LENT 40 Days Of Renewal
A LETTER FROM PASTOR CHARLIE Famous Last Words I grew up hearing the phrase, “famous last words” usually indicating a doubtful response to a prideful or boastful statement. For example, if someone said “I can hit that three-point shot blindfolded”, I might respond “Famous last words!” to indicate my doubt in their ability. Literal last words are important. The last message someone utters in this life can reveal their character, their heart, their deepest intentions and desires when spoken with forethought and preparation. In generations past, much thought and value were placed on one’s last words. After all, how do I want to be remembered? What legacy do I want to leave through what I proclaim in the end? “The best of all is, God is with us.” John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, died on March 2, 1791. With all of the theology and sermons which he wrote, preached, and left for us to ponder, his last words are telling and instructive. In the end, he said, “The best of all is, God is with us.” How simple, compelling, and profound to consider that we 1
are never alone. Our loving God is always near. During the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1, we will be exploring the most important last words of all—those of Jesus as he was dying on the cross. At the Cross In 1707, Isaac Watts celebrated the power of Jesus’ death with his hymn, “At the Cross”. The chorus declares: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day! In Classic Worship and our Holy Thursday service, we will explore the seven last brief sayings of Jesus as follows. March 5 Luke 23:34 (NRSV) Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” March 12 pumc.org
Luke 23:43 (NRSV) He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” March 19 John 19:26-27 (NRSV) When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. March 26 Matthew 27:46 (NRSV) And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” April 2 John 19:28 (NRSV) After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” April 9 (Palm/Passion Sunday) John 19:30 (NRSV) When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Holy (Maundy) Thursday Luke 23:46 (NRSV) Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.
600 Simmons Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168-2264 Telephone: 317.839.2319 Sundays Classic Worship: 8:30, 9:50 & 11:10 a.m. NewDay Praise Worship: 9:50 a.m. Youth Worship (grades 6-12): 9:45 a.m. Bible Explorers (grades K-5): 9:45 a.m. Office Hours: 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m. (M–F)
Index
Senior Pastor’s Letter Newday Pastor’s Letter Easter Eggstravaganza Children’s Ministry Youth Ministry Worship Arts Mission News Church Council Report Encore Senior Ministry Smile It’s March Small Group Studies Notes to the Congregation
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MARCH Sunday, March 5, marks the first Sunday of the church season of Lent - a season of preparation and reflection leading us toward Easter Sunday. In Classic Worship throughout this season of Lent, we will explore the Seven Last Words of Jesus (continued from page 2) Hebrews 12:2 in Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, The Message, instructs us to focus on the cross with these words: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.” Lent is a season which immediately precedes the victory of Jesus’ Resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday, but we only get to Easter through Jesus’ death on the cross. Lent takes us to the cross. God brings Easter. Join us in this Lenten journey. Go in peace. God with God. And be well. Shalom,
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A LETTER FROM PASTOR ELIZABETH Upside Down While we might find it fun – even thrilling – to experience the gravitydefying ride of a roller coaster that coils, dips, drops and turns us upside down, most of us find it uncomfortable to have our everyday lives up-ended. We have carefully laid plans, clear goals, and great hopes for our lives. We don’t find it so fun when those things get turned upside down. But as followers of Jesus, should we be so surprised when our own agendas get set aside for God’s? The old Yiddish proverb is true… “People plan; God laughs.” At our best, we are intentional to live according to God’s ways, following the ways of life that Jesus taught. Most of the time, we prefer to fall in line with the ways of world, and plan and live according to our own desires. Early followers of Jesus were especially bold to live in the ways Jesus had taught and modeled. They included and welcomed the outcast and alien. They sought justice for the oppressed. They valued and served the poor and undeserving. They lived according to the law of love, not the law of Rome. Some around them observed that “... these people have been turning the world upside down...” The core of Jesus’ teaching as found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) teaches that to be Serving the Children of Plainfield
a follower of his is to live in ways that are often over and against the ways of the culture around them. Life with Jesus not only up-ends the comfortable life of a believer, it has the power to turn the world upside-down - in a good way! In NewDay Praise Worship during the church season of Lent (March 1 – April 14), we will explore, study, and discover what Jesus said about this upside-down way of living as found in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew, chapters five through seven. Messages, music, and creative and dramatic elements in worship will help us understand more fully what it means to live as a follower of Jesus, especially when it means living counter to the world around us. In NewDay Praise 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. I hope you’ll join us for Upside Down starting March 5 – and bring a friend! It will be fun! Blessings,
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Easter Eggstravaganza 2017
Plainfield United Methodist Church April 15¡ 10:30 a.m. M
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Easter egg hunt, games, prizes, and lots of fun! 5
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Children’s Ministry Amanda Norton, Director, anorton@pumc.org
Easter Eggstravaganza, April 15 Mark your calendar and invite a friend for this year’s Easter Eggstravaganza! The Saturday, April 15, 10:30 a.m. event includes an Easter egg hunt, games, prizes, and lots of fun! We are looking for donations of plastic eggs and candy that will fit inside those eggs. Thank you.
