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Included in this issue:
- This week we celebrate Communion and the second Sunday in Advent
- The Vine gives thanks for your abundant response to their Thanksgiving project!
- Contributions for A Woman's Place/Mom's Shop due Wed., 12/9
- Learn more about our exciting All Church Bible Study...coming in January!
- Poinsettia orders are due December 11!
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Photo credit: Becky Van Dine
Street light projecting the lamp
onto the DUMC sanctuary wall.
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9:00 am
Contemporary Worship*
Sunday School/Anchor
(No Fusion this week)
Wesley Class
10:10 am
Liturgical Worship*
11:11 am
Word & Worship*
Kids' Word
*Live broadcast
For links: DoylestownUMC.com
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November 27, 2022
First Sunday of Advent
Hope
December 4, 2022
Communion Sunday
and
Second Sunday of Advent
Peace
December 11, 2022
Third Sunday of Advent
Joy
December 18, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Love
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Would you like to
light the Advent candles?
Families or groups of friends are invited to participate at each service between this Sunday and December 18. Responsibilities include lighting the candle(s) and reading the Advent liturgy.
Please sign up on the clipboard in the lobby welcome center or call the church office (215-348-5224) to volunteer.
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Recent worship statistics:
Thank you to all who worship with us in person and online.
Total attendance for November 27: 492
Total attendance includes online statistics. Online numbers represent the number of views
(or households), not the number of individuals watching.
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DECEMBER 18, 4:00 pm
Come experience the wonder of Jesus’ birth at our Children’s Christmas Celebration on December 18 at 4:00 pm. Children will gather to depict the story of the first Christmas, with musical performances by our children’s choirs and handbells. Immediately afterwards we will celebrate Jesus’ birthday with refreshments, activities, and a very jolly guest! Click the button below to let us know you are planning on joining us! All are welcome!!
| Volunteers are needed to help with costumes, participants, set up and clean up. Donations of refreshments for the celebration are appreciated. Please let Wendy or Laura know if you can help. | | | |
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GIVING TREE
DUE December 11
The Giving Tree has sprouted in the lobby for our annual collection of children’s gifts for Methodist Services. Help us trim the tree by taking an ornament and purchasing a gift for the child’s age that is indicated. Gifts should be returned unwrapped by December 11. Donations of wrapping paper and bags are also encouraged.
Click here for a Toy & Gift Wish List
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Looking for ways to share God’s love with others? Come join the fun by volunteering some time with DUMC Kids! Please let Laura or Wendy know if you are interested in joining us or click here to join the fun!
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Elevation – Sunday, December 4, 2022 – 6:00-7:30 pm
Join us this Sunday at Elevation as we look at the Christmas story from the perspective of a 1965 cartoon character named Linus. We will be discussing how it is not only the birth of Jesus that we are to focus on at Christmas, but the promise of peace and joy.
We will also be playing an interactive group game, eating food, watching our always hilarious Stupid Video of the Week, and having small group discussions.
Hope to see you there!
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Sunday, December 18
5:30-7:30 pm
Join us on Sunday, December 18, for our Tenth Annual Elevation Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. We will start off the evening by hanging out and eating some homemade food and other appetizers. We will then have our ugly sweater contest to see who has the most ridiculously awesome ugly sweater in the group. There will be prizes, and more winners than just the ugliest sweater! If you don’t have an ugly sweater or don’t want to participate, come in normal clothes and still enjoy the evening!
After the ugly sweater contest, we will have our white elephant gift exchange. All students are encouraged to participate in this gift exchange and bring in a gift that costs NO MORE THAN $5 or $10, or something that they would like to re-gift from home. Gifts should be wrapped. If you are not able to bring a gift for whatever reason, come anyway and don’t worry about it! We will have extra gifts available so that all students will have a gift.
We will end the evening with an ice cream sundae bar and a very special Christmas edition of our Stupid Video of the Week!
Hope to see you all there!
For more information, contact Pastor Paul: PGeorgulis@doylestownumc.com
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For more information about Grief Share and other programs of Caring Ministries, please click the link below or contact Pastor Sunil:
Email: Pastor Sunil
Phone: 215-348-5224
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Thursday nights
7:00-9:00 pm
Room 2
The new semester
begins March 9.
Click here for more info or to register
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From the Desk of Pastor Sunil | | |
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“It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a 1963 song made famous by Andy Williams. Maybe that’s overstating it, but I kind of agree...but for very different reasons than the song mentions. It’s “wonderful” because God actually showed that he meant what is written about him - “God so loved the world (you and me)…,” by sending his son to be born as baby Jesus.
