It’s time for Family Promise of Gwinnett’s annual “Night Without a Bed” Fundraiser. Over the last four years you have helped raise over $49,000 to help Family Promise of Gwinnett in their mission to end family homelessness in Gwinnett County. Once again, Rev. David Burchett will be participating in this fund-raiser during the month of August. David will kick-off the month by sleeping on the church playground on Friday night, August 1st.

If you would like to stop by the playground Friday evening or Saturday morning to “heckle” David and donate to Family Promise, you are invited to do so. If you would like to spend the night on the playground with David, you are invited to do so for a donation of $100.

You can give by:

• Clicking on FAMILY PROMISE FUNDRAISER;
• Scanning the QR codes that will be on the Mission’s bulletin boards, and in The Sunday Supplement weekly newsletters (beginning August 3rd);
• Leaving a check in the offering plate made to Duluth First UMC with Family Promise in the memo line.
  

Please contact Rev. David Burchett by e-mail at dburchett@duluthumc.org for more information.

We invite our children and youth to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 3rd, for Blessing of the Backpacks in all three worship services (8:30 a.m. Traditional Service, 11 a.m. Contemporary Service, and 11 a.m. Traditional Service). Bring your school backpacks with you, as we will have a moment set aside during the worship services to pray for our children, youth, teachers, school administrators, and other school employees for the new school year.

The new school year is beginning soon, and we are excited to celebrate Promotion Sunday on August 3rd! Children and youth are invited to the celebration on August 3rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall. Children and youth will be together playing games, having a snack, enjoying fellowship with one another, and they will receive a goodie bag. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

We are excited to celebrate Promotion Sunday on August 3rd! As we welcome our rising 6th graders to our Youth Ministry and kick off the new school year together, we will have a fun night of fellowship at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Buford (2925 Buford Dr Suite 300, Buford, GA 30519) on Sunday, August 3rd, from 4:30 p.m. (departure time from church) to 7:30 p.m. (pick up time at church). The cost is $25 per person. Please sign up by going to the following link - https://forms.gle/svUtCQzuJfwBQzu56. The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 30th.
 
We will meet and depart from the church at 4:30 p.m., and the pick-up time from the church will be at 7:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Min Lee, Director of Youth Ministries, by e-mail at mlee@duluthumc.org. We look forward to a great time of fun and fellowship!

You are invited to join Women Studying Together, the Thursday morning women’s Bible study for their study series on the New Testament Book of Ephesians. This six-week study will continue through August 28th.  

The author of Ephesians makes some rather wordy theological statements while also referring to Jesus as Lord over 20 times. How did understanding that Jesus is Lord affect the Ephesians or us? What behaviors are encouraged/discouraged? Don't be overwhelmed with the writing style. We need both an understanding of what we believe and how we are to live it. This book has much to teach us about the church and the unity of the body. Even in the midst of this 'mystery', we are reminded that grace and faith are expressed in acts of love. After that, there is nothing left to do but praise God!  

There is no book to buy, just bring your Bible and join us. We meet on Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 am in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center, and discussion is led by Jenny Masterson. As we study, we ask questions, search for answers, share our stories, laugh and pray together. Sometimes, we even sing! We welcome all women. 

If you would like more information, please contact Jenny Masterson by e-mail at jennybobm@comcast.net or call 678-591-0800.

Duluth First United Methodist Church warmly welcomes Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles to our church staff as an Associate Pastor. She is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and has served churches in the Louisiana Annual Conference and the North Georgia Annual Conference. She is passionate about ministry with families with young children and youth, missions, full inclusion of all people in the Church, conservation efforts, especially around endangered and at-risk animals, and sustainability and creation care at home and in the local church.

AnnaKate has a BA in Literature and Religion from Converse College, a Master of Divinity from Candler school of Theology, a Certificate for Theology in Ministry from Cambridge University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Candler School of Theology.

AnnaKate is married to Brian Trepanier who works as an Assistant District Attorney. They have a 3-year old son, Cooper, and a 1-year old daughter, Tilly. AnnaKate enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering at Zoo Atlanta.

AnnaKate will begin her work with us at ¾ time (30 hours a week). You can contact AnnaKate by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128.

All are invited to join us on Wednesday, August 6th, for a special back-to-school “Burgers & Bingo” Wednesday Night Dinner event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. The menu includes hamburgers, French fries, cole slaw, baked beans, and dessert. For the kids – the same. Bingo will begin at 5:45 p.m. and will be played during the dinner time with prizes for our winners!

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 only – husband, wife, 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.

