A LETTER FROM PASTOR CHARLIE Plundering the Egyptians
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ast fall, we shared a worship series on the basics of the Christian Faith featuring the music of the Beatles. This October, we are planning a Classic Worship series entitled: Broadway Backstage! Show tunes spotlight sacred truths. The Broadway musicals we will be using include: Jesus Christ, Superstar; Les Miserables; South Pacific; Phantom of the Opera; and Wicked. You can review the schedule, Scriptures, and message titles for this series on page 11 of the Circuit Rider. Again, we hope that the theme of this series will help make it something you can easily invite friends and neighbors to attend. Some of the messages from the musicals will echo sacred truths from the Scriptures and others will stand in contrast and provide an opportunity to highlight the truth of the Scriptures by comparison. In all cases, our Sunday messages will be Bible-based, helpful, and instructive. Sunday messages will be Bible-based, helpful, and instructive. I am mindful of what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:5. “We take every thought captive to obey Christ.” So, we are comfortable 1
taking these popular “thoughts” from the culture and putting them into their proper Christian context. John Wesley referenced “plundering the Egyptians.” As the Israelites left slavery in Egypt, they were instructed to ask for treasures from their Egyptian neighbors. Thus they “plundered” the Egyptians, their slavery masters. “I will bring this people into such favor with the Egyptians that, when you go, you will not go empty-handed; each woman shall ask her neighbor and any woman living in the neighbor’s house for jewelry of silver and of gold, and clothing, and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters; and so you shall plunder the Egyptians.” – Exodus 3:21-22, emphasis mine. Plunder the Egyptians Wesley noted the reference for his practice of using popular culture as a tool to illustrate or as a counterexample of the gospel. Charles Wesley’s use of pop tunes to help the masses to sing his sacred texts is another example of plundering the Egyptians. (continued on page 3) pumc.org
SEPTEMBER Classic Worship Highlights Sept 4 Key Lessons from the Old Testament: Esther Celebration of Holy Communion Sept 11 Community Sunday – PUMC welcomes teachers and staff of Van Buren Elementary School Sept 18 Key Lessons from the Old Testament: Elijah Sept 25 Youth Summer Mission Report Weekly Sunday Classic Worship 8:30, 9:50 and 11:10 a.m.–Sanctuary
600 Simmons Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168-2264 Telephone: 317.839.2319 Fax: 317.839.1509 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
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ave the dates for these special worship experiences through the end of 2016! Nov. 13 Consecration Sunday Celebration @ Plainfield High School (One combined worship, 10:00 a.m., with free luncheon to follow.) Dec. 25 Christmas Day Worship (10:00 a.m. only in both Classic and NewDay Praise) Serving the Children of Plainfield
Senior Pastor’s Letter Staff News Newday Pastor’s Letter Children’s Ministry Youth Ministry Disciple Bible Study Hospitality for Small Groups Worship Arts Mission News Church Council Update Financial Committee Update Notes to the Congregation Life’s Bridges
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Bring a guest. I’m excited about the messages Every generation since Jesus has we will be sharing in October. significantly changed Christian Please be prayerful about whom worship so that the timeless Good you might bring to worship for the News of Jesus Christ is meaningful first time this October, especially for that generation – so that since our theme is designed to be believers are edified in that time “guest friendly.” and so that the witness of the worshiping community is effective Go in peace. Go with God. And be for that generation. So my frame well. of reference is that I’m “plundering Shalom, the Egyptians” and “taking every thought captive” for Christ as we share sacred truths from the Scriptures in today’s world. (continued from page 1)
Staff News
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UMC’s Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce that Associate Director Ken Loudenback has completed requirements to earn his License to Preach. As celebrated in Classic Worship on August 28, Ken has earned his pastor’s credentials and the title Reverend. As a Licensed Local Pastor, Rev. Loudenback has sacramental responsibility in his appointed charge (Plainfield United Methodist Church) and continues his training and education in the United Methodist Course of Study through the oversight of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. You can still reach Pastor Ken at kloudenback@pumc. org or through the church office at 317.839.2319. Any questions about staff at PUMC may be directed to Bob Milligan, Staff Parish Relations Chair, at staffparish@pumc.org or to any pastor through the church office. 3
