A LETTER FROM PASTOR CHARLIE Transforming for Tomorrow For quite some time now, we have been working on a list of capital improvement projects called “Transforming for Tomorrow”. Final approval for this initiative requires a Church Conference where every full member of the congregation who is present at the meeting may vote. That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 11, 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. More detailed information about this meeting can be found elsewhere in this edition of the Circuit Rider. Our Church Conference will be held on March 11, 2:00 p.m. As we consider this group of capital improvements projects, we have a timely opportunity. In addition to bringing many features of our property and facility up to date, we also plan to provide for future major capital repairs and maintenance by setting aside a portion of funds raised. But that doesn’t answer the real question we all have. Why? We do face an opportunity. But it’s not just an opportunity to make our facilities nicer. It’s about so much more. These projects will help us grow by removing barriers to newcomers’ full participation and by attracting newcomers. 2
These projects are about revealing the grace and love of God. We have an opportunity to make our facilities match our words about the grace and love of God. We can 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; security for children; up-to-date restrooms, etc., matches our words. In Luke 5:17-26, we find the story of the four who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. They could not get him close to Jesus because of the huge crowd. They did everything in their power to give their friend a full experience of the love of Jesus. The best access was through the roof. They renovated it (tore a hole in it) in order for their friend to be lowered down right next to Jesus. They did not tell their friend that a glimpse from the back of the crowd would just have to do. They renovated the building to get someone closer to Jesus. We have the same opportunity. We can make improvements to our facility that will serve to provide pumc.org
all those who encounter us with a complete experience of the warm and welcoming grace and love of God. That’s why I’m excited about completing these projects. Once accomplished, we will more fully demonstrate the grace and love of God to everyone who comes to PUMC. Go in peace. God with God. And be well Shalom,
MARCH CLASSIC WORSHIP
Lent continues through the month of March. Classic Worship continues to examine Jesus’ Farewell Discourse in the late chapters of the Gospel of John. Then in the sanctuary on Thursday, March 29, we will host Holy Thursday Worship, in preparation of the Easter celebration the following weekend. Plan now to invite and bring family members and friends for very special worship on Easter Sunday, April 1. Easter Worship Sunday, April 1, 2018, 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. in both Classic Worship and NewDay Praise Worship
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)
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Table of Contents Senior Pastor’s Letter Classic Worship NewDay Pastor’s Letter Staff News & Updates Transforming for Tomorrow Children’s Worship United Methodist Women Mission News Church Council Report Encore Senior Ministry
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A LETTER FROM PASTOR ELIZABETH The first day of spring is on Tuesday, March 20, this year. On this day, also known as the spring equinox, the amount of daylight and darkness is approximately equal. The name equinox comes from Latin words which mean “equal night”— aequus (equal) and nox (night). From that day on through summer, we will enjoy the increasing sunlight hours, with earlier dawns and later sunsets. For us here in central Indiana, it also means warming temps, with trees soon leafing out and yards coming back to life. In a climate where we experience all four seasons, spring may be the one that holds the most anticipation for what is to come… after the cold and dormant season of winter, spring’s new life is especially welcome. We will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 1, this year. Following Jesus’ death and entombment for three long, dark days, we will celebrate his new life and the new life that he offers each of us. Just like we greet spring with a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for what we know lies ahead (sunshine, warm days, picnics, bike rides, walks and outdoor sports), we celebrate Easter, knowing that amazing things are ahead as we renew our life with the risen Jesus. 4
In NewDay Praise Worship we are grateful for and excited about all the new things God is doing among us. At the first of the year we added a second worship hour to the NewDay Praise schedule. God has been faithful to grow the ministry through that second hour and we are so glad to welcome and include the people God is bringing to PUMC through this ministry. In February we welcomed Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton as Praise Worship Leader. Jacob is a gifted and talented musician, and a godly man with energy and vision for creative, contemporary worship. We are fortunate to welcome him and his husband Luis to the PUMC family. Already this year we have blessed neighbors with a donation of canned soups to the local food pantry (thanks to Football Sunday worshipers) and delivered Valentine “Hugs” to VanBuren Elementary School teachers and staff, staff of PUMC’s Weekday Children’s Programs, and residents and staff of Cumberland Trace. And just like we are anticipating the longer, warmer days of spring, we are anticipating more good things in the months ahead. Invite a friend to join you and be a part of all the new things God is doing in and through NewDay Praise Worship. pumc.org
In NewDay Praise Worship 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 sometime soon! Blessings,
Staff News and Updates PUMC is pleased to welcome Jacob TipantasigWolverton to the staff as Praise Worship Leader, effective February 15. In addition to gifts in music and worship leadership, Jacob brings a heart for Jesus and his church and a vision for creative, engaging contemporary worship. You may contact Jacob at jwolverton@pumc.org. After 14 years on the PUMC staff, Director of Music Michael Pettry will step down from his service to PUMC’s music ministry. Beginning initially as organist while in graduate school, Michael became the Director of Music 12 years ago and during his tenure the ministry has expanded and diversified. Notably, he oversaw the design, fundraising and installation Serving the Children of Plainfield
of the new pipe organ; launched the PUMC Concert Series that provides e nte r t a i n me nt and community gathering for the congregation and those we serve; established the Organ Scholar fellowship in partnership with Indiana University; and has commissioned new compositions and given world premieres during weekly worship. Michael departs PUMC to take a new position as Vice President of Development for The Center for the Performing Arts and The Great American Songbook in Carmel. His final Sunday in Classic Worship is Sunday March 11. We are grateful to Michael for his vision, unwavering commitment to PUMC, and for elevating this congregation’s music and worship to new heights. We congratulate Michael on this wonderful new opportunity for him and wish him all the best. We will miss him, his gifts and talents, and his capacity to dream big. Jaime Carini has been named as interim Director of Music. She can be reached at jcarini@pumc.org. Gifts in honor of Michael Pettry’s ministry may be made to “PUMC Music Guild.”
