August 2018 Circuit Rider

Plainfield United Methodist Church’s 5-year project to ensure a person's experience with PUMC's building matches our words of grace and welcome

Pastor Charlie Wilfong Senior Pastor, cwilfong@pumc.org

Praying for You

The Staff at PUMC meets weekly on Tuesday mornings. Those meetings are meaningful and helpful to me. I always leave encouraged by our time, study, work, and prayer together. We have a strong staff team.

We share Glory Sightings, observing God’s work in our lives for good. Someone shares devotions and we often discuss an article or book we have read. I’m also proud of the way the PUMC Staff discusses growth in personal discipleship so that we are always helping each other grow as followers of Jesus.

Prayer is an important part of our gatherings along with the routine coordination of activities and reporting on our various ministries.

We divide into small groupings to pray for each other. And we pray for you!

The PUMC Staff prays for you!

We receive the Connection Cards collected from worship the Sunday before our meeting. All of the prayer concerns are reviewed. Those concerns only marked for “Pastors” 2

are only provided to our Pastors.

As staff members are aware of additional needs in the congregation, we hear those that are appropriate to share. We pray for the congregation of PUMC and individual members as we’re aware of their needs.

We have begun the practice of even more specifically praying for seven PUMC households in each staff meeting. Brent, our Office Manager, organizes this for us and selects the seven each week so that in the course of one year, we will have prayed for each household in the congregation in this way. The seven are not selected alphabetically.

We pray for seven PUMC households each week.

For staff members who may not know everyone, we share pictures if they are available so that we can all become more familiar with this large (roughly 1,100 members) congregation.

In addition to praying for each household, each staff member present signs a prayer card which will pumc.org

be mailed to the family. If for some reason a year goes by and you do not receive a prayer card from the PUMC Staff, please notify the office because there has been an administrative or delivery error.

We sign a Prayer Card for each household.

The card says, “We wanted you to know that we prayed specifically for you this morning in our weekly Staff meeting. If we can do anything further to help, please give us a call.”

Along with this message and staff signatures, each card also shares a scripture from Galatians 6:2. “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

We of the PUMC Staff love you, keep you in prayer, and seek to reveal the love and grace of God in our service. Please keep us and the ministry we all share in your prayers.

Go in peace. Go with God. And be well.

Shalom,

The Plainfield UMC App Available in the App Stores Download today at

pumc.link/getapp

Serving the Children of Plainfield

600 Simmons Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168-2264 pumc.org • 317.839.2319 Sundays Classic Worship: 8:45 & 10:00 a.m.

Preaching Chapel: 11:15 a.m.

NewDay Praise Worship: 8:45 & 10:00 a.m.

Youth Worship (grades 6-12): 10:00 a.m.

Bible Explorers (grades K-5): 10:00 a.m.

Office Hours: 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m. (M–F)

Table of Contents Praying for You 2 Classic Worship 4 Service Opportunities 4 Playlist 5 Thank You for Serving the Children of Plainfield! 7 God’s Lighthouse 8 Disciple Bible Study 9 Handbell Choir News 10 Youth Auction 11 Transforming for Tomorrow 12 Mission News 14 Church Council Report 18 Encore Senior Ministry News 20 Notes to the Congregation 21 Letter from Bishop Trimble 22 3

AUGUST CLASSIC WORSHIP

Service Opportunities

Classic Worship – 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary In August Classic Worship will feature “Key Lessons from the Old Testament.” Stories and characters from the Old Testament of the Bible will guide and illuminate each worship experience.

August 5 Celebration of Holy Food Pantry at St. Mark’s Communion One of the food pantries for which Transforming PUMC provides food and household

for Tomorrow

Commitment Sunday supplies is located at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Plainfield. They Faith & Fellowship Night are open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, as well as Thursday at Victory Field evenings.

On August 10, the Indianapolis Volunteers help with greeting Indians and Christian radio station clients and gathering bags/boxes of ShineFM celebrate Faith & Fellowship Night at Victory Field. The evening food for their use. More volunteers starts with a pregame concert with The would be very helpful to serve the Narrow and a faith testimonial from an needs of the community. If you Indians player. Then stay for the game would like to serve in this way, please to enjoy a night of baseball overlooking contact Pastor Ken Loudenback, kloudenback@pumc.org, or Ted the downtown skyline.

