Week of October 19, 2025

Included in this issue (this week):

Current Worship Series

"Our Stories That Make Us"

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

October 19 – Laity Sunday

James 2:14-18



October 26 – Our Story of Service

 

NURSERY CARE

 

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 October 12 : 253

Online attendance: 441*



The in-person number includes children in Nursery, Fusion, Confirmation, Sunday School, Anchor, 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.)

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, October 18

8:00 am, Overholt Hall

 

We have these breakfasts the 3rd Saturday of each month. If you have any questions or if you would like to RSVP, please contact Pastor Sunil. 

Blessing Bags

Donations due Sunday, October 19


We are collecting donations for Blessing Bags to support those in our community who are in need. Each bag will be filled with everyday essentials such as toiletries, snacks, water, socks, and other small items that bring comfort and care. Your generosity helps us share God’s love in a practical way. Please consider donating items or contributing toward the cost of supplies—every gift makes a difference! The DUMC Children and Youth will be putting together the Blessing Bags on Sunday, October 26. Please contact Wendy Arnott with any questions.

 

For list of donations, click HERE. Monetary donations can be given in Subsplash under "Blessing Bags".

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).

...TRUNKS NEEDED FOR TRUNK-OR-TREAT!

We need volunteers to decorate a trunk for our trunk or treaters! It’s a great way to meet new people and refresh friendships.

*Email Wendy Arnott to sign-up!

DONATIONS NEEDED

Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Sunday, November 2, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

**Please drop donations in the DUMC lobby by Sunday, October 26


As most of you know, each year our students put on a Spaghetti Dinner to raise funds for their summer Mission Trip. Next summer, we will be going to Belle, West Virginia. This year’s Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, November 2.


To make this Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser as financially successful as possible for our students, we are asking for donations of all of the ingredients and supplies that we will need. This is where you come in…if you feel inclined to help us out, please feel free to purchase and donate items we have listed on a SignUpGenius.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, October 25

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

 

This year’s Take Back event will feature 48 public collection sites throughout the county. Simply walk up or drive up and drop in any unused, unneeded, or expired medications for safe disposal.

 

We collect prescription medications, over-the-counter, and pet medications, vitamins, vaping products, and more. Plus, select sites throughout the county will be collecting medications and sharps. Please see the flyer for locations and what's accepted.

 

Can't make it to Take Back Day? You can still safely dispose of your medications at one of the collection boxes located in Bucks County Police Departments.

 

Financial Report for the Eight Months Ended August 31, 2025

Submitted by: Allen Mason (Finance Chairperson) and Karen Sablyak (Treasurer)

Income: Income for August was the second lowest of the year at $49K. YTD, we are behind budget by ($220K).


Disbursements: August disbursements were lower than expected. YTD, our disbursements are $29K less than budget since staffing costs & trustee expenses have remained under budget – REJOICE!


Net Cash (Deficit): There was a deficit of ($34K) for the month of August, adding to the YTD negative cash flow of ($180K).


DUMC experienced a very busy summer with youth and children's activities and a successful Peach Festival, which collected more than $9,300. The many hands working behind the scenes to fulfill God’s mission for DUMC are truly a blessing as we remain faithful to God’s plan for DUMC. AMEN!


“Be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord’s work…. nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted.” — I Corinthians 15:58

FEATURE ARTICLES

 

Lay Leader Insights:

GREAT LOVE


Lamentations is a book of the Bible not often quoted. The book reveals the broken heart of the prophet Jeremiah over the loss of Jerusalem, the city of God, to the Babylonians. Five poems address human suffering and provide seeds of hope for rebuilding.


Lamentations 3:22 says, "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." A bold promise in the midst of destruction.


Have you ever felt broken, in need of rebuilding, with nothing going right? Perhaps surrounded by a mess of your own making? I've been there, wondering if God sees what is happening and feeling desperate for some answers.


Read more....

October Mission of the Month:

HOPE INTERNATIONAL

Hope International helps people improve their lives and see their dreams fulfilled. They help launch and coach community savings groups, who then choose their own goal to save for and manage their savings. Our goal for this Mission of the Month is to raise $2,700—enough to expand into new regions, support two churches, and launch six new savings groups. Please donate to the October Mission of the Month.


Watch video....

 

SERVE & ENGAGE

 

Next Caring for Friends meal assembly:

Wednesday, November 12 at 12:45 pm

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

THANK YOU!

 

Thank you to everyone who donated food and/or came to help pack the meals. 16 people met today and packed 185 meals consisting of baked ziti with meat sauce, frozen vegetables, and applesauce in only 35 minutes. What a great crew!


Our next meal pack will be on Wednesday, November 12 at 12:45 pm. We will be packing meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. We are packing a week early due to the Thanksgiving holiday.


I look forward to seeing everyone then.


Don't forget our October Community Dinner is Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 pm. Breakfast for Dinner......YUM!! Click HERE for the SignUpGenius or see the sign-up board in the lobby. You do not have to donate food to come enjoy the food, fun and fellowship! Hope to see you there.


Blessings,

Cindy

*Click on the images below to join or volunteer.

 
 

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

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

 
 

Kid's Ministries 25/26 Calendar

Wendy Arnott, Director

WArnott@DoylestownUMC.com

(215) 348-5224

 

*Click images below to sign up for each event*

Youth Ministries 25/26 Calendar

Lenae Baldwin, Youth Director LBaldwin@DoylestownUMC.com

(267) 245-7871

 

*Click images below to sign up for each event*

2026 YOUTH MISSION TRIP

Sunday, June 21 - Saturday, June 27


Youth in grades 7 - 12 are welcome to attend. Click HERE for more information and to register. Register by Saturday, November 15. Please email Lenae with any questions.

