God First: Our 2025 Theme
In 2025, our worship will focus on the theme God First, encouraging us to center our lives on God’s presence and guidance. Following the Revised Common Lectionary, we will reflect on what it means to put God first in our hearts, relationships, resources, and daily living. Through scripture, prayer, and the rhythms of the Christian year, we will journey together, discovering how placing God First can bring clarity, balance, and a deeper sense of purpose to our lives.
Starting Point: Winter 2025
Starting Sunday, January 5, you are invited to this four week class on Sundays in January from 10:10-11:00 a.m. in the Hospitality Room for guests and new members to learn more about the ministries, missions, history, and theology of MFUMC. We will conclude with the church tour on Sunday, January 26.
Church Family Supper
Join your church family as we return to Church Family Supper on Wednesday, January 22nd, from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM in the Family Life Hall.
Come together for a wonderful time of fellowship and a delicious meal. We look forward to sharing this special evening with you!
Please register online so we know you’re coming & can plan accordingly. The cost is $7 a meal with a $25 family cap. Children 3-12 years old $5, ages 3 and under eat free. REGISTER HERE
Menu:
Chick-fil-A Sandwich
Mac & Cheese
Tator Tots
Salad
Dessert- Brownie
Tea, Water, Lemonade
If you would like assistance registering on Realm, please call the church at 770-429-7800 for a staff member to assist you.
We Have Seen the Lord! The Resurrection in All Four Gospels
Prepare for the Lenten and Easter seasons by joining Candler professor Dr. Elizabeth Arnold as she examines the four gospels' resurrection accounts. Dr. Arnold is a postdoctoral fellow at The Candler Foundry, where she created the Foundations in Faith and Leadership online certificate program for community and church-based theological education. The class will meet in the Reception Hall from 6:30-7:45 pm 1/22-2/26. REGISTER HERE
Power 45 Winter Kick-Off
Join us on Sunday, January 26, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30p.m. for our first meeting of 2025! We will be meeting in the Welcome Center at 1:00 p.m., then head to Marietta Square Market for lunch and fellowship. Pick-up will be at the Welcome Center at 2:30 p.m. Make sure you send money with your child to purchase their choice of lunch! REGISTER HERE
Wonderfully Made
You and your son or daughter are invited to participate in a special event called Wonderfully Made! Open to children in the 5th and 6th grades, Wonderfully Made is a United Methodist resource that offers preteens and their parents an opportunity to begin the important conversations about bodies, human growth, sexuality, reproduction and relationships from a Christian perspective. It will offer both you and your child an opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully made by God.
Discovery Weekend
All youth are invited to Discovery Weekend, February 7-9! Throughout the weekend, students play games, experience worship, hear challenging messages, and participate in a service project. REGISTER HERE
Parents Night Out
Join us for Parent’s Night Out on Valentine’s Day, Friday February 14 from 6:00 - 8:30p.m.
Children ages 2 years old through 2nd Grade are welcome to join our Nursery Staff for a night of fun, games, crafts, play, and lots of Valentine fun! All children are encouraged to bring a sack dinner and a water bottle filled with water. A fun theme dessert will be provided.
REGISTER HERE
Cost per child is $35. If you have more than one child attending, each additional child is $25.
Handbell Ringers in Concert!
On Saturday February 15th, at 2:00 p.m., the Genesis and Wesley Ringers present an afternoon of delightful and unexpected musics in a concert featuring our handbell choirs, percussionists, and other special guest instrumentalists. This unique event will include beloved pieces based on beloved sacred hymns and tunes ... and beloved musics from the secular realm as well! Like iconic rock anthems! The Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Marietta is the location. Consider making a suggested donation of $20.
Family Promise Week
Family Promise Week is February 16- 23. If you are looking for ways to get involved and give back to the community, please sign up for the various service opportunities. Family Promise of Cobb County is a ministry to assist working families with children with temporary shelter and meals at local churches, while they receive support to develop careers and income to obtain their own homes. REGISTER HERE
SAM Trip to Funk Heritage Center at Reinhardt University
The Senior Adult Ministry has a trip planned to visit the Funk Heritage Center on the campus of Reinhardt University to explore the culture and stories of Native Americans and early settlers on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025. The cost of the tour is $8.50 which starts at 11:00 am, lunch on your own at the University's student cafeteria. Meet the church buses in the Polk Street parking lot at 9:45 am.
