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 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!

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 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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Preacher: Rev. David Burchett, Assistant Pastor
• Scripture: Philippians 2:1-13 (English Standard Version Bible)
• Sermon: What's on the Front of the Jersey?

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.

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 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.

The Missions Ministry is having a delicious fundraiser on Sunday, October 4th,  from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in The Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall. We invite you to come help support Duluth First UMC in being the hands and feet of Christ in our community by stopping and enjoying some hot, delicious cinnamon rolls.
 
Cinnamon rolls will be $5 each, and donations are always accepted. All proceeds will go toward supporting our local mission efforts which our general giving goes towards in the Duluth/Gwinnett County areas, such as the Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op, the Duluth Care Team, Rainbow Village, Family Promise, and others. Thank you for your support!

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.

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.

A new adult class, The History of Christianity from the Reign of Theodosius to the Dawn of the Reformation, will be held on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings beginning October 20th, and October 21st. You are invited to attend whichever day works best for your schedule. The class will last 22 weeks, concluding near the end of March. Each class session will last 1.5 hours and will include a 30-minute lecture by Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson, Professor Emeritus at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, followed by one hour of discussion.

Some of the lectures include Expansion Beyond the Roman Empire, the Rise of Islam, the East-West Split, The Crusades, the Great Plague, and many others. Participants will encounter a thorough grounding in the development of Christianity for its first 1,500 years.

The Tuesday morning class will begin at 10 a.m. in room F153 and the Wednesday evening class will begin at 5:45 p.m. in room F145. Both rooms are located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center.  Pete Fleming, our church historian, will lead the class. No books are required, although Pete will introduce a comprehensive bibliography throughout the series, and he will also provide articles from various authors on related subjects from time to time.

People wishing to participate in the The History of Christianity class should contact Rev. Dr. AnnaKate Rawles by e-mail at arawles@duluthumc.org, or Pete Fleming by e-mail at lfleming3832@att.net.

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! Volunteers are needed to host a trunk at Trunk or Treat as we welcome our community to Duluth First UMC for an afternoon of fun. We hope to have at least 35 trunks and YOU can be one! Decorate and/or have a game at your trunk for the opportunity to win the soon to be coveted Golden Pumpkin prize! Set-up time begins at 3:30 p.m. and trick-or-treating begins at 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers are also needed to help with set up, refill candy, run carnival games, and clean up. You sign can sign up to volunteer by clicking on DULUTH FIRST UMC TRUNK OR TREAT.

Candy donations (bags of individually wrapped candies) are needed for Trunk or Treat. Drop off any candy starting Thursday, October 1st, in the Trunk or Treat bins located around the church. You can help us be sure we have enough to share with our community!

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

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.

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.