The Incarnation (God becoming human) is full of so many meanings, but what I love the most is that Christmas means that God will stop at nothing to show that he is for us, with us, and wants to be in us! Christmas changed everything in history because of the coming of Jesus, and it should change everything about our lives as well – because of the coming of Jesus into our lives! May Jesus truly be the reason you sing or hum along to “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
I’m excited about all that DUMC has in store for this Christmas season – worship, concerts, opportunities for generosity. But I am also excited to announce a 7-week “all-church” Bible study and sermon series beginning January 8, 2023. It’s called “For the Life of the World: Letters to the Exiles.” Please be sure to be a part of it! (Scroll down for more information.)
Wishing you and your families a truly joyous and blessed Christmas season and New Year 2023.
Blessings,
Pastor Sunil
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Lay Leader Insights:
Listen, Learn & Love
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We can communicate in many different ways in the 21st century: by phone, text, through social media, email and by snail mail. There are many different ways to make ourselves understood through words and body language. Sometimes the unspoken message we send through our posture communicates volumes.
When we use "voiceless" communication our mood or intent can be misinterpreted. Misunderstandings can result.
Read more....
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December
Mission of the Month
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As the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Committee on Relief – UMCOR – assists United Methodists and churches to become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable.
Read more....
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Kingdom Growth:
Priorities
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Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31
God calls for each of us to seek his Kingdom and promises abundance to all who make Jesus the Lord of their lives. What a tremendous gift, one that we should share with everyone we meet. His
Read more....
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Praying for Our Congregation,
Community, and World
Praise: Thankfulness, family, Sherri, the beauty of the earth, Congregational Care Team
Health & Healing: Bob, John, a friend who had surgery, Prerna, Karen, Arlene, Lauren, Marcy & John, Doris, Hank, Arlene, Kay, Elizabeth & Kathy, Leslie, Reese, Melissa, Greg, Joe, Arthur, Morgan, Lindsey & Ingrid, Jason, Ed, Joanna, Beth, Nancy, Unnattee
Life Struggles: Travel mercies, my parents, our church, Sherri, Dana, healing for a family, CBSD, our country, Ukraine, military serving abroad, those without faith, healing of racism
Hospice: Randy, Theresa, John, Neila
Grief: Family & friends of Georgi and Linda
"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.
And always be thankful."
Colossians 3:15
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Our next
Twelve Hours of Prayer
will be on Wednesday, December 7
Sign up now to tap into the power of prayer...linked to your DUMC sisters and brothers! Let's cover the ministry of this congregation in a solid twelve hours--and see what God wants to do in, through, and among us!
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Current & Coming Bible Studies | |
Coming in early January....
an All-Church Bible Study!
For the Life of the World:
Letters to the Exiles
For the Life of the World is an entertaining film series that explores the deeper meaning of Salvation. Have you ever wondered, “What is my Salvation actually FOR?” Is it only about personal atonement (the reconciling of God and the individual through Jesus Christ), about getting to heaven, or something that comes later? Is it just to have a “friend in Jesus?”
Read more....
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Pastor's Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Wed., 10:00-11:30 am, Room 2
12/7 (last week in this series)
COLOSSIANS:
Making a Challenging Book Look Easy
Please watch this video for an overview of the book:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/colossians/
Starting January 4, the Wednesday Morning Bible Study will be focusing on the All-Church Bible Study, "For the Life of the World".
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Men's Bible Study
Wed., 7:30 pm, Room 10
Coming up:
December 7 & 14:
Movie:
"The Legend of Bagger Vance"
January 4 - All Church Study:
"For the Life of the World"
New men are welcome at any time, especially during the All Church Study!
For more info:
ken.kugel4@gmail.com
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The Wesley Class
Adult Bible Study
Sundays - 9:00 am
Room 2
CLICK HERE to join the class by Zoom!
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Reflections Women's Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Room 2
Coming in January....
Reflections will be participating in the All Church Study (see above).
Newcomers are very welcome!
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Pampered by Grace
Sundays @ 6:30 pm, Rm 22
Coming in January....
Pampered By Grace will be participating in the All Church Study (see above).
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Donations needed by Friday, December 9 | |
A Woman's Place Holiday Party
Donations Needed!
As in previous years, DUMC will be hosting a Holiday Party for clients of A Woman's Place (AWP). AWP has provided the community free, private, confidential, and comprehensive shelter, service, support, advocacy, outreach, training, and education for victims of domestic violence and their children for close to 40 years.
Read more and see how you can help!