If you need assistance in registering, contact Karen Williams at the church 770-429-7800 ext 803. REGISTER HERE
Sock Hop Dance
MFUMC Children’s Ministry invites church families to join us for our second annual Sock Hop Dance!
We’ll ~get down~ to some oldies, newbies, and favorites, all while doing some good for our local community by putting the ‘Sock’ in Sock Hop!
As a new year begins and spring nears, many outreach programs are running low on supplies. To help them restock, we ask that all attendees bring a pair of socks, which will be delivered by our team to MUST Ministries.
From poodle skirts to hot pants, we can’t wait to see you all dressed to the nines!
Secure your tickets HERE. Cost is per attendee and includes a light dinner.
Thank you for your support!
Women of Faith Bible Study
The Women of Faith Bible Study will start back on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Room 303. Beginning in January, they will study the book He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer. Join with other women in study and fellowship from January to May. If you have questions, please reach out to Martha Lee Sanders (trsanders@mindspring.com).
Senior Adult Ministry Luncheon with Wanda Grogan
Join us on Wednesday, January 15, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Family Life Hall for a delightful luncheon. The cost is $10.00 per person. Come enjoy the company of fellow seniors and hear from our beloved Facilities Coordinator, Wanda Grogan, as she shares stories, wit, and prayer. We look forward to seeing you there! REGISTER HERE
Lunch Menu:
Grown up Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Tomato Soup
Salad
Dessert
Tea, Lemonade, Water
If you need assistance in registering, contact Karen Williams at the church 770-429-7800 ext 803
Say Yes! Ministry Fair
Find ways to get connected in the New Year on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the "Say Yes!" Ministry Fair. Information about volunteer opportunities and church events in all of our Ministry Areas will be available at multiple locations around the church. Start the new year with new ways to grow in service, grace and love. For more information, contact Rev. Blair Tolbert.
SUNDAY WORSHIP UPDATE FOR JANUARY 12
The 9:00 a.m. worship service at First United Methodist Church of Marietta is canceled. We will hold in-person worship at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, January 12, along with the Leadership Dedication and Orientation Luncheon.
We will have Sunday school and Starting Point at 10:10 am.
The 11:15 a.m. service will be in-person and live-streamed HERE.
We encourage you to choose the option that best suits your situation and use your best judgment regarding road conditions near your home and along your route. For safety reasons, areas in the church parking lot will be sectioned off. Your safety is our top priority.
Stay safe and warm. We look forward to worshiping with you—whether in person or online!
Year-End Contributions to Marietta FUMC
To make in-person year-end contributions to the church, please do so on Sunday, December 22 or December 29, or at the Welcome Center during one of the following times:
- Monday, 12/30, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, 12/31, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
All items paid at mariettafumc.org/give or postmarked by December 31 will post to your 2024 giving statement. Any gifts of stock and/or securities must be in our brokerage account by December 31 to receive 2024 credit. Contact Teresa Bowling at 770-429-7800 ext. 807 or teresabowling@mariettafumc.org for further information or if you have any questions.
One Worship Service
We will have one worship service on Sunday, December 29 at 10:30am in the Sanctuary! Join us as we continue with the Christmas spirit, singing and proclaiming the good news of Jesus' birth.
Christmas Festival Choir
Choir Opportunity! Do you like to sing but can't commit to singing for rehearsals and worship every week? Do you enjoy Christmas music? YOU are all welcome to join the Festival Choir! The Festival Choir will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, November 6. The Festival Choir will join the Chancel Choir for Christmas Eve and Sunday December 29.
For more information, please contact the Director of Music for more information: nicolemarane@mariettafumc.org.
Christmas Eve Hospitality: Greeters & Ushers
Be a part of our Hospitality Team for Christmas Eve! Greeters, ushers and golf cart drivers offer a warm welcome to all who enter our campus for this very special night. Contact Beth Dawson if you have questions.
Christmas Eve Services
Christmas Eve Services in the Sanctuary - Tuesday, December 24
Children's Nativity Service: 3:00 p.m.
Candlelight Communion: 4:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m.
Nursery will be available for the 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. services.
Senior Adult Ministry Christmas Luncheon
Join us for a festive Senior Adult Ministry Christmas Luncheon at the home of Jane Cooley on Wednesday, December 18 at 12:00 noon. Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch, fellowship, and holiday cheer in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Show off your baking skills by providing a dessert for the luncheon!