Underwood, familyassistance@pumc.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., org. Thank you! with gates opening in time for the pregame concert at 5:30 p.m. Fans who want to attend the pregame concert Coffee Ministry need a ticket for that night’s game.

Like coffee? The PUMC coffee ministry is looking for people who Tickets are $10.00 each.

Anyone interested in participating would be willing to help with this please email Pastor Ken Loudenback vital Sunday morning ministry. The at kloudenback@pumc.org or you can call commitment is for only one Sunday church office and leave a voicemail at per month and one hour of your time.

If you are interested, please email 317.839.2319. coffeeministry@pumc.org. Thank you!

(There are some tickets available at no cost for those who have need. Please contact Pastor Ken to learn more.)

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Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert Associate Pastor, egilbert@pumc.org

Playlist

It has been said, “Those who sing pray twice.” The Psalmist instructs God’s people to “Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. “ (Psalm 96) And the Carpenters encouraged everyone, regardless of vocal ability, to…. “Sing, sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long.

Don’t worry that it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing, sing a song.”

It’s nearly impossible to live a life completely untouched by music. At the very least you hear some when on hold on the telephone, or it’s a part of the background noise as you do your grocery shopping. Some of us almost always have music playing as we work, drive, or are at home. Some are a bit more selective about when and where and how they listen to music. Music is almost always a part of our Christian Worship experience.

In NewDay Praise Worship we have a talented group of musicians and technicians that make our worship music possible. I thank each one of you for your ministry of music! Our time together each week would not Serving the Children of Plainfield

be the same without all that you contribute. As you bring Scripture, prayer, and inspired lyrics to life each week through music, you help usher each one present into the presence of the holy and living God. In NewDay Praise Worship in August we are going to explore the power music has to influence and impact our spiritual lives. We’ll let popular Christian music – and the stories behind the music - guide our worship, and we’ll be encouraged as we hear from musicians and artists about their own experiences in writing music, singing, playing instruments, and leading others in worship.

And if you love the music we sing and enjoy in NewDay Praise Worship, find our playlist in PUMC’s mobile app. If you haven’t downloaded it already, search your app store for Plainfield UMC. Among the many resources you’ll find there is a NewDay Praise Worship Playlist.

Check it out and join us on Sundays in August for Playlist: Music of the Faith.

Continued on page 6 5

Continued from page 5 In NewDay Praise Worship, like all of PUMC’s worship experiences, we seek to create a space and an experience where people who don’t know Jesus can meet him, those who do know Jesus can grow in that relationship, and everyone can find a warm welcome and a safe place to ask questions and talk about faith. Invite a friend to join you this month for Playlist. We’ll save you a seat!

Blessings,

PUMC Men’s Group on Third Saturdays

Beginning with the third Saturday in August (Aug 18, 2018) PUMC will launch a Saturday morning Men’s Group. This monthly breakfast (9:00 a.m. every third Saturday at PUMC, door #14) is open to all men for Christian conversation and fellowship and a hearty meal. No long-term commitment is required; come when you can! To learn more, please contact organizers Don Meyer JustFaith@pumc at dmeyer@pumc.org or Todd Sprinkle JustFaith@pumc is a new small at tsprinkle@pumc.org. group that will be meeting on Sunday mornings starting on September 9 at 11:00 a.m. This group is for adults of all ages. We will be discussing topical subjects using RightNowMedia, as well as participating in all churchwide studies. Please join us in the Koinonia Room, the first classroom to the right just south of the main lobby. Email group leader Mike Rohrer at JustFaith@pumc.org if you have any questions.

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Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton

Director Worship Arts | Director Children’s Ministry, jwolverton@pumc.org

Thank You for Serving the Children of Plainfield!

What an amazing outpouring of love and compassion PUMC members have been displaying to the children of Plainfield. In June I witnessed volunteers giving of their time and resources to minister to over 68 children during the first ever Fine Arts Camp. These children learned about God through means of ceramics, painting, singing & drama.

