Church Calendar of Events
Welcome to our church calendar! Here you'll find all our upcoming services, events, and community activities. We invite you to join us as we worship, learn, and serve together.
Wing and a Prayer
Faith, Food, and Real Conversation
At Candler UMC, we believe that faith is best lived out in community—and that community should have no walls. Wing and a Prayer is a casual gathering designed to create a safe, affirming, and joyful space for the LGBTQ+ community, seekers, and allies.
Whether you are looking for a place to ask big questions, share your story, or simply enjoy a night out with people who value you exactly as you are, there is a seat at the table for you.
Why "Wing and a Prayer"?
We’re heading out of the sanctuary and into the neighborhood! Join us at The Branch House Tavern for a relaxed evening of:
Fellowship: Meet new friends and catch up with old ones.
Support: A relaxed environment where your identity and your faith are both celebrated.
Great Food: Enjoy some of the best wings in Flowery Branch while we talk life, spirit, and everything in between.
What to Expect
This isn't a formal church service or a high-pressure study. It’s a time to breathe, connect, and be yourself. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey—or if you aren't sure you're on one at all—you are welcome here.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." — Matthew 18:20
Good Friday - A Collective Worship Service in South Hall
At the very end of those three hours, when his lungs are screaming and the silence is at its loudest, he finally breaks it. He cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He says it so that we don't have to wonder if God can handle our honesty. He proves that being a follower of Jesus isn't about pretending the lights are on when they’re clearly off. It’s about finding the Father in the darkness.
Easter Services
A Season of Grace: Holy Week in South Hall
This year, the United Methodist Churches of South Hall are coming together in a spirit of unity and reflection. Bethlehem, Flowery Branch, McEver Road, and Candler United Methodist Churches invite you to journey through the shadows of Lent toward the radiant light of the Resurrection.
Whether you are a lifelong member or looking for a place to call home this season, there is a seat at the table for you. Join our collective community as we observe the passion, the sacrifice, and the ultimate victory of Christ.
Maundy Thursday | April 2, 2026
Observing the Last Supper and the commandment to love one another.
Afternoon Service: TBD at TBD
Evening Service: TBD at TBD
Special Event: Seder Meal
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: In addition to our services of Holy Communion, we will host a Seder Meal. This traditional Passover meal provides a deep, hands-on connection to the roots of the Last Supper, helping us understand the context of Jesus’ final night with His disciples.
Good Friday | April 3, 2026
A solemn day of prayer and remembrance of the Crucifixion.
Afternoon Service: TBD at TBD
Evening Service: TBD at TBD
Details: Join the collective for a powerful time of scripture, music, and reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ. This is a solemn service focused on the profound sacrifice made at Calvary.
Holy Saturday: Community Easter Egg Hunt | April 4, 2026
Hosted by McEver Road UMC for the South Hall Collective.
Time: TBD
Location: McEver Road United Methodist Church
Details: Families from all our collective churches and the surrounding community are invited to McEver Road for a day of fun, fellowship, and treats! We will have egg hunts for various age groups and plenty of space for the kids to play. Come celebrate the anticipation of Easter with your neighbors.
Easter Sunday | April 5, 2026
He is Risen! Celebrating the Resurrection.
On Easter morning, our collective congregations gather individually at our home churches to celebrate the joy of the empty tomb. Please join the congregation nearest to you for worship:
Lenten Devotional Begins
Event Title: Making Room: A 40-Day Lenten Journey
Date: Ash Wednesday, February 18 – Easter Sunday, April 5
Location: Daily at Home | Weekly on Facebook | Sunday Fellowship
Hosted by: Candler Community Care Ministry
About the Event
What if Lent wasn’t just about giving something up, but about making room for something better?
This year, in collaboration with Bethlehem, Flowery Branch, and McEver Road United Methodist church. Our congregations are embarking on a unique 40-day journey titled "Making Room." Inspired by Jesus’ time in the wilderness, we are intentionally clearing away the "clutter" of our modern lives—the noise, the waste, the hurry, and the distractions—to create a sacred space where we can hear God’s voice more clearly.
