Plainfield United Methodist Church
September 2017
A LETTER FROM PASTOR CHARLIE Grace and Peace to you. On Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, a demonstration was planned by white supremacists— a “Unite the Right” rally of white nationalist and other rightwing groups. Heather Heyer was killed and 19 injured when a speeding car slammed into a throng of those who were demonstrating for love over hate. The driver has been charged with murder along with other charges. The clergy staff of PUMC shared the following response letter in worship on Aug. 20. Those in worship were invited to sign the letter on displays in the Main and NewDay Praise lobbies. Those who are moved to affirm this letter by signing it may visit the church office to do so. We continue to pray, serve, and work for peace. Go in peace. Go with God. And be well. Shalom,
A CALL FOR CHRISTIAN CIVILITY AND JUSTICE HTTP://PUMC.LINK/7HIHNT
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pumc.org
August 20, 2017
Dear friends and neighbors, family and strangers, those in the church and those not, As clergy, members, and constituents of Plainfield United Methodist Church, in light of recent events that have erupted in Virginia and around the country, we feel compelled to share a word of clarity and a word of hope. On the news, in our social media feeds, on street corners, seemingly wherever we look this last week, we find individuals and groups speaking hateful words and carrying out hateful actions that would serve to degrade, humiliate, harm, and exclude others. People have been hurt and killed by these words and actions and our hearts go out to the victims. We pray for their safety and wellbeing, and for their families and friends. We also pray for those persons who feel compelled to perpetuate such prejudice and violence. May God have mercy on all those involved. With compassion for all involved, we want to say, without any ambiguity, that hate in any form is wrong and is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus revealed to the world, by his words and his life, a God of love, grace, and mercy. He healed the sick and hurting. He ate with the marginalized. He welcomed the outcast. He showed us that all persons are persons of worth and that no one is outside the love and care of God. We join with other voices in the church that recognize racism as a sin and seek to eliminate it. As followers of Christ, we embrace love and affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened. (inumc.org) And though we are grieved by the hate and violence we see in the world around us, we do not despair. We are a people of hope, who trust that the God who gives us life through Jesus, will complete the good work he has started in the world, bringing love, grace, and mercy to reign throughout all of creation. (Philippians 1:6) We will remain steadfast in love, faithful in prayer, and diligent in seeking and serving the goals of peace and reconciliation, as God continues to work in and through us for good. We invite you to join in the work of peace now and always,
Charlie Wilfong Senior Pastor
600 SIMMONS STREET, WWW.PUMC.ORG
Elizabeth Gilbert Associate Pastor
PLAINFIELD IN 46168
Serving the Children of Plainfield
Ken Loudenback Associate Pastor
Bob Preusch Youth Pastor
PHONE: 317.839.2319
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SEPTEMBER Classic Worship Highlights 8:30, 9:50 and 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Classic Worship in the sanctuary in September revisits and revises a popular worship series from 2016: Lessons from the Old Testament. Join Pastor Charlie for the first installment on Sunday, September 3. September Classic worship will also include a celebration of Children’s Sabbath on September 10, with guest speaker Ray Helmuth, Principal of Van Buren Elementary School, and a celebration of PUMC’s ministries on PUMC Servant Sunday, September 17. Invite and bring a friend to enjoy all that Sunday mornings offer at PUMC!
600 Simmons Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168-2264 Telephone: 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 Newday Pastor’s Letter PUMC Servant Sunday Children’s Ministry Disciple Bible Study Hurricane Harvey Relief Mission News Worship Arts Encore Senior Ministry Church Council Report Views of September Adult Book Study Notes to the Congregation
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A LETTER FROM PASTOR ELIZABETH Back in the day, an assignment that often greeted students returning to school in the fall, was writing an essay about their summer break. If I had to write a paper in review of my summer this year, it would include… • Watching my husband’s garden grow and enjoying the beans, cucumbers, and hopefully soon, butternut squash • Returning to the job of Head of Yard Maintenance. Straight rows, trimmed edges, and clean landscaping can bring a real sense of satisfaction! • Spending time with family and friends around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. • Visiting our sons and taking great joy in seeing them navigate life as adults, and being thankful they still let us help with things once in a while so we feel useful. ;) • Driving SAG (safety and gear) for my husband’s 350 mile bicycle ride from St. Louis to Chicago, and feeling so grateful for all that he is to me and others, and so glad he can enjoy the things he loves. And there would be more. Little Serving the Children of Plainfield
ups and downs; work and rest; a few challenges; and a few cruddy days. But for all that I’ve experienced over the summer - the good, the not-so-good, and the very ordinary – I give God the thanks and praise. Steven Curtis Chapman sings in “Do Everything”….
