Week of September 28, 2025

Included in this issue (this week):

  • September Mission of the Month: DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH - Give | Watch
  • Middle School Fall Retreat, Fri., September 26 - Sun., September 28
  • *No Fusion and Elevation Sunday, September 28
  • New to the Faith Class, Sundays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 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
  • Gentle Christian Yoga, Thursday, October 2, 6:00 pm
  • Karaoke Night, Friday, October 3, 6:00 pm
  • 2025 DSP Honor Project, Friday, October 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • World Communion Sunday, Sunday, October 5
  • Alpha Marriage Course, Sunday, October 5 (7 weeks), 1:00 - 2:30 pm
  • Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 5, 3:30 pm
  • Blood Drive, Tuesday, October 7, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
  • Senior Seminar, Wednesday, October 8, 10:00 am
  • Presentation to the Ministry, Sunday, October 12, all 3 services
  • Required Minimum Distribution meeting, Sunday, October 12, 3:00 pm
  • High School Fall Trip registration, due Friday, October 17
  • Blessing Bags donation list, due Sunday, October 19
  • CHURCH CONFERENCE, Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 - 7 :30 pm
  • Rx Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 25, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 
  • DONATIONS NEEDED - Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Sun., Nov. 2, 5 - 7 pm
  • Sign up to assist or teach Fusion
  • Volunteer opportunity article - SCORE
  • DUMC app help and details
  • Thank-yous - DSP Meatball Monday, RISE Against Hunger, Community Dinner, and Hanging Baskets
  • Handbell volunteer details
  • Preschool news and signup

Current Worship Series

"Our Stories That Make Us"

9:00 am

Uplifting Worship

Wesley Class

Nursery

Sunday School

Anchor

No Fusion 9/28

Elevation


  10:10 am

Liturgical Worship*

Nursery

 

11:11 am

Word & Worship*

Nursery

Kids' Word (1st & 3rd Sundays)


*Live broadcast

For links:

DoylestownUMC.com

September 28 – Our Story of Purpose

John 21:15-19


October 5 – World Communion Sunday / Youth Missions


October 12 – Our Story of Suffering


October 19 – Laity Sunday


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 September 21: 231

Online attendance: 329*



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.)

Doylestown UMC App Launch


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!


Click HERE to view the information announced in Worship on September 7.


Need help downloading the app? Come to DUMC each Thursday from 10:00 - 10:30 am on the following dates: 10/2 or 10/9 for assistance.

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.

Gentle Christian Yoga

Thursday, October 2, 6:00 pm, Room 2

 

Join us for a Gentle Yoga class that blends wellness and spiritual growth. This 1-hour class is open to all levels, whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice. In this unique experience, we'll gently flow through traditional yoga poses and breathwork, while incorporating Christian prayers, Scripture readings, and reflections on faith. You'll leave feeling grounded and with a deeper sense of peace. Bring a mat and water. Any questions can be directed to the instructor, Theresa Steltzer (Bio), BS, MBA, RYT-500. We look forward to seeing you on your mat!

Community Karaoke Night at DUMC

Friday, October 3, 6:00 pm

Worship Center

 

Bring your family and friends for a fun night with your favorite songs! Free snacks and drinks. Wear a costume from your favorite movie or decade. Go to the DUMC Facebook page and comment on the karaoke post to tell us what you want to sing. Click here for a list of songs to inspire you.

“The Alpha Marriage Course”

Begins Sunday, October 5

1:00 - 2:30 pm, Room 22

SIGN-UP HERE

 

This 7-week course is designed for couples of all ages to help them build, strengthen, and continue growing their marriage. Couples will be equipped with tools to build a healthy marriage, strengthen their connection, or restore it if it has been lost. Watch this brief introduction to the course: Intro Video


There is no cost for attending this course; however, each participant is required to have their own journal. DUMC has purchased these journals and asks that participants pay for them once the course starts. The cost of the journal is $10. If the cost of the journal is a hardship, please let Pastor Sunil know, and we will gladly provide one for you. We don’t want finances to prevent anyone from participating in this vital course.

Senior Seminar at DUMC

Wednesday, October 8, 10:00 am

Room 2

 

You are invited to learn more about aging in place, keeping your independence, medication safety, navigating community resources, and more at our Senior Seminar. We will have time for discussion and questions. Presented by Happier At Home.

Required Minimum Distribution Meeting

Sunday, October 12, 3:00 pm

DUMC Worship Center


Do you expect to receive a distribution from your IRA or 401K plan this year?

