Week of October 5, 2025

Included in this issue (this week):

  • October Mission of the Month: HOPE INTERNATIONAL - Give | Watch
  • October is Pastor Appreciation Month
  • Pastor's Corner - October
  • 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
  • Discipleship Leadership Training, Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Pastor Appreciation Day, Sunday, October 12
  • Presentation to the Ministry, Sunday, October 12, all 3 services
  • Required Minimum Distribution Meeting, Sunday, October 12, 3:00 pm
  • Youth Mission Trip Meeting, Sunday, October 12, 5:30 pm
  • High School Fall Trip (registration/volunteers), 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
  • Celebration of Music, Sunday, October 26, 4:00 pm
  • DONATIONS NEEDED - Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Sun., Nov. 2, 5 - 7 pm
  • Volunteer opportunity article - DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH
  • DUMC app help and details
  • Handbell volunteer details
  • Preschool news and signup
  • Church Library

Current Worship Series

"Our Stories That Make Us"

9:00 am

Uplifting Worship

Wesley Class

Nursery

Sunday School

Anchor

No Fusion 10/5

Elevation


  10:10 am

Liturgical Worship*

Nursery

 

11:11 am

Word & Worship*

Nursery

Kids' Word (1st & 3rd Sundays)


*Live broadcast

For links:

DoylestownUMC.com

Communion Sunday

October 5 – World Communion Sunday/Youth Missions

John 13:34–35


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 28: 193

Online attendance: 356*



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 this Thursday, October 9 from 10:00 - 10:30 am for assistance.

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.

Discipleship Leadership Training

(half-day retreat)

Saturday, October 11, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

DUMC Worship Center


You are invited to join us for a special discipleship training with Rev. Gina Yeske, a United Methodist facilitator from the Greater New Jersey Conference. Together, we’ll explore what it means to grow as Christ-followers, define discipleship, identify signs of spiritual maturity, and consider how our church’s programs align with this vision. A light breakfast, coffee, and lunch will be provided—please indicate any dietary restrictions when signing up. Please SIGN UP HERE.


Come ready to engage with other invested leaders as we seek God’s direction for DUMC’s future. A brief pre-retreat assignment will help us prepare for this important day.

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.

Discover Our Church Library

Rooms 14 & 15


Did you know our church has a library filled with Bibles, Bible study courses, and spiritual books to help you grow in faith? Many in our congregation aren’t aware that this resource is available, and we invite you to stop by and explore it for yourself. To make the library even more welcoming, we are in need of a bookshelf donation. If you have a gently used bookshelf you’d like to donate, please email

John Benson. Your donation will help us better organize and share these spiritual resources with our church family.


Thank you for your generosity!

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.

 

FEATURE ARTICLES

 

Pastor's Corner:

Our Stories That Make Us

 

Everything in our lives is a story, and together, all of our stories make us who we are. The people we encounter, the events we experience, the passage of time, and how we respond to each moment—even if no one else sees that response—form us in some way. The woman of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:7-16 is an example. Elijah the prophet had prophesied a famine that devastated the land and the people in it. Well into the famine, God told Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow would provide him with food.


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

 

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

 

*2025/26 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

Volunteer Opportunity - DOYLESTOWN AREA FISH

 

As a volunteer, you can choose which days and how often you are available each month. All you need is your own computer and phone. Volunteers are trained in local resources and have working relationships with partner organizations. We are always looking for caring individuals…like you! If you are interested, email HERE.



Go do something!

Randy

*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*

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".

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. Male volunteers needed-click here!

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: Autumn weather, Eagles, Phillies, feel welcome here, God's direction, Randy & Stephanie Hume's 40th Anniversary, visit daughter, travel to Greece, CB West Cheer, vacation in Maine, Chris's new job, Youth Retreat, Community Dinner


Health & Healing: Kate, Tom, Linda, Nathan, Samuel, Jeannine, Alex, my Dad, Cathie, Cliff, Paula, Darlene, Bill, John, Trevor, Pastor Sunil, Kristiana, Brett, Greg, Milo, Dan Russ, Daniella, Maggie, Carole, Ann, Lauren, Fred, Stan, Donna, Wendy, Takara & Cody, Ambre, Kathy & Elizabeth, Jim, Andre


Guidance: More listening & less talking, wisdom & guidance with Reese, cousin, Cliff, Michael, my children, open minds, Harper, peace in America, coworkers on H-1B visa, unity, strength, truth, compassion, forgiveness, empathy, reminder that Jesus commanded us to love everyone without exception, people with financial problems, victims of Michigan shooting, NC shooting, oil spill, Mike's accident, Gaza, our sons, Carolyn, Christopher, those serving abroad, Olivia, Clark, Youth Ministry and volunteers


Hospice: Jackie, OG, Deb & Charlene, Ed, Lisa


Grief: Family & friends of Mary Myers (mother of Sue Barger) and Connie Thompson.


"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer". —Romans 12:12


The prayers 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....

 

-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

-Celebration of Music, Sunday, October 26, 4:00 pm

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

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

-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

-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....

"Trust In You"

Sounds of Faith

"Even So"

Sanctuary Choir (Arr. Shevy)

"Rescue Story"

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)