Whether you have practiced Lent for decades or this is your very first time, this journey is designed for every ability and every generation. ### What to Expect When you join the "Making Room" journey, you aren’t just getting a calendar; you’re joining a community of practice. Participants will receive a Lenten Journey Booklet featuring:
Weekly Themes: Focus areas including the Fast of Noise, Waste, Stuff, Hurry, and Self.
Simple Daily Actions: High-impact, low-barrier activities that anyone can do.
Weekly Prayers & Verses: Shared words to unite our hearts in prayer every morning.
A Prayer Journaling Guide: Space to document how God is moving in your life.
Connect With Us Online
We believe the journey is better together! We encourage everyone to share their experiences on our Facebook page using the hashtag #{CHURCHNAME}UMCMakesRoom. Look for our weekly "Photo Prompts" to see how your neighbors are making room in their own lives.
How to Participate
Pick up your Booklet: Available at the Church.
Join a Social Media Buddy: If you need help sharing your journey online, let us know! We have volunteers ready to help you post your photos and updates.
Commit to the Quiet: Prepare your heart to move slowly and listen deeply as we approach the miracle of Easter.
"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10
Lenten Services
Begin Your Lenten Journey With Us
Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and returning to what matters most. Whether you are rushing to work or looking for a moment of quiet contemplation, we have a place for you this Ash Wednesday.
Join our community across a collective of United Methodist Churches as we mark the beginning of this holy season.
🚗 Ashes in a Dash (Drive-Thru)
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Start your morning with prayer and intention. If your schedule is packed, pull through our drive-thru stations for a brief prayer and the imposition of ashes without leaving your vehicle.
McEver Road UMC
Candler UMC
☀️ Midday Service
12:00 PM Take a holy pause during your lunch hour for a traditional Ash Wednesday service.
Flowery Branch UMC - Rev Kathie Stasko
🌙 Evening Service
6:00 PM End your day in community with a reflective service of worship and prayer.
Candler UMC - Rev Kathie Stasko
What to Expect
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40 days of Lent. During our services, we receive the sign of the cross in ashes on our foreheads or hands—a physical reminder of our humanity and God’s promise of grace. All are welcome, regardless of where you are on your faith journey.
"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Sermon: High on the Mountain, Drunk on the World
“If it’s good, it’s fast. If it’s slow, it’s broken.”
Is that your theology? For sixty years, we’ve been discipled by the microwave and the Pop-Tart to value the "Instant" over the "Hallowed." We feel busy, we feel "hot," and we feel rushed—but are we actually being transformed?
Join us LIVE at 9:30 AM as we conclude our current series and prepare for the journey of Lent. We’re looking at the Transfiguration of Jesus and asking the hard question: Are we too "drunk on the world" to sit still long enough to see the Light?
What’s happening in the stream:
The Six-Day Gap: Why God often makes us wait before He speaks.
The Microwave Metaphor: How to stop "vibrating" and start being refined.
Virtual Fellowship & Prayer: Post your prayer requests in the comments; our digital team is ready to pray with you.
Online Communion: Have your bread and juice ready at home as we join together in the Holy Sacrament.
Don't just watch—participate! Let’s learn how to find the Transfigured Jesus in our commutes, our kitchens, and our cubicles.
See you in the comments at 9:30!
Candler Community Council Meeting
Visioning and Planning for Our Mission
All members and leaders of Candler UMC are invited to join our upcoming Church Council meeting. This is a vital time for us to gather, share updates on our ministries, and discern how we can best serve our community and live out our faith together.
Whether you are a committee chair or a member interested in the future of our church, your presence and prayers are valued.
Event Details
Date: Monday 2/9
Time: 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Location: In-person at the Church or Online via Zoom
Our Agenda
During this session, we will cover:
Opening Prayer and Devotion.
Reports from Ministry Teams and Committees.
Updates on upcoming community outreach and seasonal events.
Financial and administrative stewardship updates.
Closing Visioning Session.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20
Sermon: The Holy Addict (Part One - Watered Down Gardens in Concrete Jungles)
Most of us are tired.
