Road Runners Apple Picking Trip in Ellijay on Monday, September 21st:

Sign Up by Tuesday, September 8th

The Road Runners invite you to join them on Monday, September 21st, as they travel to Ellijay for some apple picking, mountain views, and a hayride. The group will leave the church’s front parking lot at 9:00 a.m.  The cost is $40 per person and includes apple picking, a hayride, and transportation via a 15-person van (please see notes below). The cost of lunch will be on your own.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • In order to attend you must be able to get in and out of a 15-passenger van and be healthy enough to travel several hours by car.
  • We must have a minimum of 12 people to sign up in order to rent a van, otherwise travel will be via caravan.

To register please contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org. All registrations must be received by Tuesday, September 8th.

Wednesday Night Dinner in Hinton Hall:

September 9th

Join us for a time of food and fellowship around the table with family and friends at our Wednesday Night Dinners from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Chef Kenny Lewis, our Food Ministry Manager, along with our very talented and dedicated Dinner Belles and Beaus volunteers, prepare excellent meals at very reasonable prices.

The menu for September 9th is smothered pork chops, rice, collards, candied carrots, rolls, and dessert. For the kids – hot dogs and French fries.

Dinners are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, with to-go boxes available from 6 to 6:30 p.m.


The prices for Wednesday Night Dinners are:

  • $10.00 for adults (including seniors and from 11 years up);
  • $7.00 for children 10 years and younger;
  • $30.00 for family meals (nuclear family members and their children under 18 years);
  • $7.00 for salad bar only, which includes the salad bar, a choice of baked potato or sweet potato, dessert and a drink.

Credit/debit card payments, as well as cash and checks, are accepted.

Please Note: Menus are subject to change.

Wednesday Night Food Drives for Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op

The Wednesday Night Food Drive at Duluth First UMC for the Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op is our weekly mission project, combined with the many Wednesday evening activities offered at the church. Donated food items can be left on the Food Drive table located outside of the main entrance to Hinton Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.


Items needed during the month of September are:

  • September 9th: Canned Peas;
  • September 16th: Cans of Diced Tomatoes;
  • September 23rd: Tuna Fish;
  • September 30th: Cans of Mixed Veggies.

Items needed during the month of October are:

  • October 7th: Peanut Butter and Jelly;
  • October 14th: Boxes of Spaghetti and Pasta;
  • October 21st: Canned Fruit;
  • October 28th: Canned Peas.

Join us for a delicious dinner and fellowship in Hinton Hall, pick up a to-go dinner for your family, join us for any of our Wednesday evening activities, and drop off food items to help other families in need. We thank you for your support!

Johns Creek UMC to Host Service of Remembrance for the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001: Friday, September 11th

Johns Creek United Methodist Church, located at 11180 Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek, will be hosting a Service of Remembrance for the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, on Friday, September 11th, at 7:00 p.m. Organ solos, choral anthems, prayers, scripture, and readings will guide us through the service as we remember the events of that day, retell the story of the church’s pipe organ, and consider both our unique and shared experiences. Johns Creek’s pipe organ was the organ at Trinity Church Wall Street during the events of 9/11.

The service is entirely music, scripture, readings, and prayers. It is being designed as an ecumenical, community-focused service. The mission focus of the service is to support and promote the Summit Counseling First Responders Program. We will be reminded of God’s providence in all things and encouraged to be a light in our communities. Childcare is provided.

Save the Date! Church-wide Cookout: Sunday, September 13th

We are holding a church-wide cookout on Sunday, September 13th, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in front of the church under the trees. Invite your friends and neighbors and bring the whole family as there will be something for everyone - hamburgers, hot dogs, inflatables, a DJ, and a lot of fun and fellowship! What a wonderful opportunity to invite our community to join us for a fun and fellowship-filled event at our church!

Please click on COOKOUT to sign up to bring/donate food items, to volunteer to grill, or to volunteer at one of the inflatables. Thank you for helping to make our church-wide cookout a great community-wide event!

Confirmation Class Begins on

Sunday September 13th

We’re so excited to announce that our Youth Confirmation Class will begin on Sunday, September 13th, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in room F152, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center! It’s going to be a great year of learning and growth as we dive into the basics of our Christian faith and The United Methodist Church through confirmation classes on Sunday mornings.

