Week of September 1, 2024 | |
Included in this issue/Save-the-Date:
- September Mission of the Month: Doylestown Area FISH - Give
- Pastor's Corner
- Confirmation 2025 sign up due, Sunday, Septemeber 1
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Please note: Church offices will be closed for Labor Day - Monday, September 2
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12 Hours of Prayer sign-up, Wednesday, September 4, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
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Preschool begins - Watch for Children, Thursday, September 5
- Kick-Off Sunday is Sunday, September 8 - Come register for all 2024/2025 DUMC Kids' (*Fusion, Sunday School (now includes Anchor), Kids' Word, Nursery) and Music programs
- 2024/2025 DUMC Kids' Calendar
- Adult Volunteers needed for DUMC Kids' events
- Sunday School volunteers needed
- Register for Elevation kick off and 24/25 School year, Sun., September 8
- Elevation volunteers needed this fall
- 2024/2025 Youth Ministries Calendar
- 2024/2025 Fusion Calendar
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Alpha Marriage Course, Sunday, September 8, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
- Bible study start dates (details below-order workbooks ahead of time):
~Wednesday Night Men's Group, Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
~Pampered by Grace, Sunday, September 8, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
~Online Bible Study, Monday, September 9, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
~Pastor Sunil's Bible Study, Wednesday, September 11, 10:00 - 11:30 am
~Pastor Sunil's Wednesday NIGHT Bible Study, Wed. Sept. 11, 7 - 8:15 pm
~Unfiltered, Sunday, September 15, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
~Reflections Bible Study, Tuesday, September 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
~College & Young Adult Small Group Invite...details below
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GriefShare returns, Thursday, September 12, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
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Rise Against Hunger meal-pack, Sat., Sept. 14, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Small Groups Ice Cream Social @ DUMC, Sunday, September 15, 4:00 pm
- Caring For Friends, Wednesday, September 18, 12:30 pm
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WESLEY/YOUTH Breakfast invite, Sunday, September 22, 9:00 am
- Book Group this Sunday, Septembert 22, 4:00 pm
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Middle School fall retreat registration, Fri., Sept. 27 - Sun., Sept. 29
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Pedals for Progress/Sewing Peace, Sat., Sept. 28, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- DUMC Kids' Club returns, Wednesday, October 2, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
- DUMC Preschool fall registration, Kindergarten Readiness, and Afternoon Enrichment available
- Cluster Charge Conference, Saturday, November 2, 1:00 - 2:15 pm
- All-Church Meeting, Sunday, November 10, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
- 2024-2025 Guide to Growth
- DUMC Kids' & Youth Newlsetter has returned!
- Financial Report (July 31)
- Peach Festival - Thank you!
- Unplugged Worship Thank you - Uplifting Worship returns, Sunday, September 1, 9:00 am in the Sanctuary
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Current Worship Series
"What We Believe: Who God Is and What He Has Done"
Faith/Belief That Unites Us
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9:00 am
Uplifting Worship*
Wesley Class
Returns 9/8:
Fusion
Nursery
Sunday School
10:10 am
Liturgical Worship*
Returns 9/8:
Nursery
11:11 am
Word & Worship*
Returns 9/8:
Nursery
Kids' Word
*Live broadcast
For links:
DoylestownUMC.com
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Communion Sunday
September 1 – The Creator who wants to be my Parent
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6
September 8 – The Savior who is willing to be my Brother
September 15 – The Mediator who is coming back for me
September 22 – The Helper who brings Unity through Brokenness
September 25 – The Hope for all who Believe
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Nursery Care returns September 8!
-Our Nursery care is available for children aged 0-5 years on Sundays.
-Nursery hours are 8:50 am - 12:15 pm.
*The Nursery staff and volunteers are “Safe Sanctuary” certified and have completed all relevant background checks.
Register here
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WORSHIP STATISTICS & HAPPENINGS | |
Thank you to all who worship with us in person and online!
In-person attendance for August 25: 143
Online attendance: 387*
The in-person number includes children in Nursery, Anchor/Fusion/Sunday School, and Kids' Word (when in session).
*Online number represents the number of views (or households), not the number of individuals watching.
(Online totals are multiplied by 1.5 to get a more accurate sum.)
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THANK YOU!