You’re picking up toys on the living room floor For the fifteenth time today Matching up socks Sweeping up lost cheerios that got away You put a baby on your hip Color on your lips and head out the door While I may not know you, I bet I know you… Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all? (continued on page 5) 5
(continued from page 4) Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long As you do everything you do To the glory of the One who made you, ‘Cause He made you, To do Every little thing that you do To bring a smile to His face Tell the story of grace With every move that you make And every little thing you do May I be so fortunate to remember each and every day that everything I do, I do for God’s glory; to reveal his love and goodness to the world around me. What did you do this summer? I hope it was good. As we return to regular routines this fall, including worship, I encourage you to invite and bring a new friend you made over the summer to NewDay Praise Worship. 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 soon! Blessings,
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PUMC Servant Sunday: Together We Are More On Sunday, September 17, PUMC will celebrate the many ministry servants that lead and staff the ongoing, internal ministries of PUMC. Because of the faithful, committed, generous service of many, many individuals, PUMC is able to offer exceptionally high quality worship every Sunday; faith formation experiences for all ages such as K-5 Bible Explorers, youth ministries, and adult learning classes and small groups; welcoming ministries such as greeters, ushers, and Sunday morning coffee; quality communication and administrative support; and so much more. In worship on September 17, congregation members will share about their experiences in service here at PUMC, and we’ll give God thanks and praise for all God is doing through all of the servants here at PUMC. Ministries will have displays set-up in the lobbies to tell their stories and invite participation. And we will celebrate our life of faith shared and lived out together here at PUMC. Be a part of this celebration on September 17. Join in giving thanks to God for this congregation and all its ministries. And be inspired to serve in one of the many ministries here at PUMC. Together we are more - in service to God, each other, and the world!
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PUMC-er Natalie Macy joins INUMC Staff The Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Director of Leadership Development for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church (INUMC), is pleased to announce that Natalie Macy will serve as the new Associate Director of Leadership Development – Laity for the INUMC, effective August 7, 2017. In this role, Natalie will continue the work of the Board of Laity in discovering, developing, and deploying fruitful lay leaders. Originally from Anderson, Ind., Natalie has spent several years working in the communication and marketing field, while currently following her passion and pursuing a Master of Arts with a major in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is married to Brenden Macy and is an active member of Plainfield United Methodist Church. Natalie expressed that this opportunity is one where she could apply her experience from marketing and communication, and her new skills in organizational leadership development in which to build others up and lead them to have a positive impact on their surroundings and tap into their God-given potential. Natalie will be located at the Indiana Conference Center, 301 Pennsylvania Pkwy., Suite 300, Indianapolis, and her contact information is natalie.macy@inumc.org or (317) 924-1321. Natalie joins the following PUMC-ers in serving the larger church: Darlene White, Conference Assistant for Leadership Development Sue Cunningham, Accounting Assistant for the United Methodist Foundation of Indiana
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Children’s Ministry Amanda Norton, Director, anorton@pumc.org
Weekly Religious Education in Plainfield Weekly Religious Education (WRE) began reaching fourth grade students in Plainfield, Indiana, more than 40 years ago. All fourth grade students from all four Plainfield Elementary Schools are invited and have the opportunity to learn about the Bible and the life of Jesus each week throughout the school year. One afternoon per week students enjoy music and a Bible lesson with a trained, adult The Bible Explorers (PUMC students teacher. The program hosts WRE at Plainfield Christian Church, and grades K-5) have had a great start to transportation is provided by local the school year! As students continue churches. to learn about each book of the Bible, WRE is a program of the read the stories, and find applications Plainfield