Starting Point
Join us for Starting Point on Sunday, April 7 in the Hospitality Room! This 4-week class for new members and those considering membership, invites you to learn more about the history, current ministry opportunities of MFUMC and a chance to meet our pastors and staff. The class concludes with a tour of the church on April 28. For more information, contact Rev. Blair Tolbert and blairtolbert@mariettafumc.org.
little book, BIG IDEAS
Introducing our next sermon series starting April 7, "little book, BIG IDEAS." This seemingly little book of 1 John shares big ideas about faith and the spiritual life. After Easter, we often ask, "What happens next?" In this 6-week series, we will explore the important themes of eternal life, God's love, holy living, and the transformative power of love in the Christian journey. This series encourages us to deepen our understanding of God's love and how to live that out in our everyday lives. It will also provide practical insights for applying these ideas and encouraging a deeper connection with God and a Christ-like love for others.
Fall Preview Ministry Fair
Join us on Sunday, April 21 on the Discipleship Bridge as we "Look forward to Fall 2024"! Ministry areas will have information about fall ministry opportunities, class offerings and ways to connect and serve our community. For more information contact Rev. Blair Tolbert at blairtolbert@mariettafumc.org.
Power 45 Spring Bowling Party
We invite 4th and 5th graders to join us for a Power45 gathering at Bowlero!
We will meet at Bowlero from 1:30-3:30pm on Sunday, April 21. The cost per child is $30, which includes 1.5 hours of bowling (including shoes), choice of unlimited pizza, chicken tenders, drinks, and limited arcade credits for each child!
Invite your friends and register HERE!
Senior Adult Ministry Trip to Tour BAPS
Join your fellow SAM adventurers on the second leg of our FUMC World Religions Tour! On Tuesday, April 23 we will visit BAPS to observe a service then a guided tour of the property. Lunch location to be determined. Meet in the church Polk Street parking lot at 9:00 am. Depart at 9:15 am to enjoy a 45 minute ride to and from, estimated return around 2:00 pm or 2:30 pm. REGISTER HERE
BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. It is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization rooted in the Vedas.
Review the following information for guidelines to prepare for your visit:
This is a guided tour. There is no charge for group visit. However, each member of your group can help us serve the community by bringing a vegetarian canned food item (no meat, poultry, or fish) during their visit. The items will be donated to the Care Closet - a confidential school-based food pantry. Thank you.
· The guided tour is about an hour long and includes a minimum of 30 minutes of walking/standing. Handicap access is available via a ramp and elevator. The structure is made of stone, so we request everyone to be extra careful and use handrails, when possible, to prevent injuries.
· All visitors must remove their shoes in the shoes drop off area before entering the Mandir. It is recommended that everyone wears socks as the marble inside the Mandir gets cold during the winter.
· Please take advantage of the onsite Shayona Cafe and Gift/Book Shop before or after your tour. If you are planning to eat in the Cafe please let us know ahead of time if possible.
· Shorts, short-skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed.
· Photography and videography are not allowed from the podium level and inside the Mandir.
Visit www.baps.org for more information.
General Conference
The United Methodist General Conference is April 23-May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy, and economic issues. Learn more HERE.
Organ Dedication Concert
Dr. Alcee Chriss, a multiple laureate of many of the world's most prestigious competitions, is one of the great organists of our time. On Saturday April 27 at 7:00 p.m., he will dedicate the church's new pipe organ with a festive concert demonstrating the instrument's near-infinite sonic dimensions. This event is free and open to the public, and not to be missed.
A featured star in the PBS documentary Pipe Dreams (2019), Alcee Chriss III is an organist and keyboardist from Fort Worth, TX. Winner of the 2017 Canadian International Organ Competition and Firmin Swinnen Silver Medalist at the 2016 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition, he is widely regarded as one of the leading young organists of our time. He will perform works by Bach, Whitlock, Franck, Joplin, and an Improvisation. You are invited to a dessert reception after the program in the Reception Hall.