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A LETTER FROM PASTOR ELIZABETH As the Garden Grows
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ore in a garden grows than what the gardener sows.” - Spanish Proverb I’ve learned how much truth is found in this old Spanish Proverb as I’ve experienced our first garden this summer. Other than a few failed attempts at tomatoes and peppers in pots in the past, Mike’s and my small raised-bed garden this season was our first real attempt at growing vegetables. In addition to enjoying green beans, zucchini, and tomatoes, we found that a number of spiritual truths grew and were illustrated in and amongst the seeds we planted… • The good stuff is sometimes hidden under the big, showy parts. Green beans plants, I’ve learned, grow quickly into big, beautiful plants with large green leaves. But the produce, the beans, grow hidden underneath the leaves. You have to really look for the beans, and they can be easily overlooked. In the spiritual life we can be distracted by the big shows of faith and spirituality (think eloquent prayers and grand worship and large outreach events), but the produce that sustains us is much less Serving the Children of Plainfield
showy, sometimes hidden underneath all the big parts. The peace, trust, and faith that grows quietly in our spiritual life is that which nourishes us for continued life and service in Christ’s name. • It can take a lot of work to get a little bit of fruit. The tomato plants have grown to mammoth proportions, and there are some tomatoes beginning to ripen. But given their size and the attention the plants require, I would think we would have much more fruit. And the cucumbers haven’t produced at all. We planted cucumbers – twice. The first seeds never sprouted, and the second planting never produced any cucumbers. While this seemed discouraging at first, we’ve learned a lot and marveled at the subtleties of the life our plants share in the garden box. It seems that cucumbers don’t grow well with tomatoes. Next time we’ll do things a little differently, try and set up an environment more conducive for growing cucumbers. Just 4
like the spiritual life, effort doesn’t always equal outcome. The tomato plants that have taken the most effort may well produce the least fruit. Sometimes in the spiritual life, our efforts don’t produce as much as we anticipate. And sometimes our efforts seem to fail all together. Don’t give up. Try again. Try something different. Trust that the Grower of all good things will grow you in faith when he decides it is time, not just because you put in a lot of effort. • Gardens are messy. Besides the whole issue of soil, plants didn’t stay in neat rows; the zucchinis choked out some of the green beans; the beans have spilled over out of the box; bugs live in the box, too; and I think tomato plants are smelly. But the garden produces wonderful food that nourishes our bodies. We couldn’t live without the food that the ground provides. Spiritual life is messy, too. The Holy Spirit doesn’t move in the ways we’d like; God is not responsive to our every whim; and Jesus calls us into unpredictable, uncomfortable situations to serve in his name. The leadership team in NewDay Praise Worship continues to nurture the worship ministry that was planted there in January. Sometimes the blessings are hidden 5
underneath the bigger, showier parts of worship and the space – but they are there. Thanks to everyone who has shared stories of how this ministry has touched your hearts and spirits and grown you closer to God and others. Sometimes the effort we’ve put in hasn’t produced as much as we’d like, but God is good and he continues to inspire and encourage us. Some things haven’t worked at all, so we try again or try something different. Overall, the ministry is growing in ways that are meaningful, providing good nourishment for our spirits and our life together. And… ministry is messy, but we are having a great time planting, nurturing, sometimes replanting, and growing this ministry as faithful gardeners for Christ. It’s not always neat, tidy, and predictable, but it’s fruitful, and it’s fun. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this bold and exciting ministry. If you’ve not yet, we hope you’ll join us some Sunday at 9:50 a.m. in the Worship Annex. It’s a new day in NewDay Praise and we’d love you to be a part of it! Blessings,
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Children’s Ministry Amanda Norton, Director, anorton@pumc.org
Third Grade Bible Presentation
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Trunk or Treat
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ou are invited to the PUMC parking lot on October 29 from 4:30-6 p.m. for fun, games, prizes, costumes, candy and trickor-treating from car to car! Trunk or Treat is a great opportunity to enjoy Trick or Treating in a fun and safe environment. ALL ages are welcome! Come dressed in your best costume and bring a neighbor or a friend! If you will volunteer to decorate the trunk of your vehicle and distribute candy, please contact Amanda Norton at anorton@pumc. org.
