Upcoming Events & Announcements
New Music Workshop for Youth & Kids
Beginning November 12, Wes Griffin will be providing regular opportunities for both vocal and instrumental music learning and training on Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm in the Assembly Room of the Glenn Youth and Activities Building. The workshop will be catered to youth, grades 6 – 12 but will also be available for younger children on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact Wes at wesgriff@bellsouth.net. Glenn Youth Music Workshop Sign Up
Young Adult Service Project
Saturday, November 15, 10am | Youth and Activities Building Assembly Room A
On Saturday, November 15th, Glenn Young Adults will be building hygiene kits for Intown Cares. Intown Cares is an organization that works to prevent and reverse homelessness and hunger in Atlanta. We will gather at 10AM in the Youth and Activities Building, and Wren Carlson from Intown will share about homelessness in Atlanta and the organization's work, then lead us in building hygiene kits. Afterwards, folks who want to can go to lunch together nearby. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend.
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.
Scroll down for more events below the calendar.
Young Adult Ministries Friendsgiving
Tuesday, November 18, 7pm | Home of Wes & 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.
Nativities Show & Tell and Blessing of the Nativity Sets
Sunday, November 30, 9:30am-12:30pm | Ward Fellowship Hall
An invitation to unpack your Advent & Christmas decorations over Thanksgiving week and bring your favorite Nativity Sets to “show & tell” with the Glenn Church family during the Sunday School hour and for a few minutes after 11am Worship. We’ll have an “eyes only” section for fragile sets and a “hands-on” section for children of all ages to bring the story to life as we prepare for the wonder of the Advent and Christmas seasons once again. To help us with planning, RSVP for yourself and your Nativity sets here.
First Sunday in Advent
Sunday, November 30, 8:30 & 11am services
The season of waiting begins. Join us as we prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s coming — in the quiet, in the chaos, and in the hope that light will always find us. After worship, enjoy a festive Nativities Show & Tell in the Fellowship Hall!
Advent Study: An Unlikely Event
December 1, 8, 15, & 22, 7pm | Youth and Activities Building
An Advent study led by Jimmy Moor will be offered the first four Monday evenings in December. We will study An Unlikely Advent, written by Rachel Billups. The book looks at the themes of the season by exploring the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the shepherds, and the Magi. The Rev. Billups is a graduate of the Duke Divinity School and an ordained United Methodist Elder. Register by contacting Kat Griffith in the church office. The book costs $10. There’s a place for you - join us!
Friday Night Bites
December 5, 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.
Second Sunday in Advent
Sunday, December 7, 8:30 & 11am services
The prophet Isaiah calls out across generations: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” In a weary world longing for peace, we hear again God’s promise of renewal and lift our voices in hope.
FriendShip Group: Volunteer at Wellroot Family Services
Thursday, December 11, 1:00-4:00pm | Embry Hills UMC (3304 Henderson Mill Rd, Atlanta)
Join with Older Adult Ministries as we volunteer to sort & wrap Christmas gifts and deck the halls for the annual Christmas Party for foster families with Wellroot Family Services. Donations of new, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off by Dec. 9th in the church offices. Click here for the Christmas Wish Lists. RSVP & coordinate carpooling with Rev. Susan Pinson 404.634.3936, ext 103.
Third Sunday in Advent
Sunday, December 14, 8:30 & 11am services
Joy breaks into the wilderness as John the Baptist proclaims good news in unexpected places. Join us for the Cherub Choir Nativity Pageant at 9:45am and a Nativity Petting Zoo after worship!
In the Bleak Midwinter
Wednesday, December 17, 6pm | Little Chapel
Join us amid the shadows of a winter’s night as we acknowledge our losses and find together the light no darkness can extinguish.
Fourth Sunday in Advent | Part 1 of Handel’s Messiah
Sunday December 21, 8:30am & 11am services
As Christmas draws near, the Chancel Choir and Orchestra present Part I of Handel’s Messiah — timeless music that proclaims hope fulfilled and light revealed. During the Sunday School hour, all are invited to a Birthday Party for Jesus with carol singing and celebration!
Christmas Celebration for Glenn's Young Children & Little Ones
Sunday, December 21 | 9:45–10:45 a.m. | Ward Fellowship Hall.
All families with young children—from infants through Kindergarteners—are warmly invited to a special morning of joy, fellowship, and faith as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Join us for:
Christmas carols with jingle bells
Keepsake nativity crafts for all ages
A family photo opportunity to treasure
Childcare will be provided so parents can enjoy a cup of coffee (courtesy of Summit) and a breakfast treat.
Elementary Kids & Youth (9:45 a.m.): Celebrate with a Birthday Party for Jesus on the 4th Floor of the Church School Building!
Families are also invited to worship with us at 8:30 a.m. in the Little Chapel or 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary—childcare available, or all ages welcome in worship. Plus, a special Youth Advent & Alumni Advent Concert at 5:00pm in the Little Chapel later that evening.
More Musical Offerings
Sunday, December 21, 4pm | Little Chapel
Join the Youth Choir and Youth Alumni as we sing songs of the season and gather in community together!
Christmas Eve at Glenn
Tuesday, December 24 | Sanctuary
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through story and song! We hope you find the service that best fits you and your loved ones!
4pm | Christmas Pageant
7pm | Candlelight Service with Choir & Organ
11pm | Candlelight Service with Communion
*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.
Harvard Glee Club Visits Glenn
March 14-15, 2026 | Sanctuary
Join the Harvard Glee Club on their tour throughout the Southeast as they perform a concert in our Sanctuary on Saturday, March 14, and help lead the 11am worship service on Sunday, March 15. More details to come.
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.