Plainfield United Methodist Church
November 2017
A LETTER FROM PASTOR CHARLIE 2018 Worship Schedule Recently, someone asked me about This new schedule will: the size, vitality, and future of PUMC. • Maintain PUMC’s high quality What an exciting subject! Everyone Classic Worship ministry tends to visualize the congregation • Open up more opportunity for based on the primary way they people to experience NewDay interact with the ministry—that is, Praise Worship which service they attend or which serving ministry they engage. That • Add a creative opportunity makes it a challenge for most anyone for people to experience a to see the big picture. And it is a BIG message of hope from the picture. PUMC is a large congregation Word by any measure, in the 98th percentile • This new schedule will not: for size among United Methodist d i sr upt congregations nation-wide. That • Sig n i f ic a nt ly the majority of worship means PUMC is larger than 98% of and Sunday educational United Methodist congregations. pro g r a m m i n g ( A du lt In a time when most mainline Sunday School and Adult denominational churches are in Small Groups, Children’s decline, PUMC is pleased to enjoy programming, youth worship) not only steady attendance, ministry, • Burden leadership and serving and mission, but is experiencing teams with additional duties growth and routinely hosting new worshipers. People new to PUMC Beginning January 7, 2018, PUMC’s and new to church in general are Sunday morning worship schedule coming to know Jesus Christ, finding will be adjusted in the following ways: a church home, and growing in grace • Classic Worship will be at and faith. 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. In our desire to give the greatest • NewDay Praise Worship will opportunity for people to experience be at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. the full love and grace of Jesus through the worship ministries of • A new “Preaching Chapel” will be held in the sanctuary PUMC - without burdening worship at 11:15 a.m. and ministry teams - January will see an adjusted worship schedule. • This 30-minutes experience 2
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will include a hymn, prayer, and message in a more casual, intimate style • This experience will not require tech or media support, and limited hospitality and music support. • C h i ld ren a nd Yout h programming will be 1011:00 a.m. • Existing Sunday Adult Groups and Classes may choose to meet at any time that best suits the members of their group, being mindful that children and youth programming and support is primarily at 10-11:00 a.m. • Note: Infant and Toddler care will continue to be available throughout the morning for 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. Worship and for 11:15 a.m. Preaching Chapel. Any way that we can align our ministries so that more people can experience the full embrace of the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ will bring glory to God. I’m excited about the possibilities that these changes provide. Please continue to pray for PUMC and its ministries. Go in peace. Go with God. And be well. Shalom,
Serving the Children of Plainfield
600 Simmons Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168-2264 pumc.org • 317.839.2319 Sundays
Classic Worship: 8:30, 9:50 & 11:00 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)
Table of Contents Senior Pastor’s Letter Classic Worship Notes Giving Thanks in November NewDay Pastor’s Letter Angel Tree Encore Senior Ministry Columbium & Memorial Graden Consecration Sunday Mission News Church Council Report Notes to the Congregation
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OCTOBER CLASSIC WORSHIP
Giving Thanks in November by Marge Welker
8:30, 9:50 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
As Thanksgiving approaches we are hurrying around buying groceries for the big dinner. Nov. 5 - All Saints Sunday The Thanksgiving dinner is so and Celebration of Holy delicious, and we are so thankful for Communion so much. What things has God given you for which you are thankful? Nov. 12 - Consecration Sunday Make a list of everything God has and Church-wide Picnic Lunch given you and thank him for each Worship at 10 a.m. only. thing individually. Lunch to follow. Call the church God not only has given us much for office to make your reservation. which to be thankful, but he has also given us everything we need to make Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving Sunday our bodies grow strong physically, as well as spiritual food to grow spiritually. What is that spiritual Save the dates for food? God has given us the Bible. these special worship God also has given us the privilege of experiences through the prayer. And God has given us friends end of 2017! and neighbors to encourage and help us. Nov. 12 - Consecration Sunday Thank you God Celebration @ PUMC for all that grows, 10:00 a.m. worship (only) in both Thank you God Classic and NewDay Praise, with for the sky’s rainbows, free church-wide picnic lunch to Thank you God follow. for the stars that shine, Thank you God Sunday, Dec. 24 for these friends of mine, Christmas Eve Worship: Thank you God for the moon and sun, Regular Sunday morning schedule: Thank you God Classic at 8:30, 9:50 and 11:00; for all you’ve done! NewDay Praise 9:50 a.m. Amen. Christmas Eve Worship Schedule: 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 p.m. Worship.
