Upcoming Events & Announcements
Visit the Pumpkin Patch!
Visit anytime now through October 27 & pay online glennumc.org/give | YAAB Lawn
If you’re ready to get in the fall spirit by decorating, painting or carving pumpkins, stop by the YAAB lawn before October 27! There are pumpkins of all shapes, colors, and sizes ready to decorate your home, and all proceeds from pumpkin sales benefit the youth ministry. If you are paying online, payment is on the honor system, and you can stop by anytime to pick up a pumpkin. If you would like to pay with cash or check, or if you need assistance loading your pumpkins into your vehicles, please refer to the pumpkin patch volunteer list below to see when our volunteers will be working. All ages are invited to sign up to work the pumpkin patch, though each shift must have one adult volunteer. You may sign up here.
Bowling with Glenn Young Adults
Tuesday, October 14, 7pm | Comet Pub & Lanes, 1458 Church St, Decatur, GA
The cost of bowling and shoes is on us, but bring money if you plan to order food or drinks. RSVP at this link.
Friday Night Bites
Every Other Friday, October 17 (skip 31), Nov 7 & 21, 6:30-8pm | Thinking Man Tavern, 537 W Howard Ave, Decatur, GA
Join with Suzanne Horton & Sara McKlin for dinner and discussion every other Friday. Our focus this fall will be on the book of Matthew, as we begin a journey through the Gospels exploring how women were in the crucial moments of the narrative of Jesus' life. For more info or to RSVP, contact Sara McKlin.
Single Moms’ Support Group
Select Sundays, 5:00-6:00pm | Room 305, Parlor of the Glenn Church School Building
Upcoming dates: Oct 19, Nov 9, Dec 7
No matter your circumstance or stage of parenting, join us for free confidential care and support and other Moms who “get it.” Led by Keri Challen, a therapist with Aspen Grove Counseling. Contact Rev. Susan Pinson for more info & to RSVP for childcare (note: Club 1012 ‘tween group available for 4th-5th graders and Youth Choir available for 6th-12th graders). Read our blog post about the Single Moms’ Support Group.
Club 1012- No Parents Allowed!
Select Sundays, 5:00-6:00pm | Room 211, CSB
Upcoming dates: October 19, November 9, December 7
For 10*, 11, & 12-year-olds to come share thoughts, worries, goals, or frustrations away from parents & teachers. Led by Sasha Simon & Kelly Kinser of CHRIS180 Counseling. $10 Target giftcard drawing for 'tweens who attend! RSVP here *4th graders still 9-years-old welcome.
College Student Sunday Supper
Sunday, October 19, 6pm
Our next Sunday Supper is on October 19 at 6PM in the home of one of our church members. We'll have dinner together, get to know one another, and play a game or two. Please RSVP at this link to help us get a headcount for food. On the form, you can share dietary restrictions and transportation needs.
Scroll down for more events below the calendar.
A Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Walk
Thursday, October 23, 10am | Briarlake Forest
Join Rev. Susan for a walk to honor and remember during Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Send names to honor and/or RSVP to spinson@glennumc.org.
Legislative Conference
Thursday, October 23, 10am-4pm | Oak Grove UMC
Georgia United Methodists are invited to take part in Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center’s annual Legislative Conference. The event will feature presentations from interfaith advocates and policy experts ahead of the 2026 legislative session. There will also be a county-by-county planning session on how to jumpstart the most critical work in our communities. Learn more and register at georgiainterfaithcenter.org.
Glenn-Emory Sunday Worship
Sunday, October 26 | Sanctuary
Join us for a special worship service where Glenn and Emory celebrate their long-lasting connection through worship. Our guest preacher during the 11am worship service will be Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Bishop-in-Residence of Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Our preacher during the 8:30am worship service will be George Wasson, one of our Candler School of Theology interns.
Glenn-Emory Celebration: Sunday Trunk or Treat & Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 26 - Emory Village Fall Festival. Full schedule at emoryvillage.org.
Blessing of the Animals 3:00pm-4:00pm - (front gate of Emory near Cliff/Marta bus stop at bottom lawn of Glenn Sanctuary).
Bring your furry/feathered/scaly pets for a special blessing. All animals on leashes or pet carriers, please. (Be sure to check out the Emory Village pet costume contest, as well!)
