Upcoming Events & Announcements
Book Club
Friday, October 3 at 12pm | Glenn Youth and Activities Building
Our new book club is underway. We had a good turnout and a lively discussion at our first meeting, when we discussed The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. Bring your lunch as we discuss this month’s book: Horse, by Geraldine Brooks. All are welcome to join us! If you buy the book at Eagle Eye Books and tell them it’s for a book club, you get a 10% discount.
Friday Night Bites
Every Other Friday, October 3 & 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.
Pledge Sunday
Sunday, October 5 | All worship services
Join us for worship on Sunday, October 5, when we pledge our gift to Glenn for the next year. To celebrate as a community, we’ll have complimentary donuts & coffee following the 8:30am service and then complimentary lunch from the Varsity food truck (with a vegetarian option of Moe’s burritos) following the 11am worship service, as well as a bounce house for our youngest members!
Pumpkin Unloading
Sunday, October 5, 6pm | Youth & Activities Building
All hands on deck for our annual tradition to transform the front yard of the Youth and Activities Building into a pumpkin patch, with the sales supporting Glenn Youth Missions. All ages/abilities welcome to unload large and small pumpkins. Sign up to unload pumpkins and work the pumpkin patch throughout the month here. For more information, contact Youth Director, Ben Ladner, at bladner@glennumc.org.
Scroll down for more events below the calendar.
*register now* Glenn Fall Camping
Friday, October 10 thru Sunday, October 12
Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer, GA. Whether you are a new or an experienced camper, join with Glenn friends of all ages for this annual tradition. We will be tent camping at the group Pioneer site (or feel free to rent a nearby cabin on your own!). We will unplug and have time to enjoy God’s creation, get to know new & old Glenn friends of all ages, hike, relax, craft – or even go swimming, fishing, hiking/jogging. Suggested donation of $15 per family (cash/check/or online), plus $5 parking pass per car (pay at Camp Office). and BYO meals and camping supplies – though lots of campers will coordinate to share food and camping gear. RSVP with Rev. Susan Pinson spinson@glennumc.org.
United in Faith & Pride: Glenn at PRIDE 2025
Saturday, October 11: 9am-4pm Floatmaking | Neighborhood Church, 1561 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Sunday, October 12: 10am meetup, 12pm Parade
Join us as we celebrate Pride 2025! All ages are invited to join us for float making on Saturday and the parade on Sunday. Purchase your United in Love Pride shirts here, so they'll arrive with plenty of time before October 12. Orders purchased before September 20 have a guaranteed by Pride delivery date. Sign-up here to march in the parade (RSVP not required but encouraged). More information will be distributed through this Facebook page. Stay tuned for more details including transportation, parking, and specific meeting locations!
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.
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.
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.
*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.