Have you inherited an IRA or 401K plan?

Are you concerned about the tax effect of a required distribution?

For these and other questions, please join us. For more details, contact Bob Sanville at (215) 803-7882.

Interested in Handbells?


The Adult Handbell Ensemble and Adult Handbell Choir have rung in the new season. If you have rung bells in the past, or think you might like to try it, please contact one of the ringers or the director, Diana Durbin, (215) 801-0953. It is a fun activity for people who love making music.


The Ensemble meets at 6:30 pm, and the Choir at 7:30 pm on Monday nights, from the second week in September through the second week in May. Both groups ring in worship on the second Sunday every month, and for special occasions. Our membership spans all 3 worship services, and everyone is welcome.

DSP Meatball Monday - Thank you!


Dear friends, a hearty thank you to all who attended and/or donated to Meatball Monday, sponsored by Discovery Service Projects. This was truly a community event with attendees from DUMC and Lahaska UMC, the board and members of Discovery Service Projects, the board of Mount Gilead, Buckingham supervisor, Paul Calderaio, neighbors, and friends. Gifts are still coming in, though our current count shows we were able to raise well over $2,000. All proceeds will be going to the restoration of Mount Gilead Community Church on Buckingham Mountain. To learn more about this historic landmark, click HERE.

Rise Against Hunger - Thank You!

 

Thank you to everyone who contributed prayers, donations, and themselves to our Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event on September 20. This year, we packed 15,000 meals in 90 minutes with approximately 65 people. It was a fun and rewarding event. We have now packed 205,00 meals in 17 events! With over 25,000 people dying worldwide every single day from hunger and hunger-related illnesses, mostly children, this event took one small step towards providing meals and sustainable help – education, agricultural, water resources – to those in the greatest need. Thank you to all our Hunger Champions who helped make a better life for another person! In the spirit of James 2:17, today we proved with our action that faith is not dead! A special thanks goes out to Sounds of Faith for providing awesome live music!

   

Get Involved – Make a Difference – Change the World

DUMC Community Dinner - Thank you!

 

Thank you to everyone who supplied food, helped set up, serve, and clean up the Community Dinner. Once again, the meal was a huge hit. It takes a village to make this work, and we have a great one!


We had around 75 people in attendance. The greatest news is we had more people from the community come including some from Code Blue. They were very appreciative of the food and fellowship. Tons of leftover containers were packed, and 36 Caring for Friends meals were made up.


Next month's meal will be on Wednesday, October 29 and is breakfast for dinner. Look for the signup sheet in the lobby and the SignUpGenius in Connections.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Cindy Biehl.

 

I am looking forward to seeing everyone again next month.

 

Best,

Cindy

Hanging Baskets - Thank you!

 

Thank you to an amazing crew of volunteers who never missed a day of watering throughout the summer months. Thank you to Judy Coleman, who helped with the planting. Thank you to an amazing crew who never missed a day of watering throughout an extremely dry and hot summer. Be sure to thank the following for their faithful service: Carol & Fritz Amt, Betsy Bishop, Dana Bozek, Janelle Coller, Laura Herbst, Sue Holihan, Judy & Al Kille, Shelly Mooney, Lisa Pitts, Sue Salveson, Joyce Sanville, and Sheri & Rich Shifman. A special thank you to Sheri Shifman for coordinating the online SignUpGenius - her contribution was invaluable scheduling 18 weeks of watering.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, October 25

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

 

This year’s Take Back event will feature 52 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.

 

FEATURE ARTICLES

 

Lay Leader Insights:

YOU CAN CARRY THIS


Recently, I heard a sermon by Pastor Holly Furtick of Elevation Church on the things we carry. She said that as Christians, we are called to carry things for Christ. 2 Timothy 4:5 says, "But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant."


Read more....

September Mission of the Month:

DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH

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.


Watch video....

 

SERVE & ENGAGE

 

DSP 2025 Honor Project

Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

Our 2025 HONOR project is to support Mt. Gilead in Buckingham with maintenance of the grounds: painting, yardwork, window washing, furniture polishing, sealing the siding, and more. Materials and lunch will be provided. To sign up, please contact Erling Salvesen, (267) 663-4282. For more details, see the flyer.

Click icon above for what to do before, during, and after donating blood.

Click HERE for eligibility requirements.