Not just "need-a-nap" tired, but soul-weary. We live in a culture that treats hurry as a status symbol and "busy" as a badge of honor. We’ve become addicted to the noise, the hustle, and the digital grind of the concrete jungle.
But what if this frantic pace isn't just a scheduling problem? What if it’s a spiritual one?
This Sunday, Feb 8, we begin our new series: The Holy Addict. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of Isaiah 58 and the modern insights of John Mark Comer, we’ll explore what it means to "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" from our lives. We’ll look at the "true fast"—unhitching ourselves from the yoke of the frantic to become what God promised:
A well-watered garden.
Join us as we learn to slow down, breathe, and find a rhythm that actually sustains us.
When: Sunday, February 8, 2026 Time: 9:30am Where: Candler UMC 4236 Roy Parks Rd in Gainesville GA
Come as you are. Leave a little slower.
Wing and a Prayer
Why "Wing and a Prayer"?
We’re heading out of the sanctuary and into the neighborhood! Join us at The Branch House Tavern for a relaxed evening of:
Fellowship: Meet new friends and catch up with old ones.
Support: A relaxed environment where your identity and your faith are both celebrated.
Great Food: Enjoy some of the best wings in Flowery Branch while we talk life, spirit, and everything in between.
What to Expect
This isn't a formal church service or a high-pressure study. It’s a time to breathe, connect, and be yourself. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey—or if you aren't sure you're on one at all—you are welcome here.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." — Matthew 18:20
Interested in joining us? There’s no need to RSVP, but if you have questions or want someone to meet you at the door so you don’t have to walk in alone, just fill out an email on our contact page and we will reach out!
Virtual Worship - Sermon: Bridging the Divide, Casting the Net
Is your "net" broken? 🕸️ Body: It’s no secret—we live in a divided world. But what happens when that division moves into our pews?
Join us on Sunday 2/1 at 9:30am for a special message: "Bridging the Divide, Casting the Net." We’re looking at 1 Corinthians and Matthew 4 to discover how "mending" our relationships is the first step to reaching our community.
We’re moving from divided pews to a renewed community. Don't just watch—be part of the mending. 🧵✨
Sermon: Some Assembly Required
Some Assembly Required: "Don’t just follow the instructions. Join the Assembly."
Ever felt like you’re missing the "Allen wrench" when you open your Bible?
We’ve all been told the Bible is an instruction manual for life—a "Step A to Step B" guide to getting it right. But then we find poems about whales, ancient laws about fabric, and stories that feel more like a messy drama than a "how-to" guide.
On Sunday 1/18/26 at Candler UMC, we’re throwing out the manual!
Join us at 9:30am as we explore why the Bible is actually a Living Library. We’ll talk about: Why "Prescriptive" rules often get in the way of "Descriptive" grace. How the Book of Acts shows us that God is still writing the story. Why the only "Assembly" God requires is... US.
Don’t just follow the instructions. Join the Assembly!
Candler UMC - #SomeAssemblyRequired #UMC #BibleStudy #LibraryNotManual #LivingWord
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Bagels, Brews and Boardgames
Join us for fellowship and fun at Elixir Brew Company for a fun night playing board games! This is a great opportunity to meet new people and build community. This event is free but most people donate money to this organization to help support their cause. No registration is required!
Elixir Brew Company
115 E Main St, Buford, GA 30518
Bagels and Boardgames
Click the above link to visit their Facebook Page!
Online Bible Study: Grounded in Creed
Are you looking for a study that fits your schedule? Join us online as we study, “Grounded in Creed – What Christians Believe”. This is a 6-week study based on the Apostles Creed.
Since the fourth century after the resurrection of Jesus, a basic statement of Trinitarian faith circulated and continues to guide Christians across most traditions and denominations. The Apostles Creed stands the test of time because each article of the creed draws from New Testament teaching and symbolizes the essentials of our faith. These beliefs help bind and unify followers of Christ into a shared life of grace and love together.
As participants strengthen their faith by learning more about essential Christian beliefs and commitments, they will enjoy opportunities to connect with others and build relationships. This growth is accomplished when changes in belief come through turning away from the habits and desires that separate us from God, and by reflecting upon our life-giving relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while we learn how to think theologically.
