Longest Night Worship Service
“The Longest Night” Comes Just Before Christmas
We often forget in all the excitement and celebrations surrounding Christmas that it can be a time of darkness and a long night for a number of people. We need to remember there are those around us who are hurting, who are grieving, who are hungry, who are lonely, who are stressed out, who are just not feeling the Christmas Spirit. If that describes you in any way, join us Sunday Evening, December 21, at 5:30p in our Family Life Center.
If someone you loved died this past year, someone who brought something special to your Christmas celebration, and you are feeling that loss, join us. If someone special to you, won’t be home this year, for whatever reason, and you miss them, join us. If you lost someone years ago on or around Christmas and are reminded of the anniversary of that loss every year, join us. If you suffered a financial loss this year due to a serious illness, loss of work, or for any reason, and can’t afford to celebrate like you want, join us. If you feel tired, stressed out, and more in need of a rest than celebration, join us. If you have no fond memories of Christmas as a child and would rather skip the whole season, join us.
We will remember that Christmas is supposed to be about the fact God so loved the world that God sent God’s only begotten son into our troubled world, and that this year we need to feel his presence more than ever. We will remember that God feels our pain, that God loves, that everyone of us is blessed by God even when we don’t feel it. We will pray with you, for you, and if need be over you. We will give you time to pray for whatever your situation is. My message will focus on love, grace, and hope for all of God’s children.
If you are feeling the Spirit, and are having a great time, you need to join us as well. Help us remind those who feel lost, alone and forgotten that they are not alone, that they are not forgotten, that God loves them, that we love them, that we are praying for them everyday and hope that they are praying for us. It is Christmas when the Longest Night ends and light, love and hope come back into the world.
Christmas Eve at Mountain Park | 4:00pm, 8:00pm, 11:00pm
4:00pm | Family-Friendly worship service featuring music and programming perfect for a family with children OR the young at heart.
8:00pm | Traditional Candlelight worship service.
All are welcome at our Traditional Christmas Eve service in the Sanctuary. This service will feature the Chancel Choir and other instrumental expressions along with scripture, prayer, and singing. The service concludes with Holy Communion and candlelight.
11:00pm | Contemporary worship service.
Everyone is invited to meet with the community at Fresca for this unique and inclusive expression of Christmas Eve joy. If you’re looking for something special that will ring in Christmas morning, invite your friends and family to this!
Christmas Day Jellies
If you do not have a place to gather or people to gather with, or if you just want some good company, join us for Christmas Day Jellies! We will meet for a delicious meal, joyful conversation, and some holiday hospitality.
Please RSVP by emailing info@mountainparkumc.org and plan to bring a side dish or dessert to share with the group. We will be meeting in the Mountain Park area of Stone Mountain/Lilburn.
Unified Worship Service & Holiday Brunch
Join us for a Unified Worship Service (11:00am) in the Family Life Center followed by a Holiday Brunch (~12:00pm). Continue the holiday celebration!
New Year's Eve Jellies
If you do not have a place to gather or people to gather with, or if you just want some good company, join us for New Year’s Eve Jellies! We will meet for a delicious meal, joyful conversation, and some holiday hospitality.
Please RSVP by emailing info@mountainparkumc.org and plan to bring a side dish or dessert to share with the group. We will be meeting in the Mountain Park area of Stone Mountain/Lilburn.
Cuba Educational Opportunity Trip
From Dr. Jim: Educational Opportunities–Cuba
Buenos Dias Mountain Park UMC! Join me and Educational Opportunities Tours on an exciting fun-filled and educational journey to Havana Cuba. We will visit Old Havana, and other historic sites Like Hemmingway's house, and even enjoy 2-hour panoramic vintage car ride.
We will learn about the growth of the Methodist Church in Cuba by visiting the Methodist Evangelical Seminary and several Methodist churches in Havana as well as some house churches in the rural areas when we tour the beautiful countryside. There will also be plenty of time for shopping and walking around in the local markets. Click the link below to view a brochure with all the details about the trip. Be sure to use Host ID: 38578 when you register for the trip. We will leave from Atlanta on February 4, 2026, and return on February 10. If you have any questions, talk to or email Dr. Jim! james.nelson@mountainparkumc.org
Seniors Are Special
SENIORS ARE SPECIAL: The next SAS meeting is on Thursday, February 5, in the Youth Room at 11:30am. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. The cost is $9.00/person paid at the door.
The menu is TBA.
Make a reservation by emailing Bonnie Baker at bonniekbaker@gmail.com, or by calling the church office at 770-921-8512. Registration deadline is FEBRUARY 3 at noon.
