Welcome to Newark UMC! We’re glad you’re thinking about visiting.
Newark United Methodist Church (NUMC) is a congregation with open hearts, open minds, and open arms. We welcome and affirm you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, regardless of your race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, social or economic status, physical and mental ability, or religious affiliation.
We are all God’s beloved children.
All you Need-To-Know before or during your first visit to NUMC!
Sunday Worship Services
| Service | Time | Style & Highlights |
| Traditional with Communion | 8:00 AM | Quiet, intimate, hymns, weekly Communion. |
| Traditional Worship | 9:30 AM | Classic service, hymns, Chancel Choir, live-streamed online. |
| SonSpirit Contemporary | 11:00 AM | Energetic, modern music, upbeat band, relaxed feel. |
What to Expect
Attire: Come as you are – we care about YOU, not what you’re wearing.
Service: Bulletins guide you through every step of our traditional services. Digital media guides the way through our contemporary service. Participate as you feel comfortable.
Communion: Christ’s table is open to all. Instructions are provided during service, and it is your choice how you participate, if at all.
Children & Families FAQ’s
Where should I take my child?
Check in with a Volunteer in Cokesbury Lobby and then go to the sanctuary as a family together. Kids 5th grade and under will go to worship with you until the Children’s Message.
The Youth class (6th grade and up) meets in room 109 at 9:30 for lively discussion and do not go up for dismissal from the sanctuary.
Do children remain in worship?
No, they start out in Worship and dismiss to Sunday School after the Children’s message.
Where are the children's classrooms?
The classrooms are in the Sunday School hallway Rooms 102 (Preschool), 103 (K-2nd), the Chapel (3rd-5th), and Room 109 – Youth (6th grade and up)
What if my child needs me during worship?
If your child needs to find you during worship, we have assistant teachers that can bring your child to you. If you need to contact your child, we encourage you to find an usher in the service who can help connect you.
What are the certifications of the Sunday School teachers?
All our teachers have had background checks and follow Safe Sanctuary procedures.
We want your family to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Parking & Getting Here
Main Lot: Enter via 62 East Delaware Avenue (GPS). Walk straight into the Welcome Center.
Church Address: 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.
Overflow Parking: Free on Sundays (7 AM–1 PM) in municipal lots #1, #3, and #6.
Accessibility: Accessible parking and entrances are located off Delaware Ave and Main St. An elevator serves all main building areas.
Connect Beyond Sunday
Ministry Highlights
Music Ministries: Choirs, handbells, and contemporary band.
- Covenant Discipleship (CD) Groups: multiple meeting times available
Faith & Service: NUMC, local, and global ministries
- Sunday School: available on Sunday mornings
Contact Us
Phone: (302) 368-8774
Email: newarkumc@gmail.com
Staff
The staff at Newark United Methodist Church plays a crucial role in the day-to-day administrative operation of the church, assisting the pastoral staff and allowing them to attend to pastoral ministry. Please call us at 302-368-8774 and use the following extensions or contact us via email:
Pastoral Staff
Pastor Tonya McClain, Senior Pastor, ext. 1117, e-mail: pastortonya@newark-umc.org
Rev. Ward Mesick, Campus Pastor of the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware, ext. 1108 or 302-368-8802 (direct), e-mail: wardmesick@gmail.com
Rev. Kevin Smith, Deacon, e-mail: klsmith1920@gmail.com
Administrative Staff
Julia Logan, Office Administrator and Director of Children & Families Ministries, ext. 1116
Lisa Santare, Communications Manager 302-494-1038
Rob Cappiello, Business Administrator, ext. 1114
Pat MacKenzie, Bookkeeper, ext. 2114
Rob Kennan, Director of Music, ext. 1017 or 302-368-8034 (direct)
Mandy Manzella, Preschool Director, ext. 1110 or 302-368-1754 (direct)
Jill Hall, Preschool Administrative Assistant, ext. 2110
Simplified Board
The pilot leadership body within our congregation that plans, coordinates, and implements our church’s official programs and earmarks the resources to do so. The Board also performs various administrative duties and ultimately envisions, plans, implements, and annually evaluates the mission and ministry of Newark United Methodist Church.
The Simplified Board generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.; the meetings are public and open to everyone.
- Facilitator: Peter Schmalz
- Finance: Bruce Yost
- Lay Leader: Kate Philipp
- Nurture: Carol Raynolds and OPEN
- Outreach: Lisa Chieffo and Susan Tretta
- Staff/Parish Relations: Mark Werrell
- Trustees: Peter Schmalz
- Witness: Deede Cataldi and Dwayne Dantzler
- At Large: Stephanie Givler
- Lay Members to Annual Conference: Mark Deshon, Susan Sheldon
- Youth: Jackson Logan, Joseph Logan, Gabby Severson
Ex Officio:
- Rob Cappiello, Business Manager
- Rob Kennan, Music Director
- Julia Logan, Christian Education
- Pat Mackenzie, Bookkeeper
- Lisa Santare, Communication Manager
- Mandy Manzella, Kim Turner, Newark Methodist Preschool
- Ward Mesick, Wesley Campus Minister
Lay Leaders
The office of Lay Leader is the highest non-clergy position within a local United Methodist congregation. Individuals who are Lay Leaders are seasoned Christians who can represent the congregation’s concerns to the pastoral staff and Church Council and assist the pastoral staff with a number of church rites, including baptism and reception of new members, and occasionally plan worship services.
- Mark Werrell (lead)
- Kate Philip
- Marina Espiritu Lutz
- Gabby Severson
- John Sullivan
If you’d like to get in touch with one of the Lay Leaders about any issue, please contact us and select “ATTN: Lay Leaders” as the subject of your message.
Connectional Leaders
Within our episcopal area, we are led by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, presiding Bishop of the Philadelphia Area of The United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Joseph Archie, Superintendent of the Delaware District of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference.
About our denominational connection
Voting members who currently represent our congregation at the Annual Conference of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference are:
- Susan Sheldon (Lay Member to Annual Conference)
- Mark Deshon (Lay Member to Annual Conference)
Employment Opportunities
Ministries change, as well as the people who support them. We are always looking for talented individuals to lead and contribute to our ministries. Please periodically visit this area as we post current needs and opportunities.