JULY 27 & 28 UNDER THE TENT
Pastor Charlie Wilfong Senior Pastor, cwilfong@pumc.org
A Bigger Boat
May 20 was both Confirmation Sunday and the Birthday of the Church (Pentecost). It was a blessing to be a part of that service of Confirmation in NewDay Praise Worship with those youth, their families, and the congregation. Rev. Bob Preusch has done a wonderful job organizing and leading the monthslong confirmation experience. He also brought a strong message that Sunday morning from Luke 5:1-11. That scripture describes the occasion when Jesus was teaching such a large crowd that he had to step into Peter’s fishing boat in order to have room to teach. Following the lesson, Jesus asked Peter to row out into the deep water and let down his fishing nets for a catch. In a culture that only went fishing at night, Peter was hesitant since the night before had yielded no fish. But when he did as Jesus asked, the catch of fish was so miraculously large that it nearly sank the boat! I’m reminded of number three from the list of “Hollywood’s Top 100 Movie Quotes,” “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” from Jaws. 2
Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” As we seek to “catch people,” helping them to discover and follow the Lord Jesus, we will need a “bigger boat” as we faithfully follow Jesus’ call. And that’s what we’re addressing in our Transforming for Tomorrow projects to improve and update our facility. We want to provide everyone, especially newcomers, a full experience of the grace and love of God that we talk about—so that all of their experience from ease of parking; wayfinding signs; a pleasant, current appearance; upto-date restrooms; etc., matches our words about the grace and love of God. In short, we are removing barriers and creating good entry experiences for those discovering Jesus here. I am grateful to leadership for their discernment and listening to God in pumc.org
this opportunity. I am grateful for such thoughtful participation from those who have provided input and good suggestions. I am grateful for those who have given generous lead financial gifts. Watch for the Transforming for Tomorrow prayer board in the building and add your prayers for the future of our ministry. You will be hearing more in coming weeks about the projects and the capital campaign. (And visit transforming4tomorrow. org for additional information and resources.) Are you letting Jesus into your boat? This scripture is instructive for us individually and personally as well as for us as a congregation. Be ready to cast your nets in the deep water. Put your “Jesus Story” out there. Share something about how Jesus makes a difference in your life for good and see what God brings. You may need a bigger boat, too! Go in peace. God with God. And be well. Shalom,
The Plainfield UMC App
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 A Bigger Boat 2 Classic Worship 4 Update to SecureGive 4 Legends of the Faith 5 Back to School Bash 6 PUMC Celebrates God through the Arts! 7 Youth Ministry 8 Encore Ministry 10 Handbell Road Trip 12 Mission News 14 Fish Fry 15 Church Council Report 16 Notes to the Congregation 18
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JULY CLASSIC WORSHIP Classic Worship – 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Classic Worship launches July celebrating with PUMC youth. On Sunday, July 1, PUMC youth will lead music in worship, bring the message, and serve in other leadership roles. Please plan to be present to worship with PUMC’s dynamic and gifted young people. Then on July 8 and 15 Pastor Charlie continues the series Big “C” Church with Living and Giving in “G”race and Forward Together in “L”ove. In this series worshipers are exploring some of the biblical foundations of the Big “C” Church. July 1: Youth Sunday in Classic Worship July 8: Living and Giving in “G”race (Our Sacramental Life Together) Acts 10:44-48; 20:7-12 July 15: Forward together in “L”ove (Discerning with Love) Acts 15:1-21
Updates to our giving software by SecureGive PUMC is excited to bring you an update to our digital giving option through SecureGive. On July 18, 2018 you will see a fresh look that’s easier to use, enhances security, and offers the ability to login with your email address or your phone number. As soon as this update is complete, you will receive an email from SecureGive asking you to confirm your information. Just click the link in the email and you can be ready to go in less than one minute. If you miss the email, that’s OK, too. The next time you login online through SecureGive, you’ll be prompted to complete this brief confirmation step. Also, any recurring gifts you have setup will continue to process without interruption and your saved payments will be there waiting for you the next time you login to give. If you use the SecureGive mobile app to donate, you will also need to delete your current app and download the new SecureGive Vision app after the update. We are looking forward to this giving update and believe it will help to propel the vision of this ministry forward. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Brenda Barnett, PUMC Financial Administrator, at 317.839.2319. Thank you! 4