Trunk or Treat 3:30-5:00pm (S. Oxford Rd)
Drop of donations of nut-free candy & toys/trinkets at Rev. Susan Pinson’s office throughout October and volunteer here to host a car trunk!
Children (with their grown-ups!) visit each decorated car trunk to receive a treat. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Bring a bag or bucket - we’ll have extra! FREE, but families are invited to bring a non-perishable food pantry donation for Intown Cares.
FriendShip Group: Visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Thursday, October 30, 11:00am
Join with Older Adult Ministries for exploring the exhibits of this neighborhood museum, plus enjoy the fall foliage in the Fernbank Forest on the boardwalk. Tickets are $25 or free admission for Fernbank members & guests – let us know if you have any guest passes to share! RSVP with Rev. Susan Pinson.
All Saints Sunday: Worship & Candlelight Luminary Walk-Through
Schedule for Sunday, November 2, 2025
8:30am- Worship, Little Chapel
9:30am- Children, Youth, & Adult Sunday School
11am- Worship, Sanctuary
6:00-7:00pm- Candlelight Luminary Walk-Thru, Sanctuary steps
All are welcome to join us in remembering & honoring our loved ones and the saints of the Church and surround yourself in the beauty of holiness. Special music and Holy Communion offered at both morning Worship Services. During the luminary walk-through, names of church members and family members (as shared with our prayer ministry) who have died since last year will be on luminaries on the front steps of the sanctuary, symbolizing the light of their life, love, and legacy that shines still in our hearts and memories.
Where Does Our Recycling Go? Tour of Emory University’s Waste Diversion Center
Thursday, November 6, 12:30pm (meet at Glenn to walk/carpool across campus)
Ever been curious about where your recycling and compost go after you figure out which blue or green bin to use at Glenn? Join our Older Adult Ministries, Justice Team, and United Women in Faith, in partnership with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), for a tour of Emory’s Waste Diversion Center as a part of Emory’s Office of Sustainability Initiatives. RSVP with Rev. Susan Pinson spinson@glennumc.org 404.634.3936, ext. 103.
Glenn Book Club
Friday, November 7 | 12pm | Youth and Activities Building
The book selected for this gathering is The Violent Take It By Force, by Matthew D. Taylor. The book looks at the religious underpinnings of the January 6 capitol riots. All are welcome. Bring you lunch if desired and join us.
World Thank Offering Brunch
Saturday, November 8, 10am | YAAB Assembly Room A
All Glenn women are invited to join the United Women in Faith (UWF) for a celebration of the World Thank Offering. After a brief program we will have a time of fellowship accompanied by a delicious morning brunch. The World Thank Offering gives UWF members an opportunity to show gratitude for God’s blessings and find creative ways to raise funds to improve the lives of women, children, and youth. Our financial gifts support the total mission program carried on through United Women in Faith’s national office. By giving, you are helping women missionaries and programs that benefit women and children in the United States and around the world.
Atlanta Baroque Orchestra at Glenn
Saturday, November 15 | 3pm | Sanctuary
Join the ABO, Dr. Deanna Joseph, and the Georgia State Choral Artists for a semi-staged production of George Frederic Handel’s Acis and Galatea, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The opera portrays a story of love between a water nymph Galatea, her steadfast shepherd Acis, and an enraged Cyclops, Polyphemus. Discount tickets available for Glenn community at atlantabaroque.org.
Young Adult Ministries Friendsgiving
Tuesday, November 18, 7pm | Home of Wed & Cheryl Griffin
Young Adults are invited to a Friendsgiving potluck dinner on Tuesday, November 18th at 7PM, hosted by Wes and Cheryl Griffin. The Griffins will provide our main dish, but you're invited to bring a side dish, dessert, or beverage to share. No pressure if cooking is not your thing! We simply ask that you bring good vibes. RSVP at this link to let us know of dietary restrictions, get the address, and share what you'll be bringing.
*registration now open* Glenn Women's Retreat
January 23-25, 2026 at Lanier Islands Resort.