The message was clear, “nothing, no nothing, can ever separate you from the love of Christ,” and neither can the impact be measured! The lives of the volunteers, and most importantly, the children, will forever be changed thanks to your generosity and support.

We have cast a vision for July that will touch the lives of the children again. We followed after love and compassion through a vision of handing out over 200 backpacks full of school supplies to our community’s children. The scriptures speak clearly in Luke 3:11 “And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” PUMC families, thank you for so graciously giving so that our witness for Christ Serving the Children of Plainfield

might be strong. I believe that God has blessed us and called us to be a beacon of light in our community.

Your tremendous outpouring through giving financially and through donations have touched many lives this year. God calls some to plant seeds, some to fertilize that seed, and others to harvest. I truly believe that God continues to use each of us to impact the lives of the families in our community on a daily basis. I pray that God would continue to cultivate the seeds of love and compassion that we are planting in these young children.

Families with Young Children are Invited!

On Friday, August 17, families with children in Kindergarten and younger are invited to a special event to meet other families dealing with the same joys, challenges, and opportunities that raising a family brings. PUMC members Brian and Sarah Witzig invite you to join them at their home, August 17, 5:30 p.m. (meal at 6:30, come whenever you can make it!)

Witzigs are providing hotdogs and Continued on page 8 7

Continued from page 7 hamburgers. Please plan to bring a side dish to share. Contact Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert, egilbert@pumc.org, or Children’s Ministry Director Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton, jwolverton@ pumc.org, to let us know that you will be attending and to get details about location. We are more together – join with other families for fun, support, and encouragement!

God’s Lighthouses Marge Welker

Genesis 1:3-4a (NRSV) says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good…” Most lighthouses are built near the sea or ocean so passing ships know where land is. One of the first lighthouses was built in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1716. Early structures were made of masonry or brick. In 1853 to 1909 they took on more style and were two stories high. Lighthouses were always important to the seaman who has lost his way driven by the wind and tossed by the sea. It is difficult to see one’s way when the night is dark, but as I John 1:5 (NRSV) says, “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.” We should consider ourselves as lighthouses to shine the way to the blind, lighting their path to see, through our words and deeds.

We should teach them that if they follow God’s word, they could have the never-ending light that comes with salvation. Let me leave you with I John 1:7 (NRSV), “…but if we walk 8

in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

New Adult Study

Making Sense of the Bible Denominations from evangelical to mainline continue to experience deep divisions over universal socia l issues.

The underlying debate isn’t about a particular social issue, but instead it is about how we understand the nature of scripture and how we interpret it. The world’s bestselling, most-read, and most-loved book is also one of the most confusing.

In Making Sense of the Bible, Adam Hamilton, one of the country’s leading pastors and Christian authors, addresses the hot-button issues that plague the church and cultural debate, and answers many of the questions frequently asked by Christians and non-Christians alike.

We are pleased to have Quentin Smith as our discussion leader for this six-part book study, with Adam Hamilton on video beginning on July 22. Plan now to join the Ordinary People Adult Class in the Wesley Room (room 21), on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome!

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Disciple Bible Study Ken Loudenback, Associate Pastor, kloudenback@pumc.org

Disciple Bible Studies Begin Soon!

PUMC offers many Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and small groups throughout the year. But each fall brings a special opportunity for study and spiritual growth in Disciple Bible Study Classes – a unique, intensive course in reading Scripture and building faith.

In each Disciple course, groups of 10-12 people make a nine-month commitment to daily Bible reading and weekly class participation.

Each weekly class session includes a short DVD presentation by a biblical scholar, and time for discussion and exploration of scripture and of what it means to live as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

If you’ve never taken a Disciple course before, you’ll want to begin with Disciple I. Disciple I does not require any previous knowledge of the Bible.

But whatever understanding you bring is valued, and Disciple encourages you to grow.

