Week of August 17, 2025

Included in this issue (this week):

  • August Mission of the Month: UMCOR - Give | Watch
  • *DUMC - Church Workday, Saturday, August 16, *9:00 am
  • Youth River Tubing Trip, Sunday, August 17
  • Caring for Friends, Wednesday, August 20, 12:45 pm
  • Peach Festival schedule, Saturday, August 23, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • ADULT/YOUTH volunteers needed at Peach Festival
  • Peach Festival Silent Auction
  • Youth Pool Day, Sunday, August 24, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
  • Book Group, Sunday, August 24, 4:00 pm
  • DUMC Kids' sign up, due Sunday, August 24
  • DUMC Community Dinner, Wednesday, August 27, 6:00 pm
  • Estate Planning, Wednesday, August 27, 6:00 pm
  • Confirmation 2026 sign up, due Thursday, August 28
  • Guardian Angels Healthy Women Campaign, due Sunday, August 31
  • Reflections Bible Study returns, Tuesday, September 2, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
  • Middle School Fall Retreat registration, due Sunday, September 7
  • Nursery care returns (Registration open), Sunday, September 7
  • Blessing of the Backpacks, Sunday, September 7, 9:00 and 11:11 am
  • Adult volunteers needed for DUMC Youth and Kids' programs/events
  • Elevation KICK OFF (bring a dish), Sunday, September 7, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Pampered by Grace returns, Sunday, September 7, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
  • GriefShare returns, Thursday, September 11, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
  • Women's Retreat "Reflect": Friday, September 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
  • New to the Faith Class, Sundays, Sept. 21 - Oct. 19, 10:00 - 11:00 am
  • New Member Half Day Retreat sign-up, due Monday, October 20
  • Volunteer opportunity article - Peach Festival
  • Youth 25/26 Calendar
  • Preschool job opportunities - Teacher, Teachers Aide, Lunch Aide's, Educational Assistant
  • Welcome our new Director for The Preschool at DUMC

Current Worship Series

"Christian Sensitivity"

9:00 am

Unplugged Worship

(Outdoor Sanctuary, Room 22 if inclement weather)

Wesley Class

Returns 9/7:

Nursery

Sunday School

Fusion

Elevation


  10:10 am

Liturgical Worship*

Returns 9/7:

Nursery

 

11:11 am

Word & Worship*

Returns 9/7:

Nursery

Kids' Word



*Live broadcast

For links:

DoylestownUMC.com

August 17 – Sensitive to People Who Look Different

1 Samuel 16:4-7; Galatians 3:26-28


August 24 – Sensitive to People of Other Economic Strata


August 31 – Sensitive to People of Other Countries & Cultures

DUMC Summer Worship Schedule

(Sunday, June 8 - Sunday, August 31)

 

9:00 am - Uplifting Worship is moving to the Outdoor Sanctuary for June and July (August will be in Room 22). "Unplugged" Worship with guitars and conversational preaching (weather permitting....inclement weather, in Room 22). *Not livestreamed.

 

10:10 am - Liturgical Worship, Sanctuary (livestreamed).

 

11:11 am - Word & Worship, Worship Center (alternating Sounds of Faith and Power of Grace praise bands, livestreamed).

 

*We will return to regular Worship schedule on Sunday, September 3, with Holy Communion at 9:00 am - Sanctuary, 10:10 am - Sanctuary, and 11:11 am - Worship Center.

Summer Family Worship "Room to Move"


During the summer, we encourage families to worship together at each of our services. Our Sunday School volunteers and Nursery workers are taking a well-deserved break. In both the Sanctuary and Worship Center, we provide crayons, coloring books, and activity bags for children. There are also quiet worship spaces in both the back of the Sanctuary and the Upper Room (room in back of balcony in the Worship Center) where families can sit while children play.

Everyone is welcome at DUMC — especially during the summer!

 

NURSERY CARE - returns September 7!

 

Nursery care available for children 0-5 years old on Sundays from 8:50 am - 12:15 pm.

 

*Nursery staff and volunteers are “Safe Sanctuary” certified; this policy includes all required state and federal background checks.

 

WORSHIP STATISTICS & HAPPENINGS

Thank you to all who worship with us in person and online!



In-person attendance for August 10: 135

Online attendance: 320*



The in-person number includes children in Nursery, 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.)