DUMC, you have done it again! The 50th Peach Festival is pleased to donate $9,700 to NOVA and Discovery Service Projects. This daylong event does not happen without the generosity of our volunteers and committee chairs. Sincere thanks to Karen Lyon and Randy Hume for your leadership. To Sally D’Amico (pancake breakfast), Lisa Pitts (cobbler), Janelle Coller (bake sale), Scouts (lunch), Rhelda Richards (vendors), Melissa O’Brien (flea market), Paula Young (books), Michele Wilhelm/Jayne Jacobus (silent auction), Ken/Kathy Kugel (plants), and Sounds of Faith and Power of Grace (praise bands). With the support of a care of volunteers, each aspect of the festival ran seamlessly.
Watching our church family enjoying a day of fellowship while welcoming community members mirrors our mission. Thank you for your continued support of the Peach Festival.
Karen Condit
Outreach
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2024 DUMC Unplugged Worship
Thank you to all who attended our Unplugged Worship services this summer. It was a fun change of pace and the Praise bands enjoyed seeing faces of folks that they haven't in a while. We return to our Uplifting Worship service this Sunday, September 1 at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. Please join us if you are able, to embrace the fall church season.
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“The Alpha Marriage Course”
Begins Sunday, September 8
1:00 - 2:30 pm, Room 22
A 7-week course designed for couples of all ages to help build, strengthen, and continue to grow their relationship in marriage. Couples will be equipped with tools to build a healthy marriage and to strengthen their connection as a couple – or to restore that connection if it was lost. The Alpha Marriage Course Intro Video.
There is no cost for attending this course, however, this course requires each participant to have their own journal. DUMC has purchased these journals, and ask that participants pay for them once the course starts. The cost of the journal is $9. If purchasing the journal will be financially difficult for you, please let Pastor Sunil know and we will cover the cost of your journal. We do not want financial difficulties to be the reason you cannot participate in this vital course.
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Small Groups
Ice Cream Social
Sunday, September 15
4:00 - 5:15 pm
Worship Center
Do you like free ice cream? If so, we would love for you to join us for our "Get the SCOOP on Small Groups" event, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the many different small groups of DUMC to see if one would be a good fit for you. You’ll also get to meet some of our small group leaders and members, as well as partake in a delectable ice cream sundae bar complete with all the toppings your heart desires.
This event is for those interested in joining a small group and those who are already in a small group. Hope to see you there! For questions or more info, please contact Pastor Paul.
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YOUTH BREAKFAST WITH WESLEY
Join us for Food and Fun!
Sunday, September 22, 9:00 am, Room 2
Who is Wesley Class and what do they want with me, you might wonder? Wesley Class is a long-time Bible study group in the church, who began meeting when they were young parents. We have grown up and grown old together, adding new members along the way. The church has been a meaningful part of our lives, and we would like to ensure our church community stays strong. Let’s get to know each other! Email Lenae to RSVP.
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Financial Report for the Seven Months Ended July 31, 2024
Submitted by:
Allen Mason (Finance Chairperson) and Karen Sablyak (Treasurer)
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SUMMARY: Positive Cash Flow for the month with higher giving in July! GOD IS GOOD!
Giving: Income for July was $85K with several members contributing their annual tithe. On a YTD basis, income is ($157K) less than budget which is partially offset by the generous special giving of $73K.
Disbursements: Our disbursements for July were $16K less than budget – Note that there is no Connectional Ministry expense as the Administrative Council Board approved withholding this amount from the Conference until DUMC’s finances improve. YTD disbursements are $65K less than budget as we continue to monitor expenses. REJOICE!
Net Cash Flow (Deficit): We enjoyed a positive cash flow in July – Hallelujah!! We are still negative by ($54K) YTD.
Please keep DUMC and our finances in your prayers. GOD’S PLANS ARE MORE THAN WE CAN IMAGINE!!
The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 29:9
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Pastor's Corner
Why is Christianity different from any other religion? What makes Christ-followers unique? The answer of course, is Jesus Christ, who made God known to humans in a unique and personal way. Who God is, and what he has done for us makes all the difference! That is what changes our individual lives; that is what unites us as a faith-community; that is what gives us hope for eternity. The Apostles’ Creed is one of the earliest faith statements that tells the truth of this. How we as individuals and groups of people respond in our different ways to God does not change how he relates to us. That fact that we do respond allows us to experience all that he has done for us. However, we need to remember that different people respond differently because of each one’s unique life story/journey. It is who God is, and what he has done for us that ultimately unites us and makes us effective in his Kingdom.