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Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert Associate Pastor, egilbert@pumc.org
Legends of the Faith
In yet another DIY project, my husband and I have tackled painting the garage floor this summer. What a job that has turned out to be! It’s more complex and labor intensive than we anticipated. YouTube videos and DIY websites have been critical in teaching us how to do this task. We’ve also emailed product help desks, and we’ve talked with countless home store employees to get their input. Seeking advice from others has helped us navigate this project with a certain amount of confidence. It’s not done yet, but we’re hopeful of a good result! We live in a world where you can get expert input and instruction on any topic – there is no shortage of advice. Whether it be on social media, in someone’s blog, on YouTube, or from our neighbors, friends, and co-workers, we can find advice, instruction, and expertise on just about any subject. The question is, is it good and godly advice? God has called us to live holy lives that reflect his love and compassion. To that end, God has given us examples in the lives of key characters in the Bible. Characters such as Noah, Ruth, and David. Through engagement Serving the Children of Plainfield
with these Old Testament heroes and legends we can glean godly advice and principles that we can apply in our own lives. In July in NewDay Praise Worship we will examine “Legends of the Faith” to learn what these Old Testament characters can provide in the way of advice and instruction for faithful living today. Invite a friend, grab a cup of coffee, and join us in the Worship Annex at PUMC Sundays, 8:45 & 10:00 a.m. for this summer series. 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 “Legends of the Faith.” We’ll save you a seat! Blessings,
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Back to School Bash July 29! Families and students are invited to a very special worship experience here at PUMC on Sunday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. in the South Parking Lot. NewDay Praise Worship Team will lead worship that will include: • A blessing of the backpacks and prayer for students and teachers • A word of encouragement for students and families as they head back to school • Great music • Fun snacks and activities for the kids (and adults!) The community is invited to this worship celebration. Please invite and bring your friends and neighbors. Students are encouraged to bring their own school backpacks, and if a student needs a backpack, we’ll make sure they get one! Save the date and join us under the big tent in the South Parking Lot on Sunday, July 29, 10:00 a.m.! (Please note: There will be no 8:45 NewDay Praise Worship this day, only 10:00 a.m. in the South Parking Lot.) School Supply Drive Help make the start of school this year extra special for local neighbors in need with the donation of school supplies and backpacks. Donations of #2 pencils, pink erasers, 24 count box crayons, glue sticks, pocket folders, spiral notebooks, pens, loose-leaf lined paper, rulers, and backpacks may be placed in the containers near the church office and in the south hallway. These will be distributed as needed at the July 29 Back to School Bash (10:00 a.m. in the south parking lot). Thank you for your generosity! 6 pumc.org
PUMC Celebrates God through the Arts! Thank you to everyone who made PUMC’s first summer Fine Arts Camp (June 18-22) a huge success! The contributions of the PUMC Children’s Council, many caring adults, families, and especially the campers made for a fun learning environment as campers discovered that they matter to God and there is nothing that can keep them from the love of God! Through music, dance, ceramics, drawing, painting, and theater, campers and adults alike experienced the love of God and shared it with others. Thank you to everyone who made this special outreach event a meaningful experience for all involved! Learn more about Bible Explorers and Children’s Ministry at PUMC by contacting Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton, Director of Children’s Ministry, at jwolverton@pumc.org.
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PLAINFIELD UMC
YOUTHMINISTRY
PUMC Youth and adult helpers spent a week in June on mission in the Houston, Texas, area providing aid and support following recent flooding. Thank you to this energetic team for sharing the BIG Love of God so generously with our friends and neighbors in Texas!