Our students will also have the opportunity to attend a confirmation retreat from Friday, January 29th, through Sunday, January 31st, at the Glisson Camp and Retreat Center, joining many students from other churches across our conference. Our students will also put their faith into action by participating in a service project.

Church, we invite you to keep our confirmands and their families in your prayers as they embark on this exciting journey together. Also, if you would like to be part of this exciting journey by supporting our students and their families, please contact Rev. Min Lee, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information by e-mail at mlee@duluthumc.org.

Youth Ministry Sunday Night Gatherings

Students in the 6th through 12th grades are invited to join us on Sunday nights for Sunday Night Gatherings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center (“The Fish Tank”), located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Sunday Night Gatherings include great dinners, fun games, amazing worship, inspirational and relevant messages and life-changing small groups.


The Sunday Night Gathering schedule for September is:

  • Sunday, September 13th: Church-wide Cookout from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. under the trees in front of the church;
  • Sunday, September 20th: Sunday Night Gathering at 5:30 p.m. in the Youth Center (“The Fish Tank”);
  • Sunday, September 27th: Sunday Night Gathering at 5:30 p.m. in the Youth Center (“The Fish Tank”).

Please click on YOUTH MINISTRY for more information.


Questions? Please contact Rev. Min Lee, Director of Youth Ministries, by e-mail at mlee@duluthumc.org.

Ushers Needed for Traditional Worship Services

“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
Psalm 84:10

Ushers are often the “first representatives” of Christ and the congregation that people encounter. The wonderful ushers at Duluth First UMC:

  • Welcome visitors and members with a warm smile and helpful spirit.
  • Guide people to seating and assist with special needs.
  • Help collect tithes and offerings.
  • Ensure smooth flow during communion.
  • Handle minor needs so the congregation can focus on worship.

A friendly smile or kind word can make a big difference and even be the most personal ministry someone receives that day.  Ushering provides opportunities to connect with the church family on a one-on-one basis, greeting members, welcoming visitors, helping families, and assisting during communion and offering. People usually become ushers because they feel called to serve humbly, love others practically, and play a supportive role in something eternally significant.

Ushers are needed for the 8:30 and 11:00 Traditional Worship services. You typically serve one service each month.  You will need to arrive twenty minutes prior to the service, and training is provided.

If you have a servant’s heart, enjoy meeting people, and want to make a practical difference in worship each week, this could be your calling.  No experience necessary, just a willing heart!  Please contact either David Burleson by e-mail at davidbburleson@gmail.com or Charlie Doerlich by e-mail chaz3d@gmail.com with questions or interest.

Wednesday Night Dinner in Hinton Hall:

September 16th

Join us for a time of food and fellowship around the table with family and friends at our Wednesday Night Dinners from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Chef Kenny Lewis, our Food Ministry Manager, along with our very talented and dedicated Dinner Belles and Beaus volunteers, prepare excellent meals at very reasonable prices.

The menu for September 16th is lemon pepper chicken, buttered rice, broccoli, squash casserole, rolls, and dessert. For the kids – chicken tenders and French fries.

Dinners are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, with to-go boxes available from 6 to 6:30 p.m.


The prices for Wednesday Night Dinners are:

  • $10.00 for adults (including seniors and from 11 years up);
  • $7.00 for children 10 years and younger;
  • $30.00 for family meals (nuclear family members and their children under 18 years);
  • $7.00 for salad bar only, which includes the salad bar, a choice of baked potato or sweet potato, dessert and a drink.

Credit/debit card payments, as well as cash and checks, are accepted.

Please Note: Menus are subject to change.

Wednesday Night Dinner in Hinton Hall:

September 23rd

Join us for a time of food and fellowship around the table with family and friends at our Wednesday Night Dinners from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Chef Kenny Lewis, our Food Ministry Manager, along with our very talented and dedicated Dinner Belles and Beaus volunteers, prepare excellent meals at very reasonable prices.

The menu for September 23rd is country fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, creamed corn, collard greens, biscuits, and dessert. For the kids – hamburgers and French fries.

Dinners are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, with to-go boxes available from 6 to 6:30 p.m.


