
2025 VBS Student Registration
VBS REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
McKendree UMC is excited for VBS this summer! The theme is Deep Blue Sea. Explore God’s loving creation!
VBS is for kids ages rising PreK (4yrs) through 6th grade. Each day builds on a simple phrase that reinforces a Bible lesson and includes music, games, snacks, and much more. Learn more.
Spots are limited, register today to secure a spot!
VBS requires many, many volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please signup.

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. You may give online directly to Wesley Woods HERE! or through McKendree GIVE/PAY. Thank you for helping to ensure that seniors living at Wesley Woods continue to thrive.

Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Wellbeing
Exciting News! Introducing "Saving Grace" – a transformative program designed for people of faith to foster healthy relationships with money and possessions!
Join us for six engaging sessions, May 7 - June 11, where you'll dive into essential topics like saving, earning, spending, and managing debt. With practical strategies and insights, you'll be empowered to achieve a sustainable financial life.
This study is rooted in Wesleyan values and provides the tools you need to address life’s financial challenges and reach your personal financial goals.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Sign up today and let’s embark on this journey together!
When: Wednesdays, May 7 - June 11, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Where: Education Building, Room 311
Signup: Email Grace Lee Zimmerman at zimmerg2@ymail.com for more information and to sign up.

Blood Drive at McKendree
Support the local Red Cross and Give the gift of life!
McKendree UMC is hosting a blood drive in the Fellowship Hall. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. Donors of all blood types are needed to help avoid delays in life-saving medical care for patients.
Schedule your appointment today. The Schedule to Give Blood link below will take you to the American Red Cross site where you can use the See Times button to select a time that works for you.
We also need greeters for the duration of the drive. If you can help, please email Karla at info@mckendreeumc.org.
Thank you!
Schedule to Give Blood

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING
McKendree's Leadership Council meets monthly in the Education Building Room # 311 - 312 and also via Zoom. Church members are welcome to attend meetings as observers. This month’s meeting is Sunday, May 18, after the worship service. If you would like to attend by Zoom, email Karla McHugh (kmchugh@mckendreeumc.org) for the zoom link or for more information.

McKendree UMC End-of-Year Cookout - Wednesday Night Supper
Come out and join us for our last Wednesday Night of this school year! Ring in the summer with your church friends at the McKendree UMC Cookout.
Meet in the Fellowship Hall for hamburgers/hotdogs, then head out in the back parking lot for water fun for the kids, music, games, and fellowship.
Dinner is from 5:00 - 6:00 PM and fellowship ends at 7:00 PM for clean up.
Menu: Burgers, Hot dogs, French fries, Baked beans, and Dessert

Worship - Confirmation & Senior Sunday
CONFIRMATION/SENIOR SUNDAY – 5/4 - 11:00 AM ONE SERVICE FOLLOWED BY POTLUCK LUNCH
Join us for this special day of celebration and commitment in the life of our church!
We will:
Celebrate our Confirmation Class as they make their vows and witness baptisms.
Share in Holy Communion served by the confirmands using bread they baked themselves—their first act as members of McKendree UMC.
Recognize our high school seniors during worship.
Acknowledge college and other graduates—please let the church office know if you or someone in your family is graduating this spring.
After worship, stay for a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall. It’s a great time to celebrate all that God is doing in and through the people of McKendree.

Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer
Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer
Wednesday, April 30 | 6:00 p.m. | McKendree UMC Grounds
Come and be part of a meaningful evening of prayer and connection as we observe the National Day of Prayer with a self-guided Prayer Walk on the church grounds.
Stop by the Welcome Desk to pick up a map and prayer guide.
Walk alone or with a group, pausing to pray for McKendree UMC, our community, and the world.
Meet in the Narthex
This is a wonderful opportunity to step away from the busyness of life, lift up prayers together, and seek God’s blessings for the needs around us.
All are welcome—come as you are and pray as you feel led.
For more information on the National Day of Prayer visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Jambalaya, Caesar salad. Corn bread, and desserts
Kids - Pizza Bites and fruit cups
Dinner is served from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 PM and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Food Drive for LAWRENCEVILLE CO-OP
Food Drive for Lawrenceville Co-Op
Sunday, April 27 | Before and After Worship | Fellowship Hall
Everyone can make a difference by helping provide food and essentials for families in our community. On April 27, bring nonperishable food and toiletries to support Lawrenceville Co-Op.
Tuna is always in high demand and a great item to donate, along with other needed nonperishable foods and essential toiletries.
Drop-off Location: Fellowship Hall – Before and after worship
Learn more here.