Serving the Children of Plainfield
n Sunday, September 18 during 9:50 Classic Worship, PUMC third graders will receive Bibles. During worship we will celebrate the third grade students and their promotion to an adult Bible. (Third grade students are to meet in their Sunday School class room at 9:30 a.m. Please let Amanda know your third grade student’s name if they will be participating by emailing anorton@pumc.org).
PUMC Family Fall Festival
Saturday, September 24, 5-7 p.m. Open to the community. oin the fall fun - bounce houses, bon fire, hot dogs, marshmallows, games, prizes and face painting! Bring the whole family and invite a friend. In PUMC’s West Lot, around the fire pit. If you’d like to help make this event happen, please contact Amanda at anorton@pumc.org.
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Youth Ministry
Rev. Bob Preusch, Youth Pastor, bpreusch@pumc.org
2016 Youth Canoe Trip Boundry Waters, Canada
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Disciple Bible Study Ken Loudenback, Associate Pastor, kloudenback@pumc.org
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isciple 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 a nine-month commitment to daily Bible reading and weekly class participation. Each weekly class session includes a short DVD presentation by a Biblical scholar, and time for discussion and exploration of Scripture and of what it means to live as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. In Disciple I, students will survey nearly 90% of the Bible in just 34 weeks. Or consider Disciple I Fast Track, a 20-week survey of
the entire Bible. After completing either 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.
Hospitality Hints and Habits for Your Small Group
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all is often the time when small groups and Sunday School classes reconvene after summer vacation, start a new study, or recommit to their education and faith formation goals. It’s also a great time to welcome newcomers to your group. Fall is also often the season when new families to the Serving the Children of Plainfield
community seek a church to call home. Are you ready to welcome and include newcomers seeking a small group where they can make friends, grow in faith, and serve with others? Consider these welcome and hospitality hints especially for small groups: (continued on page 14) 8
Worship Arts
Michael Pettry, Director, mpettry@pumc.org
Announcing: PUMC Concert Series
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s a place to worship, to grow, to learn, to laugh, to receive support, and to experience the beauty of art and music as we walk our faith journey, Plainfield United Methodist Church is pleased to announce a brand new concert series! The inaugural season of the PUMC Concert Series includes a variety of concerts – all are free, and all are open to the public with the intent of inviting others to step inside our church and experience what makes PUMC so special. The PUMC Concert Series launches with the performance, “Plainfield Pops! An Evening on Broadway.” The Sunday, October 2, 7:00 p.m. concert features orchestra, choir and special guest soloists performing some of your all-time favorite show tunes including from musicals like Phantom of the Opera, The Music Man, The Sound of Music and even the new hit musical Hamilton. The performance is open to everyone and it kicksoff a month-long Sunday morning worship series using the music of Broadway to highlight Biblical truths. Pick-up a PUMC Concert series brochure in church information racks, or find more information online. 9
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An Evening of Broadway
Calling all Singers:
Choir for Broadway Concert oin the choir for a special, onetime performance featuring the music of Broadway. Anyone from grade 6 through adult is invited to join the Choir as we perform some of the greatest music from Broadway in an October 2 performance Plainfield Pops! An Evening on Broadway to launch our new PUMC Concert Series. The Broadway Pops Choir will rehearse on Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 beginning September 8. The dress rehearsal is on Sunday, October 2 from 2:30-5:00, and the big performance is on Sunday, October 2, 7:00 p.m. Lend your voice in what is going to be an uplifting and entertaining concert experience for our congregation and for the entire community. For more information contact Director of Music Michael Pettry: mpettry@pumc.org.