Read more....
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Lay Leader Insights:
DEEPENING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Do you ever discuss faith with your friends? Many of us have christian friends, but discuss everything other than our faith. Let's work on deepening these relationships with a few questions.
1- "How can I pray for you this week?" This opens the door to real conversation about our struggles. When we are vulnerable with each other, we grow in our friendship and our faith. We can speak honestly and learn more about each other's real life instead of the pretty social media posts.
Read more....
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September Mission of the Month:
DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH
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September’s Mission of the Month (MOM) is Doylestown Area FISH, which is a fully volunteer run organization. In 1973, the Christian Coalition founded FISH to address the needs of the unhoused members of our community. With the generous help from local churches, individuals, and organizations, FISH aims to provide temporary shelter, gasoline cards, food, and transportation for those in need. A more recent program was established to address housing insecurity by providing rental assistance, helping with utility bills, heating oil charges, and auto repair bills. Our volunteers strive to assist callers by identifying needs and services. Our goal is to find solutions to end homelessness and housing insecurity. We are grateful for the support of Doylestown United Methodist Church.
Read more....
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Saturday, September 14, 2024
Mark your calendar for the Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event at DUMC!
Set-up will start at 8:30 am. We will start packing promptly at 10:00 am, followed by clean up immediately afterwards.
The more we raise, the more meals we pack! To register and make donations (for checks please make them out to "DUMC", listing "Rise Against Hunger" in the notes section), click here.
Get Involved – Make a Difference – Change the World
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Next Caring for Friends meal assembly:
Wednesday, September 18 at 12:30 pm
in the DUMC kitchen. CLICK HERE for more details. Instructional guide for preparing meals at home.
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Pedals for Progress and Sewing Peace
Saturday, September 28, 9 am - 12 pm (Rain or Shine)
*Starting Friday, September 27, between 9 am - 3 pm, bikes and sewing machines can be dropped off to DUMC with a $20 donation.
Pedals for Progress/Sewing Peace, in its continuing effort to recycle unwanted items properly, is having a used bike and sewing machine collection sponsored by Doylestown United Methodist Church.
Anyone with an adult or child’s bicycle in repairable condition is urged to donate their bike to this worthy cause. We do not accept “bikes for parts” or disassembled bikes. We also accept working portable sewing machines and sewing notions (no fabric, please).
Bikes and sewing machines can be dropped off rain or shine: Saturday September 28, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at Doylestown United Methodist Church, 320 E Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Read more....
Flyer....
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*Click on the images below to join or volunteer. | |
Volunteers Needed
Would you like to become more involved at DUMC? There are many volunteer opportunities that can take as little as one hour, once a month, once a week, or as needed. All slots are flexible and come with training.
Read more....
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For even more ways to get involved at DUMC:
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Becky Van Dine, Caring Ministries
(215) 813-7436
| *Click GriefShare logo to learn more or register. | |
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Thursday nights
7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2
*Returns Septemer 12!
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***Click images below to sign up!*** | |
Please note: Anchor is now combined with Sunday School. | |
*DUMC Kids' Club returns Wednesday, October 2, 5:30 - 7:00 pm in Overholt Hall. | |
***Click images below to sign up!*** | |
*Fusion and Elevation return Sunday, September 8!
-Click images below for the calendars
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2025 Confirmation Class
Students in Grade 7 or above who are interested in exploring their faith, preparing themselves to make a profession of faith (making their faith their own), and learning more about being an active member of the church are invited to be part of our upcoming Confirmation Class. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, beginning on Sunday, September 15. The Confirmation ceremony is planned for Sunday, April 27, 2025. Sign up deadlne is Monday, September 1.
Sign up and details....
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***Click images below to sign up!*** | |
2024 BREAKAWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT
September 27 - 29
Middle schoolers in 7th - 9th grades, come join us for a fun-filled weekend at NorthBay Adventure Camp in North East, Maryland.
Please register by Friday, August 23.
