Tom and Paula Dille took an active role at Princeton UMC — twice. First, from 1984-1987 (when their youngest daughter was a senior at Princeton High School) and then early 1995 to late 1996. Both times they were called away from Princeton to Raleigh, North Carolina as a result of demands in Tom’s work.
“We came to Princeton UMC pretty well grounded in our faith as we had been members in eight different churches before we got to Princeton,” says Tom. “For me, the most impactful activity was being able to be part of the men’s fellowship group. Paula feels that, while involved in several committees and groups, the two situations that meant the most were the small group women’s bible study (Monday Morning Group) and working with Pastor Jim Harris on leadership matters.”
Present: “Currently we are retired and living in Fort Collins, Colorado where we have been for 21 years which is a milestone. There are two important activities that are faith based that we have been meaningful. We chaired the task force on the Children and Poverty initiative started by the UMC bishops in the North Carolina conference. We also created the Dille/Dunbar Fund for schools for young women in Angola, Africa in 2004: The fund is channeled through Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ. This fund built and supports five schools in Angola through the Evangelical Congregational Church of Angola.”
At church now: “Our UCC church here in Fort Collins is taking full advantage of live streaming and zoom for worship, adult and children’s education and workable boards and ministry teams. We are heavily into immigration, racial issues, homelessness, open and affirming, and Justice & Witness. Like many people our stress is related to our national profile.”