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Pipe Organ Update
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he pipe organ was dedicated in worship on Sunday, July 31, and the finishing touches continue on the project. Most of the front pipework is complete, and construction on the antiphonal (rear) pipework is inprogress. Please feel welcome to come forward for the Postlude on any Sunday to get a closer look at the instrument, and watch the organist play this grand old instrament.
Adult Choir Rehearsal Schedule
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he Adult Choir returns to singing in worship this month, and we are seeking people to join us in singing. Whether you sang in high school or college – no matter how many years ago – or if you are looking to try it for the very first time, we have a place just for you. The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7:30 until 9:00 p.m. in the sanctuary and sings on a rotating schedule for 2 services each week in Classic (sanctuary) worship. (They do not sing on the final Sunday of the month.) There is no audition. Contact Director of Music Michael Pettry for more information: mpettry@pumc.org. Serving the Children of Plainfield
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Broadway Backstage!
Show tunes spotlight sacred truths October Classic Worship Series
Sunday, October 2, 2016 Jesus Christ, Superstar Scripture: Luke 9:18-27 Message: “Who Do You Say Jesus Is?” Sunday, October 2, 2016 7:00 p.m. Plainfield Pops! An Evening of Broadway Public concert Sunday, October 9, 2016 Les Miserables Scripture: John 1:10-18 Message: “Justice” Sunday, October 16, 2016 South Pacific Scripture: Galatians 3:23-29 Message: “Careful” Sunday, October 23, 2016 Phantom of the Opera Scripture: Psalm 139:1-18 Message: Masquerade Sunday, October 30, 2016 Wicked Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20 Message: “Our Struggle”
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Life’s Bridges
Marge Welker, PUMC Member
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eptember is a great time to get in your car and go to a park or just drive around. How many bridges you crossed? How many different kinds did you notice? Maybe an iron bridge… like the strong faith and love for God. As we grow, we can strengthen our commitment to serve Him and we can commit ourselves to more solid living. Like a bridge of concrete that will hold us up under stress, strain, temptations, jealousy and lust for money. How about a draw bridge? It breaks in the middle and raises skyward to let ships pass through the channel on their way to deliver cargo. This compares to those breaks that occur in our lives and is when we need to have strong faith and ask for strength from God to get us across this bridge in life. And then there is the covered bridge. A bridge built to protect horses and buggies in the early days from the elements, snow, sleet, and rain. This is like the covering God gives us as we go through this life. Take a moment this fall and thank God for His blessings. Praise His Name! pumc.org
Mission News
Ruth Ellen Stone, Committee Chair, missions@pumc.org
Family Promise
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UMC again co-hosts this Hendricks County Homeless Ministry the weeks of September 4 and October 2. You can serve and aid local families by volunteering to be onsite at the Plainfield Friends Meeting during these weeks or providing food or other supplies. Please contact coordinator Mary Raver at mraver@pumc.org or through the church office to volunteer or learn more.
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hanks to all who gave ten dollars each for sleeping nets to protect individuals and families from mosquitoes carrying malaria. You may still participate in this life saving ministry by writing a check to PUMC and marking it Imagine No Malaria. You can save five or more lives with one net. Thank you!
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You Are Invited!
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he week of October 16 – 22, a group of PUMC volunteers will once again travel to Henderson Settlement for a mission work trip. This will be a beautiful time of year to enjoy the fall colors while at the same time helping those less fortunate who live in the Appalachia community. If you’ve ever thought you might like to see beautiful mountains, enjoy camaraderie with other Christians, and help those less fortunate, join this mission work team! Various work opportunities abound; you don’t need special skills, just a willingness to share your Christian love for others through action. If you would like more information without obligation, please contact Pastor Ken Loundenback at 317.839.2319 or kloudenback@pumc.org, or Don Sanders at 317.340.5188.