Women of McKendree Connect Event
Come and connect with the women of McKendree. Everyone is invited to join us for food, fun, fellowship, and missions!
When: Saturday, April 26th 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Where: Meet in the Fellowship Hall
Food: Potluck- please bring your favorite dish to share.
Mission Project: Support the Co-op. We’ll make family bags.
Please bring donations (no travel size please): Laundry soap - preferred laundry pods, Dish soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Shampoo, Bars of soap
Sign up for Women of McKendree

Men of McKendree Gathering
Men of McKendree - Wild @ Heart!
Men, it's time to plan our April gathering. Who's familiar with John Eldridge, author of Wild @ Heart? It's a great read for those who haven't. John also has an ongoing ministry, so read on...
Details
When: 4/24/2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Fellowship Hall
Food: Yes, details TBD.
Fellowship: Since John Eldridge is an outdoorsy guy, we'll play some outdoor games (weather permitting, we'll move them indoors if needed) and be Wild! (or at least as wild as possible on the church campus)
Program: We will watch a video from a recent study by John Eldridge and have guided discussion. If you aren't familiar with him, take a look here: https://wildatheart.org/
If you are interested in more info., please contact Bobby Butler at bobby_b57@yahoo.com. Make sure you RSVP so we know how much food will be needed.

Serve Dinner at Rainbow Village
Make a difference for families experiencing homelessness. Help McKendree UMC prepare and serve dinner. Learn more.

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread and desserts
Dinner is served from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 PM and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Easter Worship Celebrations
He has risen! He has risen indeed! Easter morning is a glorious day of worship celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and what it means for each of us. YOU are invited!
7:00 AM: Outdoor Sonrise service with Holy Communion (in case of rain, service will be moved to the Sanctuary)
9:30 AM: Praise service led by the McKendree UMC Praise Band
11:00 AM: Traditional service with music from the choir, orchestra and handbells. *The congregation is invited to join the choir on the chancel for the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of the service.
FLOWER CROSS: You are invited to participate in the McKendree UMC tradition of bringing cut flowers to cover the cross in front of the church on Easter morning. It makes a beautiful backdrop for photos! Simply place your flowers in the metal grid surrounding the cross on your way into worship.

Worship - Maundy Thursday/Good Friday Service
A solemn service of reflection at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Deepen your gratitude for the gift of new life. Please enter quietly and reverently.

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Sloppy Joes - coleslaw – French fries and desserts.
Kids - Chicken Nuggets / fruit cups
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 p.m. and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Stations of the Cross
Open daily from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In this prayerful journey, participants move from one station to the next, experiencing Jesus’ last hours with art, scripture, devotions and interactive elements. This year’s journey will reflect the passion story as told in the Gospel of Luke. Each station reflects a moment in the gospel story from Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the women going to the tomb early on Easter morning.

Palm Sunday Easter Cantata
Come Celebrate Easter with this year's Easter Cantata, "What Love Is This?"! Plan to bring your friends and families to this dynamic Sunday which kicks off Holy Week. The children will be processing with palm branches, and the music will bring a sense of Love into the season. You won't want to miss This Love!

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: NEW....BAKED POTATO BAR with LOTS OF TOPPINGS!!
Kids: Pizza bites / fruit cups
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 p.m. and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Men of McKendree Gathering
As we did last winter, McKendree Men (along with their families!) will enjoy fellowship @ the Atlanta Gladiators hockey game. The puck will drop on Saturday, 3/29 in Duluth. Stay tuned for more details as the date gets closer!
Email info@mckendreeumc.org for more information.

Beautification Saturday – Preparing for Easter & Summer Guests
Join us for Beautification Saturday as we prepare our church for Easter and welcome summer guests. Whether you enjoy working indoors or outside, there will be tasks for every skill level, including:
Indoor projects – Cleaning Christmas Eve candle wax from pews, polishing furniture, and prepping for VBS decorating
Outdoor projects – Spreading pinestraw, trimming, and general clean-up
We’ll work together from 9:00 AM to noon, making our space warm and welcoming for all who enter.
Do you have an idea for a project?
Email info@mckendreeumc.org and let us know!