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Also requested for A Woman's Place
Each family will also be sent home with a holiday "goody" bag. These bags will include donated gift cards for:
- Grocery stores such as Acme, Giant, Weis
- Gas stations such as Wawa
- Drug stores such as CVS or Rite Aid
- Target/Walmart
Please submit gift card donations to Rhelda Richards, Cindy Biehl, or place them in the specially marked box in the lobby no later than Friday, December 9.
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Please join us for the
Children's Christmas Musical
Miracle at Midnight
Sunday, December 11
at 2:00 pm
Good morning, Bethlehem! Another day has dawned in this little town, and its citizens are bustling with activities. Bethlehem's mayor and his staff of one are hard at work announcing the new decree from Caesar Augustus. Meanwhile, angels are polishing their halos in Heaven for a big announcement, and a young couple from Nazareth is preparing for their first child. By midnight, a miracle has occurred which will change the world forever!
Come support our talented kids! It is sure to be a moving and worshipful experience for all who participate in and hear it. Celebrate the wonder of God's love with "Miracle at Midnight!"
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Christmas Poinsettias
Would you like to help beautify our sanctuary for Christmas Eve? You may purchase Poinsettias to help create the spectacular Poinsettia tree that adorns the front of the sanctuary.
$15/Poinsettia (all red)
Orders due by December 11
Send or deliver check or cash along with order form to DUMC. Please note "Poinsettias" on the envelope and check. (Order forms also available in the church lobby.)
Click here for details and manual order form
Or click here to order and pay online
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DUMC's gingerbread church needs your votes!
The Reason for the Season:
Holidays at Doylestown United Methodist Church
Don't forget to stop by the Peddler's Village Visitor & Event Center from November 18 to January 8 and cast your vote for DUMC's gingerbread church for the People's Choice Award!
Our thanks go out to Kim Bechtel, Amy Houser, Vada Houser, Macy LaRose, Kara LaRose, and Cynthia Collado for using your time and talents to create such a work of art!
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Christmas Eve Candlelight
Worship Services
Saturday, December 24
*4:00 pm - Liturgical Worship Service* (Sanctuary) with Sounding Brass, Youth Bells, and organ
*5:30 pm - Word and Worship*
(Worship & Youth Center) with Power of Grace, Alumni Choir
7:00 pm - Contemporary Worship Service (Sanctuary) with Sounds of Faith and Men's Choir
9:00 pm - Liturgical Worship Service with Communion (Sanctuary) with Communion, Sanctuary Choir and Adult Handbell Choirs
*The 4:00 and 5:30 pm services will be live broadcast,
and recordings will be available on demand
one hour after they end.
Christmas Morning
Sunday, December 25
10:10 am - Service of Carols
(one in-person service only)
The 4:00 pm Christmas Eve service will be
available online at 10:10 am on Christmas morning.
The 5:30 pm Christmas Eve service will be
available online at 11:11 am on Christmas morning.
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Opportunities to Serve and Engage | |
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The Christmas Cookie Sale IS BACK!
Sunday, December 11
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Help support missions that reach many people locally and around the world by donating 5-6 dozen Christmas cookies for our Cookie Sale!
Cookie Donation drop off times:
- Friday, December 9 (between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm)
- or Sunday morning, December 11, by the end of the last service.
For more information, contact Kathy Kugel:
215-345-9079 or kakugel@verizon.net
And don't forget to come support our fabulous kids
while you stock up on lots of delicious cookies!
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Please join us for our annual Circle of Friends
Christmas party
We will be meeting at the home of Amy Wayne on Wednesday, December 14 at 4:00 pm. In lieu of a gift exchange this year, we are planning to collect gifts for The Grace Project. Please message Sue Holihan at smholihan@gmail.com for additional information and any questions.
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Mary’s Mission On-Line Auction III
to benefit
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January 9 - 14, 2023
100% of the proceeds will go to four partnerships of Discovery Service Projects:
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LAMB INSTITUTE, Honduras. A children’s home for orphaned and abandoned children (http://lambinstitute.org)
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RICE and BEANS, Costa Rica. Building community and feeding hungry people (http://rabmin.org)
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RAMON CELIS, Mexico. Building churches and community centers
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PRAYING PELICAN, Puerto Rico. Hurricane relief (prayingpelicanmissions.org)
A Cash and Carry Kick-Off Event will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm in the narthex. Purchase crafts, cookies, and more to get our fundraiser started. To join the January auction and be a live auction bidder, find us on Facebook by searching "Mary’s Mission On-Line Auction” and ask to join.