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Transforming for Tomorrow Special Called Church Conference Tomorrow always holds opportunity - for new things, for exciting events, and for hoped-for improvements and transformations. PUMC is looking towards tomorrow with the hope of improvements and transformations that will help us even more fully express the love and grace of Jesus to all who come to this church. The PUMC Church Council is recommending a list of building and property improvements and upgrades that are both needed and desired, as PUMC seeks its most faithful expression of God’s welcome and hospitality. On Sunday, March 11, 2:00 p.m., in the church sanctuary, District Superintendent Jim Bushfield will preside at a Special Called Church Conference to consider and vote on the fund-raising campaign for the proposed projects. All full members of the congregation present at the March 11 Special Called Church Conference may vote. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of the opportunity before us. Questions may be directed to Transforming for Tomorrow Chair Mike Simek, Church Council Chair Nikki Shoultz or the pastors through the church office (317.839.2319).
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March 11, Special Called Church Conference motion: Transforming for Tomorrow
Motion Approved by PUMC Church Council November 8, 2017 Whereas: there are needs for capital improvements which cannot be funded by the Basic Ministry Budget; and Whereas: many of these capital improvements serve to allow for growth; and Whereas: our current growth makes these improvements especially timely; and Whereas: some of the items are necessary and immediate maintenance items; Therefore: The PUMC Council moves that PUMC engage in a capital finance campaign soliciting gifts and pledges to be received up to a 5 year period, which shall be used to complete as many of the projects shown on Attachment A as may be accomplished with recorded gifts and pledges and which shall be commenced in the order specified by the Transforming for Tomorrow Steering Committee after considering suggestions by the PUMC congregation and the recommendations of the Transforming for Tomorrow Project Management, Fundraising, and Communications Committees. Ten percent (10%) of the campaign gifts received shall be placed in the PUMC Major Maintenance account to pay for future capital repairs and maintenance with costs exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Financing costs may be incurred where necessary to provide cash flow between the time when pledged gifts are received and the commencement and completion dates of a project. All project expenses and financing costs will be paid for by funds raised from the capital campaign. PUMC will incur no lasting debt in the accomplishments of these projects beyond its ability to fund the projects through recorded financial gifts and pledges.
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Children’s Worship
Amanda Norton, Director, anorton@pumc.org
Bible Explorers’ Adventure Continues! PUMC Bible Explorers (Grades PreK, and K-5) continue each Sunday morning to explore the world, sailing with new friends Asia, Edgar, Kat, and Caleb of the Deep Blue Crew. Each week in Bible Explorers (Sundays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at PUMC) students are experiencing a new adventure to learn more about God and grow in their relationship with Jesus! Students learn about God and what it means to be a follower of Jesus through Bible stories and opportunities to serve as disciples in the classroom, the local community, and the world! Kids will explore Guatemala, Kenya, Alaska, and Armenia throughout the year as they dive deep into God’s Word together. Students will discover what it means to be a follower of Jesus in this around-the-world adventure. Parents, please note: Students must be signedin by an adult. Please be with your K-5 student at drop-off (room 107) and pick-up in the south hall. If you can help make Sunday Deep Blue adventures extra special and meaningful for students, please contact Jeanne Milligan, Children’s Council Chair, at jeanne.milliga55@gmail.com to volunteer. Thank you! 8
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UMW Chili Supper The United Methodist Women (UMW) second annual chili supper will be Friday, March 16, 2018, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Clayton Hall. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $4.00 ages 5-9 and age 4 and under are free. Tickets will be sold in Clayton Hall and the South Lobby prior to each worship on February 25, March 4 and 11. Tickets will also be sold the night of the chili supper at the door. Come and enjoy lots of chili, hot dogs, desserts and other fun things. Please bring your family and friends and join the fun. All profits from the meal will be donated to Hendricks County Family Promise Homeless Support Program.
