Plainfield UMC’s men, young men, and guests come together every third Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. for an amazing time of food, fellowship, and faith!
We gather in the Worship Annex, so bring your empty stomach, a friend, and your Bible. Get ready to enjoy delicious food, meaningful connections, and the nourishment of God’s word. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend with purpose and community.
We can’t wait to see you there—don’t miss it!
Today, the United Women in Faith invite you to make a difference in the lives of those in need. At each main entrance, you’ll find a delightful assortment of baked goods and snacks available for donations. Every dollar raised will go directly to support Family Promise and Sheltering Wings, two incredible organizations that provide vital resources and hope to individuals and families facing challenging times.
It’s more than just a treat—it’s a chance to share kindness and compassion. Whether you prefer to donate digitally using the convenient QR code available on-site or give in cash, every contribution helps support these impactful ministries.
Join us in spreading love and making a tangible difference in our community. Stop by, enjoy a sweet or savory snack, and know that your generosity is helping to lift up those in need. Together, we can make this event a success and continue to support these wonderful causes.
Let’s make an impact—one bite at a time!
Today, Plainfield UMC will host its annual Soup-er Bowl, a community-driven event that encourages donations of canned soup to help those in need. As football fans across the country gear up for the Super Bowl, PUMC is inviting the community to score a touchdown for hunger relief by bringing cans of soup to the church.
The Soup-er Bowl is a fun and meaningful way to support local food pantries and ensure that families in need have access to warm, nourishing meals. Donations will be collected during the Sunday service and throughout the day, making it easy for everyone to participate.
Community members are encouraged to bring their soup donations to PUMC today. Whether you’re a football fan or just looking for a way to give back, this is a great chance to make a positive impact.
For more information about the Soup-er Bowl and how you can contribute, please contact Sandy Bennet at sdailben@gmail.com. Let’s tackle hunger together!
The folks who attended worship in New Day Praise January 5th received a word to reflect upon in 2025. My word: invite. As Pastor Abby invited me to share my story here, I extend the ‘invite’ to you to step into my life and how I ended up involved in our church kitchen!
Like many kids I grew up with, I baked cookies and participated in 4-H where I earned an award of merit for my attempt at a Swedish fruit roll! It wasn’t until I moved away from home that I discovered how much I enjoyed baking/cooking. I had every kitchen gizmo/ gadget. I baked bread, desserts, three-course meals and there was always a pot of soup on the stove. Now there was only so much baking /soup that could be eaten, so I began to take food to work on a regular basis. When I didn’t bring in something, I heard complaints!
Even on camping trips I would make soup from scratch and spend evenings giving leftovers to fellow campers; I didn’t know how to make a small pot of soup. I was fond of using the three-legged cast iron skillet over a fire – I even made biscuits on top of it!
That all came to an abrupt halt when I had kids and found they were happy with, and actually preferred, mac and cheese from a blue box. When I became divorced and a single mom, I really appreciated those blue boxes!
Fast forward to retirement: I wanted something worthwhile to do, so I started helping with the homeless outreach Monday afternoons here at PUMC. This is a real operation: from donations to purchasing to prepping and delivery, it all has to work together or there is no food to deliver. I started by chopping and dicing for soup or baking biscuits. I did help deliver, but felt more confident assisting in food prep.
Remembering those blue boxes of mac and cheese and how much I appreciated when someone would share a home cooked meal with me, I then reached out to help with our Last Saturday Lunch. This group encouraged me to take on planning and cooking the meal for 100 folks. Instead of calling that first meal a disaster, I refer to it as a learning experience. I had many learning experiences along the way. My meal organization skills improved and I made true friends over time. I even learned to operate the dishwasher much to the delight of the women who organized bereavement meals. When LSL expanded to Second Saturday Lunch, I stepped up to cook on a regular basis.
When COVID hit, everything changed. Saturday meals were placed on hold; the homeless outreach continued, but fewer folks participated and we worked in shifts to provide social distancing. Shortly after this, Phil Heffelman retired as the soup(er) chef. I became one of the four teams that took over. Yes – it took four teams to fill in for one Phil! Between dropping off supplies/cooking for the Monday downtown and Saturday lunch programs, I am in the kitchen A LOT and wouldn’t have it any other way!
Because of these food-based missions, I have witnessed God’s love in action. Whenever the funds get low, a huge donation is received. It’s a blessing and a gift – a sign of God’s presence – to be able to serve folks, like the one very hungry gentleman who came inside because he saw the sign outside about free lunch, to see folks picking up meals for their neighbors to ensure they have been fed. Where is God “inviting” you to offer your talents and time, the fruits of your hobbies or interests, to learn and grow so you might help others experience the loving presence of God?