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You can make a difference! The 7th Annual PUMC Youth Online Auction is scheduled for Friday, August 24 - Monday, September 10. To gear up for this fun event we are soliciting donations from the PUMC church family and friends. We invite you to assist by making a donation of new items, services, or talents. Gift cards to restaurants are very popular and always appreciated. By donating you are making a difference in the lives of middle and high school youth on their Christian journey. Donation forms are available in the church office, at the Welcome Desk or online at pumc.org (tab: ministries, youth auction 2018) or email auction@pumc.org. Donations are appreciated by July 15 to allow the committee time to list your donation on the auction website. Watch for further info in August when you’ll have the opportunity to bid on an outstanding assortment of items without having to leave the comfort of your home. Thanks for your support! Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Encore Senior Ministry Sue Hylton, encore@pumc.org
Encore Senior Ministry is designed to offer people age 60 and older the opportunity to go to places of interest and to foster fellowship with one another. The group makes day trips and tries to accommodate everyone’s travel needs by taking the PUMC bus and appreciating those who are willing to carpool. Below are some of the places we look forward to visiting soon. with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ treated briefly near the end of the performance. The message of Godspell is completely timeless. After the show, we will eat dinner together (place to be determined). Sign up in the Main Lobby at the Encore desk on July 1, 8, or 15.
Myer’s Dinner Theatre Godspell at Calvary UMC
September 13 Leave PUMC 10:30 A.M.
A couple of the PUMC Sunday School classes have been studying the parables. Your group may want to join Encore as we go to see Godspell, a musical that addresses a series of parables mostly found in the Gospel of Matthew and is presented by the talented theater group from Brownsburg’s Calvary UMC. The parables are interspersed
Join Encore as we travel to Myer’s Dinner Theater where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, outstanding hospitality, good shopping and fantastic entertainment. After lunch we will enjoy the gospel music provided by Triumphant. The group has been performing since their beginnings in 2003, when the four friends first walked out on to the stage of the Louise
July 22, leave PUMC at 1 p.m.
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Mandrell Theater, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as a headlining talent. Triumphant Quartet has had four #1 songs and several others have climbed the Top 40 music charts, which has also contributed to their popularity. Audiences will find themselves smiling, laughing, crying, encouraged and uplifted. Hope you will join PUMC Encore Ministry for this event. Watch for sign ups on August 12, 19, and 26.
Young at Heart Annual Luncheon
September 20 Doors Open at 11:30 A.M. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the Annual Young at Heart Luncheon where you will be served, free of charge, great food, wonderful entertainment and outstanding fellowship. You should receive a written invitation; however, if you are 65 or older and do not receive an invite, please let Barbara Baker or Sue Hylton know through the church office so that we can add you to our list.
Pitch-In & Fun Time AUGUST 15, 10 a.m.
Encore will meet in Clayton Hall for a fun time and mystery guest and then have a pitch-in picnic lunch. Hope you will join the fun! Let us know you’re coming by signing up at the Encore Serving the Children of Plainfield
desk on July 29 or August 5. Cost: Your favorite covered dish to be shared!
Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory! Marge Welker
With the celebration of Independence Day, July 4, 2018, coming up, how will you celebrate? Will you travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to visit the historical buildings, such as the meeting place of the US Congress (1790-1800), Independence Hall built between 1732-1756, or the Liberty Bell, our symbol of freedom? Remember the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic (1819) “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on” What will your eyes see on this birthday of our nation in 2018? Will you see firecrackers flashing? Days of fun and happy laughter? Look out your bedroom window on this morning and thank God for all the beauty he has created! Also on this day let’s say a prayer for all our troops that are overseas and at home who are making our great nation safe. Pray for their strength, endurance and safety. Theirs is the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
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Handbell Road Trip
Lynn Blosser, Handbell Choir Director, blosser@pumc.org
Lynn Blosser (PUMC’s Handbell Choir Director), Jane Iles (Bell Choir member) and Lynn’s niece, Hannah, loaded up seven boxes
of handbells and drove out to the Schulmerich Company in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Periodically, like any other instrument, handbells need refurbished and repaired. And there is no better place than to go straight to the manufacturer. Do you know that there are only two companies in the United States that make handbells? Schulmerich, LLC, is the world’s largest producer of handbells and the oldest existing handbell company. For over 50 years they have brought the glorious sounds of bell music to more people and places than anyone else in the
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world. Plainfield United Methodist Church purchased its first set of bells in 1983. As time passed and the bell program at PUMC grew, bells were added. We now have 57 handbells. Do you know how bells are made? We were fortunate to receive a tour. Bells are cast of bronze at the foundry and brought to the Schulmerich Company. When they arrive they are a dull gray color.