The Wednesday Night Dinner teams are looking for volunteers – our Dinner Belles and Beaus – to help. No special experience or skill is necessary – just a willingness to serve, make some new friends, and have fun!  Each team volunteers only once a month and on the night that you volunteer you get a free meal! We hope you will consider joining us for some good food and good fellowship.
 
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Marilyn Scheiwe, Event Coordinator, by e-mail at mscheiwe@duluthumc.org or call 770-476-3776, ext. 111.  We hope you will consider volunteering.

On Sunday, August 10th, children and youth will report to their new Sunday School classes. Kindergarten through 5th grade kids will meet in their new classrooms in the C and D wing hallways of the Kids Village:

• Three & Four year old (as of September 1st): Childcare Corner;
  
• Kindergarten through 2nd grade: room C120;
  
• 3rd through 5th grade: room D126.

6th through 12th grade youth will meet in room F149 on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.

Sunday School for both children and youth is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. If you would like to be a Children’s (Kindergarten through 5th grade) Sunday school teacher, please contact Leslie Yokeley, Director of Children’s Ministries, by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org or call 770-476-3776, ext. 138. If you would like to be a Youth (6th through 12th grades) Sunday school teacher, please contact Rev. Min Lee, Director of Youth Ministries, by e-mail at mlee@duluthumc.org or call 770-476-3776, ext. 119.

The Book Club invites you to read The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, and then to join  them on Monday, August 11th, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center for a discussion of the book. Amy Burk will lead the discussion.

In The Alice Network, an enthralling novel from New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and `an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

“Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!”—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America’s First Daughter.

Have you ever had a topic that you simply wanted to talk about with others at church but there doesn’t seem to be a class or group to focus on that one thing? Then Simply Something is just the place to be. Join Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles and Rev. Dr. C. Kay Fuino on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center, for Simply Something, a weekly discussion place to bring up all things theological, biblical, social, Methodist, or simply on your mind about life in today’s world.

Each week at Simply Something will begin with prayer and a short devotion, followed by discussion about a variety of topics chosen by the group. We will begin on Tuesday, August 12th, looking at our own church and all that is offered for learning, mission, and volunteering to grow God’s kingdom around us. Join us with your list of topics to plan for our future time together. Bring your coffee, tea or water, and your open mind to learn from each other.

Childcare in Childcare Corner will be available. For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles, Associate Pastor, by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org or 770-476-3776, ext. 128.

A new class entitled “The History and Archaeology of the Bible” will be offered beginning Tuesday, August 12th. This class, led by Pete Fleming, will be offered twice each week for 24 weeks:

• 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays in room F154, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in room F151, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.
  

Choose the one that best suits your schedule.

The course will include a video each week produced by National Geographic and featuring lecturer Jean-Pierre Ishbouts, a professor in the Social Sciences PhD program of Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California, and an archaeologist, author, screenwriter, director, and producer of works addressing various historical periods, particularly the time period of Jesus and that of Renaissance and post-Renaissance art. During the course, he will visit many of the places mentioned in the Bible.

Participants will be encouraged, but not required, to purchase the book Who Wrote the Bible by Richard Friedman. It can be purchased on Thrift Books for under $10.00. Pete will present excerpts from this and other books and articles each week. If you are interested in attending this class, please contact Pete by e-mail at lfleming3832@att.net or call 678-575-3761.

The need for blood doesn’t take a summer break! Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. All blood types are needed now to help save lives. An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Duluth First UMC from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13th, in the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall.

To schedule an appointment:

• Click on BLOOD DRIVE ONLINE REGISTRATION;
• Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767);
• Contact Tracy Brinker by e-mail at tbrinker@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 112.
• Last, but not least, be a “walk-in” on Blood Drive Day.
  

Donate blood at Duluth First UMC on August 13th and the Red Cross will say “Thank You” with a $15 e-gift card and free A1-C testing. Don’t be afraid to save someone’s life!

Make plans to join us on Wednesday, August 13th, as the following Wednesday night activities resume their weekly gatherings at Duluth First United Methodist Church:

• Wednesday Night Dinners:  5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hinton Hall, 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• Book Bunch for kids (ages 3 – 4):  6:15 to 6:30 p.m. in the Louise McDaniel Memorial Library, 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• DuluthKids (ages Kindergarten through 5th grade): 6 to 7 p.m. in the Children’s (C and D wings) classrooms;
• Youth Bible Study (grades 6 – 12): 6 to 7 p.m., room F149, 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• Parent Connection Group: 6 to 7 p.m., room F145, 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• Happy Sacks: 6 to 6:30 p.m., room F152, 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• Yarn Art Ministry: 6 to 7 p.m., room F205, 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
• Handbell Ensemble rehearsals: 6 to 7 p.m., in the Sanctuary.
  