Women of all ages & stages are invited to a weekend away to rest and re-connect with God, yourself, and old & new friends. Our retreat speaker will be Rev. Laurie Moeller, Director of Connectional Ministries for the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church. Join us for the inspiring sessions, plus optional spa, hiking trails, outdoor heated pool, firepits, axe-throwing, arcade, escape room, golf, pickleball, golf cart rentals to explore...or just read or relax by the lake! Booking details: Room rate is $350+taxes/fees for two nights, including breakfasts. (Roommates split costs.) Lunch & dinners will be on our own around beautiful Lanier Islands or nearby Buford. Reserve your room directly at tinyurl.com/GlennWomen26 or call 770-945-8787, code 260123GLEN. Then, let Rev. Susan Pinson know you’re joining us, to request a roommate or carpooling, or to make donations for our guest speaker, scholarships, & supplies.
*registration now open* Glenn Men's Retreat
January 30-February 1, 2026 at Christwalk in the Valley
The Glenn Men’s Retreat will be January 30 – February 1, 2026, at Christwalk in the Valley Retreat Center. Our capacity is 34 people, so make sure you sign up early! The Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas will be facilitating the retreat. Please register by October 30, and you can register here.
Save-the-dates!
Sun, Nov 30 - Nativities Show & Tell
Thur, Dec 11 - FriendShip Group volunteering at Wellroot Family Services
Sun, Dec 14 - Cherub Choir Nativity Pageant and Nativity Petting Zoo
Wed, Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Worship Services
On-Going Events
Snack in a Backpack
Thursdays | Youth and Activities Building
Snack in a Backpack provides food to children who are at risk of hunger on the weekends. The program currently serves approximately 400 children, including 40 children in refugee families. For more info, contact us here or Sign up here.
Picnic on the Playground (with the Pastors!)
First Wednesdays of the month, 12:15pm. Upcoming Dates: Oct 1st, Nov 5th, Dec 3rd
Children & parents/guardians/nannies/grands meet Rev. Susan (and/or Pastor Byron and Pastor Jimmy!) on the playground after Glenn School carpool for a meet & greet playgroup. Bring your own (nut-free) picnic lunch & we’ll have treats to share after sharing a story! RSVP so we’ll have enough treats - Rev. Susan spinson@glennumc.org!
Disaster Relief
We surround in prayer all those affected by natural disasters and violence. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is an international relief organization supporting emergency and longterm support across the globe. To give to UMCOR via Glenn Church, click here. Additionally, the Glenn Church Good Samaritan fund is used to support local needs for emergency relief for food and utilities bills for those in need. Give to the Good Samaritan fund here.
Heart to Heart Walking Group
Wednesdays, 9:30am
Meet in the Amphitheater for a “heart to heart” walk around Emory’s campus with Rev. Susan. All ages – including little ones in strollers – welcome! Weather or mood-depending, we might end up walking laps in the gym or down to Emory Village for a cup of coffee! We will walk the pace and amount of time that works best for each person – no pressure! RSVP so we’ll know to look for you - Rev. Susan spinson@glennumc.org!
Monthly Caregivers’ Support Group — Free!
3rd Wednesdays of each month, 4:30-5:30pm | Youth and Activities Building, 1669 N. Decatur Rd
For all family caregivers of aging loved ones, including those with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Join us for a monthly support group of confidential encouragement and care. To RSVP, contact our Support Group facilitators Mackay Asbury or Rev. Susan Pinson. The location is the Glenn Youth and Activities Building – 1669 N. Decatur Rd with its own parking. Enter the front glass doors facing N. Decatur Rd on the west side of the building. For 24/7 support, visit alz.org/georgia or call 1-800-272-3900.
Snack in a Backpack
Thursdays | Youth & Activities Building | Sign up here
Snack in a Backpack provides food to children who are at risk of hunger on the weekends. The program currently serves approximately 400 children, including 40 children in refugee families. For more info, contact us here.
Adult Sunday School Classes
Sunday School classes gather on Sunday mornings at 9:45am in the Church School Building. Learn more here.
A Smarter Workout
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30am | YAAB Gym
Meet with a community of mostly women 50 and over who enjoy conversation, camaraderie and laughter, oh, and exercise! The class is led by Susan Lee, group fitness instructor and personal trainer. We rotate different types of exercise for a functional, healthy, strong body – and have lots of fun doing it! Modifications are encouraged and we never push each other to perform. Judgment is forbidden, especially from yourself. All are welcome! For more info, contact Susan Lee (brentandsusanlee@gmail.com) or text Susan at 404/408-3202.
Give Flowers for Sunday Worship
Have a special birthday, anniversary, or a memorable date coming up? Sign up here to give flowers for our 11am worship in the Sanctuary.