Week of September 7, 2025 | |
Included in this issue (this week):
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September Mission of the Month: DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH - Give
- DUMC app launch, Sunday, September 7
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Kick-Off/Pop Up Sunday, Sunday, September 7 - Register for all 25/26 DUMC Kids' (Sunday School, Anchor, Kids' Word, Nursery) & Music programs
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Middle School Fall Retreat registration, due Sunday, September 7
- Nursery care returns (registration open), Sunday, September 7
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Blessing of Backpacks, Briefcases, & Teachers, Sunday, September 7, All services
- Adult volunteers needed for DUMC Youth and Kids' programs/events
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Elevation KICK OFF (bring a dish), Sunday, September 7, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Elevation meal sign up for 25/26
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Unfiltered, Sunday, September 7, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
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Pampered by Grace, Sunday, September 7, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
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Online Bible Study, Tuesday, September 9, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
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Pastor Sunil's Bible Study, Wednesday, September 10, 10:00 - 11:30 am
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Dinner With The Pastor, Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 pm
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Wednesday Night Men's Group, Wed., September 10, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
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Carol Choir & Chapel Choir begins Thursday, September 11, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
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GriefShare returns, Thursday, September 11, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
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Sanctuary Choir, Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
- 2025/2026 Choir schedule
- Men's Breakfast, Saturday, September 13, 8:00 am
- Cherub Choir begins Sunday, September 14, 9:15 - 9:30 am
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Youth Choir begins Sunday, September 14, 8:15 - 9:00 pm
- "Reflect": Women's Retreat, Friday, September 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
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RISE Against Hunger mealpack, Sat., September 20, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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DivorceCare begins, Monday, September 22, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
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New to the Faith Class, Sundays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 26, 10:00 - 11:00 am
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Blood Drive, Tuesday, October 7, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
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New Member Half-Day Retreat sign-up, due Monday, October 20
- Youth 25/26 Calendar
- Volunteer opportunity article - JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
- Preschool in session - Watch for Children
- Kindergarten Readiness class (afternoons, 4 year old's)
- DUMC Kids' & Youth Newsletter has returned!
- 2025/2026 Guide to Growth
- Financial Report (July 31)
- Lost and Found
- Unplugged Worship Thank you - Uplifting Worship returns, Sunday, September 7, 9:00 am in the Sanctuary
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Current Worship Series
"Our Stories That Make Us"
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9:00 am
Uplifting Worship
Wesley Class
Nursery
Sunday School
Anchor
Fusion
Elevation
10:10 am
Liturgical Worship*
Nursery
11:11 am
Word & Worship*
Nursery
Kids' Word (1st & 3rd Sundays)
*Live broadcast
For links:
DoylestownUMC.com
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Communion Sunday
September 7 – Kick Off Sunday
2 Corinthians 5:14-18
September 14 – Our Story of Brokenness
September 21 – Our Story of Salvation
September 28 – Our Story of Purpose
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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 31: 154
Online attendance: 278*
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.)
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Doylestown UMC App Launch
Sunday, September 7!
DOWNLOAD TODAY! Our App will allow you to check-in, give, find & join small groups, manage your profile, register for events, livestream, receive closure alerts, and more!
*Please download our app from the App Store before Sunday's services. We will show you some of the new features we have to offer and give a brief overview of what you can expect from our new app. Click image below to download.
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Have You Lost What We've Found?
A large assortment of lost items has accumulated in our closet area. Do you recognize any of these items as your belongings? Please take a look in the second closet on your left as you enter the main lobby.
Any unclaimed items will be donated to Good Stuff Thrift or discarded as appropriate. Please take a look soon!
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Dinner With The Pastor
Join us for Dinner With The Pastor! This is a wonderful opportunity for casual fellowship with church members from different worship services and with Pastor Sunil and Pravena. Sign up here for our next Dinner with a Pastor on Wednesday, September 10, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Details:
· 4 participants per service (limit of 12 people)
· Dinner will be provided
· A brief, relaxed evening to fit your busy schedule
Can’t make it this time? A future dinner is planned for Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
We hope to see you there for good food and meaningful connections!
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Men's Breakfast
Saturday, September 13
8:00 am, Overholt Hall
We will have these breakfasts the 3rd Saturday of each month. This month it is a week earlier due to the Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event. If you have any questions or if you would like to RSVP, please contact Pastor Sunil.
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Saturday, September 20, 2025
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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2025 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 band enjoyed seeing familiar faces they hadn’t seen in a while. We return to our Uplifting Worship Service this Sunday, September 7 at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. Please join us if you are able to embrace the fall church season.