If you have already taken Disciple I, there are three other Disciple courses, each focused on a different section of the Bible. Beyond those, Disciple extends to a course on how Jesus Christ is portrayed in the four Gospels (Jesus in the Gospels), and a deep study of Christian doctrines and practices in Christian Believer.

Information about Disciple Bible Study will be in the Main Lobby and on pumc.org during the month of August. Stop by the display table or the website to sign up. And if you see anyone with a colorful, round pin on their PUMC nametag, ask them what Disciple meant to them. They’ll be glad to share, and you’ll be encouraged to a deeper understanding of faith.

For more information about Disciple Bible Study, or any adult Bible study, contact Pastor Ken Loudenback at kloudenback@pumc.org or 317.839.2319, ext. 226.

Serving the Children of Plainfield

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What’s Happening to the Bell Room?

Lynn Blosser, Handbell Choir Director, blosser@pumc.org

What’s happening is that we are gearing up for the fall! Not only have the handbells been refurbished and repaired, but the bell room has a fresh coat of paint thanks to some wonderful lay servants! Now all we need is YOU! Yes, in addition to returning handbell members, we have openings for new members.

FAQs What is involved?

A weekly handbell rehearsal and a monthly Sunday morning presentation at both Classic Worship hours.

Do I need to be able to read the music?

It helps for sure, but the two bells you will be responsible for will be color-coded for easy reading.

Is it possible to try ringing the bells before making a commitment?

Yes! Lynn Blosser, Director, and other bell members will be happy to show you how to ring the bell, explain how you find your note and let you ring away.

When do handbells rehearse?

Handbells meet on Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. for Joyful Praise Bells and 7:00 p.m. for Chancel Bells.

When do you begin?

Handbells begin for all participants on Monday, August 13.

Why handbells?

Why not?! In the Old Testament of the Bible, bells were sewn onto Aaron’s garment which he wore when he entered the Holy of Holies. Bells rang from bell towers to call people to worship and now we have sets of bells that can be played by a team of ringers – all for the glory of God! If I’ve piqued your interest the least little bit, please contact me at lblosser@pumc.org.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Psalm 95:2 10 pumc.org

PUMC Online Auction Update Dear Church Family and Friends: The auction items have started coming in for PUMC’s Youth Online Auction, but it’s not too late to make your own contribution to the auction happening in late August. We encourage you to explore your unique talents and what you can Get ready to point, click personally do to make a difference in and bid! the success of this auction.

Mark your calendars and get ready Shorts on ideas? to point, click and bid! Why??? You’ll • Well… do your family and friends be raising funds to make a difference brag about a special dish or dessert in the lives of young people on their you make? You’d be amazed how Christian journey and have fun many people would bid on that bidding on items in the process. meal or dessert!

Go to: • How about our church family and biddingforgood.com/pumcyouth. friends that are crafty? Handmade Thanks for your support. items are a special treat compared to mass produced items at the store.

• Do you frequent area businesses? Take the time to ask for their support with a donation.

• Are you a creative person with talents to put together a gift basket for bidding?

• Have an assortment of new gift cards or electronics? These are popular auction items.

• Have talents unknown by others but which would be fun to bid on and greatly appreciated at the same time?

The list of options is endless and only limited by whatever you’d like to donate.

Please fill out an Auction Donation Form and return right away. Forms are available at the Welcome Desk in the South Lobby at church and also online at pumc.org. Check under the programs section with the tab Youth Auction 2018.

Thanks for your support of our church youth auction. Questions? Email at auction@pumc.org.

With appreciation, Brenda Barnett and Diane Preusch, Auction Coordinators Serving the Children of Plainfield

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Transforming for Tomorrow Commitment Sunday August 5 Transforming for Tomorrow is a 5-year initiative of PUMC to ensure a person’s experience with PUMC’s building matches our words of grace and welcome. Capital projects to be completed during this time include repair and resurfacing of the existing parking lot, a new electronic exterior sign, kitchen renovation, updated restrooms, and so much more. With these upgrades and improvements PUMC will be able to continue vibrant and vital ministry well in to the future with a safe, attractive facility that will welcome and serve many people and families.