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A LETTER FROM PASTOR ELIZABETH Giving… thanks, gifts, self. How many things do I love about November? Too many to list, but among the things I love most are… • Cooler days and s’mores by the fire pit in the evening • The colors of the season • Sweatshirts, sweaters and scarves • Pumpkin flavored coffee, cookies, and pies • Walking the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving Day • Beginning to prep for Christmas And the Thanksgiving holiday is a centerpiece of the month. Giving thanks to God for who God is, for all that God has done, and for all that I enjoy brings me closer to God and gives me joy. November is also the month at PUMC when we ask ourselves, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?” It is a joyful – and humbling – experience every year for my husband and me to consider this question and make our financial commitment to PUMC for the next year. We are humbled when we count and consider all that God has poured in to our lives – in material blessings and in relationships, love, opportunities, Serving the Children of Plainfield
and so much more. And we find joy in returning a percentage of our income to God for God’s work in the world through PUMC. We look forward to seeing the amazing things God will do with our gifts to touch and change lives for the better. But we also look forward to what God will do in us as we release our grip on our possessions and let God use them. In the Bible we read…. “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” (Proverbs 18:16, NIV) We never fail to know God’s presence and power; to experience God’s love and grace; or to see God use our gifts in surprising and wonderful ways, when we give generously to the church. It always feels like we’ve received so much more than we’ve given. A s we approach PUMC ’s Consecration Sunday, November 12 (worship at 10:00 a.m. that morning in both NewDay Praise and Classic Worship), will you join Mike and me in a prayer that we will be praying daily to prepare our hearts to make our 2018 financial commitment to PUMC… Continued on Page 6
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Continued from Page 5
Lord, teach me generosity as an overflow of your presence in my life. Help me extend it as an expression of your love and compassion for others. Continue to create in me a heart attitude that reflects your humility and openness. Grow generosity in my life so that it is more than for the few weeks of this season but through all seasons–a lifestyle. Amen. (by Jan Kern, voiceofcourage.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. Celebrating God’s love and generosity poured out on us is a centerpiece of worship every week. I hope you’ll join us sometime soon! Blessings,
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November 26 - Thanksgiving Sunday. Bring your Blessing Bags to worship on Sunday, November 26, to share about God’s blessings in your life and Glory Sightings (the ways you’ve seen God at work for good) you’ve encountered throughout the year. Blessing bags are available in the church office, the sanctuary, the Worship Annex, and all lobbies.
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Angel Tree PUMC shares God’s BIG Love with the children of incarcerated parents each Christmas through the Angel Tree (Prison Ministry) Mission as we provide gifts, cookies, and Bibles for these children. Members of the congregation choose a child from the “Angel Tree” in the main lobby, purchase and wrap the gift. Once returned and sorted, these gifts are delivered to the children on behalf of their incarcerated parent. There are many opportunities to be home. The kids love to eat them while opening their Christmas gifts! Deliver involved with this mission: cookies to PUMC by 5 p.m., December Choose a name and buy a gift. 15. In the main lobby in the coming weeks Volunteer to sort or distribute (Nov. 19 & 26 and Dec 3) pick a name gifts and cookies off of the Angel tree and purchase a gift Sunday, December 10, 1 p.m. using the info on the angel. Wrap the gift in a box. Return the single, wrapped If you have questions please contact item to PUMC by noon December 10. Steve Brizendine through the church office. Bake Cookies. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Two and one-half dozen homemade 2 Corinthians 9:15 cookies are delivered to each Angel Tree
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Encore Senior Ministries This has been a great year of learning new things about places and about one another. A big ‘thank you’ to all who have taken advantage of the opportunities that have been offered. We’re not ready to close the books on 2017 yet! As always, you are invited to participate in any Encore Senior Ministry activities. We do ask you to sign up so that we can make arrangements for transportation and notify our hosts of how many to anticipate. You may sign-up at the Encore Desk located in the main lobby or contact Sue Hylton at 317.839.2946 or shylton@indy.rr.com. Please register your email and your phone information when you sign up so that we can send you up-dates on activities. November 7 (Tuesday) – Encore will tour the home of the only person from Indiana elected as President of the US, Benjamin Harrison. We will leave PUMC at 10 a.m. Cost is $8 for the tour that will be guided by PUMC member, Debbie Proctor. Lunch will be at your own expense at the Propylaeum which is an old Victorian home that serves delicious food. A menu is available at the Encore desk.