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Financial Report for the Seven Months Ended July 31, 2025
Submitted by: Allen Mason (Finance Chairperson) and Karen Sablyak (Treasurer)
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Income: Income for July was very positive with the receipt of annual giving of $47K from various members. This resulted in the higher-than-expected income for the month. YTD (Year-To-Date), we are still behind budget by $168K. Blessings to our generous members and a BIG THANK YOU!
Disbursements: July disbursements are less than in prior months becasue we received a refund of a prior month's vendor payment and a return of a security deposit. Realm has been discontinued as of 7/31, thus eliminating the duplicate expense beginning in August. YTD, our disbursements are nearly $20K less than budget since staffing costs & trustee expenses have remained under budget – REJOICE!
Net Cash (Deficit): The additional annual giving combined with reduced expenses provided DUMC with positive cash flow in July which is truly a blessing. YTD, there is negative cash flow of ($146K).
DUMC is as active as ever and the Peach Festival added back the flea market booths for vendors. We couldn’t be a successful church without the many hands that are working behind the scenes to fulfill God’s mission for DUMC. We are so very thankful for the generosity of our members to cover our deficits and remain faithful to God that he has a plan for all of us. AMEN!
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – REJOICE!” —Philippians 4:4 NLT
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Lay Leader Insights:
PATIENCE
“Patience isn't about gritting your teeth and trying harder to wait well. Patience is learning to rest in God's perfect timing while trusting his heart for you, even when you can't see what he's doing behind the scenes,” says author Graham Cooke.
Read more....
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September Mission of the Month:
DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH
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The Doylestown Area FISH is a 100% volunteer-run organization, so all the donations go directly to benefit their callers. Volunteers are educated in area resources and have working relationships with the organizations they refer to. All their funding comes from local sources: churches, individuals, and charitable organizations.
FISH provides services for unhoused and housing insecure individuals and families who live in the boundaries of the Central Bucks School District. They grant emergency shelter, emergency food aid, rental assistance, financial grants for utility bills, heating oil deliveries (100 gallons maximum), gasoline, and other bills associated directly with housing expenses. FISH receives calls seven days a week, between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Please support this great organization through the DUMC Mission of the Month.
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Click icon above for what to do before, during, and after donating blood.
Click HERE for eligibility requirements.
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Doylestown United
Methodist Church
Overholt Hall
320 E. Swamp Road (Route 313)
Doylestown, PA 18901
Tuesday, October 7
3:00 - 8:00 pm
Click button below or
call 1-800-RED-CROSS
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Volunteer Opportunity - JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Junior Achievement (JA) matches individual volunteers with local school teachers. JA provides the lesson plans and materials the volunteer needs to teach lessons in economics or STEM. Your commitment could vary from a single school day to a weekly one-hour visit for five to ten weeks. It all depends on the grade level of the program you choose. You can choose your classroom based on a number of factors.
Students love the hands-on learning opportunities that JA programs provide. JA volunteers are the critical component in the success of JA programs, and sharing their professional or personal experiences that align with JA program content helps students see how JA can help them achieve their dreams!
I taught JA years ago. I remember elementary school kids working on an assembly line making (paper) pizzas. Each kid added a different topping or had some other job as they moved the pizza down the assembly line. It was a fun experience for me and a nice change for the kids to hear from someone other than their teacher.
If you are interested, Click HERE, or call (267) 519-5307
Go do something!
Randy
| | *Click on the images below to join or volunteer. | |
Join in and share your talents!
We have a plethora of opportunities, from novice to skilled vocalists and musicians. There are also occasions when we need chaperones and volunteers to help with props, costumes, and scenery. Interested in participating? Click here for a full list of our musical and volunteer opportunities.
Mark the dates:
Carol Choir & Chapel Choir begins Thursday, September 11, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Sanctuary Choir Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Cherub Choir begins Sunday, September 14, 9:15 - 9:30 am
Youth Choir begins Sunday, September 14, 8:15 - 9:00 pm
2025/2026 Choir schedule
All are welcome, and no previous choir experience is required. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Hume.
For full details click --->Children's choirs/music
For full details click --->Adult choirs/music
| | *Click image below to sign up* | |
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!
**Elevation meal sign up for 25/26.
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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.