This class will meet online using a platform similar to zoom where you will watch video lessons and have engaging conversations about your key takeaways with one another.
The date and time of when this online class will meet will be determined once we see the availability of the participants.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE STUDY
Sermon: The Weight of Yesterday
Does your past feel like a backpack weighted with regrets?
This Sunday at Candler United Methodist Church, we are beginning a new conversation titled "The Weight of Yesterday." We’ll explore what it means to leave the "old self" behind and find the freedom promised in our baptism.
Whether you are carrying regret, shame, or just the exhaustion of "how things used to be," there is a seat for you here.
When: This Sunday at 9:30am
Where: In-person at Candler UMC or streaming via Facebook Live.
The Vibe: Come as you are. We are a proud, affirming, and safe space where all are truly welcome. Every story will be met with grace.
Let’s lay the weight down together. See you Sunday!
Sermon: Identity Theft
Headline: Ever feel like your body is filing formal grievances? 📝
If you’ve ever woken up with a "mysterious injury" just from sleeping wrong, or felt like the person in the mirror is a stranger you haven’t met yet—this Sunday is for you.
We’re kicking off a powerful new message: Identity Theft. We’ll look at the life of Amy Carmichael (and her "unwanted" brown eyes) to discover why your "flaws" are actually God’s plot points. Join us at our NEW TIME this Sunday!
🗓 When: This Sunday
🕘 New Time: 9:30 AM
📍 Where: Candler United Methodist Church
📖 Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14
Stop asking the mirror for the truth and start hearing it from the Author. See you there!
Candler Community Council Meeting
A gathering for discussion, decision-making, and community planning.
The Candler Community Council Leadership Team will hold its next meeting at [Your Church Name]. The primary focus of this session will be to discuss important community issues and hold necessary votes to guide our upcoming efforts.
While this is a working meeting for the leadership, all members of the community are welcome to attend and observe the proceedings.
Date: Monday 12/1
Time: 6:45pm
Attendance Options
Join us at the Church or via Google Meets!
Not Just A Christmas Story
Not Just a Christmas Story
This Advent, join us for a new sermon series, Not Just a Christmas Story.
Beyond the familiar tales of shepherds and wise men lies a deeper truth. The Christmas story isn't just a sweet, simple fable; it's a powerful narrative that points to something much bigger. It's about a God who keeps His promises, a light that breaks through the darkness, and a hope that changes everything.
Through this four-week series, we'll explore the prophetic promises and surprising people that set the stage for the arrival of Jesus. Discover how the story of His birth is woven throughout scripture and find a new sense of wonder and hope in the greatest story ever told.
Join us on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. starting November 30th.
Dinner and Decorations
Dinner & Decorations
Join us on Saturday, November 22nd, from 3:00-7:00 PM for an evening of food and fellowship as we get the church ready for the Christmas season!
We'll start with a warm meal together, sharing good food and conversation. Afterward, we'll work together to decorate the church Christmas tree and prepare our sanctuary for Advent. It's a wonderful opportunity to serve alongside one another and kick off the most wonderful time of the year.
We can't wait to see you there!
Grace and Grits
Grace and Grits: A Community Meal
Join us for a wonderful morning of food, fellowship, and faith at Grace and Grits, our upcoming community breakfast!
We'll be gathering at Curt's Country Kitchen to share a delicious meal and take some time to catch up on life together as a church family. It's a relaxed, informal way to strengthen our bonds, share stories, and simply enjoy each other's company.
All are welcome! Whether you're a long-time member or new to our community, we'd love for you to pull up a chair.
Ready to join us? Please use the link below to sign up so we can get a headcount for the restaurant.
[Link to Sign-Up] - Will be live on Monday 10/27
We can't wait to see you there!
All Saints Day
Honoring the Saints in Our Lives
On All Saints' Day, we gather as a community to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have gone before us. This is a special time to honor the saints in our lives—the loved ones, family members, and friends who have inspired us and now rest in God's eternal embrace.
Join us in this beautiful tradition as we create a tribute to their memory. We invite you to share the names of those you wish to remember during our special All Saints' Day service.