Vacation Bible School, June 12-15, 5-8 p.m. (Grades K-5) This super fun, high intensity week is a summer highlight. Make plans now to be present.
Events like Easter Eggstravaganza and Vacation Bible School are both fun and formational for the many children who participate. They are just two parts of a dynamic children’s ministry here at PUMC. There are many exciting events, opportunities, and outreaches planned for 2017. Will you be part of a dedicated servant leadership team that makes this ministry happen? With the investment of just a couple hours per week, you can have a lasting impact on these children’s futures, and the future of PUMC and Plainfield and the surrounding area. You might choose to serve in one of the following ways... • teaching • crafts • music • lesson development • childcare Commitments may be as little as a few minutes on Sunday morning to serving during the week-long, high-impact Vacation Bible School experience. Will you please consider sharing your gifts and love with the children of PUMC and the children of Plainfield by serving in PUMC’s children’s ministry? Please be in touch with Amanda Norton, Children’s Ministry Director, at anorton@pumc.org to learn more and make your commitment to service. Thank you for sharing God’s BIG Love with the youngest disciples among us! Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Youth Ministry
Rev. Bob Preusch, Youth Pastor, bpreusch@pumc.org
2017 New York City Mission Trip June 10-18, 2017 We will be helping rebuild a residential community along the coastal area of Queens (Long Island) which is still trying to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy. We will also be involved in outreach to the area’s teens and families. Youth in high school, college, or entering 9th grade by next fall are eligible to participate. This will be an amazing trip and plans include visits to Ellis Island, and Ground Zero – we will also be close to an awesome beach.
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2017 Camp Adventure July 9-14, 2017 Registration for camp is going strong! To register, go to
http://impact2818.org/sites/adventure/
scroll down and select camp # AM281, July 9 to 14, 2017. Pastor Bob will again be the Spiritual Director of this camp and many PUMC member volunteers also help make this a great week for PUMC middle school youth. Early bird registration ends April 17. It will save you $30 if you register by this date. The first 15 PUMC Youth (and friends) who register for Camp Adventure will receive a $50 discount off of the camp price. To take advantage of this offer and to find out about other camp scholarship options contact Pastor Bob at bpreusch@pumc.org or stop by his office (room 5) before registering.