Parking Ministry- Taste of Marietta
Join this service opportunity to share our church parking lot and hospitality to visitors of the Taste of Marietta on Sunday, April 28th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to be parking lot attendants in welcoming guests, giving directions, and accepting donations for parking in the church lots. Donations will support the Youth Choir, Youth Department, and the park maintenance. Sign up HERE to take a shift.
Senior Sunday
If you have a graduating Senior, make sure they join us on May 5th for Senior Sunday! Please fill out THIS LINK and email a Senior portrait to jadacowans@mariettafumc.org by April 21st!
Atlanta Concert Band
The Atlanta Concert Band returns to the Park on Polk for the third straight year to present a Spring Pops Concert on Sunday, May 5th at 6:00 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy music in this beautiful pavilion. The Band will perform the music of John Philip Sousa, John Williams, George Gershwin, and more. Featured guests will include mezzo-soprano, and Atlanta Concert Band Board Member, Dian Knight.
Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering
The Wesley Woods Mother’s Day Offering provides charitable financial assistance, pastoral care, and wellness programming to older adults living in Wesley Woods communities. Support is provided to residents in need of financial assistance to remain in their Wesley Woods homes. A robust wellness program includes fitness classes and on-site nurses to enhance the well-being of residents, enabling them to live independently longer. Wesley Woods chaplains provide ministry through personal visits, pastoral support, Bible study, and worship. Help create hope and spread joy with a gift to Wesley Woods. To donate, visit mariettafumc.org/give and select "Wesley Woods" from the dropdown menu, or indicate "Wesley Woods" on your check either in our Sunday offering or in the church office.
To donate, please visit mariettafumc.org/give or indicate “Wesley Wood’s” on your check either in our Sunday offering or in the church office.
MEET Marietta First
Do you have questions about Marietta First UMC or want to find ways to get connected? Join us for a time of casual conversation and coffee in the Gathering Area just outside the Sanctuary at 10:10 a.m. on Sunday, May 19! Rev. Blair Tolbert and lay leaders will be available to answer questions and share the many ways you can find your place at Marietta FUMC. blairtolbert@mariettafumc.org
Blood Drive
Blood Drive Tuesday, May 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Lower Room of building C. Sign up Today! Use Sponsor Code MFUMC.
It's hard to predict when an accident or emergency may happen. But you can help ensure hospitals have blood on hand to save lives by giving blood or platelets with the Red Cross during #TraumaAwarenessMonth. Type O- blood is especially needed! REGISTER HERE.
PDO Summer Kids Club
Where: Marietta FUMC Parents Day Out
When: May 28th to June 28th
Monday - Friday 8:45am to 2pm
Who: Ages 5 - 9
Cost: Registration Fee $45 / Daily fee $45 Per Child
Big Stuf
We are taking our Senior High students (current 9th-12th) to BigStuf Camp June 21-25, 2024! BigStuf is a Christian Beach camp in Panama City Beach, Florida. It will be full of worship, making new friends, and spending time at the beach with your Fusion Fam! REGISTER HERE
Fusion Rising 6th Grader Outing
If you have a RISING 6th grader, we would love for them to join us for our Fusion Rising 6th Grader outing on June 21st from 5:30-9PM. We will walk from MFUMC to the Marietta Market for dinner, then we will take the church buses to “Adventure Air,” an awesome trampoline park located in Kennesaw! The cost of registration is $26, this only covers the cost of Adventure Air so please send money with your child for dinner at the market on the day of. Drop off and pick up will be at the Lower Room (youth space) at Marietta FUMC. REGISTER HERE
Drop off: at 5:30 p.m.
Pick up: at 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $26 per person (plus bring money for dinner at the Market)
Vacation Bible School
Save the date for Marietta FUMC's 2024 Vacation Bible School! We will be hosting our "Camp Firelight" VBS from July 8-11 for rising 4K through rising 6th graders. This year's theme will focus on "A Summer Camp Adventure with God" and we couldn't be more excited to create this experience for your kids.
High School Lake Weekend
All current High Schoolers are invited to join us at our Lake Weekend July 19-21st at Lake Lanier! It will be an awesome weekend with tubing, boat riding, games, cookouts, movie nights, and more! Don’t miss out on this fun weekend hanging out by the lake with your best friends!