CLICK HERE for details; click on the image or scan the QR code to register!
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BIBLE STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS | |
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Paul Georgulis, Assistant Pastor
PGeorgulis@DoylestownUMC.com
(267) 245-7874
| Click the button below for updates on your favorite small group or Bible study!! | |
Unfiltered
Women's Bible Study
Sundays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Room 22
"Unshakeable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith" by Lina AbuJamra
Returns September 15
Newcomers always welcome!
Email Wendy Arnott for more information.
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Pampered by Grace
Women's Bible Study
Sundays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Room 22
"The Chosen - Season 4"
Runs September 8 - October 27
"We see it - if we're looking: the Bible promises that God brings good things out of bad things for the sake of his people and for his glory. Truth be told, when we personally experience suffering, we have a difficult time believing it." Come join us as we study Jesus' ministry. You may want to watch the previous 3 seasons free on the Angel App, but it is not necessary. Workbook is $18. All women and newcomers welcome!
Email Laurie Lewis to register or for more information.
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ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
Did you know that DUMC has a Bible study small group that meets fully online? It’s true—we do!
This group meets on Zoom on Monday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 pm (begins September 9).
We will continue working through a study by Dr. Derwin Gray (former NFL defensive back turned pastor) called “The Good Life,” which focuses on how we can make Jesus’ Beatitudes the rhythm of our lives.
If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to be a part of a small group or Bible study but you can’t ever seem to find the time in the craziness of life to make it work, then this small group is perfect for you because you don’t even have to leave your house!
If you would like to join us, or if you have any questions, please email Pastor Paul.
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Reflections
Women’s Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Room 2
"Relaxed" by Megan Fate Marshman
(Returns September 17), 24/25 Schedule
This 7-week study, based on Proverbs 3:5-6, focuses on replacing self-reliance with the trusting and relaxed posture modeled by Jesus.
You can check out these Relaxed promo videos: video 1, video 2.
The study guide is available for preorder and includes free access to the videos if you miss a session or want to revisit a topic. The accompanying book is also available to purchase now, if desired.
Bring a friend, newcomers are always welcome!
RSVP by emailing Laura Herbst.
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Pastor Sunil's Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 am, Room 2
"The Jesus I Never Knew"
by Phlilip Yancy - Watch Trailer
Begins September 11
In this 6-session video-based study, the drama and immediacy of motion pictures are used to compare well and little-known film portraits of Jesus with the Jesus of the Bible. In each session, you'll obtain fresh, uncluttered perspectives on history's central figure—his radical claims, his challenging teachings, and his effect on others...including you. You'll make life-changing discoveries about God, the Bible, and yourself. Best of all, you'll come face-to-face with the most compelling, creative, challenging, fearless, unpredictable, and ultimately satisfying person anyone can know: Jesus Christ.
Newcomers always welcome!
Email Pastor Sunil for more information. Order study guide (not required).
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Pastor Sunil's Evening Bible Study
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:15 pm, Room 2
"Experiencing God"
by Henry, Richard, Mike Blackaby & Claude King
Begins September 11
A 12-week Biblical experience that brings you closer to the answers to questions you may have had: How can I know God and experience him in my life? How can I hear his voice? What is God’s plan for my life? Why do I need church? How can my church be God’s instrument for building his Kingdom? *This course requires each participant to purchase a workbook prior to the start of the study. The workbook may be purchased HERE-order by 9/2 to have it before study starts.
Newcomers always welcome!
Email Pastor Sunil for more information.
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Wednesday Night Men's Group
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 8:30 pm, Room 10
"TBD"
(begins 9/4)
Newcomers always welcome! Email Ken Kugel or Randy Hume for more information.
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College & Young Adult Online Small Group
Watch Video
We are working on starting up a small group for college age/young adults that will meet online, Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. The reason we are going the online route is so that we all can get together no matter where we are in the world (e.g., college, living out-of-state, or right here in Doylestown, but you don’t want to leave your house). Our meetings will include video-based studies and discussion about topics that are relevant to real life. Adulting is hard, but life is better when we figure it out together. We hope you will check out this group and grow together in the community.
This group will likely begin in September (stay tuned for a start date) and will be led by Prerna BalaEddy and Pastor Paul. Here is a video from Prerna introducing herself and explaining a little more about the group, what we’ll be discussing, and more. If you would like to join us, or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Paul.