Serving the Children of Plainfield
2017 Ontario Canada Canoe Trip In early March Pastor Bob will be sending registered participants’ information about the Canada border crossing requirements, and a “Remote Area Border Crossing Permit” (RABC) application. If you are a registered participant and do not receive this mailing by March 10, please contact Pastor Bob at bpreusch@pumc.org. Also mark your calendars for the Ontario Canada Canoe Trip orientation meeting on Sunday June 25, 11 a.m
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Worship Arts
Michael Pettry, Director, mpettry@pumc.org
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Lenten Choral Evensong For the first time (ever!), PUMC will offer a community concert and worship experience called “Choral Evensong” on Sunday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All are invited, and you may especially wish to invite a friend from the community – from outside of the PUMC family – to join as your guest. But what is Choral Evensong? What should I expect? First, arrive 10 minutes early to find your seat in the sanctuary and enjoy an especially gorgeous pipe organ prelude. Then you will experience a mix of choral music, congregational hymn singing, scripture, and prayers for the community – all in a setting of 9
reverence, reflection and with an emphasis on beauty. Candlelight. Music enveloping Want a preview? your mind and Click here to soul. listen to one As part of the of the choral PUMC Concert anthems you will Series which was experience at launched last fall, choral evensong. Choral Evensong is offered to the PUMC congregation and to the entire community as we seek to build bridges with all persons through music. There are no tickets, and the event is free. Include this special musical experience in the middle of your Lenten season. pumc.org
Join the Adult Choir The Adult Choir is looking for additional people to join in singing for worship. With rehearsals in the sanctuary on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 in the evening, the Choir is an opportunity to connect with others in the congregation and to challenge your mind, build your musicianship, and expand your creativity through sacred art. There is no audition to join, and all persons from middle school and older are encouraged to sing. Contact Director Michael Pettry at mpettry@pumc.org for more information.
Pipe Organ Celebration Concert Save the date for the big pipe organ celebration concert that will attract people from throughout the Midwest! Sunday, May 7, 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with reknown Canadian organist Ken Cowan. Click here to read more about this fabulous organist!
Weekly Classic Worship Notes
Thanks for the great feedback! We’re elated to know so many people appreciate the weekly Classic Worship Notes printed in the A Bach Spotting! worship folder. A team of 4 (Zoe Wiltrout, Sue Schultz, Jaime Carini, Did you see the noted Baroque Michael Pettry) pen the notes on composer – one of the most a rotating basis with the goal of influential blokes to shape the drawing greater understanding music of Christian worship, nonetheless – at PUMC last month? between the worshiper and the music, scripture, message and other He tickled the ivories on the pipe elements of the worship service. organ, and even posed for some Keep the good conversation coming! selfies in the main lobby
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Mission News
Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org
Imagine No Malaria
And a net can be provided for only ten dollars. Have you ever wanted to be a PUMC Mission Team will be hero? Save someone’s life? Here’s emphasizing this program, Imagine an opportunity for you, and you No Malaria, on Sundays March won’t even have to leave your home area. For ten dollars you can 19 and 26. Visit the display in the lobby outside and come prepared provide a sleeping net to protect against mosquitoes which carry the to donate money for one or more nets. Imagine the joy on the faces dreaded malaria virus, saving the of parents who no longer have to the lives of a whole family! Currently in Sub-Saharan Africa fear their child/children dying from malaria. You can be the hero who a child dies every two minutes from malaria, but malaria is 100% saves those lives. Learn more at imaginenomalaria.org. preventable. Keeping mosquitoes away is the simple action needed.
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PUMC Mission Work Teams
Family Promise March 19, 2017 PUMC will be hosting Family Promise the week of March 19. See the table in the main lobby today to sign up or ask questions on how you can help encourage and support families battling homelessness here in Hendricks County. Please contact Mary Raver at mraver@pumc.org for more information.
PUMC has the following mission work teams scheduled for 2017. Contact the leaders through the church office for details and learn how and when to register. • Midwest Mission Distribution Center (Illinois) April 17-21 2017 Sue Schultz • Henderson Settlement (Kentucky) May 2017 Don Sanders • Strong Ministries (Costa Rica) 2018 Mike Rohrer, Steve Brizendine.
The Men’s Corner is open Because God gives, we give. Thank you for your for Donations! generosity!