Federation of Churches, for their lives, the students are growing of which Plainfield United in Christ-likeness. Methodist Church is a participating The Bible Explorers Community member. Garden has been - and continues If you have a fourth grade to be a huge blessing this summer! student – or know of someone Each Sunday morning through the who does – and would like to know summer, students venture out to the playground after class and many times more or register your student for this experience, please visit the students pass right by the swings wreplainfield.net. Registration and slides and to see what the garden opens August 24. For more has for them that day! One student picked a few lettuce leaves, a tomato, a information contact Director cucumber and exclaimed, “I’m having Lisa Troupe at 317.755.9316 or at wreptown44@gmail.com. salad for Lunch!” On one particular Sunday, 32 students huddled in the garden, working together, weeding, harvesting, watering… It’s been an awesome experience to watch both the garden and the students grow! 8 pumc.org
Disciple Bible Study
Ken Loudenback, Associate Pastor, kloudenback@pumc.org
Disciple Bible Study classes are starting very soon, but there is still time for you to join a class! Disciple Bible Study Classes offer a unique, intensive course in reading Scripture and building faith. In each Disciple course, groups of 10-12 people make Third Grade Bible a nine-month commitment to Presentation daily Bible reading and weekly Also as the students began the class participation. Each weekly new school year, third graders class session includes a short received their adult Bibles. This DVD presentation by a Biblical has long been the practice at scholar, and time for discussion PUMC that students and families and exploration of Scripture and of look forward to each year. what it means to live as a faithful Congratulations to 2017-2018 third follower of Jesus Christ. graders! In Disciple I, students will survey Fun Under the Tent nearly 90% of the Bible in just 34 with Coyote Chris weeks. After completing Disciple I, students may choose from other Disciple courses that each focus on a different section of the Bible. Beyond those, Disciple extends to a course on how Jesus Christ is portrayed in the four Gospels (Jesus in the Gospels), and a deep study of Christian doctrines and practices in Christian Believer. To learn more or register for a class, visit pumc.org or contact Ken Loudenback at kloudenback@pumc. org or 317.839.2319, ext. 226.
Serving the Children of Plainfield
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UMCOR.ORG 10
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Help those who are suffering following recent hurricane Harvey. PUMC will collect the following supplies to then be distributed through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Financial gifts may also be made directly to umcor.org or through PUMC. Give easily online at pumc.org or mark your gift for “Hurricane Harvey.” All donated items must be new (except the buckets and lids). Donations will be received at PUMC in the Clayton Hall Coffee Hospitality Area and in the Donation Depot across from the church office (near entrance #2). Thank you for showing God’s BIG Love with your generous gifts to hurricane Harvey victims! (Visit umcor.org for more information about current needs and UMCOR’s disaster response.)
CLEANING BUCKET SUPPLIES 5-Gallon buckets with resealable lids Liquid laundry detergent - 50 oz. or 25 oz. bottle(s) only Liquid household cleaner - 12-16 oz. liquid cleaner that can be mixed with water. No spray cleaners. Dish soap - 16-28 oz. bottle, any brand Clothespins Clotheslines - 100-ft. or 50-ft. lines, cotton or plastic Sponges - No cellulose sponges due to mold issues. 24-Roll heavy-duty trash bags - 33-45 gallon sizes Cleaning wipes - Handi-wipes or reusable wipes. No terry cleaning towels. Can air freshener - Aerosol or pump Insect-repellant spray - 6-14 oz. aerosol or spray pump with protective cover Kitchen dishwashing gloves Work gloves - all cotton, all leather or cotton with leather palm Scouring pads - No stainless steel, Brillo pads or SOS pads (nothing with soap) Scrub brushes with plastic or wood handle Dust masks
HYGIENE KITS SUPPLIES Hand towels (15 x25 inches to 17 x 27 inches) - Kitchen, cleaning, and microfiber towels not acceptable Washcloths Adult-size Toothbrushes – individually packaged in original package Adhesive bandages - ¾ inch to 1 inch-size, common household Band-Aids Bath-size soap - 3 oz. and larger only, no Ivory or Jergens soap. Sturdy Combs - longer than 6 inches of teeth, no pocket combs or picks Metal nail files or nail clippers – No paper emery boards One-gallon, sealable plastic bags $1.00 donations to purchase toothpaste Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Mission News
Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org
2017 CROP Walk October 15 is the date for Plainfield Area CROP Walk to help fight the issue of hunger in the world. Many adults, children, and usually even dogs will gather in Plainfield’s Hummel Park at 1:30 p.m. and step off at 2 p.m. to walk. Paths in Hummel Park allow for distances of 1, 2, 3, or 4 miles, according to each person’s desire. However, many prefer the longer route with a stop halfway for a Dilly Bar at Dairy Queen. Each person is encouraged to recruit funding to fight hunger locally and around the world. Several churches in the larger Plainfield area participate and enjoy the walk in the fellowship of others who want to call attention to the issue of hunger and some of its potential solutions. PUMC will have a display in the main lobby outside the sanctuary on the first three Sundays in October where persons can sign up to participate and/or get more information about CROP WALK and Church World Service which oversees it. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you in walking that afternoon. 12
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Madina Village School Sends Thanks PUMC received a note of thanks for its support of Madina Village School in Sierra Leone. The most recent update indicates that the newly installed solar panels allow for longer use of the school building each day and will mean adults can be more involved in evening classes or other activities. Thank you for your generosity! Please Note: News outlets have reported major floods and mud slides in Sierra Leone. Madina Village School was not affected by these events. But they invite PUMC into prayer with them for those who are suffering from these events. Learn more about United Methodist response and how you can help by visiting .
Serving the Children of Plainfield
Fall Food Drive Plan now for the Fall Food Drive which will be October 29, November 5 and 12!
Thanks for Generous Donations Thanks to those who have piled much food and many school supplies in the Donation Depot in recent weeks. These will be important to hungry people in this area and local school children. Thanks also to those who regularly sort, store, and or deliver these items to the destinations where they are needed. Being able to link these materials with the persons who need them is an important ministry in which we can all be involved.
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Worship Arts
Michael Pettry, Director, mpettry@pumc.org
WORSHIPARTS
New Season = New Opportunities With September upon us, many PUMC music and arts programs return to their full-throttle mode. Is now the time for you to explore a new dimension for giving back to the community? What about a fresh approach to experiencing the divine? Consider trying something new Save The Date this fall and be a part of the PUMC music ministry. If you sing, we have The next event on the PUMC Concert Series is just around a bevy of opportunities ranging the corner…and you’ll be from the Adult Choir, smaller ensembles, and even opportunities disappointed if you miss it. for people with advanced musical “The Great Organ Spook-tacular” experience. If you play an Saturday, October 28, 6:00 p.m. instrument, we’d love to welcome in the sanctuary. your talents for use in weekly Family-friendly. Open to the worship. Are you a gifted painter? entire community. Seasonal A sculptor? A gourmand? Do you costumes and music including have a knack for woodworking? Harry Potter, Phantom of the Metallurgy? Opera, and more! No matter what form of creativity and expression you use, we’d love to make use of your gifts in the large arts ministry at PUMC. Ponder your ideas, and email Director of Music Michael Pettry, mpettry@pumc.org, to try something new this fall. 14 pumc.org
Coming Up in Classic Worship
Music: Serving the Children of Plainfield
September includes many special musical elements in worship. We welcome former PUMC organist Brent te Velde back to the bench on September 10, as he plays our new pipe organ for the first time. The Adult Choir sings “The Prayer of Saint Francis,” which was commissioned by this congregation 5 years ago. The Bell choirs join with special guest Stan Storey on the trumpet, and Bible Explorers will present their fall musical at the 9:50 hour on September 24. Miss a Sunday…miss a lot!
The arts aren’t just important to our children as they learn and grow…they’re vital! As PUMC walks the talk for our service to the children of Plainfield, we are pleased to offer space in the church for voice, piano and other musical instrument recitals and performances. If you know an areas music instructor who would like to host their next concert at PUMC, we endeavor to open our doors to the community as schedules allow. For more information, contact Director of Music Michael Pettry, mpettry@pumc.org.