PLAINFIELD AREA
CROP Walk
OCTOBER 23 HUMMEL PARK CROP Walk
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n October 23 persons from PUMC, Plainfield area churches and other community groups will gather at Hummel Park for the CROP Walk to raise money for combating hunger locally and globally. Mark that date on your calendar and watch for more details in the coming weeks.
Calendar of Events PUMC’s September 2016 Calendar of Events can be found at http://pumc.link/calendar.
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Church Council Report
Mike Rohrer, Committee Chair, churchcouncil@pumc.org
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t the August meeting of the PUMC Church Council the Council received and celebrated Glory Sightings, heard regular committee reports, and considered the following items of business: • Pipe Organ Task Force Report – Zoe Wiltrout reported that PUMC now has the premier instrument of its type on the West Side of Indy and in Hendricks County. Zoe outlined and reviewed a wide variety of public offerings that could be possible. She also noted that routine maintenance will be required; leadership will want to plan for such expenses for after the ten-year warranty expires. Plans are developing for concert events.
• Paul Schreiner, Head Trustee, reported that PUMC has made an offer on the Kelly property directly west of the church building. Offer has been accepted and details of the purchase are being worked out with Mrs. Kelly. • PUMC will celebrate Consecration Sunday on November 13, with one combined worship experience at 10 a.m. at the Plainfield High School. Worship will be followed by a free luncheon. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support of PUMC’s ministry and mission.
11:10 Sunday Small Group
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tarting on September 11, the 11:10 Sunday Small Group that meets in the Koinonia Room, will be studying Weird – Because normal isn’t working. This is a six week study where Craig Groeschel shares a Christ-centered philosophy on everything from money to scheduling to purity, help participants break out of the normal rut and live according to the rhythms of God’s grace and the truth of his Word. Join leader Mike Rohrer in September!
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Ladies, is this you?
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ou believe in God. You’re trying to serve Him. But you are not sure how to truly love Him—or how to let Him love you? In Heart Wide Open, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson invites you to answer the call of your restless heart and refuse to settle for anything less than the intimate friendship of God. Through her heartfelt and honest words, you’ll find practical inspiration to help you… • exchange your “just enough Jesus” mindset for an all-out pursuit of Him • put sizzle in your Bible study by asking God to show you the wonder of His Word • trade formulaic devotions for a devoted life Please join Lynn Blosser, Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at 9:45 a.m. in the Koinonia room at PUMC and to learn to live with your heart wide open. (continued from page 8) • Make sure your room has up-to-date signage and that your current curriculum and activities have been recently published. (Contact Eiric Shriner at eshriner@pumc.org with current info.) • Station a friendly class member just outside the classroom door before and just after the start of class to welcome and greet everyone, especially newcomers. • Always have a couple empty chairs in your classroom. This signals to newcomers that you were expecting them – and keeps the expectations in the group that newcomers are always welcome! 15
• Make a specific welcome to your guests and introduce them to class members. • Wear your name tag. • Make a timely, personal follow-up early in the week to answer questions, offer assistance, and invite your guest to return. Thanks for making your small group a place of welcome and hospitality! If you are looking for a small group to check out or join, find a class listing in the info rack in the south lobby, ask any pastor or staff member, or email Pastor Ken Loudenback, at kloudenback@pumc. org. pumc.org
Finance Committee Update John Baer, Committee Chair, finance@pumc.org
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istorically the months of June and July are the lowest giving months at PUMC because of vacationing and summer activities that take us away from being at church. However, this year that trend has changed. Giving in June and July was better than anticipated and above budget! Thank you for your generous response! We are now within $7,000 of where we anticipated we would be when considering pledged amounts. The 7-month budget for pledges was $618,789 and we have received $611,630. Cash balances have improved and are available to apply to our mission and ministry. Dedication of the organ has occurred with celebration. Funds are available for that final payment. We also celebrate that a congregation family has paid half of our mortgage balance of $18,629 and we’re looking for others to step forward to pay the remaining
Serving the Children of Plainfield
balance. We are so very close to having our mortgage totally paid off early so funds will be available to do other ministry. You can help. Mark special giving as “mortgage payoff”. We count on your faithful and consistent giving to do God’s work. In 2 Corinthians 9:11 NLV, Paul emphasizes the spiritual rewards for those who give generously to God’s work when he says “…you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.” Thank you for your generosity! If you have questions, feel free to drop me a note or email me at Finance@pumc.org.
