For the Week of January 3, 2021 |
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Scroll down for a history of Three Kings Day/Epiphany |
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Worship for Sunday, January 3 |
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Join us Online - One service only this week!
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God knew this day was coming and laid it on our hearts to prepare for it over five months ago.
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Due to a confirmed case of COVID-19, and the need for members from both worship teams and our audio teams to quarantine, we were unable to practice for or record any worship services this week. However, this was no surprise to God. In fact, God knew this day was coming and laid it on our hearts to prepare for it over five months ago.
Back in July, we recorded what we called our “back up service” – a service that we could use in the case of any unexpected circumstance, whether technical difficulty or other. The worship was powerful, and the sermon focused on what to do in the unexpected circumstances of life. Our worship and audio teams having to quarantine is an unexpected circumstance of life.
What you will hear in the sermon is that even in the unexpected circumstances of life, God is with us. How fitting it is that two weeks after Christmas you will hear Pastor Paul preaching a sermon (recorded in July) talking about the name Immanuel, which means “God with us!” Perhaps God knew five months ago that we would need to hear about God being with us on Christmas Eve, and then again two weeks later.
When life is unfair, God is there. When the storm rises, God is there. When challenges come, God is there. He is the only constant in a constantly changing horizon. May that truth sink in and comfort you as we embark upon this new year!
This service will be available online at 8:30 am
(or any time thereafter, at your leisure).
Watch for the Sunday morning email with a link
or visit our webpage: www.DoylestownUMC.com
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Worship Theme Starting January 10...
Preparing to Participate in the Promise
A Study in Joshua
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Starting on January 10 we will turn our attention to the book of Joshua. We begin our journey with "The Promise and Challenge of God".
We will also join together for the sacrament of Holy Communion.
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Scattered geographically, but worshiping together by God's Spirit
Statistics from December worship services
December 6, 2020
- 144 views* of Online Liturgical Services
- 321 views* of Online11:00 am Word & Worship Service, led by Sounds of Faith
Over 465 people worshiped in DUMC services for December 6, 2020
December 13, 2020
- 253 views* of Online Liturgical Services
- 299 views* of Online11:00 am Word & Worship Service, led by Power of Grace
Over 552 total people worshiped in DUMC services for December 13, 2020
December 20, 2020
- 284 views* of Online Liturgical Services
- 255 views* of Online11:00 am Word & Worship Service, led by Sounds of Faith
Over 539 people worshiped in DUMC services for December 20, 2020
December 24, 2020 - Christmas Eve (one online service)
- Over 458 people viewed the DUMC Christmas Eve service for December 24, 2020
December 27, 2020 (one online service)
- Over 274 people viewed the DUMC service on December 27, 2020
*A view represents 1 or more people worshiping on a single device
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Health Connections
by Laurie Lewis, RN, Minister of Visitation
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COVID-19 Updates
I know this has been a difficult Christmas for everyone. We have never been through anything like a pandemic before, so we don’t know what to expect. That’s frustrating. God created us to be in relationships and to have hugs! Hang in there friends--hope is on the horizon!
Since DUMC had a case of COVID-19, it has shown us that the symptoms can be different for each person. The current thinking at the CDC is that anyone with symptoms of an illness should be tested for COVID-19. These symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Cough (wet or dry)
- Fever over 100.3
- Back pain
- Achiness, flu-like symptoms
- Vomiting/diarrhea/abdominal pain
- Sudden onset of exhaustion
- Shortness of breath
- Oxygen level below 93% when measured with a pulse oximeter
- Loss of taste or smell
If you or a member of your family experience one or more of these symptoms, call your doctor and quarantine in your home.
- Wear a mask at all times.
- Stay apart from family members.
- Wash dishes in a dishwasher (using the highest temperature).
- Drink fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- A COVID-19 test should be done 5 days or more after the onset of symptoms. Getting a test too soon can cause a false negative.
- If you become short of breath or the cough becomes constant, go to your hospital emergency room.
Community spread of COVID-19 is very prevalent. Please stay home unless you need to go to the grocery store or pharmacy. Wear a mask whenever you are outside your home and may encounter others. Work from home if possible. Do not gather with people outside your household. If you have traveled for Christmas, please get tested for COVID-19 in case you are an asymptomatic carrier.
This pandemic has been long and arduous, unpredictable and scary. But God has a plan full of hope. 😊 He is providing wisdom on ways to defeat COVID-19. Vaccines are being administered, and hope is on the horizon. God is working in our favor. Hope is a torch we carry that scatters the darkness. Hope illuminates the future.
“I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Blessings,
Laurie Lewis, RN
Minister of Visitation
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January Mission of the Month: Youth Missions |
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This year Youth Missions will look different. Due to the pandemic, we have to consider social distancing and other safety precautions. However, we still wish to do something to serve and make a difference in people’s lives. At this time, we are evaluating possibilities. One thought will be to stay local to our community and provide outreach to those in our own backyards. Youth Missions will update the church when a decision has been made regarding our 2021 Mission Trip plans.
These mission trips help our students and leaders grow in their faith while also teaching them to step out of their comfort zones. At the same time, they are serving and sharing the love of Jesus with those in need. Each mission trip is jam-packed with serving, growing in faith, and fun evening activities.
Your donations are greatly appreciated and will help to offset the cost for each student attending the trip, will provide scholarship monies for those who need financial assistance, and will help with other mission trip expenses (e.g., van rentals, travel, food). To donate, please click the link below or write “DUMC Youth Missions” in the memo line of your check.