Inside PUMC Door 14. After Christmas notes of It is time to clean out your closet appreciation were received from and storage places! area groups who have received gifts The men who are being released from PUMC. from the Plainfield Correctional • Lunch Bunch of Plainfield serves Facility need clothing! This means students and their families anything a man wears is needed: during the summer when school dress and casual pants, jeans, lunches are not available. They shorts, dress and casual shirts, send their thanks for PUMC’s T-shirts, coats, jackets, shoes, gifts and support. underwear, socks, belts, etc. If you • Churches in Mission in would like a receipt this can be Martinsville, IN, who received provided, just contact the church apples delivered by Howard office (317.839.2319). The state Little with support of PUMC’s does not purchase things for the Mission Work Area, send their men. Your donations will help them thanks for the gifts and support, start a new life after release. as well. Thank you for your generosity.
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The Plainfield UMC App Available in the App Stores
Download today at
pumc.link/getapp
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Church Council Report
Nikki Shoultz, Committee Chair, churchcouncil@pumc.org
The Church Council met for its regular monthly meeting on February 8. 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: The Values Clarification Task Force reported that at their last meeting they decided to share their preliminary work with member groups throughout the church. These confirmations will provide helpful feedback, clarity, and confirmation of the values they’ve discerned as operational and aspirational here at PUMC. The Church Council will receive a report as the Task Force completes their discovery work with other PUMC groups. Mary Raver, Missions Lay Leader, reported the following financial gifts received over recent months: • $ 1,170 via Alternative Christmas Gifts initiative • $ 1,495 Bishop’s Offering received on Christmas Sunday • $ 5,000 received through the Christmas Eve Offering Mary also reported that March 12, 19, and 26 the Mission Committee will emphasize “Imagine No Malaria.” Also, PUMC will provide volunteers for Hendricks County Family Promise Serving the Children of Plainfield
(homeless mission) the week of March 19. Paul Schreiner, Head Trustee, reported that the LED light project (upgrading all PUMC lights with energy efficient LED’s) is nearing completion. He also reported that the town of Plainfield is exploring some upgrading of drainage in the neighborhood. Paul is in conversation with the town about the project and its impact on PUMC property. The Trustees are exploring options to repair and expand the parking lot to arrest further erosion and add needed additional parking, and are considering additional maintenance and building needs. After extensive discussion, the Council named a Task Force of Senior Pastor Charlie Wilfong, Council Chair Nikki Shoultz, and Council Member Tom Wiltrout and empowered them to form an ad hoc committee to further explore ideas to identify and prioritize facility update initiatives designed to attract and retain members. This Task Force will report to the Church Council. The Council unanimously approved the Finance Committee’s motion to take preliminary steps to apply for funding in case it is needed for future approved initiatives. As always, questions may be directed to Council Chair, Nikki Shoultz, at council@pumc.org. Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support of the ministry and mission of the Church Council and PUMC. 14
Encore Senior Ministry Sue Hylton, sue.hylton@pumc.org
Board bus or vans Sunday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m., Door #1. Travel to Beef&BoardsDinnerTheater Reserve your seat by March 12 at the Encore Senior Ministry Desk in the Main Lobby. Cost: $60 due at time of registration (includes buffet dinner, live show, travel and lots of fun).
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Smile It’s March! by Marge Welker
New Adult Study
THE CALL
The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul There are a lot of things going on What would in March that you can smile about. lead a firstAlexander Graham Bell received a century rabbi to patent for his telephone in March of 1876. The Girl Scouts of America was travel thousands of miles by sea founded in March, 1912. Congress and by land, approved Daylight Saving Time on March 19, 1918. Also St. Patrick’s Day to be beaten, imprisoned, is celebrated on March 17th. and ultimately March is often a rainy month, too. beheaded for his But remember this song by Bing faith? It was a Crosby… call—a call to turn the world upside “Let a smile be your umbrella on a down. rainy day, Adam Hamilton brings us the and if your sweetie cries just tell her story of the Apostle Paul, whose that a smile will always pay.” writings continue to shape the lives of one-third of the world’s On this smile month, how do you population, a man second only to feel when someone smiles at you? Jesus in his impact and influence How do you feel when you smile at on the Christian faith, and whose someone? witness defines what it means to be a Here’s what Edith Spangler says: follower of Jesus Christ. A smile costs nothing, but creates Follow the journeys of Paul, much...It happens in a flash, but the beginning with his dramatic memory of it sometimes lasts forever. conversion, as he spread the Gospel It cannot be bought, begged, through modern-day Greece and borrowed, or stolen, but it is of no Turkey. Travel to the early church earthly good to anyone until it is given sites and explore Paul’s conversations away. with the Romans, Corinthians, If in a hurry you meet someone who Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, is too weary to give you a smile, leave Colossians, and Thessalonians. one of yours, for no one needs a smile You are invited to this six-week, so much as he who has none to give. DVD-based study that Rev. Dan Stone will be leading on Sundays, This year, let the month of March 9:45 a.m., beginning March 5, in be dedicated to smiles. Thank God you can smile, and start giving them the Wesley Room (room 21). See you there! away! Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Ways to Connect eNews from PUMC Visit www.pumc.org to sign-up for free weekly eNews. Follow PUMC on /PlainfieldUMC /NewDayPraise /PUMCBibleExplorers
• Pam Lyons, family, and friends
Bible Reading Plan available in the Plainfield UMC App.