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November 30 (Thursday) – Encore will leave PUMC at 9:30 a.m. and travel to Edinburgh Premium Outlets for browsing or serious shopping…it’s up to you. You can anticipate saving 25% to 65% at the 85 shops located at this mall. Lunch at your own expense will be at one of the nearby restaurants. Sign up at the Encore Desk on Nov. 5, 12, or 19. December 5 (Tuesday) – Encore will enjoy a night out with a visit to the Festival of Trees at Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. View over 80 trees that have been uniquely decorated, enjoy some very special carolers as well as entertainment in the Cole Porter Room, and visit other displays throughout the Center. Details will follow soon, but for now reserve December 5 for this special time. Please feel free to make suggestions for places you would like to see or things you would like to do. Chances are that if you would like to visit a place or try something new, others would, too! And again, thanks so much for your participation.
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PUMC Columbarium & Memorial Garden The Plainfield United Methodist Church Columbarium and Memorial Garden offers to members and their families a simple, dignified option to a traditional burial as a final resting place for their loved ones. Dedicated in April 2010, PUMC’s columbarium is located just south of door #14. It is a modular unit installed within the wall of the church building adjacent to the Chapel. The columbarium consists of 64 niches, sized to receive the cremains of one or two deceased. Two urns are provided with each economical way to honor the dead. niche. A black granite niche cover is provided for engraving with the For the church: A columbarium name of the deceased along with the provides for an additional ministry to the congregation and relieves dates of birth and death. much stress at the time of death about what to do with the remains What are the benefits? of the departed. For church members: A For more information you may pick columbarium in the church provides up a descriptive brochure or packet a safe, comfortable, theologically at the Church Office. correct, ecologically sound and
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Novembe 10:00
Classic & NewDa Childcare, Children’s Activ 10
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er 12, 2017 0 a.m.
ay Praise Worship vities, and Lunch Provided Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Mission News
Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org
PUMC Family Assistance Shows God’s BIG Love
Ted Underwood, PUMC Family Assistance Fund Administrator
Family Promise PUMC has a wonderful mission opportunity this Advent season in that we, in conjunction with The Friends and their Plainfield Meeting House, will once again be hosting homeless families, but this time we will be hosting during Christmas week from Sunday December 24th, through Sunday January 31st. We will need volunteers to step up and fix dinner meals for Sunday evening through Saturday of that week. In addition, we will need those who can spend time with the families that we are hosting to sign up. This will be a great opportunity for our PUMC families, especially for those who have children, to introduce to your kids the importance of caring for those who are less fortunate. We are also working with the Friends to make Christmas morning special. We will decorate their living space, fix a breakfast feast, and we are going to coattail with our Angel Tree Mission by placing angels on the tree after all of the Angel Tree children have been cared for. The new angels will be for the children of our guests. If you are interested in helping, you can contact Mary Raver at mraver@pumc. org or Rick Jones at rjones@pumc.org. 12
PUMC is always at the forefront of helping the needy and homeless in the Plainfield area. One recent statistic suggests that there are 200250 homeless students in Hendricks County. PUMC is often able to help by paying for shelter, utilities and other critical needs. This is possible because of your contributions to the Family Assistance Fund. As the weather turns cold, the need will grow. Thank you for showing God’s BIG Love to these children and families with your financial support. Gifts may be made to PUMC, marked for “Family Assistance.” Give easily and safely at pumc.org. Thank you!