We would also like to ask for your prayers as we prepare for the planning of this trip, and then again when we actually go on the trip. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
On behalf of our students and leaders, THANK YOU so much. We would not be able to go on these trips without your support!
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These mission trips help our students and leaders grow in their faith while also teaching them to step out of their comfort zones. At the same time, they are serving and sharing the love of Jesus with those in need. |
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Divorce Care Spring Semester
starts Monday, January 11
Divorce Care is a 13-session, Bible-based program designed to support and allow healing for those going through separation, divorce or the end of a long-term relationship.
Meetings are on Monday nights, 7:00-9:00 pm. Information and online registration option can be found at DivorceCare.org.
Contact Debbie Schultheiss with questions or to register:
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Grief Share Spring Semester
starts Thursday, January 14
Have you lost a loved one either recently or even several years ago? Grief is a powerful emotion that can grip you emotionally and physically for years, no matter how strong your faith or perseverance. With the isolation of the pandemic, it has hit some people even harder.
If you would like support for the tangle of painful emotions you are experiencing, join coordinators Becky Van Dine, Betsy Bishop, and Donna Harrison. Meetings are on Thursday nights, from 7:00-9:00 pm. The discussion, support, video and devotional materials will help you help give you the tools you need to find strength and move forward in spite of your loss and pain.
Contact Becky Van Dine with questions or to register:
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Thank you so much to everyone who made this year’s Digital Christmas Pageant such a beautiful success! Our amazing talent—from the littlest star to the beautiful musical performances—truly reflected the heart of our DUMC family as well as the meaning of Christmas. Thank you all so much for taking the time to be a part of this production. A big thank you also goes to Laura Siegle, who helped coordinate all of the costumes, Bethany Pocceschi, who helped with music, and, of course, Wendy Arnott, who artfully put all of the recorded pieces together to make the final product. Thank you all!
DUMC Kids’! weekly messages will resume for the week of January 10. I look forward to seeing everyone’s challenges and invite anyone who hasn’t already participated to join in the fun!
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Our next blood drives will be January 7 and February 9. Appointments are required to limit overcrowding and make the donation process as safe as possible. Thank you.
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We have 2 new classes opening in January!
Our preschool programs offer your child a nurturing, safe,
and fun learning environment! Register today!
2-Day Preschool class for 3 year olds and
3-Day Kindergarten Readiness class for 4 year olds
Your child will experience:
- Acceptance and belonging in a group situation
- Age-appropriate activities designed to engage and challenge
- A sense of comfort with school routines and environment
- Extending the circle of trust in separation from parents
Please call Karen Borghi or Ann Kennedy at 215-345-9775
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New Bible Study – “Meant For Good”
Join our Women’s Bible Study group, Pampered By Grace, for this video-based six-week study beginning Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 6:30 pm. We will meet via Zoom; and a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer works best for viewing the videos. The workbook is $11, and porch pick-up is available beginning December 28. This bible study is led by Laurie Lewis, Minister of Visitation at DUMC. Please register at LewisRN@comcast.net.
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Code Blue Shelter - CSSH is looking for volunteers
The Code Blue Project provides overnight shelter when the temperature is below 26 degrees. Joining our Volunteer Team makes it possible to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors are able to come in from the cold.
To volunteer, please access training and required paperwork by clicking HERE. If you have questions, please contact: Joanne Cochran at jwcochran1st@gmail.com.
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Join the Wesley Class Adult Bible Study
LIVE on Zoom
Every Sunday at 9:15 am for fellowship, Bible study, and discussion.
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The DUMC Book Group meets on the fourth Sunday of every month. Currently we meet via Zoom. New members are always welcome. To learn more about the group contact Judy Coleman at 215-345-0797. Our next meeting on Sunday, January 24 at 7:00 pm, where we will discuss the book, Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran.
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The January/February issue of The Upper Room is now available for pickup at the church. The church building is typically open weekdays from 9-11 and 12-2. Can't get there between those hours? Did you know that there are lots of devotional resources available for free on their website (https://www.upperroom.org/)? You can even listen to the day's devotion. Check out the good things they have to offer.
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DUMC has created a playlist of beautiful Christmas music for your enjoyment! Listen to it all on our YouTube channel!
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O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Text by Isaac Watts
Arr. by Cindy Berry
Pianist: Mary Ruth
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The History of
Three Kings Day
(Epiphany)
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Want to connect with a staff member?
While we are busily working remotely, we are still available to you.
Please feel free to reach out to us!
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Please feel free to call or email us!
Call us - phone: 215-348-5224 (phones are answered Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm)
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Online Worship Service - at 8:30 am (or after)
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Pampered by Grace Bible Study - 6:30 pm via Zoom
See article above for more information.
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Blood Drive 2:00 to 7:00 pm
(Next Blood Drive will be Tuesday, February 9)
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DUMC Book Group - 7:00 pm via Zoom
See above for details
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Connecting with Connections
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Connections!
NOTE: The deadline for contributions to Connections is Monday noon.
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If you have any family members or friends who would like to receive our eNewsletter, please click below to add their contact information, and we will be sure to include them. We want all of you to be a part of our eNewsletter, Connections!
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Doylestown United Methodist Church
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320 East Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
Main number: 215-348-5224
Worship Service Hotline:
267-245-7870
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