On Sunday, August 5, PUMC will celebrate this vision and launch a public fund-raising campaign. Even prior to this launch, faithful and generous members of PUMC have given and pledge nearly $300,000 to this initiative. On August 5, you will 12

be invited to join with these persons in transforming PUMC for its next years of ministry and service.

In anticipation of this event, please visit transforming4tomorrow.org.

You’ll find project information, documents, leadership contact information and more. And if you have questions, please be in touch with any pastor or the leaders you’ll find listed on the website. And you are invited to join leaders and the congregation in prayer, using our Transforming for Tomorrow Prayer…

Gracious and loving God, we are grateful for your extravagant blessings and benefits in our lives.

Thank you for the life, ministry, and witness of this congregation, Plainfield United Methodist Church.

Because of the faithfulness of past pumc.org

generations, we have experienced the nurturing embrace of the love and grace of your Son, Jesus.

Thank you for the opportunities we have to surrender our time, talents, and treasures to your service so that life among us may be as you intend.

For the higher purpose of truly demonstrating your love to all whom we influence, reach, and encounter, we sacrifice our personal preferences.

As you have been with your pilgrim people from the beginning, we stand in your promise to be with us through our journey.

Continue to inspire us with the unconditional acceptance ofyour Grace, dear God. Guard us in all of our work and witness with the transcendent Peace of Christ Guide us as we step forward with Serving the Children of Plainfield

the Hope of your Holy Spirit into the fruitful future which you have promised and prepared for us.

Grow in each of us the ability and willingness to give generously so that the future you envision for this congregation comes to be fully realized.

We pray together in the name of the One whose selfless, unconditional love we hope to clearly reveal in all of these things, your Son, Jesus Christ Amen.

Thank you for your prayerful, faithful, generous support of this ministry and Transforming for Tomorrow!

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Mission News

Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org

May Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement In May, a team of six from Plainfield United Methodist Church traveled to Henderson Settlement in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the beauties of going to Henderson Settlement is to meet the people in the locale and share laughs, as well as the opportunity to share God’s love. Two of our volunteers worked on quilts to sell in the gift shop for money to be used for programs provided to locals at Henderson Settlement. Four others worked on building a ramp for Mary, who had fallen several times on her steps and needed a way to get to her car safely. Mary was a character who joked and laughed with us while sharing some of her personal experiences. Each day Mary would bring the workers soft drinks, ice cream and offered on several occasions to make sandwiches for lunch. Mary was so proud of her new ramp with lattice and roof especially since she provided her own lattice for the finishing touch. We left 14

at the end of the week with light hearts, good memories and a joy for having the opportunity to help someone have a little better life.

If you would like to join in this adventure, another volunteer team will be leaving PUMC for Henderson Settlement the third week in October.

For more information or to sign up for the trip, call Pastor Ken Loudenback, 317.839.2319 or Don Sanders, Team Leader, at 317.839.7192.

Back to School Coming in August, PUMC member Sandy Bennett will be traveling to Sierra Leone to assist with some teacher enrichment programs/training at the Madina Village School, founded

by Francis Mustapha several years ago.

He has reported on the development of the school several times at PUMC. Sandy hope to take with her some items useful for the school but not easily available in Sierra Leone.

Some of these items which can be donated are: pumc.org

• sock puppets, small hand puppets, and finger puppets • ABC books that are light-weight (found at Dollar stores and Walmart) • letter stamps and stamp pads • Prang water colors (plastic case-10 colors) • puppet-making materials to be put in a baggie kit: socks, buttons, sewing thread/needle • markers There will be a big plastic bin to the Donation Depot for collection (labeled “Madina”).

If you miss out on these opportunities to provide school supplies, you may place items in the donation Depot in early September and they will be given to area schools where they are needed.

Thank you for your strong support for children and their education.