Dates: July 19-21
Drop off and pick up will be at the church. We will transport the youth in the church buses.
Where: We will be staying in a lake house at Lake Lanier.
IGNITE 2024
Are YOU ready for THE BEST WEEKEND of the year? On August 16-18, IGNITE 2024 will be THE place to be! Between TRIBES competitions, high energy worship experiences, and time with your Fusion Family, this will be a weekend to remember. All students from 6th-12th grade are invited for a weekend of Intense Games, Engaging Worship, and Small Groups with a few of the most awesome people we know! SIGN UP HERE!
Costa Rica Family Mission Trip (Fall 2024)
Reserve your place for the Costa Rica Family Mission Trip departing the Fall Break of 2024. The trip is open to families with children ages 6 and up. Estimated cost is $2000 - $2500 dependent on airfare. Scholarships are available.
Family Promise
Save the date for Family Promise Week, September 29-October 6th. MFUMC is excited to support Family Promise of Cobb County 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.
Volunteers are needed to set up and, break down rooms, provide meals and stay overnight as hosts. Please review the sign up genius for opportunities to support this local mission.
Youth Choir Cooks (And Croons) for you!
Youth Choir Cooks (and Croons) for You! Join us for a choir-made supper and concert on April 17th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and fund scholarships for the 57th Annual Summer Music & Mission Tour to New England! REGISTER HERE
SAM Luncheon with Jacque Hodges
Have lunch with Jacque Hodges, M. Div on Wednesday, April 17 at noon in the Family Life Hall. Get to know Jacque and the six generations of Methodists in her family. REGISTER HERE
If you need assistance in registering, please contact Karen Williams at the church, extension 803.
Marietta Mentoring Celebration Dinner
MFUMC supports Marietta Mentoring for Leadership in various ways throughout the year. On Tuesday, April 16th their end-of-year Celebration Dinner will be held in the Family Life Hall.
Assistance is needed in the form of prepping and cooking for the 200 guests, decorating the room, setting the tables, and serving and cleaning up just like on a Wednesday Church Family Supper night.
Please review the sign-up genius HERE for an opportunity to serve from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Any questions please contact Karen Williams at the church 770-429-7800 ext 803
Men's Community Cook Out with The Extension
All men of the church are invited to join in fellowship, service, and worship with the men of the Extension Addiction Recovery Center.
We will be on the campus of the Men's Extension for games, a cookout, and a time of worship together on April 14, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. REGISTER HERE
Usher Appreciation Sunday
We will honor and thank our Usher Team on Sunday, April 14 at both 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. worship services. We want to thank them for their service and presence every Sunday and the many ways they serve our church family. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry, contact David Allen, Head Usher, at allen3399@comcast.net or Beth Dawson at bethdawson@mariettafumc.org.
Journeys of Paul Trip Preparation Meeting
In order to properly prepare for the trip, we have a meeting planned at Marietta First United Methodist Church on Monday, April 22nd at 6:30pm in the Reception Hall. We will be going over such things as packing instructions, gratuities, electrical information, basic financial information, meals, etc...
MFUMC Community Garden
Calling all gardeners and wanna-be gardeners! The FUMC Community Garden has beds available for this spring’s planting and we would like for you to join us!
To reserve your bed call or text Margaret at 404-202-6647.
Easter Sunday
Join us on Easter Sunday, March 31, for one of our three services:
- 6:30 a.m. in the Park on Polk
- 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Our Nursery and Fuse Worship will be offered for only the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. Monday, April 1, our church offices will be closed.
Breakfast:
Stop by the Family Life Hall for breakfast from 7:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Easter morning. Sausage, Bacon, Egg Casserole, Grits, Biscuits and gravy, french toast sticks, orange juice, coffee, yogurt and granola will be served.
Hospitality:
Be a part of our Easter Hospitality Team on Easter Sunday, March 31, to add your magic touch of hospitality! Help serve Easter breakfast, greet guests and members, drive golf carts, and capture memorable moments at the Flowering Cross. Scan the QR code for direct access to sign up and participate in offering hospitality to all!