Seniors Are Special
SENIORS ARE SPECIAL: The next SAS meeting is on Thursday, March 5, in the Youth Room at 11:30am. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. The cost is $9.00/person paid at the door.
The menu is TBA.
Make a reservation by emailing Bonnie Baker at bonniekbaker@gmail.com, or by calling the church office at 770-921-8512. Registration deadline is MARCH 3 at noon.
Seniors Are Special
A holiday music sing-along and more led by our own Josh Schicker, Communications Manager.
SENIORS ARE SPECIAL: The next SAS meeting is on Thursday, December 4, in the Youth Room at 11:30am. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. The cost is $9.00/person paid at the door.
The menu is :
Glazed Ham
Hashbrown Potato Casserole
Broccoli
Bread
Garden Salad
Carrot Cake
Tea/Lemonade
Make a reservation by emailing Bonnie Baker at bonniekbaker@gmail.com, or by calling the church office at 770-921-8512. Registration deadline is NOVEMBER 4 at noon.
First Sunday of Advent
Explore everything that Mountain Park UMC has planned for this year’s Advent and Christmas season on our webpage devoted to all those events. We have a lot of meaningful and beautiful opportunities to gather with the community in worship, creativity, and fellowship.
https://www.mountainparkumc.org/christmas
Unclobber Bible Study
New Thursday Bible Study
A New Bible Study, "Unclobber" led by Rev. Dr. Millie Kim and Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson, Thursdays at 11:00am beginning October 30, in the Park.
This Bible Study examines what the Bible says and does not say about homosexuality in such a way that dispels inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. We will study six passages in the Bible that are frequently quoted ―often known as the "Clobber Passages" in depth. There will be lots of time for Q & A and discussion.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Mountain Park United Methodist Church Blood Drive
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 1:00pm – 6:00pm in the Youth Room.
To make an appointment please visit redcrossblood.org or use the Red Cross Donor App and enter sponsor code: mpumc
Or visit our website: https://www.redcrossblood.org/
EAT iron rich foods, DRINK plenty of water and SLEEP well before donating. Photo ID Required.
Unclobber Bible Study
New Thursday Bible Study
A New Bible Study, "Unclobber" led by Rev. Dr. Millie Kim and Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson, Thursdays at 11:00am beginning October 30, in the Park.
This Bible Study examines what the Bible says and does not say about homosexuality in such a way that dispels inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. We will study six passages in the Bible that are frequently quoted ―often known as the "Clobber Passages" in depth. There will be lots of time for Q & A and discussion.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
Guest Artist Concert Series | Megan Reader, soprano
Join Megan Reader and Catherine Giel for an autumn afternoon concert of songs about love by Joseph Marx and Reynaldo Hahn with opera arias and scenes from La Traviata and Romeo et Juliette. Some audience participation required!
Fresh Expressions Presents...Global Grub
Join us at Mountain Park UMC for our exciting event, Global Grub! 🌏 🍲
Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, from 6:00pm–8:00pm. Our Fresh Expressions Team is delighted to present "Global Grub," a unique Friday dinner experience.
Featuring: Vietnam
Please remember to RSVP in advance*. The cost is $10 per person or $20 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children under 13). If you are unable to RSVP online, please call the church office at 770-921-8512 and request to be registered.
Children are welcome too! For the little ones, we’ll have cheese pizza and chips available at each Global Grub. We can’t wait to share this culinary adventure with you and your loved ones. See you there!
Seniors Are Special
SENIORS ARE SPECIAL: The next SAS meeting is on Thursday, November 6, in the Youth Room at 11:30am. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. The cost is $9.00/person paid at the door.
The menu is :
Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Candied Yams
Garden Salad
Cornbread Muffins
Pumpkin
Tea/Lemonade
Make a reservation by emailing Bonnie Baker at bonniekbaker@gmail.com, or by calling the church office at 770-921-8512. Registration deadline is NOVEMBER 4 at noon.
Unclobber Bible Study
New Thursday Bible Study
A New Bible Study, "Unclobber" led by Rev. Dr. Millie Kim and Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson, Thursdays at 11:00am beginning October 30, in the Park.
This Bible Study examines what the Bible says and does not say about homosexuality in such a way that dispels inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. We will study six passages in the Bible that are frequently quoted ―often known as the "Clobber Passages" in depth. There will be lots of time for Q & A and discussion.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
Unclobber Bible Study
New Thursday Bible Study
A New Bible Study, "Unclobber" led by Rev. Dr. Millie Kim and Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson, Thursdays at 11:00am beginning October 30, in the Park.