Share the Names of Your Loved Ones
To include your loved one's name in our remembrance, please submit their information using the link below. You'll also have the opportunity to upload a photo, which will be included in a slideshow tribute during our service.
South Hall Community Trunk or Treat
Join churches in South Hall, community partners, and local first responders for a festive Trunk or Treat! This Halloween event is a safe and fun way for families to celebrate together.
We need your help to make it a success. Please consider donating candy or decorating your car trunk for the event. You can drop off candy donations at the church. If you'd like to sign up to decorate a trunk or help in another way, please contact Pastor Joshua: joshua.scott@georgiaumc.net
Crossroads: Affiliation, Authenticity, and the Antidote to the "Itching Ear"
In a world full of conflicting messages and a constant search for identity, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. We will dive into what it means to be truly affiliated with Christ, the importance of living an authentic life in our faith, and how to find the antidote to the temptation of seeking out what our "itching ears" want to hear instead of God's truth.
Come as you are to worship with us this Sunday. We can't wait to see you there.
Candler Community Pumpkin Patch
Help us restore a piece of Hall County history! For 153 years, our church has been a cornerstone of this community. Now, we're asking for your support to bring it back to its former glory.
Your contribution will also support "The Marketplace," and “Bloom” local non-profits that provides amazing Day Programs for individuals with special needs. Together, we can make a difference for both our past and our future.
Please click the link below to sign up to help us unload the pumpkins. We will meet at the church on October 15th at 1:00pm. Please bring wagons and wheel burrows or anything to help us move the pumpkins quickly!
Wing and a Prayer
We are getting together tonight at 6pm at the Lawrenceville Taco Mac (located behind AMC theatres) for dinner and community.
We are a small group of people with open minds and open hearts that are either part of the LGBTQ community or affirming allies. We gather the 1st & 2nd Thursday each month for dinner and conversation. It's very laid back, we won't put you on the spot to share your story or participate, though you're welcome to as you feel comfortable. Everyone is on their own check and can come and go as they please.
We would love to make new friends and connect with more people in our community! Please feel free to message me with any questions!
Hope to see you at Taco Mac!
835 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Meal and A Message: Serve Support, and Celebrate with West Hall Middle School
Thank you so much for all your efforts each time we’ve served the WHMS football team throughout this season and especially yesterday evening! Coach Jake and the players are so grateful for the food we’ve been able to prepare for them.
That being said, we are planning to partner with McEver Road Church to host an end of season banquet for the team at McEver Road Church in our pavilion on Thursday, October 9 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Pastor Joshua has created a digital sign-up sheet for us to better coordinate the meal between the congregations for the upcoming banquet. Please take a just a couple of minutes to fill it out. Thanks!
Wing and a Prayer
We are getting together tonight at 6pm at the Lawrenceville Taco Mac (located behind AMC theatres) for dinner and community.
We are a small group of people with open minds and open hearts that are either part of the LGBTQ community or affirming allies. We gather the 1st & 2nd Thursday each month for dinner and conversation. It's very laid back, we won't put you on the spot to share your story or participate, though you're welcome to as you feel comfortable. Everyone is on their own check and can come and go as they please.
We would love to make new friends and connect with more people in our community! Please feel free to message me with any questions!
Hope to see you at Taco Mac!
835 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Meal and A Message: Serve and Support West Hall Middle School
We're excited to partner with West Hall Middle School to host a special dinner for their youth football team! Join us as we serve a meal to these incredible student-athletes, celebrating their hard work and dedication.
We need your help to make this event a success! Please consider bringing a side dish or dessert to share.
If you'd like to volunteer to serve the meal, please contact Pastor Joshua via email at joshua.scott@georgiaumc.net or by text.
Thank you for helping us support our community and these amazing young people!
Annual Charge Conference @ Candler UMC
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Nourish to Flourish: Collection of snack cart items for local schools.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Flu Shot Clinic @ GFUMC
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Amazing Grace Offering
Churches across North Georgia receive the Amazing Grace Offering on the third Sunday in September to support the mission and ministry of Wellroot Family Services. 100% of your church’s offering directly supports children and families in Georgia.