Serving the Children of Plainfield

Donation Depot at PUMC Across from the main office at PUMC is a Donation Depot where all sorts of food, clothing, school supplies, first aid items, etc., are received throughout the year. Perhaps you contribute some of these things regularly. Do you ever wonder what happens after you leave a bag or box of items there? Helpful volunteers from the Mission Committee and other groups from PUMC sort these items regularly and prepare them for delivery to food pantries and other locations of service and ministry, locally and regionally. Since there are bins in the Donation Depot for Fletcher Place, Sheltering Wings, Homeless Ministry, and Family Promise, one knows those are some of the places which receive donations. However, the list is much longer. Sometimes an appropriate recipient group must be located as it will be a new one. In order to assist the faithful persons who do the sorting and delivery, it helps to have donations identified as to intended recipient. Please try to mark each bag/box in that way, or place it in an appropriate bin. Contact Mission Chair Ruth Ellen Stone, mission@pumc. org, with questions.

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2ND SATURDAY LUNCH Another Way to Support Second Saturday Lunch

Have Used or Unwanted Candles?

Please consider donating them so that we may melt them into usable candles for area homeless friends.

With fall and colder temperatures just around the corner, we are gathering supplies to make another batch of candles to be used for warmth, light and to shine a little love into the lives of those in need. All types of candles are appreciated to melt down and make into larger candles in durable recycled steel cans. So far we have provided over 300 candles thanks to everyone’s generosity! PUMC’s Homeless Mission will then deliver them to those in need on their weekly trips. A box has been placed on the shelves in the Donation Depot (just across the hall from the church office) to receive your donation. Feel free to contact me with any questions, Rebecca Blackwelder 317.203.7057.

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You may use a gift card to pay for a meal, a service, or a purchase. And if so, you can financially support PUMC’s Second Saturday Lunch by purchasing scrip (gift cards) through PUMC. The gift card costs only the face value and can be spent for that amount, but the scrip organization provides a rebate to PUMC, which is currently designated by the Mission Committee for Second Saturday Lunch. To learn more, contact LeeAnn Overbey through the church office, 317.839.2319. Your support is appreciated!

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Because God Gives, We Give. Thank You for You Generosity!

Brenda Barnett, PUMC Financial Administrator, reports the following giving in May-June 2018, to ministry and mission beyond the Basic Ministry Budget. Give easily and safely online any time at pumc.org. Thank you for your generosity, PUMC Homeless Outreach: $ 1,120.00 Madina Village School, Sierra Leone: $ 485.00 Henderson Settlement (UM Mission in Appalachia): $ 210.00 PUMC Youth: $ 1,130.00 PUMC Music Ministry: $ 2,115.00 PUMC Bell Choir: $ 235.00 PUMC Family Assistance Fund (direct aid to local families in need): $ 770.00 Family Promise of Hendricks County: $ 205.00 PUMC Memorial Gifts: $ 915.00 United Methodist Committee on Relief – Disaster Relief: $ 200.00 PUMC Food Drive: $ 1,100.00 PUMC Last Saturday Lunch: $ 380.00 PUMC Kids Connection: $ 10.00 Friendly Planet Missiology: $ 200.00 Imagine No Malaria: $1,214.10 PUMC General Missions: $100.00 Community Lunch Bunch: $10.00 Total Giving in May-June, 2018, beyond the Basic Ministry Budget: $ 10,399.10

Forever Gifts Imagine being able to make a gift to PUMC which would last forever!

The gift principal would remain untouched but the income generated by your gift would be used each year. Your gift would literally last “forever.”

The PUMC Endowment Committee headed by Tim Hansen has worked very hard the last 1½ years to set up the framework to make “forever gifts” a reality. In addition, you can designate how you want the income from your gift to be utilized by selecting from: missions, music, worship, arts, children, or memorial. You can make “forever gifts” to the Endowment Fund now, during your lifetime or as part of your estate plan. Your gifts would be tax deductible. If you would like more information, contact the church office at 317.839.2319 or contact Tim Hansen at endowments@ pumc.org.

Serving the Children of Plainfield

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Church Council Report

Nikki Shoultz, Committee Chairperson, churchcouncil@pumc.org

The Church Council met for its regular monthly meeting on July 11, 2018, led by Finance Chair, Bill Edie, in Council Chair Nikki Shoultz’s absence.

In addition to hearing devotions and praying, receiving regular reports from committee chairs and lay leaders, the Council celebrated Glory Sightings, evidences of God’s work for good around us.