Artisans use lathes and make the patented Schulmerich cut that defines the Schulmerich shape and reveals the beautiful color we see. Handbells are made one at a time by individual artisans moving through a series of cuts, polishes and tunings. If the casting does not meet the
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Schulmerich standard it is thrown away and the process starts all over again. And by the way, everything is recyclable. When an acceptable casting is made, other artisans assemble the clapper mechanism and finish the bell. It was such an honor to have John, who tunes the bells, be our guide. Many of the employees of the Schulmerich Company have worked in bell making for 20, 30 and some 40 years. It was very clear that they see their craft as a ministry and they are committed to it.
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Those of us who have had the opportunity to ring handbells are so grateful to the PUMC family for the privilege. It is our pledge to you that we will ring for the glory of God, and we hope that the sounds we create will help you make an even stronger connection to the living God. The PUMC bells were repaired and refurbished at a cost of nearly $6,000.00. The bell funds are now depleted for the year. If anyone would like to make a donation to the bell fund for music, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Lynn Blosser, Director, through the church office. Thank you!
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Mission News
Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org
several family members to sleep under and thereby be protected from the disease carrying mosquitoes common in many areas of the world. Hundreds of nets will go to families at risk because of your generosity. Thank you! (umc.org/ imagine-no-malaria)
MMDC Supplies Collected at Annual Conference Thanks to those who contributed to the collection of supplies at the Annual Conference of the Indiana United Methodist Church in June. Your generous donations are being delivered to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Illinois for dissemination to areas of need across the country and around the world. A special thanks goes to Sue and Jerry Schultz from PUMC were worked at the display at Annual Conference to assist with this effort. Learn more at midwestmission.org.
Imagine No Malaria Thanks for saving lives with insecticide-treated sleeping nets purchased by PUMC worshipers for ten dollars each on the Sundays of June 10 and 17. One net is large enough for 14
Small Farm Resource Center Although agriculture is a very important component of people’s livelihood in Africa, the continent is still unable to feed itself. Food and nutrition security are major challenges for most African families. African farmers have the need for necessary farming skills and resources to increase production, add value, and market and run farming as a business. Africa University, a United Methodist institution which PUMC has supported for many years, is now developing a Small Farm Resource Center (SFRC) which will address these needs. The SFRC will act as a place for innovation where University and small plot farmers meet. It will be a source of information, technology and resources for that area of Zimbabwe. Learn more at africau.edu. pumc.org
2018 PUMC Annual Fish Fry The 2018 PUMC Annual Fish Fry is July 27 and 28! There will be sign-ups for Fish Fry volunteers in the main lobby at PUMC on Sunday mornings July 1, 8, 15, and 22. Please stop at the tables to learn more and find a place to serve! PUMC’s annual Fish Fry is one of the biggest outreach events of PUMC each year. We welcome thousands of neighbors and friends, serve tons of food (literally – tons!), and the profits all support missions both near and far. Sunday School classes, youth groups, the PUMC Missions Committee, and other groups directly benefit from volunteering for this event. We are proud of the nearly 200 volunteers each year who participate by baking desserts, frying fish, serving in the main line, and so much more. From humble beginnings of welcoming home troops from WWII, this annual event has been embraced by the entire Plainfield area community. Please plan on enjoying the good food and hospitality with us at this year’s fish fry. Jane Iles, First Chair, fishfry@pumc.org Rich Philip, Second Chair Tom Iles, Third Chair
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Church Council Report
Nikki Shoultz, Committee Chairperson, churchcouncil@pumc.org
The Church Council met for its regular monthly meeting on June 13, 2018. 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: Mary Raver, Lay Leader for Missions, reported that the Costa Rica Mission Work Team returned safely and have reported that they are already planning their return in 2019. Spring food drive has been successful and deliveries are being made to local pantries. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is seeking food pantry volunteers. Shannen Shortt, Lay Leader for Outreach and Evangelism, reported that the Grief Share series concluded, having ministered to five people. One of those persons, previously unrelated to PUMC, has begun attending NewDay Praise Worship. Shannen is considering offering a companion one time event prior to Christmas “Surviving the Holidays.” Shannen also reported the addition of four newly trained Stephen Ministers who will be commissioned in worship in the coming weeks. Jenn Finesilver, Lay Leader for Worship, reported that Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton took on duties of Director of Music and Worship 16