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Thank you for considering being part of our team and making a difference in the lives of our students!
| | BIBLE STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS | | |
The Wesley Class
Adult Bible Study
Sundays, 9:00 - 10:00 am, Room 2
"The New Testament You Never Knew"
by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird
Over the summer, we used the prior week's sermon for our discussion starter each week. Most recently we have had a few sessions about civil discourse. In the next week or two we will begin a conventional 8-week study, led by Phil Barnes. Scholars N.T. Wright and Michael Bird discuss Paul and take us on a tour of the story behind the New Testament.
Newcomers always welcome!
Email Betsy Bishop for more information.
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Unfiltered
Women's Bible Study
Sundays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm, Room 14/15
Returns September 7
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
"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: "God is Good" movie
- 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"
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Online Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, MS Teams
Returns September 9
If you would like to join us, or if you have any questions, please email Pastor Paul.
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Pastor Sunil's Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 am, Room 2
"Questions I Dared Ask The Pastor- Part 2"
Returns September 10
You can sign up in the lobby or email Pastor Sunil to let us know you're coming. Everyone is welcome, including newcomers!
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Wednesday Night Men's Group
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 8:30 pm, Room 2
"How Good Is Good Enough?"
by Andy Stanley
Began September 3
Newcomers always welcome! Email Ken Kugel or Randy Hume for more information.
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Ladies' Night @ DUMC
Friday, September 19
7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2
Presented by Laurie Lewis and Janelle Coller
Reflect is a night for women to come together, deepen our faith, and celebrate the goodness of God in our lives.
Take a moment to step away from the busyness of life to connect with one another and grow closer to God as we worship and watch a livestream from Elevation Church.
“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.
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DUMC New to the Faith Class
Sundays, September 28 - October 26
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.
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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).
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Monday nights
7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2
*Begins September 22
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Thursday nights
7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2
*Returns September 11
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Praying for our Congregation,
Community, and World
Praise & Thanks: Beautiful weather, God watching over us, safe travels, Artie's getting better, start of school
Health & Healing: Nancy, Brett, Paul, Carole, Nana & OG, Karen, Cliff, Nan, John, Singrella family, Uncle Bob & Tante Helen, Dave, Ed, Barb, Wendy, Chris, Tyler, Mabel, Jay, Bert, Ed, Linda, Artie, Matt, Wendy, Takara & Cody, Ambre, my son, Kathy & Elizabeth, Jim, Andre, Christopher
Guidance: Children in Minneapolis after shooting, safety on vacation, Julie & Amy, safe travels for all of us, start of school, homelessness, student confidence & healthy friendships, that our Earth is clean and healthy, Shannon, Brookdale patients, Danyelle & Cairo, Wendy and volunteers for children, people of Gaza, mental illness, Melissa, Marty, our sons, a friend, Carolyn, famine, those serving abroad, Olivia, Clark, Youth Ministry volunteers
Hospice: Sarah, Connie Thompson, Lisa
Grief: Family & friends of Rodolfo Masinsin (Father of Carlota Monte)
"The LORD delights in those who live in awe of him, who put their hope in his unfailing love". —Psalm 149:11
~Laurie Lewis and the Congregational Care Team
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Lunch Aides Needed
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.
| | COMING UP / SAVE THE DATE.... | | |
-DSP Meatball Monday, Monday, September 15, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
-Caring for Friends, Wednesday, September 17, 12:45 pm
-"Reflect": Women's Retreat, Friday, September 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
-RISE Against Hunger mealpack (flyer, register HERE), Sat., Sept. 20, 10 am - 12 pm
-DivorceCare begins, Monday, September 22, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
-DUMC Community Dinner, Wednesday, September 24, 6:00 pm
-New to the Faith Class, Sundays, September 28 - October 26, 10:00 - 11:00 am
-Book Group, Sunday, September 28, 4:00 pm
-12 Hours of Prayer, Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
-Kids' Club returns, Wednesday, October 1, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
-Karaoke Night, Friday, October 3, 6:00 pm
-Alpha Marriage Course, Sunday, October 5 (7 weeks), 1:00 - 2:30 pm
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Tuesday, October 7, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
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Tuesday, December 16, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
-Men's Breakfast, Saturday, October 18, 8:00 am
-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
-Dinner With The Pastor (for more info CLICK HERE):
| | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT.... | | |
"Shall We Gather At The River"
Grace Silva, Organist (Arr. Young)
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"One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)"
Sounds of Faith
| | *Doylestown United Methodist Church CCLI # 7127647* | | |
Click HERE to watch
Sunday's Worship Services:
9:00 am Uplifting Worship
10:10 am Liturgical Worship
11:11 am Word and Worship
Offering
| | 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
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
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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)
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