Good Friday - Stations of the Cross
Join us in the Reception Hall on Friday, March 29 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for a time of reflection and to walk the path of Jesus in the last hours before his crucifixion and burial. Stations of the Cross includes Twelve interactive stations that invite participants to reflect and pray in preparation for Easter. This is a time of reflection and to walk the path of Jesus in the last hours before his crucifixion and burial.
Maundy Thursday Worship Service
On Thursday, March 28, join us for a Maundy Thursday worship service in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.
Maundy Thursday Supper
Enjoy supper prior to the Maundy Thursday worship service on Thursday, March 28th starting at 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm. REGISTER HERE
Please register so we know you’re coming and can plan accordingly. The cost is $7 a meal, children 3-12 yrs. $5, with a $25 family cap. Ages 3 and under eat free.
Menu:
Baked Ziti
Salad Bar
Garlic Bread
Dessert
Iced Tea, Lemonade and Water
If you need assistance in registering on Realm, call the church at 770-429-7800 for a staff member to assist you.
Community Easter Luncheon
The Good Samaritan Ministry is hosting a Community Luncheon for Easter during Holy Week in the Family Life Hall on Thursday, March 28. Would you join in to show the LOVE of MFUMC to the community by providing a prepared dish? Please review the sign up genius for the categories of food items needed. Bring your prepared food item to the Family Life Hall by 10:30 a.m. on that day.
Easter in the Park
Join us for Easter in the Park on Polk on March 24th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.! This event is for the whole family, taking place in our beautiful park, and will include an egg hunt, yard games, food, and more. We hope you'll be able to join us! REGISTER HERE for lunch!
Volunteers Needed! Register HERE. Below are the major areas that still need coverage.
-Monitors for the inflatable slide and obstacle course
-Event set up & clean up
-Craft station
Children's Ministry is requesting candy donations to fill Easter eggs. We have thousands of eggs to fill as we anticipate many new faces at the event this year! If you are able to donate, please drop off candy by March 17th in the bins located outside office 208-B or the Parent Nook. (Candy must be individually wrapped and options other than chocolate are preferred.)
Church Grounds and Park clean-up for Easter
Please bring your gloves, water bottle, and a wheelbarrow if you have one on Saturday, March 23 at 9:30 am to clean up the church grounds and park for Easter. We'll be picking up limbs, sticks and spreading pine straw around the Fountain Garden especially and other areas. Please sign up HERE to assist in the beautification.
Men's March Madness & Chili Cook Off Challenge
All the men of the church are invited to participate in March Madness Bracket Challenge and Chili Off at Hardage Farm Clubhouse on Thursday, March 21 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Are you up for the challenge?
Register HERE as a chili contender to see if your chili is championship worthy.
Senior Adult Luncheon with Carolyn Storey
Have lunch with Carolyn Storey on Wednesday, March 20 at noon in the Family Life Hall. Carolyn will share about her faith, family, ministry, and life long service to the United Methodist Church.
Enjoy Brunswick stew, corn bread, Salad bar & dessert
If you need assistance in registering, please contact Karen Williams at the church, extension 803. REGISTER HERE
Fusion Youth Super Sunday
Join us for Fusion Youth's Super Sunday on March 17th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.! We will have an easter egg hunt with big prizes, a mission project, food, and other fun games! All 6th-12th graders are invited to join us!
Alaska Mission Trip Interest Meeting
Still time to join the team! Alaska Mission Trip interest meeting Sunday March 17, at 12:30 pm in the Hospitality room at the church.
Spring FUSE Soccer 2024
We are excited for Spring FUSE Soccer starting on Sunday, March 10, 2024! Grow in community and inspire the love of the game to your child. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and getting to know others are all included through learning about and participating in soccer. We will meet March 10 and 17th, skip two weeks for Easter In the Park and Easter Sunday and then resume April 7, 14, 21 and finish up on April 28th.