Arts for all of PUMC adult worship experiences on June 1. In addition to continuing to lead the NewDay Praise team he has in just his first two weeks played for a funeral, is working with leadership in the adult choir to provide leadership for the adult summer chorus, is scheduling organist subs for Classic Worship as needed, and in a project that connects to both of his roles as Children’s Ministry Director and Music Director he is directing a summer experience for children next week - a Fine Arts Camp for grades 1-6, June 17-23. Classic Worship celebrated a youth baptism just this last Sunday and anticipates receiving several new members this summer. Also, Classic Worship began a summer series earlier in June titled “Big ‘C’ Church”, examining some core characteristics of the ancient church of Acts in comparison with the church of today. July 1 will be Youth Sunday in Classic Worship. PUMC youth will lead music, bring the message, and serve in other leadership roles that morning. NewDay Praise Worship is in the middle of a series titled “Designed by God” about discerning God’s will for our lives. July series will be “Legends of the Faith” and will feature stories of characters in the Old Testament. NewDay Praise Worship is looking forward to celebrating an infant baptism on July 1 and receiving new members this summer, as well. pumc.org
Transforming for Tomorrow Nikki Shoultz reported on behalf of Steering Committee Chair Mike Simek, reported that the current financial commitments (as of June 13) total $278,938.50. Project Management Committee reported that they continue to gather information and work through preconstruction concerns as related to the priority project of repairing the current parking lot and adding new parking. While resurfacing the existing parking appears to be feasible this summer, the addition of new, additional parking on the west side of the church will likely need to wait because of limitations of the town’s current storm drain system. When the city upgrades storm sewers on Simmons St., likely in 2019, we can move forward with new parking. Communications Committee reported that the Transforming for Tomorrow website is up and running. (Transforming4tomorrow.org). Bob Milligan, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair, reported that the Staff Parish Relations Committee is still working to fill the open position of Organist and Choir Director. The job has been posted in numerous places and we have received several applications. Interviews are in process. Mark Preis, recently elected Trustee Chair, reported that the Trustees continue to investigate improvements for the Kelly Property that would Serving the Children of Plainfield
need to be done to rent it. No decision about renting the property has been made. Bill Edie, Finance Chair, reported that May giving was weak, but that for the year giving remains strong with giving well ahead of spending. A complete financial report is always available in the church office. 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 on generosity. Ray Shannon reported for the Endowment Committee that new communication pieces will be circulated soon. The next meeting of the Church Council will be July 11, 7 p.m.
Circuit Rider Deadline Change Starting in July 2018, the deadline for submissions to PUMC’s monthly newsletter, The Circuit Rider, will change. The new deadline is the 20th of each month, for publication the following month, at 9:00 a.m. Join the Circuit Rider submission reminder email list at pumc.link/ CR to receive announcement, reminders, and more. If you have any questions, please contact Eiric Shriner at eshriner@ pumc.org. 17
In the Hospital this Past Month • Mel Low • Edna McDaniel • Bill Edie
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.”
• Mary Lew Taylor • Ron Mercer
Love & Sympathy • Pam Lyons and family on the death of her father. • Hiddy Bagwell and family on the death of her brother. • The family and friends of Joan Ulrey on her death. • The family and friends of Linda Caudill on her death. • The family and friends of Taleigha Frederick on her death. Do you want to order a prayer blanket or bandanna? Prayer blankets and bandannas are tangible ways to express God’s love and give those in need comfort and IN-PERSON CASH/CHECK support from the PUMC congregation. If you would like to order a blanket or bandanna, please contact Carol IN-PERSON ONLINE Foxworthy atCASH/CHECK cfoxworthy@att.net or SECURE 317.838.7588. Blanket: $20; Bandanna: $10. Make your check payable to PUMC and mark it Prayer Blanket Ministry.
Follow PUMC on /PlainfieldUMC /NewDayPraise /PUMCBibleExplorers PUMC weekly sermons available in the Plainfield UMC App. Bible Reading Plan available in the Plainfield UMC App.
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 May Giving $472,463 Expenses $413,910 Giving – Expense Balance $58,553 5 months “budget” $435,612
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July 2018 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168 Time Sensitive Material Return Service Requested
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