Storm response efforts began early this past weekend after tornados and strong thunderstorms swept across Indiana, leaving behind loss and devastation. Our prayers surround our fellow Hoosiers, including those who reside and serve in six of our districts: West, Southeast, Central, Northwest, North Central, and Northeast. Thankfully, we have not received reports of any churches being damaged. Our care and response remain focused on individuals, families, and surrounding communities.

Authorities and first responders are still assessing the damage. We are forming a plan along with federal and state agencies and other non-profits to evaluate and prepare for the long-term recovery process that will be required. We are grateful that United Methodists have begun responding as individuals through their local churches, districts, and the Conference. We know other organizations have also been providing response efforts, sometimes making us want to respond more urgently. UMCOR and United Methodists are known as being the last to leave when people are in need. We will have many opportunities to respond and serve in the days, months, and years to come.

• Here is a list of the immediate needs as of today:
• Continue to pray for all those affected, directly and indirectly, as well as the first responders and those working to restore power.
• Financial contributions can be mailed to the Conference lockbox (INUMC Dept 6089, Carol Stream, IL 60122) or given electronically. Please mark them with “Indiana Disaster Response.”
• Please do not send physical donations or show up spontaneously and uninvited. These actions can overwhelm and create chaos in affected areas. We will let you know when physical donations are needed.
• Indiana disaster early response teams (ERT) have begun to clean up debris and tarp roofs in certain areas. As teams form, please follow the ratio of one ERT paired with one non-ERT. If you want to join an ERT team in one of our many affected areas, please get in touch with Rev. John Young at john.young@inumc.org.
• If you have damage and need us to respond in your area, please contact Ron Heustis at rlheustis@gmail.com.
• If you have questions about the various affected areas or any information shared, don’t hesitate to contact Rev. Jen Huff at jennifer.huff@inumc.org.
• Our Conference must have trained ERTs. The next ERT training will be on April 29, 2023, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Hamline Chapel UMC, 102 W. High Street, Lawrenceburg, IN. Lunch and all materials will be provided. For more information and to register, contact Rev. John Young at John.Young@inumc.org. 

Due to the evolving nature of this situation, please be sure to follow Conference guidance for ways to give and serve. We will share opportunities as we learn more.

Financial gifts can be given either by check or through SecureGive. Please mark your gift for relief assistance “Indiana Disaster Response.” Thank you!

For more information on how you can help, vist pumc.org/2023springstorms.

Plainfield UMC’s men, young men, and guests gather at the church on the third Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. for food and fellowship.

We meet in Clayton Hall/Worship Annex. Bring an empty stomach, a friend, and your Bible! Be ready to be nourished through delicious food and the word of God! Hope to see you there!

Check our pumc.org for more information.

We invite you to come in and pick up a carry-out meal between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Please enter through door 14 and go to the kitchen, and someone will be there to get your meal. If you know of someone who might need a meal, visit pumc.org/ministries.

The annual PUMC Youth Online Auction is happening again this year, and your support is needed!

By supporting PUMC youth, you will make a difference in their spiritual growth and development. Your prayers and your donations will make a difference in the programs and outreach available to the youth.

You can help the vibrant youth ministry at PUMC thrive! Here’s a list of some things you can contribute to the Youth Online Auction:

• Gift cards to restaurants, stores, gas cards, spas, etc.
• Gift baskets – lots of ideas out there to be creative
• Monetary gifts directly supporting the youth
• You might have talents such as baking, carpentry, home repair, crafting, etc.
• Tickets to future sporting, concert, and theatre events
• New merchandise – think about what you might like bidding on!

Contact Diane Preusch or Brenda Barnett if you have any questions or need more information on how to donate items for the 2023 Youth Auction.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Easter. You may give Easter lilies in memory or honor of loved ones or celebrate a special event.
The flowers are $13 each. Payment must accompany your order.

Order your Easter Lillies by going to pumc.org/easterlilies by April 3, 2023. If you need assistance placing your order, please call Brent Miller in the church office at 317.839.2319.

You can make payments through SecureGive at pumc.org/securegive.

You may also mail or drop off a check at:

Plainfield UMC
600 Simmons St.
Plainfield, IN 46168

Write “Lilies” in the memo of the check. Payments must be received no later than April 3, 20223

This week, we highlight the Basic Ministry Budget.
The operating budget for Plainfield United Methodist Church is more than line items on a spreadsheet. It’s a story of love in action. PUMC uses gifts to the budget to show God’s BIG Love and help others grow in faith.
Out of every dollar you generously give to support the Basic Ministry Budget, 23 cents of it supports God’s house.

God’s House: $237,670

Our facility serves as the home base for our core areas of service and ministry. Our 41,000-square-foot, two-story building allows us to host classic, contemporary, and youth-centered worship services concurrently each Sunday. Our digital exterior signage, new carpet, and main lobby refresh aim to make guests and members feel welcome and at home. Our classrooms have children, small groups, committees, mission teams, pastors, and staff. Our full-sized kitchen is a hub for ongoing ministry and outreach initiatives like bereavement meals and the annual Fish Fry. We open the sanctuary for countless concerts, music programs, and theater experiences. And we recently took on a long-term loan for replacing PUMC’s roof and HVAC system. Our property is one of the most powerful tools for ministry we have, and we don’t take it for granted.

Total 2023 Basic Ministry Budget: $1,033,349

For more information about the PUMC Basic Ministry Budget and the Narrative Budget, see the January or February Circuit Rider or check out pumc.link/2023NB.

Our weekday programs are busy with exploration and play. People often ask me what they can do to help our weekday programs. There are a few items you might be throwing away or have that we can use.

• Stickers
• Calendars
• Magazines
• Baking soda
• Clear hair gel
• Crafting supplies
• Paper

I invite you to look into the classrooms and see what is happening during the week. It will bring a smile to your face.

Join us on the last Saturday of the month for a free lunch. Pass the word and bring a friend. Everyone is welcome! Door 14 will be open, and we will serve from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry used by thousands of congregations to increase care and outreach to hurting people.

Through Stephen Ministry, congregations can equip and empower a team of laypeople—Stephen Ministers—who provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing grief, unemployment, hospitalization, divorce, financial stress, a terminal illness, or other life difficulties.

Visit www.stephenministries.org to learn more about Stephen Ministry and watch online video stories about the difference Stephen Ministers make in people’s lives.

After five years of planning and 4 years of projects, it is finally time to refresh our kitchen and finish our last projects!
The next and final phase of projects for T4T, our Victory Lap, will include 3 projects:

• kitchen refresh cost estimate $195,000
• additional seating and side tables for the main lobby cost an estimated $11,000
• the wayfinding cost estimate is $12,000

All cost estimates include a 20% contingency, where necessary, a 10% tithe to major maintenance, and potential cost increases.

The total anticipated cost is expected to be below $225,000. The monies and pledges already in the T4T account ($53,618) will be applied to this amount. Orders will be placed once we have cash and/or commitments to fund this final phase, and contractors will be contacted.

Our church Treasurer is ready to accept any donations. Please mark the memo line “T4T,” or if you would prefer to pledge over time, please get in touch with Rebecca Blackwelder, Treasurer, or Kimberly Meyer, Chairman.

Next Sunday, March 26, at 11:15, there will be an information meeting in the Sanctuary to share details of this plan and answer questions.

Thank you for your generosity.