DUMC - Church Workday

Saturday, August 16

*9:00 am - 12:00 pm*

 

Your help is needed! We will be working and cleaning the church inside and out to get it ready for all of the activities happening this fall. We're looking for volunteers of all ages. You can select how you want to help when you arrive. We hope to get as many people as possible. Many hands make light work!

 

Questions, or to RSVP, please contact Mike Jarossy.

**PEACH FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (Adults & Youth)—Sign up ONLINE or FORMS are available in the Lobby!**

PEACH FESTIVAL 2025 SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 23, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm


The Peach Festival is next Saturday, August 23. Continue to bring your used books and flea market items to church (summer hours are 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, please call to confirm if you need to drop outside of these hours).


Books along with CDs, DVDs, and records can be dropped off outside of the music room. Flea market donations can be dropped off on the table in Overholt Hall. Please be sure all items are ready for resale and that all electronics have been tested. If you have any questions about items you would like to donate to the flea market, please ask! Email Melissa O’Brien with any questions or concerns. Please help spread the word by inviting friends and family to shop or donate! Cash, checks, and Venmo @Doylestownumc are accepted.

 

In addition to books and flea market items, please save cuttings and bulbs to be dropped off on Friday, August 22.

 

Click HERE for booth reservation form or email PeachFest@doylestownUMC.com



*2025 Peach Festival proceeds will benefit construction projects at the Carson Simpson Farm Christian Camp. Click here for more details.

Peach Festival Silent Auction



DUMC church groups and individuals, it is not too late to donate a basket or item to be included in a basket for the Silent Auction. Leave it in the church office and mark it for the auction, who it was from and the approximate value so we know for bidding purposes. Thanks to all of the DUMC groups, individuals and businesses who already donated baskets or items to the Silent Auction for the Peach Festival. We currently have 28 amazing baskets and have raised $710. The items will be on display on Sunday morning, August 17 and on the day of the Peach Festival, Saturday, August 23. No need to be present at the Peach Festival to win. You will be contacted by phone if you are not present when the bidding ends.

Estate Planning Seminar

Wednesday, August 27

6:00 - 7:00 pm, Room 2

In person at DUMC

 

"Protect Their Inheritance — Even After You’re Gone"

 

-Find out how to protect your children from financial mistakes

-Learn what legal, financial, and personal documents will guide your children even after you are gone

-Learn how to pick the right Power of Attorney or Trustee

-Learn how to build a permanent financial life raft for your spouse and children

-Go from planning to actually doing

-All this and more, CLICK HERE for flyer.

 

Questions, or to register, contact John Benson, (215) 348-4416

Guardian Angels Healthy Women Campaign

Feminine Hygiene Product Collection


We are collecting donations for the Healthy Women Campaign in the lobby of DUMC. The collection will run from Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 31. Our focus is to uplift women and children by providing hygiene education, essential resources, and practical skills training. If you don't have time to drop off donations, you can sponsor a kit below.


Sponsor a Kit:

  • For just $25/month (less than $1 a day) or $300/year, your support helps restore dignity, improve health, and open doors to new opportunities.


Key highlights:

Over 3,500 women worldwide have received our hygiene kits.


Flyer details

 

FEATURE ARTICLES

 

Lay Leader Insights:

PEACE IN RELATIONSHIPS


Each morning I read a Devotion in an App “First 15” that is sent to my email at 4am, so it is near the beginning of my email list. This helps me start my day focusing on God instead of my to-do list or whatever crisis is on the News. Recently, I was troubled by the discord in a family I knew. Then I read this in my morning devotional:


Read more....

August Mission of the Month:

UMCOR

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a unit of Global Ministries, is a humanitarian organization that helps alleviate human suffering, one of the two main goals of Global Ministries. UMCOR’s work is carried out by providing relief and assistance in response to natural and human-made disasters and supporting programs in the areas of migration, health, food security and environmental sustainability.


Read more....

Watch video....

 
 

SERVE & ENGAGE

 

Next Caring for Friends meal assembly:

Wednesday, August 20 at 12:45 pm

in the DUMC kitchen. CLICK HERE for more details. Instructional guide for preparing meals at home.

Volunteer Opportunity - Peach Festival

 

The annual DUMC Peach Festival has been a volunteer-led tradition for many years. It’s sponsored by the Outreach Committee to raise money for some mission or project outside of the church. Even though it is sponsored by a committee, we need many additional volunteers. People meet to sort books and price flea market items every morning throughout August. It’s a fun way to get to know some church people whom you might not have met any other way. On the day of the festival, there are plenty of ways to help—provide baked goods, cook, serve, assist with book and flea market sales, and more. This could be the start of a new annual tradition for you. See the SignUpGenius, the sign-up sheets in the lobby, or contact Randy Hume to get involved.