Additionally, the Council received the following reports and made the following actions: Jenn Finesilver, Lay Leader for Worship, reported that Both Classic and NewDay Praise Worship have celebrated baptisms in the last month, and were pleased to have the children from PUMC’s Fine Arts Camp bring their music into worship.

Currently in Classic Worship Pastor Charlie is closing a series about the Big “C” Church, examining passages from the book of Acts that speak into the life of the church universal today.

And in NewDay Praise, the July series is “Legends of the Faith” in which four characters from the Old Testament are informing and inspiring faith and worship.

Looking ahead, on Sunday, July 29, NewDay Praise will host a Back to School Worship Event at 10:00 a.m. out in the south parking lot under the Fish Fry tent. We are inviting the community to join us for backpack and school supply give away, worship and fun. Pastor Elizabeth will share the message with 18

Jen Bigelow, a PUMC member and family counselor, who will provide some practical tools for families as they begin the school year. Classic Worship will see the “Key Lessons from the Old Testament” series in August.

Transforming for Tomorrow • Steering Committee Chair Mike Simek reported that Phase 1 of the Parking Lot Project (repair and resurfacing) will commence this summer, and design and quotes are being gathered for exterior electronic sign.

• Bill Edie Finance/Fund-raising Committee Chair report that giving and pledges currently total about $286,000.

• Project Management Committee reported that quotes have been received for repairing and resurfacing the existing parking lots. The intent is to have that work done yet this summer.

• Communications Committee reported that the first of regular T4T newsletters will be distributed next week. The website is up and running at transforming4tomorrow.org. The committee is working with the Finance/Fund-raising Committee to plan for an August 5 campaign pledge Sunday.

Staff Parish Relations Committee reported, via Pastor Charlie Wilfong, that pumc.org

the Staff Parish Relations Committee is in the process of interviewing a viable candidate. Candidate will be on site for work with choir mid-July as part of the interview process.

Mark Preis, Trustee Chair, reported that investigation of the viability of renting the Kelly Property is complete.

The investigation shows that renting is not a feasible option. Trustees have decided that the property will not be rented, but will be demolished when funds become available.

Bill Edie, Finance Chair, reported that 2018 giving is ahead of budget, expenses, and projections. Glory to God! A complete financial report is available in the church office upon request.

Bob Milligan of the Staff Parish Relations Committee sent a document which was developed in conjunction with the Safety Committee. This document, titled “Weekday PUMC Safety Guidelines and Tasks” is a companion piece to safety documents that were previously adopted by the Council. Document was approved.

Please contact the church office for a copy of this document.

Judy Heffelman, one of PUMC’s Historians, reported that the PUMC Historians are working to gather and compile all of PUMC’s artifacts and historical memorabilia. Having received training over the last year about archiving such items, she and her team suggest PUMC invest in appropriate archiving supplies and products. Judy is requesting a line item be added to the church budget to provide funding for such supplies in the amount of $650 for 2018. Bill Edie, Finance Chair, Serving the Children of Plainfield

will work with Judy to investigate and secure funding.

October 28 will be PUMC’s Consecration Sunday. Guest Preacher will be Rev. Kent Millard. In the weeks leading up to Consecration Sunday PUMC will study Rev. Millard’s book “The Gratitude Path.”

The next meeting of the Church Council will be August 8, 2018, 7:00 p.m.

Bill Edie

PUMC Finance Chair Bill and his wife Kathy are longtime members of PUMC. Bill works for Target in Facility Management.

Bill and Kathy and have 3 grown children and 4 beautiful granddaughters. Bill is also Chairperson of the Transforming for Tomorrow Finance & Fundraising Committee. He also served as Chair of the Building Committee and has been a long time member of the adult choir. You can reach Bill at bedie@pumc.org.

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Encore Senior Ministry Sue Hylton, encore@pumc.org

Encore Upcoming Events Encore Senior Ministry is designed to give those who are 60 and older the opportunity to go to places of interest, try new experiences, participate in various missions, and foster fellowship with one another. The group takes day trips and tries to accommodate everyone’s transportation needs by taking the church bus as well as appreciating those who are willing to carpool.