PUMC Homeless Outreach Feeds Bodies and Spirits This report is from the Homeless Outreach team, led this particular evening by Rick Jones, following their regular Monday evening outreach on October 2. If you would like to participate with or donate to this outreach, please visit pumc.org or contact leadership through the church office. Pastor Bob Preusch and three youth, middle school girls, joined me delivering food Monday night. We handed out all of our food by 7:30 p.m. From Tornado to Bill at the boarding pumc.org
house, Willard Park and then Scott at the Twin Aire, we were finding plenty to feed. Nancy was in good spirits under the bridge. Along with the river camps we found people again at the new camps, Diamond Chain,
Raymond Street bridge, and under I 65 on Southern Ave. Several hungry dogs loved our dog food and treats, as well, last night. Ricky and some of the people at the river Fern camp have moved on. Of course I just bought Ricky a new sketch book. We’ll cross paths again and he will get it then. With just over ten meals left we headed to Illinois Street and stopped to feed those on the corners of Illinois and Maryland when a patron in the corner restaurant came out and handed Bob a $20 bill, thanking us for what we do. All of these last few meals were handed out on the two corners at this intersection, and then we were finished. Serving the Children of Plainfield
Bob and I had a wonderful evening talking about our faith perspectives. The man that gave Bob the cash validated what I had just shared with him, and that is that even those who are on the street corners who are begging may or may not be as in need as those in the camps, when we pull up by the fancy schmancy restaurants to feed the “pan handlers,” we have a large audience who sees Christians serving the least of these. These onlookers see faith in action. God can do much with this type of witness! God Bless, Rick
Looking Ahead In the midst of lovely warm fall days, it is difficult sometimes to think about the coming of colder days and the needs of that season. But headed in to November it is time to bring items for the annual PUMC Mitten Tree (located in the Main Lobby). Needed are mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, etc. for keeping children warm through the winter months. These will be distributed at the end of November via Fletcher Place Community Center in Indianapolis (fletcherplacecc.org) and area schools. Thank you for your generosity! 13
One of the many great things about UMCOR is its ability to arrive quickly to areas needing such resources, as well as its commitment to stay as long as its help is needed. This often means years, not just months! If you missed the opportunity to provide any of the needed supplies, you may still bring them to PUMC’s Donation Depot, across from the main office. PUMC Fall Food Drive Visit UMCOR.org for list of supplies. The annual fall food drive at Thank You! PUMC began on Sunday, October 29, with the distribution of grocery Upcoming Mission Events: bags to fill and/or lists of needed Please be alert to information items. Items needed include all types of non-perishable foods (no coming soon from the PUMC Mission glass containers, please), as well as Committee regarding: household supplies. If you prefer, you • Alternative Christmas gift may write a check to PUMC (noting opportunities – give to PUMC food drive on it). Delivery of the food missions in honor of friends and other supplies will begin the first and family this Christmas Sunday in November. Many hungry • Janet Lahr Lewis (a UMC persons appreciate your generosity! General Board of Global Ministries missionary) who will be at PUMC in January.
Disaster Relief Many thanks to all who contributed items for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) cleaning buckets and hygiene kits for shipping by UMCOR to areas affected by the multiple recent disasters. And that you to those who gave generous financial support to UMCOR in recent weeks. You have showed love to many, many people through these actions! 14
United Methodist Women Help United Methodist Women collect Christmas donations for Fletcher Place Community Center (Indianapolis) and IPS School #34 in November. pumc.org
Donations can be placed in the Donation Depot across from the church office at any time. Large cans designated for each mission are available to receive the donations. Thank you! Fletcher Place Community Center Christmas needs: • Clothing for children ages 0-18: jeans, sweatshirts, sweaters, socks and underwear • Toys and Games: Board games. Books. Art supplies, building toys , etc. • Teen Gifts: sports equipment, journals, art supplies, alarm clocks, wallets/purse, hats and gloves Items needed by November 22. The Indianapolis Public School #34 Christmas Shop is collecting: Games. toys, books, hats, gloves for ages 2-13. Items needed by December 3.
Serving the Children of Plainfield
You are invited to Friday Morning Bible Study for learning and serving! The Friday Morning Bible Study group just began a new six-week study on the biblical book of Romans. You can still join - all are welcome! Contact Lynn Blosser via email at lblosser@pumc.org, through the church office (317.839.2319) or join the group in the Koinonia Room, Friday mornings, 9:45 a.m. The group is also collecting new and used candles to be used to provide light and warmth to the homeless served by PUMC’s Homeless Outreach this winter. Six-inch pillar candles can be used as is, however, we also appreciate candles that are smaller or in glass jars which will be melted into a more usable form. Please bring candles to the marked container in the Donation Depot just across from the Church Office, near door #2. This candle collection will be ongoing through the winter. Thank you for sharing God’s love and warmth with these candles!