Best Regards,

Randy

Feed My Sheep Opportunites


Do you have an hour or two to help? ---


We have been “Feeding the Sheep” even more than we ever were before.

A few opportunities have come directly to us, and we have been using these donations to feed our local community. Let me illustrate them, and perhaps you can find an hour or two to get involved. Click here to read more....

Summer Hospitality Update



During the summer months, we'd like to give our regulars a break, but we will continue to have coffee and tea available each Sunday, as well as cool refreshments. This more relaxed time of year would be a great time for you to try this rewarding ministry. This is not at all difficult and we’re happy to train you! See our SignUpGenius or contact Cindy Betancourt in the church office.

 

Flower Basket Waterers Needed

 

SIGN UP HERE or contact Sheri Shifman. Thank you!

*Click on the images below to join or volunteer.

 
 

*Visit DoylestownUMC.com for more ways to get involved at DUMC

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

 

Kids' Newsletter returns the week of August 31, 2025!

 

Kid's Ministries 25/26 Calendar

Wendy Arnott, Director

WArnott@DoylestownUMC.com

(215) 348-5224

 

*Click image to sign up by Sunday, August 24!

*Click image below to sign up*

Youth Ministries 25/26 Calendar

Lenae Baldwin, Youth Director LBaldwin@DoylestownUMC.com

(267) 245-7871

 

Youth River Tubing Trip

Sunday, August 17, 1:30 pm


Join us for a fun afternoon of river tubing at Bucks County River Country in Point Pleasant, PA! The float lasts about 3 hours, and the cost is $29 per person. We’ll meet at the tubing site at 1:30 pm. Parents are encouraged to attend with their youth, and younger siblings are welcome with a parent present. Please note: life jackets are required, and all participants must stay in their tubes the entire time. Click HERE to sign up, and email Lenae if you can chaperone.

 

Youth Summer Calendar

2026 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. Sign up is due by Thursday August 28. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings, 10:00 - 11:00 am, beginning on Sunday, September 7. The Confirmation ceremony is planned for Sunday, May 17, 2026.

 

Sign up and details....

2025 BREAKAWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT

September 26 - 28

 

Middle schoolers in 7th - 9th grades, come join us for a fun-filled weekend at NorthBay Adventure Camp in North East, Maryland. Cost is $195. *Volunteers needed, please contact Lenae.

 

Click HERE for details. Register HERE by Sunday, September 7.

*Click image below to sign up*

We can’t wait to kick off another great year together with an awesome evening full of fellowship! Come enjoy 9 Square, tasty food, an outdoor craft, and more!


If you’re willing and able, please sign up to donate a side dish, dessert, or drinks to help make the night even better. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!


Let’s make this night memorable—see you there!

The Youth Team Needs You!

Adult Volunteers Needed - Youth Programs


We’re looking for 2–3 volunteers to help teach Sunday School this fall as part of our Youth Fusion program. The commitment is just one Sunday a month at 9:00 am. All teaching materials are provided, and prep time is minimal—about 30 minutes is all it takes to feel confident and prepared. No teaching experience is needed—just a heart for investing in our young people!


We’re also seeking 1–2 Elevation small group leaders to help guide youth discussions on Sundays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. We’re especially in need of a few female leaders, but would also love to add more male leaders to support and connect with our teens. This is a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships and walk alongside our youth as they grow in faith.


If you're interested in either role, please fill out this FORM.

️

Thank you for considering being part of our team and making a difference in the lives of our students!

 

BIBLE STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS

 

Paul Georgulis, Assistant Pastor

PGeorgulis@DoylestownUMC.com

(267) 245-7874

 

Reflections

Women’s Bible Study

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Room 2

 

"Jesus In Me" by Anne Graham Lotz

(Returns September 2), 25/26 Schedule

 

This is a 7-week study, on the Holy Spirit and starts with a discussion about the different names representing the Holy Spirit.

 

Check out the promo video.

 

The study guide includes free access to the videos if you miss a session or want to revisit a topic. The guide says eight sessions, but the first one is a 49-minute workshop on studying the Bible. Feel free to watch that one on your own. 

