class based on John Gottman’s book “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child.” Led by Mary Alise Snyder in Room 244. July 20 – TheoEd Talk & Discussion on Jesus, Judaism, & Justice - Presentation by Amy-Jill Levine and led by Eric Burton-Krieger, July 27 – TheoEd Talk & Discussion on “Re-wilding the Church” - Presentation by Josh Scott, led by Kathy Brockman.
Disciple II w/ Rev. Eric Burton-Krieger (Online)
Into the Word helps readers deepen their understanding of Scripture and make connections between what they already know and what they are reading. Each week you will encounter three spiritual disciplines, learn what they are, and how you can engage those disciplines. Starting Tuesdays, August 26, 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m., Online.
Disciple I Fast Track w/ Rev. Calissa Dauterman (Online)
Disciple I Fast Track, is an adaptation of the original, Disciple Bible Study. This study provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. Fast Track is a 24-week study with 12 weeks each in the Old Testament and New Testaments. Online Only. Starting Wednesdays, August 27, 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Online. Click HERE to learn more!
Disciple II w/ Rev. David Melton, Bob Mathews and Joy Gregory
Into the Word helps readers deepen their understanding of Scripture and make connections between what they already know and what they are reading. Each week you will encounter three spiritual disciplines, learn what they are, and how you can engage those disciplines. Starting Wednesdays, September 3, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Wesley Room. Click HERE to sign up!
Jesus in the Gospels w/ Elizabeth Schroeder and Beth Hall
Study Manual content illuminates some aspect of the Jesus in the Gospels each week and connects Scripture to daily life and Jesus’ call to discipleship. Starting Wednesdays, September 3, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Room 244/246. Click HERE to sign up!
Jesus in the Gospels w/ Rev. Kathy Brockman and Megan Cann
Study Manual content illuminates some aspect of the Jesus in the Gospels each week and connects Scripture to daily life and Jesus’ call to discipleship. Starting Wednesdays, September 3, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Room 255/257. Click HERE to sign up!
Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It
Wesley's message and his faith continue to speak to 21st-century Christians—calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our world might be changed. Join Adam Hamilton for a six-week journey as he travels to England, following the life of John Wesley and exploring his defining characteristics of a Wesleyan Christian. Wesley's story is our story. It defines our faith, and it challenges us to rediscover our spiritual passion. Led by Jody Wirtz, Robert Stovall, and Rev. David Melton. Cost is $15 for the book or you may purchase separately. Starting Wednesdays, September 3, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Room 242/244. Click HERE to sign up!
A Path to God: The Enneagram as Spiritual Practice
The Enneagram is growing in popularity as a personality typing tool, but it is so much more! The Enneagram is a valuable tool for spiritual formation. Learning our Enneagram type can help us identify specific ways in which we are invited to share God's love with the world, the patterns that hinder our ability to do so, and the spiritual practices that help us refocus on God and our true calling. Join us as we explore this fascinating tool. Kristen E. Vincent is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and author of five books on spiritual formation. She is a Certified Narrative Enneagram Practitioner with extensive experience writing and teaching about the Enneagram. Kristen has a Master of Theological Studies from Duke Divinity School, is a graduate of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, and is currently studying at the Haden Institute. Kristen lives with her husband, Max, a United Methodist pastor, and their child, Matthew. Starting Wednesdays, September 3, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Asbury Room. Led by Kristen Vincent. You may buy the book for $20 or you may purchase from another vendor. Click HERE to sign up!
Resident Disciple w/ Rev. Garrett Wallace
As Christians we are called to pattern our lives after Jesus. To go out in the world and bring healing where there is brokenness and hope where there is despair. It can be hard to know how to do that in a world filled with so many issues. In this 12-week course we will learn about different areas of ministry (inside the church walls & in the community) then put what we’ve learned into practice. If you’ve taken Disciple I and are ready to take the next step in your discipleship journey, consider being a Resident Disciple. Starting Sundays, September 7, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Conference Room B.. Click HERE to learn more!
Disciple I Fast Track w/ Rev. Garrett Wallace
Disciple I Fast Track, is an adaptation of the original, Disciple Bible Study. This study provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. Fast Track is a 24-week study with 12 weeks each in the Old Testament and New Testaments. Starting Wednesdays, September 10, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Room 243. Click HERE to sign up!
Children's Choirs & Tone-Chimes
Come join us on Wednesday, August 13 as Children's Choirs kick off a new year! Our theme this year is "Short Stores, Tall Truths." We will be singing and learning about life lessons from the parables of Jesus while preparing to share our music in worship. No experience necessary. All of the children's choirs learn the fundamentals of beautiful singing, basic musicianship, and how to worship God by offering their gifts and talents. They make friends and build relationships with adult leaders that enrich their spiritual growth in God's church. We have choirs for all ages. Register HERE. To learn more visit: dunwoodyumc.org/music.
Bells Aflame and Chrysalis Youth Choir
Both the Youth Choir and Youth Handbell Choir are open to youth in grades 6th through 12th and meet throughout the year on Sunday afternoons. No experience is necessary, although for handbells it is helpful to have some basic knowledge of reading musical notation, especially rhythms. Also be sure to check out our website for updated concert and performance information, as well as more information on how you can serve. Register HERE. To learn more visit: dunwoodyumc.org/music.
DUMC Choirs
The music ministry of Dunwoody UMC is excited to kick off another great season. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you might participate in and support the musical life of this church. We have choirs for all ages, from 3 to 93 and beyond; handbell choirs for 3rd graders through adults; opportunities for instrumentalists in a variety of styles and capacities, and more. We invite you to click HERE to get more information about our opportunities, and to be connected with someone who can tell you more. Also be sure to check out dunwoodyumc.org/music for updated concert and performance information, as well as more information on how you can serve.
Youth Choir Pool Party
Join us as we kick off a new year of Youth Choir with a pool party at Pastor Phil's house! We'll have pizza and fun from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3. RSVP HERE to let us know you're coming!
UWF Book Club
Do you like to read and enjoy discussing books with other women readers? If so, please join us for the UWF Book Club on Monday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Young Adult area. We will discuss, "Words of Love" by Eugenia Anne Gamble. There are two copies of the book available in the church library. Contact Angela Go 404-783-0994 with questions.
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.
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.