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Church Council Report
Nikki Shoultz, Committee Chair, churchcouncil@pumc.org
The Church Council met for its regular monthly meeting on October 11, 2017. 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 Endowment Committee announced that they approved a grant to contribute to the cost of a PUMC Youth Mission Work Trip to Houston, TX, summer of 2018. Jim Rodarmel, Head Usher, presented a report from the Safety Task Force which he facilitates and which has been meeting for several months. Report included: • Proposed safety upgrades to building and safety processes. • Proposed Response Guide The Safety Task Force will continue to meet regularly. Questions may be directed to Jim Rodarmel via the church office. Consecration Sunday will be November 12, 2017, onsite at PUMC. Worship will be at 10:00 a.m. in both the sanctuary and the worship annex. Rev. Greg McGarvey will be the guest preacher. Picnic Lunch will follow onsite. 16
Transforming for Tomorrow PUMC and Transforming for Tomorrow leadership hosted Questions & Answer Sessions for all interested persons on September 24 and October 1. (A vote was not taken on October 1, as had been intended.) Leadership learned through these conversations that in general principle, there is broad support for the list of capital projects (such as additional parking, kitchen upgrades, etc.) presented in this initiative. Leadership clarified the following as related to this initiative: • 10% of gifts received for this (proposed) project will be set aside for future major facility needs • Finance expenses related to the project (necessary for cash flow management) will be paid out of the project fund-raising • Leadership is considering a five-year rather than threeyear campaign • Intent is to have projects complete at the end of five years without any lasting debt Senior Pastor Charlie Wilfong reported that January 2018 will see small changes to the Sunday morning worship schedule. To accommodate a strong and vital worship ministry and give the greatest opportunity for pumc.org
new worshipers to experience the full love and grace of Jesus through our Sunday morning programming, Sunday morning worship schedule will adjust to the following: • Classic Worship at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. In the sanctuary • NewDay Praise Worship at 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. In the Worship Annex • Preaching Chapel at 11:15 in the sanctuary (this 30-minute experience will include a hymn, Scripture and message) • Children’s and Youth Programming will be 1011:00 a.m. • Adult Classes and Small Groups will have the flexibility to meet at the time most conducive to their members, keeping in mind that nursery and children’s programming and support will be during the 10:00 a.m. Hour. • Infant and Toddler Care will be available across the morning, as it is now. T he Counci l approved a Memorandum of Understanding clarifying the expectations for the relationship between PUMC and the PUMC Weekday Children’s Ministries. Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support of the ministry and mission of the Church Council and PUMC. Serving the Children of Plainfield
PUMC Annual Charge Conference November 28 PUMC members are invited to this annual business meeting of the church on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 6:30 p.m., at Avon United Methodist Church, 6850 E US Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123. PUMC will join with several UM Churches to celebrate our connectional ministry and make annual reports to the District. Contact the church office for more information.
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In the Hospital this Past Month • Patrick Cronin • Kathy Turner • Quentin Shore
• Wilma Kapcoe • Sharon Howard
Prayer Blankets • Candy from Marty Williams with prayers for comfort and healing. • Carolyn from Tamara and Sarah Miller with prayers for strength and healing. • Gracey from Kent and Doris Galyon with prayers for strength and comfort.
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Love & Sympathy • the family of Susie Durell on her death. • Steve & Pat Manning and family on the death of Pat’s sister, Kathleen Lucas
Notes to the Congregation We are so grateful for our E-mails, cards and meals! What a community we have. Wanda and Charlie Hopper
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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.
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. Bible Reading Plan available in the Plainfield UMC App.
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Online at pumc.org or via ACH SecureGive on your mobile device. SECURE
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Phone Brenda Barnett in the Church Office to set up, 317.839.2319.
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Give through the Plainfield UMC App. Get the app on your mobile device at pumc.link/getapp
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Serving the Children of Plainfield
November 2017 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168 Time Sensitive Material Return Service Requested