 

Bring a friend, newcomers are always welcome!

RSVP by emailing Laura Herbst if you plan on attending all or some of the studies.

Pampered by Grace

Women's Bible Study

Sundays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Room 22

 

"Hidden: Finding Delight in Your Life with Christ" by Allison Allen

Runs September 7 - October 12

 

Come join us as we pick up where we left off in May with "Hidden". You can always invite friends to our Bible study and as usual we will have yummy treats!! All women and newcomers welcome!


*Email Laurie Lewis to register or for more information.


Pampered by Grace schedule for 25/26:


  • 10/19 - 11/9 Movie "God is Good"
  • 11/16 - 12/7 "Advent Study with Lisa Harper & Christine Caine"
  • Christmas Break
  • 1/4/26 - 2/22 "Deborah (The First Woman Judge)" -or- "Proverbs"
  • 3/1 - 4/19 "The Chosen"
  • 4/26 - 5/31 "I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet"

Womens's Retreat "Reflect"

Friday, September 19

7:00 - 9:00 pm, Worship Center

 

Ladies Night: A Conference for Women

Empowerment, Connection, and the Power of Shared Voices.


Take a moment to step away from the busyness of life to connect with one another and grow closer to God.


“For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you.” —Psalm 36:9-10


Questions and registration, contact Laurie Lewis.

DUMC New to the Faith Class

Sundays, September 21 - October 19

10:00 - 11:00 am, Room 22

Donuts and coffee provided!

 

Are you new to the Christian faith—or have you been following Jesus for a while but feel the need to revisit the basics? If so, this class is for you!



Join us for a five-week journey exploring the foundational truths of Christianity in a welcoming, conversational setting. We’ll talk about who Jesus is, what it means to follow him, how to grow in your faith, and other key aspects of the Christian life. Whether you have questions, doubts, or simply want to strengthen your understanding, this is a great place to start.

 

Because worship is such an important part of following Jesus, we encourage everyone attending the class to also attend either the 9:00 am Uplifting Worship Service or the 11:11 Word & Worship Service. Experiencing worship together helps us grow in faith and connect with God in meaningful ways.


We’ll need at least five participants in order to hold the class, so if you’re interested, please let Pastor Paul know.


Come as you are, bring your questions, and let’s grow together!


If you are interested in being a part of the class or if you have questions, please email Pastor Paul.

DUMC New Member Half Day Retreat

*Sign up due Monday, October 20

Saturday, November 1

9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Worship Center

 

Contact the church office at (215) 348-5224 or email Pastor Paul to sign up (forms available in the lobby or print here).

 

CARE AND SUPPORT

 

Becky Van Dine, Caring Ministries

(215) 813-7436

*Click GriefShare logo to learn more or register.

 

Thursday nights

7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2

*Returns September 11

PRAYER CORNER

Praying for our Congregation,

Community, and World


Praise & Thanks: God for all the prayers, steroid shot working, music, sunrise reminder of God's provision, easing of financial difficulties, marriage renewal, Sally in church, Linda Kirk's testimony


Health & Healing: Mom, Colleen, Ann, Diane, Karen, Liz, Mateo, Scott, Margaret, Dave, Barb, Lisa, Ed, Shelly, Paul, Nan, Rita, siblings, Marion, Rochelle, Cliff, Barbara, Brett, Renee, Donna, Bill, Nell, Linda, Matt, Janelle, Tom, a friend, Bill, Wendy, Dean, Takara & Cody, my son, Artie, Kathy & Elizabeth, Jim, Andre, Amber


Guidance: Donna & Dana, Patricia, Bev, Joe, Susan, Madelyn & family, Elizabeth, our democracy, students starting school, new Preschool Director at DUMC, Danyelle & daughter, Jude & Lachlan, David, Chris, Julie, Amy, kids with eating disorders, President Trump, U.S. Cabinet, U.S. Congress, environmental issues, Carolyn, my sons, Christopher, famine, those serving abroad, Olivia, Clark, for our church Bible studies


Hospice: Peace for CJ, Connie Thompson, Doris, management of pain for Elaine


Grief: Family of Iris Schwing, Ken, Brandi (Lynn Albert's friend), loss of 11 in Nursing Home fire in MA


"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" —Romans 8:31


~Laurie Lewis and the Congregational Care Team

 

THE PRESCHOOL AT DUMC

 

Welcome our New Director of The Preschool at DUMC!