Excited and apprehensive, I moved along the red brick walkway past Pitts Library to my first series of classes at the Candler School of Theology. A year removed from undergraduate studies, I was anxious in my return to the rhythm of campus. The thought of reading and writing about religion and its expression in the world caused my heart to flutter and I could not wait for this opportunity to explore and extend my faith.
After my first class, I made my way to the fellowship commons, a large gathering space where students enjoyed their lunch-from-home while striking up engaging conversation. The faces were all new and names unknown. Quiet and detached, I surveyed the space. One table was deep in conversation about the ethics of Christian writers of which I had never heard. Another group was debating different theories of soteriology and ecclesiology, terms outside my vocabulary at the time. Another group was deep in the details of church structure and organization. Was there anyone around who wanted to discuss the football game on TV last night?
I had a deep love for Christ. I attended youth group, retreats and mission trips. I had played in a youth handbell choir. I had even participated in a student version of Disciple Bible Study. I was confident in God’s call to serve and lead in the church. But the students sitting around those rectangular wooden tables were deep in religious conversation where I had nothing to contribute, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to. I began asking myself, “Do I belong here?”
I count it as a blessing and privilege that I have no memory of anyone telling me, “We don’t want you; you don’t belong.” But I have experienced situations where I questioned if I was wanted, or where I wondered if my presence was noticed at all. Sometimes the priorities and practices of a certain group cause discomfort and communicate clearly that we are uninvited. Sometimes belonging is intentionally thwarted. Often welcome is withheld through negligence, apathy, and a lack of attention.
Yet Jesus’s ministry exemplifies the priority of belonging, as he made his way into crowds interacting with and forming relationship with those who were regularly excluded. He made space to hear stories, make conversation, and equip for leadership those whose situation or status left them on the outside. His departing instruction was for those who follow him to extend love as he had displayed, to follow in his way of inclusive welcome and extravagant grace. Faithfully, the earliest small groups of Christians created communities of belonging as they lived and shared their faith together.
As a pillar of our life at PUMC we commit to continuing the precedence of Jesus by committing to the cause of belonging. We will make way for people to feel at home with the Spirit of God moving in their life and in their relationship with other people. However you may engage with the life of this congregation, whether it be through worship, music ministry, missions, learning small groups, mowing the grass, or breading fish, I encourage you to ask how you do faith while helping others feel like they belong. May the wider community come to know that when they encounter PUMC, they will find welcome and joy, a place to be heard and known, and the space to be who they are and grow into the person God is calling them to be. Whoever they are, wherever they are from, and whatever kind of faith they have, they belong.
Join us for our February meetings as we come together in faith and fellowship!
All women are welcome! Come connect, share, and grow with us. We look forward to seeing you there!
Plainfield United Methodist Church (PUMC) is excited to share updates on the “Reach Beyond” project, aimed at revitalizing the Worship Annex into a dynamic space for hospitality, outreach, and worship.
Recent updates include:
The project is estimated to cost $65,000. Thanks to the Transforming for Tomorrow initiative, a $30,000 lead gift has been secured. As of February 2, 2025, $46,268.66 has been raised, with the community’s support making this vision a reality.
This refreshed space will strengthen connections and ministry opportunities. To contribute, visit pumc.org/reachbeyond. Together, we can make this dream a reality!
Mark your calendar! On the second Saturday of every month from 11:00–11:30 AM, we’re serving up warm, delicious meals to go. Simply enter through Door 14 and head to the kitchen.
Know someone who could use a meal? Let’s spread the love! Email MaryAnn at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com to arrange a meal for them.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and make someone’s day a little brighter. See you there!
Love euchre or want to learn? Starting in February, PUMC’s euchre group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 2:00–4:00 PM in the Worship Annex.
✔ No registration needed – just show up and play!
✔ Beginners welcome – we’ll teach you the game.
✔ Come solo or bring a friend – all are invited!
For details, contact Elaine Jacone at 317-440-2723. Don’t miss this chance for fun, fellowship, and friendly competition—see you there!
On Sunday, February 9, the United Women in Faith invite you to make a difference in the lives of those in need. At each main entrance, you’ll find a delightful assortment of baked goods and snacks available for donations. Every dollar raised will go directly to support Family Assistance and Sheltering Wings, two incredible organizations that provide vital resources and hope to individuals and families facing challenging times.
It’s more than just a treat—it’s a chance to share kindness and compassion. Whether you prefer to donate digitally using the convenient QR code available on-site or give in cash, every contribution helps support these impactful ministries.
Join us in spreading love and making a tangible difference in our community. Stop by, enjoy a sweet or savory snack, and know that your generosity is helping to lift up those in need. Together, we can make this event a success and continue to support these wonderful causes.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 9, and let’s make an impact—one bite at a time!
Plainfield UMC Today 