The prices for Wednesday Night Dinners are:

  • $10.00 for adults (including seniors and from 11 years up);
  • $7.00 for children 10 years and younger;
  • $30.00 for family meals (nuclear family members and their children under 18 years);
  • $7.00 for salad bar only, which includes the salad bar, a choice of baked potato or sweet potato, dessert and a drink.

Credit/debit card payments, as well as cash and checks, are accepted.

Please Note: Menus are subject to change.

43rd Annual Duluth Fall Festival:

September 26th & 27th

Mark your calendars and save the dates for the 43rd Annual Duluth Fall Festival being held Saturday, September 26th, and Sunday, September 27th. Duluth First United Methodist Church and its congregation take an active roll in the Fall Festival each year.

The Fall Festival kicks off on Saturday, September 26th, with a parade through downtown beginning at 10 a.m.

On Sunday, September 27th, the Duluth 5K Donut Dash race, a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race, starts at 8 a.m. The race attracts both the serious competitive racer and the occasional runner/walker, and provides an opportunity for participants of all ages to help this year’s race beneficiary, Wellroot Family Services, supporting their vision of a world where every child is raised in a loving, compassionate, and nurturing home. For additional information about Wellroot Family Services, please visit their website at www.wellroot.org. To sign up for the Duluth Donut Dash, please go to www.duluthdonutdash5k.org.

Join us for Worship on the Town Green on Sunday, September 27th, with a community worship service beginning at 10 a.m. at the Duluth Town Green. Duluth First United Methodist Church’s Rev. David Burchett will be leading the morning’s worship service, with the church’s Contemporary Worship Praise Team leading the worship music.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • On September 27th, our Contemporary Worship Service will take place at Duluth Town Green for the Duluth Fall Festival’s Worship on the Town Green with Rev. David Burchett preaching.
  • The 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship services and WILL MEET in the Sanctuary with Rev. C. Kay Fuino preaching.
  • Sunday school classes for children and youth will not be held on September 27th. 

For additional information about the Duluth Fall Festival, please visit duluthfallfestival.org.

Wednesday Night Dinner in Hinton Hall:

September 30th

Join us for a time of food and fellowship around the table with family and friends at our Wednesday Night Dinners from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Chef Kenny Lewis, our Food Ministry Manager, along with our very talented and dedicated Dinner Belles and Beaus volunteers, prepare excellent meals at very reasonable prices.

The menu for September 30th is  pulled BBQ pork on a bun, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, and dessert. For the kids – hot dogs and French fries.

Dinners are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, with to-go boxes available from 6 to 6:30 p.m.


The prices for Wednesday Night Dinners are:

  • $10.00 for adults (including seniors and from 11 years up);
  • $7.00 for children 10 years and younger;
  • $30.00 for family meals (nuclear family members and their children under 18 years);
  • $7.00 for salad bar only, which includes the salad bar, a choice of baked potato or sweet potato, dessert and a drink.

Credit/debit card payments, as well as cash and checks, are accepted.

Please Note: Menus are subject to change.

BSA Troop 419’s 10th Annual “Cars for Campouts” Classic Car Show, Cruise In, and BBQ:  Saturday, October 3rd

BSA Troop 419 will hold their 10th Annual “Cars for Campouts” Fundraiser Car Show, Cruise In, and BBQ on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s front parking lot. If you have a special vehicle (all years, makes, models) – muscle cars, classics, resto-mods, exotics, bikes, and one-offs – please bring it and participate.

Preregistration by October 2nd is $20, and registration on the day of the show is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/cars4campouts2026. Sixty participant-judged awards will be presented. If you just want to see some cool vehicles, feel free to attend as admission for spectators is free.

Food and beverages will be available. Enjoy great food, hots dogs, pulled pork BBQ (available on-site or for take home), snacks and beverages.

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to carshow@bsatoop419.org, or call Mike Ringham at 770-815-4206. All proceeds from the event help make BSA Troop 419’s program one of the best in the council, and with your support, will continue to do so.

“Blessing of the Animals” Service:

Sunday, October 4th

Bring your pets for our “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday, October 4th, at 3:00 p.m. on the Fellowship Terrace, located in front of the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall. We will gather for a short service and offer a blessing for each animal individually. All friendly leashed, crated, or contained animals are welcome! Your pet not interested in being with other animals? Bring a photo or a special toy to have blessed!