Encore Senior Ministries Share “A Cup of Kindness” Young at Heart Luncheon
Thursday, Sept. 21 Doors open at 11:30; Lunch at noon RSVP by Sept. 11 Encore Senior Ministry invites you to share “A Cup of Kindness” with those who are 65 or older on Thursday, Sept. 21 in Clayton Hall. A delicious meal is planned with you in mind and great entertainment will be provided. There is no charge for this special event. You should be receiving your personal invitation by mail within the next few days if you have not already received one. If you have not received an invitation and are 65 or older, your birth date is not recorded in the church records, but we would love to have you come. Please let us know you will come by signing up or returning your RSVP card included with the invitation to the Encore Desk in the main lobby on Sunday, September 10 or by calling the church office at 317.839.2319, ext. 222. Deadline for responding is Monday, Sept. 11. 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 August 9. 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: • It was reported that PUMC will serve for its regular, quarterly week of service with Family Promise (Hendricks County Homeless Outreach) in September. Opportunities to serve and donate will be presented in the Main Lobby the weeks prior. • The Ad Hoc Committee on facility updates reported that after meeting with a focus group of approximately 40 PUMC members, leadership recommends forward movement of the project, which will include communication with the congregation and ultimately a church conference. The Council established the
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leadership structure for the project to include a Steering Committee to which Project Management, Fund Raising, and Communication committees will report. • It was reported that PUMC’s Boy Scout Troop 399 has gone dormant. PUMC is working with the Boy Scout District about next steps. The Cub Scouts at PUMC are thriving. • PUMC’s Annual Charge Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 6:30 p.m. at Avon United Methodist Church. • PUMC’s 2018 all-church worship and study event will be based on The Wesley Challenge: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith. Small group sign-ups will be available in early January. 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.
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New Adult Study
CREED – What Christians Believe and Why
The Views of September by Marge Welker
September is noted for Labor Day. Are you going to labor or are you going to rest and take it easy? I like to look out my kitchen window and see what is going on in the world that day. When you look out your window, what do you see? I asked some friends what they see… “I see a beautiful garden with all different flowers blooming. I see birds flying in the breeze. I see my children coming home from school.” “I see a squirrel trying to eat the bird seed from my bird feeder.” One friend says that she was given a plant that attracts butterflies. She has seen at least twelve Monarch butterflies on her plant. Out my window I see white clouds in a blue sky. I can almost see God and his angels at work. When I see lightning and hear thunder I know the rain will be coming down to wash the world. I can feel God’s presence and I long to hear God say: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” As we view through our windows in search of God and God’s Kingdom, it is not very far away, and as close as a prayer. Serving the Children of Plainfield
We’re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. Quentin Smith will serve as discussion leader for this study. Please join the Ordinary People Adult Sunday School Class in the Wesley Room (# 21) on Sundays, starting September 3, 9:45 a.m. All are welcome! 17
In the Hospital this Past Month • Betty Roberts • Suzanne Barnes • Dale Wright • Hiddy Bagwell • Gabby Laymen • Mel Low
• Russ Combs • Jim Bell • Carol Kersey • Charlie Hopper • Alice Petty
Love & Sympathy • Teri Walters and family on the death of her husband, Rev. Bob Walters. • The family of Tabb Webster on his death.
Notes to the Congregation Dear Church Family,
Prayer Blankets • Teri Walters from friends at PUMC with prayers for comfort and peace. • Courtney Ebarb from Becky McFarling and Stacy McCune with prayers for healing and comfort. • Lisa Frisbie from Jane and Tom Iles with prayers for comfort and strength. • Walter Frisbie from Jane and Tom Iles with prayers for comfort and strength. • Scott Frisbie from Jane and Tom Iles with prayers for comfort and strength. 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
We feel your love. We feel your prayers. We appreciate everything done in the Celebration of Bob Walters’ Life Service. He was one of a kind and is greatly missed. Peace, Teri, Taylor, Robbie, Stuart, Jordan, and Evelyn
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 pumc.org
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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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
Septemner 2017 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168