Ways to Give Give in person in worship on ACH Sunday morning. IN-PERSON
ONLINE SECURE
ACH AUTOMATED
ONLINE SECURE
• Nancy Montgomery • Mary Lew Taylor • Alice Buchanan • Lois Hansen • Debra Walters • Betty Little
Love & Sympathy
PUMC weekly sermons available in the Plainfield UMC App.
CASH/CHECK
In the Hospital this Past Month
of Bill Lyons on his death. • Denise Samaniego, family, and friends on the death of her father. • Bill Overbey, family, and friends on the death of his mother. • Betty Little, family and friends of Howard Little on his death. • Debbie Perona, family, and friends on the death of her father, Jim Vogel.
AUTOMATED BANK DRAFT
Online at pumc.org or via ACH SecureGive on your mobile device.AUTOMATED BANK DRAFT
Phone Brenda Barnett in the Church Office to set up, 317.839.2319.
BANK DRAFT
Give through the Plainfield UMC App. Get the app on your mobile device at pumc.link/getapp
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In Our Prayers Prayer Blanket Ministry • Shannon Welchli from Lori Collins with prayers for healing, strength, and peace. • Janice from Mike and Elizabeth Gilbert with prayers for strength, encouragement, healing, and hope. • Steve and Karen Best with prayers for strength, comfort and peace. • Pam Lyons from the Friday Morning Bible Study Group with prayers for strength, comfort and peace. • Caroline Robson from the Ordinary People Sunday School Class and the Friday Morning Bible Study Group with prayers of God’s strength, comfort, healing and peace. • Mary Lew Taylor from her church family with prayers of God’s strength, comfort, healing and peace.
Notes to the Congregation Thank you to all of the PUMC family for the cards, visits, flowers, food deliveries, and all the prayers for healing during my fall, surgeries, rehab and return home. Thanks, also, to Lynn Blosser for lending her directing talents to the Bell Choirs, and Jane Iles for organizing bell subs and helping with bell setups. We are hoping to be back in church soon. Oma and Ken Buckner
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• Denise Samaniego from PUMC
Stephen Ministers with prayers of comfort and peace after the death of her father. • Debbie Perona from The FUN Sunday School Class and Handbell Choirs with prayers for strength, comfort and peace at the passing of her father. • Diana Giggy from Jim, Kelly, Brandon and Matthew Rodarmel with prayers for healing, strength, comfort and peace. • Tina Gardner from Jim, Kelly, Brandon and Matthew Rodarmel with prayers for healing, strength and peace. • Esther Pratt from Betty DeBaun and Edie Poynter with prayers for comfort and peace on the death of her daughter.
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 support from the PUMC congregation. If you would like to order a blanket or bandanna, please contact Carol Foxworthy at cfoxworthy@att.net or 317.838.7588. Blanket: $20; Bandanna: $10. Make your check payable to PUMC and mark it Prayer Blanket Ministry. 18
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March 2017 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168