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Above: Pastor Ramon Celis, Jay Smith, Glenn Argue | |
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DSP invites you to join other volunteers on a mission trip to Merida, Mexico, April 2-10 and April 10-17. The group will finish building the school addition that we began virtually last year. One hundred seventy-five children attend this K-8 Christian Montessori School, including students with special needs. Students receive breakfast and lunch there each day. Pastor Ramon Celis, under whose trusted leadership we have done many projects, will be the coordinator, and will hire local workers and cooks.
Volunteers pay their own expenses of $1,500.00, which includes flight from Newark, ground transportation, motel, insurance, T-shirt, tips, and all meals (except travel days). The Board of Discovery Service Projects will raise $40,000.00 to cover local labor and construction material costs. Flights are open until December 25.
For more information, contact:
Susan & Erling Salvesen at: Erling18912@yahoo.com or
Karen Lyon at: lyonpool2@gmail.com
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Remaining training opportunities:
Sat., Jan. 7 or online
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Coalition to Shelter & Support the Homeless
Cold weather is coming, and it will soon be time to welcome our unhoused guests into a warm place and a hot meal. Is God tugging on your heart to help?
New volunteer training events are coming up. See how you can help provide for those on the margins of our society...who Jesus cared so much about.
Learn more and see in-person and virtual training options!
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Next Blood Drive @ Doylestown UMC
Wednesday, December 28
10:00 am-3:00 pm
Overholt Hall
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Click on the images below for more information. | |
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For even more ways to get involved at DUMC:
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Last week we delivered 70 Thanksgiving dinners and 70 bags of groceries! We would like to give a big thank you to this amazing community for all your donations. The meals went to a local youth shelter, the R.J. Leonard Foundation, and to the USO.
Read more....
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Winter Weather is Coming! | |
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Winter weather may soon be upon us....
Before you venture out when the weather is bad, please:
Check our church website at DoylestownUMC.com
or
Call the Worship Service Hotline
(267-245-7870)
We will have the closings or service changes on both. A determination will be made by 9:00 pm on Saturday evening for Sunday morning services.
During weekdays, we will generally follow the lead of Central Bucks School District regarding cancellations. Any additional evening closures will be decided by 4:00 pm.
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Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Anemos
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Celtic Advent Carol-Angerman/Barrett
Sanctuary Choir;
Carol Carpenter, Flute
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Be Sure to Save the Dates for These
Future DUMC Events
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- Sun., December 11: Children's Christmas Musical (2:00 pm) and Cookie Sale (begins at 1:00 pm)
- Sun., December 18: Children's Christmas Celebration (4:00 pm)
- Sun., December 18: Elevation Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (5:30 pm)
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Sat., December 24: Christmas Eve Services at 4:00, 5:30, 7:00, and 9:00 pm (the 4:00 and 5:30 services will be live broadcast; recordings will be available later)
- Sun., December 25: One in-person service of carols at 10:10 am (rebroadcast of 4:00 and 5:30 pm Christmas Eve services available online)
- Sun., January 1: 10:10 Liturgical Service and 11:11 Word & Worship
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For a more detailed calendar of what's coming up
in the next four weeks, Click here!
Your event isn't listed? Need to reserve a room?
Please call (215) 348-5224 or email Gay Brunt Miller.
Missed something in the last edition of Connections? Click here!
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Want to connect with a staff member?
Please feel free to call or email us!
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Wendy Arnott, Dir. of Children's Min
Pastor Sunil Balasundaram, Sr Pastor
John Bechtel, Business Administrator
Cindy Betancourt, Receptionist
Kristen Bound, Social Media Coordinator
Ken Buckner, Weekend Building Specialist
Mark Charles, Evening Building Specialist
Diana Durbin, Director-Adult Bells
Trevor Foster, AVL Technical Coord
Pastor Paul Georgulis, Assistant Pastor
Jane Gregoire, Director-Children's Bells
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Randall Hartman, Organist
Beth Houlton, Contemporary Worship Leader
Stephanie Hume, Director of Music
Laurie Lewis, Lay Leader/Min of Visitation
Ethan Luginbuhl, ProPresenter Tech
Amanda Mandia, Web Specialist
Gay Brunt Miller, Administrative Assistant
Scott Shead, Live Streaming Technician
Laura Siegle, Assistant Dir of Children's Min
Temple Sieger, 11:11 Worship Leader
Sean Smith, Facilities Manager
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Doylestown United Methodist Church
320 East Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
Main number:
215-348-5224
Worship Service Hotline:
267-245-7870
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If you have any family members or friends who would like to receive our eNewsletter, please click below to add their contact information, and we will be sure to include them. We want all of you to be a part of our eNewsletter, Connections! | | | | | |