Step Right Up! - Kid’s Spring Musical
Step Right Up for an incredible night of entertainment at the Master's Circus! Join us for a family-friendly musical of ordinary people, performing extraordinary feats of courage, strength, and self-control! Prepare to be amazed by our jubilant jugglers, terrific tumblers, and so much more! We can't wait for you to experience the joy of our children as they offer their best to God! Make your way to the McKendree Sanctuary at 6:00 PM for a wonderful musical event, immediately followed by ice cream, popcorn, & cotton candy in the Fellowship Hall.
A fundraiser offering to support the children's ministry will be taken during the intermission. If you like, you can give now.

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Dinner rolls and dessert. Kids: Chicken Nuggets / fruit cup
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 p.m. and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Desserts Kids Menu: Hot Dogs and Fruit Cups
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 p.m. and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Saturday Prayer Mini Retreat - Season of Lent
Saturday Prayer Mini Retreat. March 15 at 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Room 311.

Volunteer - Vacation Bible School 2025
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - VBS 2025 - DEEP BLUE SEA 6/16 - 6/19
AHOY - ALL HANDS ON DECK FOR 'DEEP BLUE SEA'. Men of McKendree, Women of McKendree, College Students, Youth, Grandparents, & Aunts/Uncles, we need you all! 2025 VBS is going to be our biggest year post-COVID! When you volunteer with us, you will look forward to this year after year. This is our church's most extensive community-wide outreach program to make disciples of Jesus Christ! And it's FUN! We have people take off work for this experience again and again! You won't want to miss out. We need people to do things from making coffee in the mornings, to driving missions, and everything in between. To volunteer register ASAP! We are so thankful to everyone who makes this happen with joy in their hearts.

Wednesday Night Supper
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Poppy Seed Chicken, Rice, Green Beans and Desserts Kids Menu: Pizza Bites and Fruit Cups
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 p.m. and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)

Women of McKendree
The men can't have all the fun! Come and connect with the women of McKendree. Everyone is invited to join us for food, fun, and fellowship! Meet in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, March 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Contact Susan Hamilton for more information and to let her know you will attend.

Lenten Mission Offering: Transform Your Sacrifice into Service
During the season of Lent, McKendree UMC invites you to participate in a special offering for missions. This is an opportunity to align Lenten practices with generosity, supporting mission initiatives locally and globally.
This Lent, embrace the season of reflection and sacrifice by making a difference through mission giving.
Learn More about giving and the missions.

Discover McKendree - A Four-Week Class
Is McKendree UMC beginning to feel like home? Discover McKendree is a four-week class designed to introduce the church’s mission, history, beliefs, and ways to connect. Whether new to McKendree or exploring next steps, this class offers a welcoming place to learn and grow.
Topics include Wesleyan roots, opportunities for service, and what it means to be a member. Learn more and sign up by emailing info@mckendreeumc.org.

UMCOR DISASTER RELIEF DONATIONS – MARCH 2025
Throughout March, McKendree UMC is collecting supplies for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) to support disaster response ministries. These essential supplies will be distributed to areas affected by disasters, providing relief to families in need.

Serve Dinner at Rainbow Village
Make a difference for families experiencing homelessness. Help McKendree UMC prepare and serve dinner. Learn more.

Wellroot Family Dinner
In our commitment to community service and support, McKendree UMC is excited to partner with Wellroot Family Services (formerly United Methodist Children's Home) for a special event. On February 27th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., we will host a Parent Support Group for the Healthy Families North Georgia program. This initiative offers invaluable parenting support to families with young children, and we have the opportunity to provide a welcoming environment for these families to gather. Learn more about WELLROOT Here.
We invite you to be a part of this meaningful event by volunteering your time and talents. We need help with setting up, preparing and serving food, and providing childcare. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to contribute to making this gathering a success, please reach out to the church office. Your involvement will make a significant difference in the lives of the families we are serving. Childcare will be provided.

Wednesday Night Supper & Mardi Gras Kid’s Parade
MARDI GRAS DINNER & KIDS PARADE
Come out wearing your Fat Tuesday colors to our Mardi Gras themed Wednesday Night Supper. Join us in celebrating with our themed dinner, photo opp., music, and festivities. Our McKendree Kids will parade in their "homemade" floats! We will provide the beads (free of cost).
There’s room at the table for you! No reservation is required.
Menu: Jambalaya, Caesar salad, Corn Bread and Desserts Kids Menu: Chicken Nuggets and Fruit Cups
Dinner is served from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.* $6.00 per adult, $3.00 per child and $7.00 for To-Go meals
*The serving line is open from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for in-person or carry-out. If you can't make it before 6 o’clock, pay online before 4:00 p.m. and your order will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Pay Online ($7.00 per meal)