Fuse Sports is a faith based, family friendly sports league. Regularly scheduled games and practices are for one hour on Sunday afternoons, 1-2pm or 3-4pm depending on age group (schedule TBA). Practice is the first part of the hour, and the game is the last part of the hour. The cost is $60, with $10 coach and $5 sibling discounts available. Ages 3K – to 5th grade can play and ages are based on current school year. Teams are separated by age group.
Confirmation Sunday
Sunday, March 10, 2024 is Confirmation Sunday! Please join us as we welcome our newest confirmation class as members into the church.
Book Sale
We are excited to share that the renovation of our Library is in full force, as it will become our new Coffee House/Bookstore! We are having a book sale and all proceeds will go toward purchasing items and new books for our new space. The sale will take place in the Library during these hours:
Sundays: March 3 - March 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Books are $1.00 each OR bring your own bag & fill it up for just $5.00! Book purchases and donations can be made via cash, credit, check, or online at the link below.
GA Boy Choir in Worship
Georgia Boy Choir will join our Chancel Choir to provide music for both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Worship Services.
Our Director of Music, Dr. Nicole Marane, has been collaborating and working with David White and the Georgia Boy Choir since 2010. We are excited to welcome them to worship on Sunday March 3rd to join the Chancel Choir in providing music for our 9am and 11.15am Worship services.
The purpose of the Georgia Boy Choir is to achieve the highest possible standard of musical excellence, while instilling in its members a life-long appreciation of music; an abiding love of beauty; a keen sense of respect for themselves and others; and the self-discipline necessary to become effective leaders in their families, their communities and the world.
Sock Hop Dance
MFUMC Children’s Ministry invites you to join us for our very first Sock Hop Dance!
Open to all ages (from kiddos to senior adults), 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!
After the holiday season, 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! Attendance is limited, so secure your spot before it’s too late!
Restock the Church Food Pantry
Restock the Church Pantry in March to support the Good Samaritan Ministry Assistance program, Blessing Food Bags that feed children at Park Street Elementary and Dunleith Elementary Marietta City Schools, and MUST Summer Lunch.
Festival Choir for Easter Sunday
You are invited to join the Chancel Choir as we prepare for Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024. Join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m.- 7:45 p.m. in Room 263 starting on Wednesday February 28 - March 27. Contact NicoleMarane@mariettafumc.org to sign up and receive information about music and some Saturday rehearsal options!
Fresh Expressions of Church for a New World
Embark on a transformative exploration of faith and community with Rev. Ryan in our four-week study on the Fresh Expressions movement. Join us every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. as we navigate the changing religious landscape of North America. In the rugged wilderness on the outskirts of culture, a movement is emerging—thousands of fresh expressions of church gathering with unchurched and de-churched neighbors, following Jesus together.
Discover a way through the wilderness and be part of this inspiring journey that is reshaping the church as a whole. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into the heart of the Fresh Expressions movement and explore how we can embrace a vibrant and relevant faith in today’s changing world. See you there!
Jesus Said: A Guide for Disciples
What does it mean to follow Jesus? What could it cost? What does it mean to be the light of the world? Are we really supposed to love our enemies? Join Rev. Roger Thompson for a four-week class on discipleship using the words of Jesus as a guide. REGISTER HERE
Church family Supper
Join your church family for supper on Wednesday, February 28th from 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm. REGISTER HERE
Please register so we know you’re coming and can plan accordingly. The cost is $7 a meal, children 3-12 yrs. $5, with a $25 family cap. Ages 3 and under eat free.
This week’s menu:
Chicken Tetrazzini
Salad bar
Rolls
Dessert
Iced Tea, Lemonade and Water
If you need assistance in registering on Realm, call the church at 770-429-7800 for a staff member to assist you.
Mission Trips of 2024 Interest Meeting
Find out about opportunities to share in God’s love and grace through community development in 2024. Attend the mission trip interest meeting on Sunday, February 25 at 12:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room to hear about this year's trips to Alaska, Costa Rica and Peru.
We are planning trips to Alaska with our sister church in Prague, CZ, a family-friendly trip to Costa Rica during September, and a medical mission to Peru in October. You can explore being a team member, a team supporter, or just learn more about the world of mission at MFUMC.