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Praying for our Congregation,
Community, and World
Praise & Thanks: Cindy, Diana, Anna, Lori, God's forgiveness, our pets, Luca made PSU Band, having enough, for the beautiful flowers, 11:11 service, 40th Peach Festival & all the volunteers
Health & Healing: Bob, Kathy, Ginny, DeAnn, Doris, Cindy, Sue, Barbara, Gram, Peter, Ashley, Kelsey, Shelly, Melissa & baby, Joe, David, Noel, Lauren, Fernando, Cindy, Andrea, Pastor Vijay, Mary, Debbie, Steve, Glenn, Danielle, Jane, Kathy & Elizabeth, Jean, Karen, Jim, Andre
Guidance: Sovia, Nicholas & Piper, Students & Teachers, Tom & Donna, parents dropping off college students, students good decisions, Hope, Elizabeth, Angela, my son, our country, Keith, Chris, Neal, Missy, Carolyn, Marie & family, Takara & Cody, Ambre & Christopher, peace in our family, 11:11 prayer basket, famine among children, those serving abroad, DUMC Bible Studies
Hospice: Jim Traub
Grief: Pastor Mike & family, Family of Jim Lee; Family & Friends of Joan Burns (Charlie Burns Mother)
"But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
~Laurie Lewis and the Congregational Care Team
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Our Next 12 Hours of Prayer:
Wednesday, September 4
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Take a few minutes from the hectic pace of life to slow down...breathe...and be part of our next 12 Hours of Prayer event. Join with your DUMC sisters and brothers to form a continuous 12-hour chain of prayer. Take an intentional 15 minutes to praise and thank our amazing God...and bring the needs of our community, our church, and yourself before God's throne.
Watch for a signup link in next week's Connections.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT.... | |
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
Sophie Hume, Oboe; Karen Borghi, Piano (Arr. Shaw)
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"Hymn of Heaven"
Power of Grace
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*Doylestown United Methodist Church CCLI # 7127647* | |
Click HERE to watch
Sunday's Worship Services:
9:00 am Unplugged Worship (no livestream until 9/1)
10:10 am Liturgical Worship
11:11 am Word and Worship
Offering
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-DUMC Kids' Club: Wednesday, October 2, 5:30 - 7 pm
-12 Hours of Prayer: Wed., October 2, 7 am - 7 pm
-Small Group Leader Training Conference: Sat., Oct. 5
-World Communion Sunday: Sunday, October 6
-Blessing of the Animals: Sunday, October 6, 3:30 pm
-Blood Drive: Tuesday, October 8 from 3 - 8 pm
-DUMC Kids' Club: Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 - 7 pm
-Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 19, 3 - 5 pm, SUG
-Fall Retreat: "What to say to people who are hurting"
-Cluster Charge Conference: Sat., Nov. 2, 1 - 2:15 pm
-12 Hours of Prayer: Wed., November 6, 7 am - 7 pm
-All-Church Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 10, 1 - 2:00 pm
-Harvest Home Sunday: Sunday, November 17
-Parents Night Out: Coming this fall
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Doylestown United Methodist Church | |
320 East Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
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Main number:
(215) 348-5224
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Worship Service Hotline:
(267) 245-7870
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Sunil Balasundaram, Senior Pastor
Paul Georgulis, Assistant Pastor
Lenae Baldwin, Youth Director
John Bechtel, Business Administrator
Cindy Betancourt, Receptionist
Noel de la Pena, Office Manager
Wendy Arnott, Dir. of Children's Min
Kristian Frikke-Schmidt, Contemp. Worship Ldr
Laurie Lewis, Lay Leader/Min of Visitation
Temple Sieger, 11:11 Worship Leader
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Diana Durbin, Director - Adult Bells
Stephanie Hume, Director of Music
Grace Silva, Organist
Kristen Bound, Social Media Coordinator
Scott Shead, Live Streaming Technician
Trevor Foster, AVL Technical Coord
Ken Buckner, Wknd Bldg Spec (not shown)
Mark Charles, Evening Building Specialist
Sean Smith, Facilities Manager
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Office phone: (215) 348-5224 (office hours: M-F from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm) | | | | |