United Methodist Women News Rachel Circle, Hope Circle, and Mary Martha Circle of United Methodist Women will meet Tuesday, March 13, at 6:30 pm in Clayton Hall for the annual Unit meeting. Note that this is a half an hour earlier than usual for Rachel and Hope Circles so that all three circles may enjoy a soup dinner together before the Pledge Service, UMW Officers Installation, and Lenten Devotions. Please bring your donations of canned fruit for Fletcher Place. Questions? Contact Kathy List at klist@sprintmail.com or Robert Rhodes at bert38@sbcglobal. net.
Easter Sunday Celebration
Easter Sunday Celebration at PUMC includes special music and worship in both Classic Worship in the Sanctuary and in NewDay Praise Worship in the Worship Annex. Invite your family and friends to join you on April 1! The celebration will also include special refreshments and an Easter-themed photo booth in Clayton Hall. Plan to be a part of the fun on this special day! Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Mission News
Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org
That is a remarkable plan and allows UMCOR personnel to go quickly to the affected area to assess the needs and set up the plans for addressing those issues. There will be envelopes in the worship folders at PUMC on that Sunday to receive your gifts, but you may give at any time for this purpose by marking your check UMCOR Sunday, giving online at pumc.org, or via the PUMC mobile app. Thank you for your generosity.
UMCOR Sunday For over fifty years, United Methodists have celebrated their ministry to those affected by major disasters or ongoing crises (such as drought or famine). In the past year, the news has been full of reports on hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods with many areas and thousands of people needing help. Each March United Methodists take a special offering to support a broad response to these needs. United Methodist Committee on Relief Sunday will be March 11 this year. Formerly known as One Great Hour of Sharing, this offering provides the basic support to UMCOR as they respond immediately to the areas having major sudden need. This means that 100% of funds given for a particular disaster/emergency will go to that geographic area or event. 10
Christmas Offering Gifts totaling $7165 were received on Christmas Sunday and Christmas Eve this last December. These funds were distributed to the Bishop’s Christmas Offering, Sheltering Wings, Last Saturday Lunch, Family Promise of Hendricks County, and Family Assistance at PUMC, and Lunch Bunch. Thank you for your generous support of programs aiding families and children. pumc.org
Feeding Many Hungry People
hungry for food and/or fellowship. Additionally, PUMC supports Lunch Bunch (lunch and activities for Plainfield school-age children) in the summer at local parks and provides food for area pantries through food drives and on going collection of non perishable food and supplies in the Donation Depot (across from PUMC’s office). Many hungry people are warmed and strengthened by these ministries. Thanks for your ongoing service and support in these ways.
PUMC has a broad based ministry to persons who are lacking in food for their regular sustenance. Perhaps the best known is the distribution of homemade soup and other items every Monday to homeless persons in Indianapolis as well as those needing these resources in the Plainfield. If you come into the church building any Monday afternoon, you will note the wonderful food aroma coming from the kitchen. There are many other settings in which PUMC provides food to those in the community. On the second Wednesday of the month, as well as every Wednesday in July, persons from PUMC prepare and serve a community meal at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Buchanan Street. All seeking food and/or fellowship are welcome. On the Last Saturday of each month, a meal is prepared at PUMC and served to all who come, to Sheltering Wings and also delivered to those who request it. It is appreciated by those who are Serving the Children of Plainfield
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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 7, 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 reported that special PUMC offerings at Christmas supported several local mission projects that serve children and families, including Sheltering Wings (Hendricks County shelter for women and children) and Family Promise. Also, the alternative Christmas gifts offerings provided $1600 for missions projects that PUMC supports. Jennifer Finesilver reported that in Classic Worship this Sunday, Feb. 11, Jazz music and a message about improvising “in the key of love.” Then on March 4, Jesus Christ Superstar, the musical, will be presented in both hours of Classic Worship. NewDay Praise Worship is moving towards the hire of a Praise Worship Leader. Leadership anticipates having that accomplished before the end of February. Also in NewDay Praise Worship for Lent, the worship series will be 8Days, in which worshipers will explore the 12
eights days leading up to Jesus’ death as presented in Scripture. The series will be highlighted by an artist on the platform on March 25 to create a piece of art during worship each hour. NewDay Praise will celebrate baptisms and receive new members on February 18. Transforming for Tomorrow continues planning towards a collection of capital projects. Leadership anticipates hosting a Special Called Church Conference before the end of March to vote on the project. A priority project will be the resurfacing of the current parking lot and addition of more parking. Bob Milligan, Staff Parish Relations Chair, reported that PUMC is still seeking to hire a Praise Worship Leader and a Director of Children’s Ministry. Jobs have been posted to a variety of online job sites, UMC sites, and social media channels. Job descriptions and application instructions are posted on pumc. org, as well. Trustees reported that they are investigating the feasibility of renting the Kelly property. Trustees are working with a property management professional to determine repairs and upgrades that would be suggested to make the property rentable. Bill Edie, Finance Chair, reported that January giving was robust and pumc.org
gives PUMC a positive cash balance. This follows record giving in 2017. Finance recommended to the Church Council a 2018 budget of $1,045,467. This budget represents 2017 actual giving plus necessary increases, and it is supported by 2018 pledges and anticipated giving. Church Council approved this 2018 budget. Church Council elected the following persons, election effective immediately: 1. Rachel Jacone, to Children’s Council 2. Jane Iles, to Trustees Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support of the ministry and mission of the Church Council and PUMC.