We look forward to our next fellowship time and new surprise experience (for some) on Wednesday, August 15 at 10 a.m. in Clayton Hall. Sign up on Sunday, August 5, at the Encore Desk located in the Main Lobby if you will join the Encore Seniors for a special activity followed by a pitch-in.

The cost involved is your specialty dessert or salad. This will be a fun time!

Thursday, September 13, we will travel to Myers Dinner Theater to enjoy a yummy lunch, warm hospitality, great shopping and outstanding entertainment provided by Triumphant, a top quality and most entertaining gospel quartet. After four friends walked on stage at the Louise Mandrell Theater, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a headlining talent in 2003, their careers took off! Triumphant Quartet has had four #1 songs and several others have climbed the Top 40 music charts, which has contributed to their popularity. Join Encore friends as we find ourselves smiling, laughing, crying, encouraged and uplifted. Watch for sign-ups on August 12, 19, and 26 at the Encore Desk.

Do you sometimes long for the good ol’ days of simplicity? Then you will want to “Enjoy the Simple Things” and attend the annual Young at Heart Luncheon in Clayton Hall. Be watching the weekly worship folder and next month’s Circuit Rider for details; but for now, save Thursday, September 20 for this special luncheon.

October is providing a very special opportunity for Encore friends to make jewelry! Don’t think you can make jewelry other than string beads? Think again! Save the afternoon of Friday, October 12 when we will work with Sally from Sally’s Ceramics. Location depends on the number of people who sign up for this fun activity!

Encore is a great way to connect to the people of PUMC. Keep watching for details to Encore activities in the weekly worship folder, Circuit Rider, and your email if you have provided your address. Join us when you can!

Questions? Call Sue Hylton at 317.839.2946.

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pumc.org

In the Hospital this Past Month • Steve Ailes • Mary Lew Taylor • Scott Slavens • Floyd Bennett • Bob Milligan • Marsha Wright

Ways to Connect eNews from PUMC Visit www.pumc.org to sign-up for free weekly eNews and digital delivery of the monthly newsletter, “The Circuit Rider.”

• Jane Martin • Margaret Hay • Melissa Shriner • Laura Barber • Sherry Gummer • Steve Best

Follow PUMC on /PlainfieldUMC /NewDayPraise /PUMCBibleExplorers

Love & Sympathy

• the family and friends of Edna McDaniel on her death.

• the family and friends of Carolyn Eggers on her death

PUMC weekly sermons available in the Plainfield UMC App. Bible Reading Plan available in the Plainfield UMC App.

Prayer Blankets • Don and Janet Gouldsmith from Revelations SS Class with prayers for happiness in their new home.

• Art and Ann Garceau from Revelations SS Class with prayers for God’s presence in their lives as they take this next step.

• Marta Bennett from TonyIN-PERSON & Debbie CASH/CHECK Perona and Darrell & Debbie Kehrt with prayers for strength and peace.

• Gary Brown from the Rec IN-PERSON ONLINE Staff CASH/CHECK SECURE Family with prayers for healing and strength.

• Laura Barber from the New Day Praise Team with prayers for healing, peace, and comfort.

Ways to Give Give in person in worship on Sunday morning.

ACH IN-PERSON

CASH/CHECK

ONLINE

AUTOMATED

DRAFT via Online SECURE at pumc.orgBANKor SecureGive on your mobile device.

ACH

ONLINE SECURE

ACH

AUTOMATED BANK DRAFT

Phone Brenda Barnett in the Church Office to set up, 317.839.2319.

AUTOMATED BANK DRAFT

Give through the Plainfield UMC App. Get the app on your mobile device at pumc.link/getapp

PUMC Vital Signs

2018 YTD Basic Ministry Budget thru June Giving $551,449 Expenses $492,499 Giving – Expense Balance $58,950 6 months “budget” $522,734 Serving the Children of Plainfield

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Serving the Children of Plainfield

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August 2018 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168 Time Sensitive Material Return Service Requested

Serving the Children of Plainfield