This Bible Study examines what the Bible says and does not say about homosexuality in such a way that dispels inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. We will study six passages in the Bible that are frequently quoted ―often known as the "Clobber Passages" in depth. There will be lots of time for Q & A and discussion.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
Trunk or Treat 2025
Trunk or Treat at Mountain Park UMC 2025!
Join us for an evening of family fun at Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 26th from 5:00–6:30PM in the Mountain Park UMC parking lot!
Wear your best costume
Bring your own bag for candy
Bring a canned good to donate to Lunches of Love
There will be decorated trunks, loads of candy, and fun for the whole family!
1405 Rockbridge Rd, Stone Mountain
We can’t wait to see you there for a safe and festive night together!
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
Honduras Mission Trip 2025
Honduras Mission Trip
We are looking for 30 volunteers to sign up for the trip this year! You can find out more about the mission trip to Honduras by emailing: info@mountainparkumc.org.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
New Study | The Church and the Racial Divide (Week #6 of 6)
New Tuesday Evening Bible Study
Our society is rife with divisiveness and segregation and although race is the most prominent divisor, there are myriad more – social structures such as wealth, education, politics, religion.
But what does the Bible have to say about unity and justice? Join Susan Kemeter and Leslie Harris as leaders/moderators for a six-session bible study, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–8:00pm beginning September 9, 2025. We will be using Trevor Atwood's book, The Church and the Racial Divide: Faith, Reconciliation, and the Pursuit of Justice, as a guide for discussion. Study guides will be provided for you.
On the weekend following the close of this bible study, there will be a musical and discussion program led by Dr. David Walters, focusing on songs of protest and reconciliation. Please use the link here to sign up.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Essence of Christianity: A new Bible Study, taught by Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm immediately following our Wednesday Night Dinners in the FLC. This fall we be studying "The Life and Teachings of Jesus as Presented in the Gospel of Matthew." In January, we will be studying "Basic Christian Theology as Presented in Paul's Letter to the Romans."
All are welcome to participate! If you are unable to attend the supper, you can still come at 6:30pm for the Bible Study.
New Study | The Church and the Racial Divide (Week #5 of 6)
New Tuesday Evening Bible Study
Our society is rife with divisiveness and segregation and although race is the most prominent divisor, there are myriad more – social structures such as wealth, education, politics, religion.
But what does the Bible have to say about unity and justice? Join Susan Kemeter and Leslie Harris as leaders/moderators for a six-session bible study, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–8:00pm beginning September 9, 2025. We will be using Trevor Atwood's book, The Church and the Racial Divide: Faith, Reconciliation, and the Pursuit of Justice, as a guide for discussion. Study guides will be provided for you.
On the weekend following the close of this bible study, there will be a musical and discussion program led by Dr. David Walters, focusing on songs of protest and reconciliation. Please use the link here to sign up.
Kids Zone at the Fall Festival 2025
Kids Zone @ MPUMC’s Fall Festival
Bring the whole family and join us for a day of fall fun at Mountain Park UMC’s Fall Festival!
Saturday, October 4th
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Mountain Park United Methodist Church
Our Kids Zone will be packed with fun activities, including:
Petting Zoo (10AM–12PM)
Bounce Houses
Games & Prizes
Candy & Sweets
It’s a perfect way to celebrate fall with friends, neighbors, and our church community.
Invite your friends and share this event—we can’t wait to see you there!
2025 MPUMC Fall Festival
Join us for Fall Festival on SATURDAY, October 4, 2025! 9:00am–4:00pm
We will have live music, and lots of fun activities at the MPUMC Fall Festival!
– Kids Zone Activities & Petting Zoo*
– Local Artisans & Crafters
– Bake Sale
– Book & Puzzle Sale
– Live Music
– BBQ & Brunswick Stew**
*The Petting Zoo will be active from 10:00am–12:00pm only.
**The BBQ will run from 11:30am–5:30pm in the Family Life Center (tables for eating will be inside and outside, weather permitting). Cost: Adult plates are $10.00. Children (13 and under) plates are $4.00. Click the link below to pre-order Brunswick Stew by the quart and BBQ by the pound! Deadline for all BBQ and stew pre-orders is Wednesday, September 24.
Mountain Park UMC presents...Global Grub! 🌏 🍲
"Global Grub" is a Friday dinner program sponsored by our Fresh Expressions Team. This Global Grub will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, 6:00-8:00pm. Our featured cuisine is German. Kathy Ashby Ontiveros will bring program
RSVP required*. $10 per person, $20 per family of 4.
For each Global Grub, there will be cheese pizza & chips for children.