Cost: $10 per person
Space is limited to 30 attendees, so please sign up as soon as possible. The cutoff for sign-ups is December 17th.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
Women of Faith Bible Study
The Women of Faith Bible Study will start back on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 9:30-11:30am in Room 303. In the new year, the group will study (Will get book title asap) Join with other women in study and fellowship from January to May. If you have questions, please reach out to Martha Lee Sanders (trsanders@mindspring.com)
Lessons & Carols
Join us on Sunday, December 15, at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services for the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus as told in Bible readings, interspersed with the congregational singing of carols and hymns; and choral anthems. This year's Lessons and Carols will highlight the panoply of First Church's musical offerings, including our youngest of music liturgists.
Christmas Angels
Being a Christmas angel to a family in your community is a wonderful way to spread joy during the holiday season.
A Celtic Christmas with Emmet Cahill
On Monday, December 9th, 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, World acclaimed Irish Tenor, Emmet Cahill will perform. Cahill hails from Mullingar, Ireland, and is the lead singer with PBS phenomenon Celtic Thunder. He will be accompanied by Pianist Seamus Brett with featured performances by the First United Methodist Church of Marietta’s Chancel Choir and the new Glatter-Götz Pipe Organ. This Christmas concert will include stunning renditions of your favorite Christmas carols and sing-a-longs for the entire audience.
SAM Trip to Bethlehem Walk
Join the Senior Adult Ministry for a trip to the Bethlehem Walk, an immersive, interactive recreation of ancient Bethlehem, at Mountain View Church on Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the drive through under the bridge at the Family Life Hall. REGISTER HERE
Christmas In The Park
Join us for Christmas in the Park on Polk on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.!
We love kicking off the season of Advent together and preparing our hearts for the coming of our Savior. This year, we'll have cookie decorating, a Chrismon craft station (NEW), a Story Walk offering (NEW), a petting zoo, Family Christmas pictures, and more!
We hope to see you and your family there!
SAM Fall Trip to Pigeon Forge
The Senior Adult Ministry is going to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee from Wednesday, December 4 through Friday, December 6. Choice of single or double occupancy in the Music Road Resort. Reserve your spot with a $200 deposit.
Early Bird discount of $50 until June 15th. Final Payment due by September 15th, 2024. No refunds after November 4th, if registration is canceled.
If you need assistance registering, please contact Karen Williams at the church, extension 803.
Special Charge Conference
Our church is blessed with significant assets, some of which are not being currently utilized by the church and may be put to better use.
Therefore, in accordance with The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline, the Trustees of The First United Methodist Church of Marietta, Georgia have called for a special charge conference to consider a resolution regarding the sale of certain church properties specifically, 96 Whitlock Ave., better known as the parsonage, and 92 Whitlock Ave., better known as the Rock House.
The charge conference is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The charge conference is open to all members of The First United Methodist Church of Marietta and we encourage you to come, discuss, and vote on this important matter.
Family Advent Wreath Workshop
Families of all ages are invited to join us for an Advent Wreath Workshop on December 1st during the Sunday School hour (10:10-11:10am)!
Together, we’ll create a wreath to celebrate the Advent season (complete with a take-home liturgy) and a banner to hang on your mantle or your tree that we’ll decorate with this year’s Advent theme: Be Near Me, Lord Jesus.
REGISTER HERE
We’ll gather in the Family Life Hall to make these beautiful Advent items, and enjoy some refreshments together as a church family!
Cost is $15 per family, which covers all supplies to create one wreath and one banner per family.
*Please just register one member of your family for the workshop and then answer the custom question about how many individuals in your family will attend with you.*
We hope you can join us!
Power 45 Christmas: Progressive Dinner
Join us on Sunday, December 15th, from 5-7pm for a progressive dinner to celebrate the Christmas season! We will be meeting in the Welcome Center at 4:45pm to load up on the buses, and we’ll depart from campus at 5pm to head to our first stop. Take a look at our schedule below:
- Stop 1: Appetizers at the Davis House (~30 minutes)
- Stop 2: Main Course at the Angel House (~45 minutes)
- Stop 3: Dessert and Hot Cocoa at the Engram House (~30 minutes)
Each stop will feature some food and a fun activity to do while we enjoy the festive food. Come in your Christmas best and bring a friend (just make sure to sign them up :))!