We are excited to announce the appointment of Kristi Bryan as the new Director for The Preschool at DUMC. Kristi has been with the preschool since 2008. During that time, Kristi also served as the DUMC Wedding Assistant. Kristi has also volunteered as the Children’s Ministry Leader and was a volunteer with Vacation Bible School. To learn more about Kristi, please join us for a “Meet the New Director” event on Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 - 7:30 pm in the DUMC Worship Center.

Preschool Job Opportunities

Teacher and Teacher's Aide


The Preschool at DUMC has openings for a classroom teacher and an aide for 5 mornings a week, 8:30 am - 11:40 am. For more details, contact Kristi Bryan at 215-345-9775.

Lunch Aides


The Preschool at DUMC needs lunch aides, Monday - Friday, from 11:20 am – 12:30 pm. Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing the lunchroom and supervising children on the playground. To apply, please contact: The Preschool at DUMC, (215) 345-9775.

Educational Assistant


Educational Assistant needed for Time For Twos (A Parent and Me Class), Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 – 10:15 am. To apply, please contact: The Preschool at DUMC, (215) 345-9775.

Click image above for FALL 2025/2026 PRESCHOOL details and to sign up!


 

COMING UP / SAVE THE DATE....

 

-Community Dinner, Wednesday, August 27, 6:00 pm

-Estate Planning, Wednesday, August 27, 6:00 pm

-Please note: The church offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day

-12 Hours of Prayer, Wednesday, September 3, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

-Gentle Christian Yoga, Thursday, September 4, 6:00 pm

-Pop Up Sunday/Kick Off/Nursery returns, Sunday, September 7, 9:00 am

-Dinner With The Pastor (for more info CLICK HERE):

-GriefShare returns, Thursday, September 11, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

-Men's Breakfast, Saturday, September 13, 8:00 am

-DSP Meatball Monday, Monday, September 15, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

-Caring for Friends, Wednesday, September 17, 12:45 pm

-Women's Retreat "Reflect": Friday, September 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

-RISE Against Hunger mealpack (flyer, register HERE), Sat., Sept. 20, 10 am - 12 pm

-New to the Faith Class, Sundays, September 21 - Octoer 19, 10:00 - 11:00 am

-Book Group, Sunday, September 28, 4:00 pm

-Alpha Marriage Course, Sunday, October 5 (7 weeks), 1:00 - 2:30 pm

-Blood Drives:

  • Tuesday, October 7, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, December 16, 3:00 - 8:00 pm

-Trunk or Treat (register), Saturday, October 25, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

-Liturgical Concert, Sunday, October 26, 4:00 pm

-New Member Half Day Retreat, Saturday, November 1, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

-Parents Night Out (flyer, register HERE), Friday, December 5, 5:00 - 8:30 pm

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....

"Jesus, Savior, Pilot In Me"

Grace Silva, Organist

"God So Loved"

Power of Grace

*Doylestown United Methodist Church CCLI # 7127647*

Click HERE to watch

Sunday's Worship Services:


*9:00 am Uplifting Worship (no livestream 6/8 - 8/31)

10:10 am Liturgical Worship

11:11 am Word and Worship

Offering

CONNECT WITH US

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WORSHIP

Doylestown United Methodist Church

320 East Swamp Road

Doylestown, PA 18901

Main number:

(215) 348-5224

Worship Service Hotline:

(267) 245-7870

Sunil Balasundaram, Senior Pastor

Paul Georgulis, Assistant Pastor

Laurie Lewis, Lay Leader/Min. of Visitation

Lenae Baldwin, Youth Director

Wendy Arnott, Dir. of Children's Ministries

John Bechtel, Business Administrator

Cindy Betancourt, Receptionist

Noel de la Pena, Office Manager

Kristian Frikke-Schmidt, 9:00 am Worship Leader

Temple Sieger, 11:11 am Worship Leader

Diana Durbin, Director of Adult Bells

Stephanie Hume, Director of Music

Grace Silva, Organist

Trevor Foster, AVL Technical Coordinator

Scott Shead, Live Streaming Technician

Mark Charles, Evening Building Specialist

Mike O'Neill, Daytime Sexton

Ken Buckner, Wknd Bldg Spec (not shown)

Office phone: (215) 348-5224 (office hours: M-F from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

Staff schedule: Church year

Summer

Schedule facilities: Cindy Betancourt

Submissions for Connections:

Noel de la Pena

(due Mondays by 12:00 pm)