2026 YOUTH WINTER RETREAT

Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25

 

Come join us for a fun-filled weekend at Camp Orchard Hill in Dallas, PA. Youth in grades 7 - 12 are welcome to attend. Click HERE for more information. Click on the image to register by Friday, November 21.

 

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

 

"He's Where The Joy Is" by Tara-Leigh Cobble

25/26 Schedule

 

During this 7-week study (no meeting on 11/25) “[Tara] breaks down the intimidating doctrine of the Trinity. You'll discover a beautiful, foundational view of our Triune God that will transform how you relate to Him.”

 

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. Here's a sample of the first 47 pages. Feel free to watch that one on your own. 

 

Bring a friend; newcomers are always welcome! 

 

CARE AND SUPPORT

 

Becky Van Dine, Caring Ministries

(215) 813-7436

 

Monday nights

7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2


Thursday nights

7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2


PRAYER CORNER

Praying for our Congregation,

Community, and World


Praise & Thanks: Rain, Israel's & Hamas Agreement, Tyler 17th Birthday, Dan's testimony, CB West Senior Night


Health & Healing: Jayden, Chris, Dan, Jamie, Bob, Cathie, Kristen, a friend, a friend's mom, Bert, Ed, John, Sydney, Tom, Charlotte, Courtney & Altay, Kristiana, Greg, Jeannine, Alex, Bill, Cindy, Maggie, Carole, Lauren, Artie, Sara, Donna, Linda, Wendy, Takara & Cody, Kathy & Elizabeth, Donna, Linda, Wendy, Ambre, Jim, Andre


Guidance: Family, everyone, Jacob, Diana, Lisa & Cliff, Judeo-Christian values under seige, Ethan, oil spill, Scott, Government shutdown, our sons, Julie & Amy, Carolyn, those serving abroad, Olivia, Clark, Christopher, famine, Youth Ministry needs volunteers


Hospice: Betty, Jackie, OG, Deb & Charlene, Ed, Lisa, my brother, Val


Grief: Family & friends of Virgil


“Everything is possible for one who believes.” — Mark 9:23


*These prayer requests reflect the prayer cards submitted and not the opinions of the prayer team.


~Laurie Lewis and the Congregational Care Team

 

THE PRESCHOOL AT DUMC

 
 

COMING UP / SAVE THE DATE....

 

-Estate Planning, Wednesday, October 29, 12:00 pm

-DUMC Community Dinner, Wednesday, October 29, 6:00 pm

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

-Daylight Saving Time ends, Sunday, November 2, 2:00 am

-Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Sunday, November 2, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

-12 Hours of Prayer, Wednesday, November 5, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

-Gentle Christian Yoga, Thursday, November 6, 6:00 pm

-Children's Bible Presentations, Sunday, November 9, 9:00 & 11:11 am services (TBC)

-Caring for Friends, Wednesday, November 12, 12:45 pm

-Kids' Club, Wednesday, November 12, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

-Men's Breakfast, Saturday, November 15, 8:00 am

-Harvest Home Sunday, Sunday, November 16

-Youth Thanksgiving Dinner, Sunday, November 23 (time TBC)

-Thanksgiving Eve Service, Tuesday, November 25, 7 pm @ Our Lady of Guadalupe

-Church offices CLOSED - Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28

-Advent schedule, Sundays, November 30, December 7, 14, 21

-Thanks-Giving gift card collection, due Sunday, November 30 (TBC)

-Giving Tuesday, Tuesday, December 2

-Preschool gift collection for Christ's Home, Friday, December 5 (TBC)

-A Woman's Place holiday party donations, due Friday, December 5 (TBC)

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

-Giving Tree gifts, due Sunday, December 7

-Poinsettias for order, due Friday, December 12 (TBC)

-Preschool Cookie Kit Fundraiser, due Sunday, December 14 (TBC)

-Cookie Walk, Sunday, December 14, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (TBC)

-Children's Christmas Musical, Sunday, December 14, 2:00 pm

-Youth Christmas Party, Sunday, December 14 (time TBC)

-Blood Drives:

  • Tuesday, December 16, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, February 10, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, April 21, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, July 21, 3:00 - 8:00 pm

-Children's Christmas Celebration, Sunday, December 21, 10:10 am

-Christmas Eve Worship Schedule, Wednesday, December 24 (4, 5:30, 7, 9 pm)

-Church offices CLOSED - Thursday, December 25 & Friday, December 26

-Church offices CLOSED - Thursday, January 1

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

-Youth Winter Retreat, Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25

-2026 Youth Mission Trip, Sunday, June 21 - Saturday, June 27

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....

"Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing"

Adult Handbell Ensemble (Arr. Larson)

"Holy Manna"

Adult Handbell Choir (Arr. Hall)

"I Will Rise"

Power of Grace

*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

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

Brianna Beall, Wedding Coordinator

Kristian Frikke-Schmidt, 9:00 am Worship Leader

Bethany Pocceschi, 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)

Staff schedule: Church year

Summer

Schedule facilities: Cindy Betancourt

Submissions for Connections:

Noel de la Pena

(due Mondays by 12:00 pm)