Senior Adult Ministry Community Friendsgiving
This month we are doing something different, lunch will be held on Thursday, (not Wednesday) on November 21st from 12 noon to 1 pm in the Family Life Hall. Share with community members, attending the Good Samaritan Ministry, a Thanksgiving meal.
The lunch will be a potluck, volunteers are needed to bring a dish, help set up, and serve. Click HERE to sign up to bring a dish to share.
Please REGISTER HERE if you plan to enjoy lunch, so we know you’re coming and can plan accordingly to have enough turkey to feed everyone.
Christmas Poinsettias
Our Open Door Sunday School Class has supported Murphy-Harpst by placing Poinsettias in the church sanctuary as part of our Advent reflection as we look forward to the coming celebration of our Savior's birth at Christmas.
Beth Berman Dinner & Silent Auction
Help support local and global communities and missions with the Beth Berman Mission Fund. We will join together on Thursday, November 14 for dinner and a silent auction to raise funds for our mission trip scholarship fund, our Good Samaritan Community Ministry, and feeding and education programs in Marietta, Chimbote, Peru, and Fairbanks Alaska.
Election Day Prayer and Reflection
We will have the Sanctuary open on Election Day for people to stop by and pray and reflect. Civic engagement is a right that we are blessed to partake in. However, it is not without its anxieties. If you need to spend some time praying on election day, the sanctuary will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. so you can pray in silence. We will provide a special prayer card filled with various prayers for our country and leadership.
Starting Point
Join us Sundays, November 3,10 & 17 from 10:10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Hospitality Room for our Starting Point Class. This is an opportunity for new members and those considering membership to learn more about the history and current ministry opportunities of MFUMC, along with meeting pastors and staff. For more information contact Rev. Blair Tolbert.
All Saints Sunday
Join us on Sunday, November 3, as we celebrate All Saints Day here at First United Methodist Church of Marietta. This is the day we set aside to remember the members of our church who have been promoted to the Church Triumphant since October 2023. During the services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., the names of each of these members will be read and a bell will be rung in his or her honor.
Restock the Food Pantry
During November, please Restock the Church Pantry, helping to support the Good Samaritan Ministry Assistance program. Your efforts throughout the month can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need in our community. Look for donation bins around the church.
The following is a list of preferred donations:
Canned 12 oz tuna and chicken
Peanut butter 16oz or smaller
Canned vegetables
Spaghetti sauce (plastic or can-NO GLASS)
Macaroni and cheese 7 oz box
Canned with pop-top pasta with meat sauce
Instant oatmeal or grits
Soup cans 16oz or smaller with meat
Ready-to-eat single-serve items; proteins, tuna pouch with crackers, individual peanut butter, beef jerky sticks, Vienna sausage, granola bars with protein, fruit cups/applesauce 4 oz, peanut butter or cheese crackers, and 8oz water bottles.
Church Family Supper
Join your church family for Teriyaki Chicken with rice, Asian vegetables, and egg rolls, on Wednesday, October 30th, from 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm for supper in the Family Life Hall. Please REGISTER HERE so we know you’re coming & can plan accordingly. The cost is $7 a meal with a $25 family cap. Children 3-12 years old $5, ages 3 and under eat free.
Volunteers in any capacity with MFUMC are invited to be our guests for Church Family Supper. Please enter the code SERVE to enjoy supper on and with your Church Family!
Please register so we know you’re coming & can plan accordingly. The cost is $7 a meal with a $25 family cap. Children 3-12 years old $5, ages 3 and under eat free.
Power 45 October Meeting
Join us for our October Power 45 meeting! We will meet at the church in the Lower Room (directly below the Weekday Preschool entrance in building C) from 1-2:30pm on Sunday, October 27th. We will provide a taco bar for lunch and the kids will have time to hang out, play games, and complete a service project together for MUST Ministries. REGISTER HERE
Fall Festival Trunk or Treat Sign Up
Marietta FUMC Children's Ministry invites you to join us for our Fall Festival on October 26 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. This event will include trunk-or-treating, hay rides, field games, treats and food for the family. If you would like to host a trunk, please sign up using the link HERE, or reach out to Amber Whitaker or Lauren Cox.