An Ordinary Congregation Expecting an Extraordinary God
Dobbins Memorial United Methodist Church sits at 330 Union Avenue in Delanco, a small Burlington County community along the Delaware River. The congregation describes itself with a sentence that captures its tone: "We are ordinary people, with ordinary lives and ordinary problems, coming together for an extraordinary experience in God's presence." Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and is also broadcast online, and the building hums through the week with Bible studies, prayer gatherings, youth meetings, a walking prayer group, and outreach that reaches across Delanco and into neighboring towns.
A Heritage of Grace and the Wesleyan Way
As part of the United Methodist Church, Dobbins Memorial draws on a tradition rooted in the 1700s teaching of John Wesley. Wesley shaped the congregation's understanding of faith as something lived out through prayer, Scripture, small groups, worship, and caring for others. Faith, in this lineage, should make a difference in daily life and love.
At the center of the church's teaching is grace: "God's gift of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings" that meets people where they are and helps them grow into who God calls them to be. Two sacraments are observed. In Baptism, the church celebrates God's grace and the beginning or reaffirmation of a life of faith. At Holy Communion, the congregation gathers around Christ's table, remembers Jesus, receives God's grace, and finds strength for the journey ahead.
The Cross and Flame, the United Methodist symbol, points to the church's identity. The cross represents Jesus Christ, and the flame represents the Holy Spirit - a visual reminder that members are "called to follow Christ, guided by the Spirit, and surrounded by God's grace." Dobbins Memorial also makes a place for questions. Members value Scripture while welcoming thoughtful conversation, learning, intellect, and modern science.
Pastor Trinidad and the Leadership Team
Pastor Rev. Waleska Trinidad leads the church. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she moved to New Jersey twenty-three years ago and has served in pastoral ministry for twelve. She completed her Course of Study at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. A central passion of her ministry is mission and community engagement. She believes that ministry is about more than serving within the walls of the church - it is about building authentic relationships, listening to the needs of the community, and sharing God's love through meaningful action. Her ministry is grounded in grace, connection, and creating a welcoming space where people can grow in faith, serve others, and experience the love of God.
Supporting her work are Worship Leader Steve Moritz, Nursery Coordinator Jamie Kurtz, and Video Production Specialist Dave Convery.
Sunday Worship and a Place to Belong
Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and is available online for those joining from home. Visitors are welcomed to check in when they arrive so the church can get to know them. The service includes prayer, Scripture, preaching, and the celebration of the two sacraments. Visitors are invited to come as they are, with faith or with questions, in seasons of joy and in seasons of difficulty.
DM Kids, the Nursery, and DM Youth
DM Kids is the children's ministry. Children learn, play, and discover God's love through age-appropriate activities, creative projects, games, and snacks. Each child is treated as a beloved child of God, with the goal of helping them experience belonging and grow in faith as they learn what it means to follow Jesus.
Jamie Kurtz coordinates the nursery, giving younger children a safe place during worship and church activities. The church follows a safe sanctuary policy that includes background checks for adults working with children and a two-adult rule for supervision, following the practice of the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church.
DM Youth, the middle and high school ministry, meets on the first and third Sundays of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Its vision is "to empower youth to own their faith and unlock their God-given potential to boldly impact the community." Recent gatherings have included outings like escape rooms and ice cream nights.
Small Groups and Weekly Rhythms
A steady calendar of small groups fills the week. The Prayer Warrior Group meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to lift up prayers and praises for anyone who asks. On Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Crochet 101 gathers for laughter, stitches, and fellowship, and is open to anyone who wants to join.
The Women's Book Club meets monthly, with all readers welcome. Two Bible Study Groups are planned to begin in October. The Solid Grounds Men's Group meets on the third Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. for fellowship, food, and sharing.
Team Fit meets on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. in front of the church for friendly conversation, a walk along the river, and prayer for the community - a way to blend fitness, fellowship, and intercession.
Meals of Love, Good Counsel Home, and NJTIP
The church takes seriously the call to serve neighbors beyond its doors. Through the Meals of Love partnership with Beverly United Methodist Church, a monthly drive-through and walk-up meal and bag of groceries is offered with no eligibility or ID requirements, typically on the third Monday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. All food and pantry items come through in-kind and monetary donations from individuals, local churches, and organizations.
Good Counsel Home is a baby-item collection drive supporting homeless women and children served by Good Counsel Homes, an organization that has helped more than 7,800 families move from crisis to stability. A drop-off box at the parsonage at 330 Union Avenue receives diapers, baby wipes, bottles, sippy cups, clothing, socks, mittens, bibs, blankets, lotion, body wash, shampoo, towels, washcloths, Aquaphor, and baby laundry detergent.
The church also highlights NJTIP, an organization dedicated to helping people suffering from addiction and mental illness, and supports the work of the Hope for Families with Addictions support group. On its resources page, the church points neighbors toward the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), Exhale Women's Fellowship in Riverside, and the Community Counseling Center of Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association, which offers grief support groups among its programs.
A Place for Every Question and Every Season
Dobbins Memorial frames its invitation in plain language: "You are welcome here." Faith is a journey, the church says, and no one has to walk it alone. Its vision is "to be a relevant source of hope in Christ for our church family and the community by offering experiences that people need and want," and its mission is "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Whether someone arrives in a season of joy or a season of difficulty, with confident faith or a long list of questions, the doors at 330 Union Avenue open onto a community built on grace, fellowship, and a place to belong.