Credit Union for United Methodists Since 1939 the United Methodist Financial Credit Union has been helping church members with their financial needs. When you use the United Methodist Financial Credit Union as your primary financial institution, you not only have the potential to earn above market dividend rates and obtain lower cost loans, you are also providing the funds to make affordable loans to other United Methodists. For more information please call Jason Fishburn, Relationship Manager at 317.677.2191 or e-mail him at jfishburn@umethodist.com.
Encore Senior Ministry
Sue Hylton, encore@pumc.org
LAST SUPPER MUSEUM March 14, 2018
Encore will travel to Greensburg, Indiana to visit The Last Supper Museum followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant on March 14, 2018. The group will leave from PUMC at 9:30 a.m. See over 2000 unique and documented pieces of artwork, dating as far back as the late 1800s. The museum is made possible by retired United Methodist pastor, Rev. Charles Flory and his wife Wilma. The collection of artifacts were collected by the Florys over 40 years. Every unique piece comes with a story that they will be happy to share. After spending time at the museum, we will go to a local restaurant and have lunch. The cost of this trip will be $5 per person in addition to lunch at your own expense. The group will leave PUMC, Door #1 at 9:30 a.m. Sign-ups for this trip will be March 11 at the Encore Desk located in the Main Lobby or call Sue Hylton at 317.839.2946. Sign up as soon as possible. Space is limited! The Plainfield UMC App Available in the App Stores Download today at
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The Winds of Spring
Marge Welker God is bringing the spring! Watch out for the March winds! It will blow your hat off your head and mess up your hair! I hope you never have to experience a wind storm. However the wind has good points, too. It can scatter seeds to grow new plants, help us fly a kite, or even make electricity. It’s also about time to get out the seed catalog to see what you would like to plant this spring. Something good to eat, I hope. And March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and even though we are not all Irish, be sure to wear something green to honor the Irish people. Also, March is Girl Scout month. Buy a box or two of Girl Scout Cookies. You are the center of my life, Lord... Between me and every storm, every problem, every sorrow, You are my hiding place, my shelter, and my peace. - Anonymous He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth; he makes lightnings for the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. Psalm 135:7, NRSV
In the Hospital this Past Month • Edna McDaniel • Dale Wright
• Charlie Hopper • Melanie Campbell
Prayer Blankets • Beverly Morphew from Edie and Al Pointer with prayers for comfort and peace. • Steve Sandell from Mike & Elizabeth Gilbert with prayers of strength and healing. • John Bassler from Tom and Kelly Bassler with prayers for God’s protection. • Cindy Page from Mike and Elizabeth Gilbert with prayers for strength and healing.
Love & Sympathy • the family and friends of Al Barker on his death. • with Jeff & Pam Rogers on the death of their son, Telly Rogers. • with Neal & Crystal Fossmeyer and family on the death of Neal’s father.
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. 14
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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.” Follow PUMC on /PlainfieldUMC /NewDayPraise /PUMCBibleExplorers PUMC weekly sermons available in the Plainfield UMC App.
PUMC Vital Signs 2018 YTD Basic Ministry Budget thru January Giving: $142,843 Expenses: $87,627 Giving-Expense Balance: $55,215 1 month’s “budget”: $87,122
Bible Reading Plan available in the Plainfield UMC App.
Ways to Give Give in person in worship on ACH Sunday morning. IN-PERSON
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Phone Brenda Barnett in the Church Office to set up, 317.839.2319.
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Serving the Children of Plainfield
March 2018 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168 Time Sensitive Material Return Service Requested