In case of rain the service will be held under the rear portico entrance of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Please contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org with any questions.

Youth Fall Retreat is Friday, November 6th, through Sunday, November 8th:

Register by Sunday, October 11th

We are excited to participate in The Rooted Retreat (North Georgia UMC Conference Retreat) hosted by the Glisson Camp and Retreat Center, from Friday, November 6th through Sunday, November 8th, for our youth fall retreat! It will be an incredible weekend with powerful worship experiences, dedicated youth group time, fun activities, and food and lodging at Glisson Camp and Retreat Center. We are looking forward to a meaningful and fun fall retreat together.
 
Information for the Rooted Fall Retreat is:

  • Dates: Friday, November 6th - Sunday, November 8th;
  • Location: Glisson Camp and Retreat Center (690 Camp Glisson Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533)
  • Cost: $195 per student (You can pay in cash, check, or online). We want every student to be able to attend—scholarships are available if needed.
  • Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 11th.
  • Camp Glisson Website: https://glisson.org.

To register, please click on ROOTED RETREAT. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Min Lee, Director of Youth Ministries, by e-mail at mlee@duluthumc.org.

Save the Date for Our Annual Trunk or Treat: Sunday, October 25th

Bring your friends and family to our Trunk-or-Treat event on Sunday, October 25th, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the church’s front parking lot. Come in costume, park your car, and pop the trunk! Set-up time begins at 3:30 p.m. and trick-or-treating begins at 4:00 p.m. Share a trunk load of goodies with your friends and neighbors, or just join in the fun as a trick-or-treater. Help us reach our goal of 40 decorated trunks this year!

Please contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128, with any questions or to sign up as a trunk.

Men’s Small Group Evening Bible Study Forming Soon

Have you wanted to be part of a men’s small group Bible study but are not available to participate during the day? We are looking for several men willing to lead a men’s evening Bible study group, as well as folks who are interested in attending.


If you are interested in participating, please contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org.

Opportunities to Serve in the Flowers Ministry

We are actively recruiting new members to the Flowers Ministry, a fun ministry which creates beautiful floral arrangements used to adorn the worship spaces in the Sanctuary and Hinton Hall for Sunday morning worship services. A training workshop will be held in April where you will have the opportunity learn how to make beautiful arrangements that will be placed in the Sanctuary and Hinton Hall to add beauty to our worship spaces.

If you are interested in being part of our Flowers Ministry, please contact Verena Lucía Anders, Minister of Music & Worship Arts, by e-mail at vanders@duluthumc.org or speak with James Dykes.

Stay Connected with Your Church:  MinistryOne Mobile App

Duluth First United Methodist Church’s Ministry One app for mobile devices allows you to:

  • Watch sermons on your mobile device.
  • Make donations to the church.
  • Easily update your contact information.
  • Connect with other members through the online directory.

To install the app on your mobile device, just follow these steps:

  1. Go to the app store on your mobile phone and search for CHURCH MINISTRYONE. The icon is purple with a white cross in the middle of it.
  2. Once it is downloaded, open the app and enter “Duluth First United Methodist Church” in the box just above the blue FIND YOUR CHURCH button, then click the button.
  3. When the church’s name comes up, click on it.  It will move to a larger screen and at the bottom of that screen, click SELECT THE CHURCH.
  4. It will ask you to allow the app to send you notifications. We would recommend clicking ALLOW.
  5. In the bottom right, click profile.  Sign in with your e-mail (the one you use for church communications) and your mobile phone number.  The spaces for your e-mail and phone number are below the words E-MAIL and MOBILE PHONE NUMBER.  Do not sign using the username/password function.
  6. Click NEXT and it will ask you for a way to send you a validation code.  Click TEXT ME THE CODE.  Enter the code and click NEXT.
  7. After you do this, it will take you back to the menu screen and you should now have a 7th box that says PEOPLE.  This is the directory.

If you would like a copy of the MinistryOne app installation instructions to print out, please click on MINISTRYONE APP INSTRUCTIONS.


Having problems and need help? Please contact Benjamin Rah, Church Administrator, by e-mail at brah@duluthumc.org or call the church office at 770-476-3776.