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

 

*2025 Blood Drives:

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

*2026 Blood Drives:

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

Volunteer Opportunity - SCORE

 

SCORE is a national non-profit with a chapter in Doylestown serving the region by mentoring small businesses and nonprofits get started, learn specific skills, or overcome challenges. SCORE mentors are usually retired business leaders who are assigned clients to mentor. SCORE also has volunteers who are subject matter experts (e.g., taxes, human resources, or preparing a business plan) and workshop presenters. For more information, click HERE or call (215) 943-8850.


Go do something!

Randy

*Click on the images below to join or volunteer.

 
 

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

MUSIC

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, Thursdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Sanctuary Choir Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Cherub Choir begins Sundays, 9:15 - 9:30 am

Youth Choir begins Sundays, 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

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*

Blessing Bags

Donations due Sunday, October 19


We are collecting donations for Blessing Bags to support those in need in our community. 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".

Youth Ministries 25/26 Calendar

Lenae Baldwin, Youth Director LBaldwin@DoylestownUMC.com

(267) 245-7871

 

*Click images below to sign up for each event*

Come join us for a fun-filled weekend in Washington, D.C. Youth in grades 9 - 12 are encouraged to attend. Click HERE for more information. Click on the image to register by Friday, October 17.

DONATIONS NEEDED

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

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


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.

Sign Up To Assist or Teach Fusion


Are you passionate about guiding and encouraging young people in their faith? Our Youth Sunday School (FUSION) is looking for teachers and assistants to join our team!


Whether you love leading lessons, supporting activities, or simply helping create a welcoming space for our youth, there’s a role for you. No prior experience is required—just a heart for mentoring and sharing God’s love.

 

BIBLE STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS

 

Paul Georgulis, Assistant Pastor

PGeorgulis@DoylestownUMC.com

(267) 245-7874

 

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

 

Monday nights

7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2

*Began September 22

Thursday nights

7:00 - 9:00 pm, Room 2

*Began September 11

PRAYER CORNER

Praying for our Congregation,

Community, and World


Praise & Thanks: Women's Retreat, 15,000 meals packed, reconnecting with old friend, guests in worship, Cyndi & Dean Tomlinson's 24th Anniversary


Health & Healing: Pastor Sunil, Trevor, Kristiana, Brett, Greg, Paula, Milo, Dan, Russ, Torie, Pennie, daughter in law's pregnancy, Nancy, John, Daniella, Maggie, Marty, Carole, John, Fred, Bob, Ann, Lauren, Donna, Linda, Wendy, Ambre, Linda, Takara & Cody, Kathy & Elizabeth, Jim, Andre


Guidance: Youth at Breakaway Retreat, peace in America, my coworkers with H-1B visas, unity, truth, compassion, forgiveness, empathy, strength, more Jesus and less politics, reminder that Jesus commanded us to love everyone without exception, people with financial problems, spiritual brokenness in our country, Sarah, Dani & I, family, our physical safety, Ann, Jay & Beth, safe travels, mental health, Julie & Amy, Melissa, DivorceCare, Ingrid, voices unheard, our sons, Carolyn, Christopher, famine, those serving abroad including Olivia & Clark, Youth ministry and volunteers


Hospice: Jackie, Connie Thompson, Deb & Charlene, Ed


Grief: Family & friends of John LaRose, Stephen Scott, and wife of Ken Weber


"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." —Isaiah 41:10


The prayers reflect the prayer cards submitted and not the opinions of the prayer team.


~Laurie Lewis and the Congregational Care Team

Our Next 12 Hours of Prayer:

Wednesday, October 1

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 10 minutes to praise and thank our amazing God...and bring the needs of our community, our church, and yourself before God's throne.

 

Sign up now to tap into the power of prayer. see what God wants to do in, through, and among you!

 

THE PRESCHOOL AT DUMC

 
 

COMING UP / SAVE THE DATE....

 

-Discipleship Leadership Training, Sat., October 11, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Worship Center

-Pastor Appreciation Day, Sunday, October 12

-Caring for Friends, Wednesday, October 15, 12:45 pm

-Kids' Club, Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

-Men's Breakfast, Saturday, October 18, 8:00 am

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

-Bring a Friend Sunday/Pancake Breakfast, Sunday, October 26, 9:00 - 11:00 am

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

-Book Group, Sunday, October 26, 4:00 pm

-Youth Hayride/Bonfire, Sunday, October 26, 6:30 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

-High School Fall Trip (registration), Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9

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

-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 (time TBC)

-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)

-GivingTuesday, 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):

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....

"Our God Is Greater"

Sounds of Faith

"Open My Eyes"

Anemos (Arr. Heffler)

"Left It In The River"

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

GIVE

Stay Connected:

Facebook  YouTube

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)