Additional information about these activities will be available in the August 2025 edition of The Messenger newsletter, available Friday, August 1st.

The Dinner Belles and Beaus prepare excellent meals at very reasonable prices. Enjoy fellowship around the table with family and friends. The menu for August 13th is fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried okra, biscuit, and dessert. For the kids – the same.

Dinner service hours are 5 to 6:30 p.m., 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 only – husband, wife, 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.

DuluthKids is a fun opportunity on Wednesday nights for kids, ages Kindergarten through 5th grade, to gather together for fellowship, music, Bible study and missions. Programming is age-appropriate with curriculum designed for the kids. DuluthKids will meet on Wednesday evenings, beginning August 13th. Fellowship time for everyone (K-5th) will begin at 5:45 and we will meet in the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall.

The new Children’s Chime Choir, for ages 3rd through 5th grades, is an exciting way to learn music and provide music at worship. This group will learn to play the tone chimes, which are similar to handbells. Children’s Chime Choir meets from 6 to 6:30 p.m. during DuluthKids time.

The Children’s Bell Choir, for ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade, is a place where children will learn the fundamentals of music in a fun group environment! The Children’s Bell Choir meets from 6 to 6:30 p.m. during DuluthKids time.

All of the children (ages Kindergarten through 5th grade) will come back together from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for a time of Bible study and missions.

If you have any questions or would like to be involved in this ministry for children, please contact Leslie Yokeley, Director of Children’s Ministries, by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 138, or Verena Anders, Minister of Music & Worship Arts, at vanders@duluthumc.org. or 770-476-3776, ext. 116.

Book Bunch, a story time for kids ages three and four-years old, will meet Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m., beginning on August 13th, in the Louise McDaniel Memorial Library, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Kids will hear a story being read from a guest reader and they will have an opportunity to check out a book from the library.

If you would like to be a volunteer Book Bunch reader, please contact Leslie Yokeley, Director of Children’s Ministries, by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org or call 770-476-3776, ext. 138.

We invite students in 6th through 12th grades to join us for Bible Study during the school year as we dive into the Word of God and grow together as a community! Bible Study is held on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room F149, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.

For additional information or questions, please contact Rev. Min Lee, Director of Youth Ministries, by e-mail at mlee@duluthumc.org.

Parent Connection, our small group for parents, will resume its weekly meetings on Wednesday, August 13th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in room F145, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Everyone is welcome to join us as we share in the joys and struggles of parenting children of all ages. Please contact Rev. David Burchett by e-mail at dburchett@duluthumc.org for more information.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals

Our church’s Chancel Choir, the primary worship ensemble for traditional worship, is open to anyone high school age and older who feel called to serve through music. No audition is required. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., August through May, in the Don Lee Music Suite. Childcare in Childcare Corner is provided. Please contact Verena Lucía Anders, Minister of Music & Worship Arts, by e-mail at vanders@duluthumc.org for more information.

Handbell Ensemble Rehearsals

Our Handbell Ensemble is open anyone high school age and older as spaces are available. Prior ringing experience is not necessary, but helpful. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., August through May, in the Sanctuary. Childcare in Childcare Corner is available. Please contact our new Director of the Handbell Choir, Johnathan Ancell, by e-mail at jancell@duluthumc.org, for more information.

Treble Ensemble and Tenor-Bass Ensemble Rehearsals

The Treble Ensemble and Tenor-Bass Ensemble meet in rotation on Wednesdays, 8:30 to 9:00 p.m, August through May, in the Don Lee Music Suite. We have a great time singing a wide variety of music and sing for worship several times during the year. Childcare in Childcare Corner is available. Please contact Verena Lucía Anders, Minister of Music & Worship Arts, by e-mail at vanders@duluthumc.org for more information.

For those who crochet or knit, the Yarn Art Ministry (affectionally known as YAMs) is a place to share your talent. When someone has a baby, this group makes a welcome blanket for the child. Blankets from the group also supply our nursery. A variety of items are made to be sold at Bundle Up for Buffalo, the fundraising event that raises money to heat our sister church, Seneca Street UMC in Buffalo, NY, during the cold winter months. Sometimes we send blankets directly to Buffalo to keep them cozy.

There are two Yarn Art Ministry meetings a week:

• Mondays at 11 a.m. in room F149, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center;
  
• Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. in room F204, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.

Come share your talent! You are also welcome if you would like to learn how to knit or crochet. For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKateRawles by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 128.