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Encore Senior Ministry Sue Hylton, sue.hylton@pumc.org
Young at Heart Luncheon
Sept. 22, 11:30 p.m. - Clayton Hall
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nwrap Your Joy is this year’s theme for the annual Young at Heart Luncheon to be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 in Clayton Hall. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. If you are 65 years or older, please plan to attend this awesome event for an afternoon of good food, fun and fellowship. If your birthdate has been recorded in the church records, you should receive an invitation in early September. If you do not receive an invitation and would like to attend this special yearly event planned with you in mind, please call the
church office (317.839.2319) to make your reservation and to let us know if you need transportation. All reservations are due by September 2. This is an Encore sponsored event.
Pitch-in and Surprise Program Sept. 9, 12:30 p.m. - Clayton Hall
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ring your favorite summertime food to share and be prepared for a fun afternoon! Stop by the Encore Desk located in the Main Lobby and let us know you are coming by signing up and paying your $5 so we can be prepared to accommodate everyone. Questions? Call Sue Hylton at 317.839.2946.
United Methodist Women News
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achel Circle (women’s small group) will be going to the Lebanon Children’s Home on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. You are invited to join the group and learn about this Indiana UMC institution. Please contact Jackie Clayton or Mary Winters through the church 17
office for a reservation and/or further information. The group leaves from the church at 9:15 a.m. There will be a fee for the bus and a small cost for lunch which we will pay when we eat. Please come join the fun! pumc.org
Notes to the Congregation Dear Friends, Thank you so very much for all the cards, and all of your thoughts and prayers at the time of Tom’s sister’s illness and ultimate passing. We are blessed to be a part of such a kind and caring congregation. Love, Tom & Jane Iles & family Tom & Jane Iles
In Our Prayers Prayer Blanket Ministry • Nancy & Dave Shelbourne from Marla Lentz, Sue Nadin, Becky McFarling, Nina Olvey, and Mary Geible with prayers of comfort and peace in the loss of her mother. • John Martin from Ordinary People Sunday School Class with prayers for healing, comfort, and peace. • Vicki Bonachea from Margaret Hay and Donnie Phillips with prayers of healing, comfort, and peace
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.
Serving the Children of Plainfield
In the Hospital this Past Month • Norma LantzLow • Ken Jolly
• Suzie Matthews
Love & Sympathy • Our love and sympathy are shared with the Howard and Davis Families on the death of Sally Howard, mother of Stacy Davis and mother-in-law of Frank Davis. • Deepest condolences to family of Mabel Young, mother of Jill (Mike) Woodward, who went from labor to reward and passed away peacefully Monday in Bloomington, Indiana. • Our love and sympathy are shared with Philip Shawver and his family on the death of his daughter.
eNews from PUMC Visit www.pumc.org to sign-up for free weekly eNews. Follow PUMC on /PlainfieldUMC /NewDayPraise /PUMCBibleExplorers PUMC weekly worship notes. Details are at YouVersion.com or on your YouVersion app. Give Securely Online pumcgives.to/pumc Staff listing available at pumc.org 18
Serving the Children of Plainfield
September 2016 Plainfield United Methodist Church 600 Simmons Street Plainfield, IN 46168