Blog

Join Us for Monthly Community Lunches at PUMC

Plainfield UMC offers two free lunch opportunities each month to serve our community with good food and warm hospitality:

  • Second Saturday Carry-Out Lunch
    Pick up a hot, ready-to-go meal between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. at Door #14
  • Last Saturday Community Lunch
    Enjoy a sit-down meal and friendly conversation from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Door #14.

Know someone who could use a meal or extra care? Invite them to join—or contact Mary Ann Hamilton at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com.

All are welcome. No cost. No catch. Just kindness and a good meal.

Help Local Students Start the School Year Strong — Donate Today

Back-to-school sales are here, and it’s the perfect time to support students in need. Plainfield UMC is collecting new school supplies for Clarks Creek, Brentwood, Van Buren, Central, and Guilford Elementary Schools. Based on need, extra supplies may also be shared with Plainfield Middle School and IPS School 34.

For many families, school supplies are a burden. Your donation can give a child confidence, dignity, and a strong start to the school year.

How to Help:

Shop sales now for items like:

  • 24 count Crayola crayons
  • Dry erase markers
  • Crayola markers (bold & thin line)
  • Elmers purple glue sticks
  • colored pencils
  • art boxes
  • oneinch binders
  • 2pocket folders, solid colors
  • Kleenex
  • 3 subject spiral notebooks, solid colors
  • holed folders for binders
  • body spray deodorants
  • trapper keepers (w/zippers)
  • backpacks
  • pencils

Drop off donations in the Donation Depot or the box by the church office
Collection ends Sunday, August 17

Let’s do this together. Every item matters. Every child matters.

This is more than a supply drive—it’s a chance to live out our faith in a tangible, local way. Shop today. Drop off this week. Make a difference that lasts all year.

KIDS@PUMC: A Summer to Remember

This summer at KIDS@PUMC Weekday Programs has been packed with adventure, learning, and laughter. From field trips to hands-on experiences, our kids made memories that will last long after the sunscreen fades.

Highlights from the summer:

  • Visits to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Rascals, Cumberland Trace, and local parks and water parks
  • Weekly karate classes with Indiana Martial Arts
  • CPR and first aid participation certificates earned by our students
  • Visits from the Plainfield Fire Department and Medic truck
  • Girl Scouts hosting crafts and games for incoming kindergarten girls
  • “Water Wednesdays,” a splash-filled hit for all ages
  • A successful and engaging summer Book Club

Summer at KIDS@PUMC is more than fun—it’s a season of growth, curiosity, and community. None of this would be possible without our dedicated team.

Staff Spotlight: Mollie Hylton

We’re proud to recognize Mollie Hylton for her outstanding dedication and leadership:
She submitted the most training certificates through Indiana Learning Path

She earned her Certified Behavioral Coach Certificate, a significant professional achievement that required extensive study and commitment

Thank you, Mollie! We’re honored to have you on our team.

As summer winds down, we offer sincere thanks to:

  • Our summer staff, for their energy, care, and commitment
  • Our parents, for trusting us and sharing your children with us

We’re excited to begin a new school year on July 30. Here’s to a strong start and a joyful year ahead!

To learn more about our weekday & before/after school programs, contact Charity Aton, Director of Preschool Programs, at caton@pumc.org

Exciting Opportunities for PUMC Youth!

Sunday, July 27: Youth Gathering & Worship

All youth are invited to gather in Room 204 at 9:40 a.m. for donuts and conversation. At 10 a.m., worship begins in Room 200 with this week’s theme:

“Close Friends, Real Friends.”

Friendships aren’t always easy. Too often, we mirror how others treat us—responding to anger with anger, exclusion with exclusion. But Jesus calls us to something different: grace, kindness, and forgiveness.

Read ahead: John 13:4–5

Serve in the Homeless Ministry

Two youth are needed to serve with PUMC’s Homeless Ministry on the first Monday of each month. The next available date is Monday, August 4. Sign up with a friend on the sheet posted outside the youth room.

Youth Sunday: August 10

Mark your calendar for Youth Sunday on August 10 during New Day Worship.

Youth will lead worship through music, prayer, and personal witness.

Pastor Bob will also offer a special farewell message, reflecting on 21 years of youth ministry as he heads into retirement. Graduating high school seniors from the Class of 2025 will be recognized.
Youth who wish to participate in this service should contact Pastor Bob.

Fall Retreat: Camp Indicoso, Nov. 1–3

Our annual fall retreat is set for November 1–3, 2024, at Camp Indicoso. This meaningful weekend has long been a highlight for our youth. Flyers and registration details will be available in August.
Adult chaperons are needed—if you’re interested in helping, please reach out to Pastor Bob as soon as possible.

Questions?
Contact Pastor Bob bpreusch@pumc.org. Let’s continue growing together in faith, service, and community.

Men’s Breakfast – Food, Fellowship, and Faith – Saturday, August 16

Each month, Plainfield UMC’s men, young men, and guests come together for something more than just a meal—we gather for connection, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The Men’s Breakfast happens every third Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the Worship Annex, and you’re invited to be part of it.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, uplifting conversations, and time spent in Scripture as we build relationships and strengthen our faith together. Whether you’ve been coming for years or this would be your first time, this is a welcoming space to grow in your walk with God and with one another.

Bring your Bible, bring a friend, and come hungry—not only for food, but for fellowship and the Word of God. Let this monthly gathering nourish both body and spirit, and remind us all that we’re not on this journey alone.

Mark your calendar and make plans to join us! We look forward to seeing you there.

All are welcome—just as you are

Women’s Ministries at PUMC: Connection, Growth, and Grace

Plainfield United Methodist Church celebrates the many ways women lead, serve, and grow in faith through Women’s Ministries. These ministries create space for spiritual renewal, deep connection, and shared service—all grounded in the mission and values of our church.

Earlier this year, PUMC hosted Women’s Ministry Sunday, a special day of worship that honored the faith, leadership, and service of women in our congregation. Women led prayers, shared powerful testimonies, and offered music that inspired and uplifted. A panel discussion followed the 10 a.m. service, introducing the work of the United Women in Faith Circles, a dynamic part of women’s ministry at PUMC.

In April, more than 60 women gathered for the “Nourish Your Spirit” Women’s Retreat, a one-day event that offered time for reflection, learning, rest, and connection. Participants shared meals, explored their faith through workshops, and left feeling renewed in body, mind, and spirit.

PUMC Women’s Ministries continues to offer opportunities for women of all ages and life stages to connect, serve, and grow. Whether you’re seeking meaningful friendships, a space for spiritual renewal, or ways to make a difference through service, there is a place for you here.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.pumc.org/women.

All are welcome—just as you are.

Endowment Fund Awareness Campaign Concludes August 3

Next Sunday, August 3, marks the conclusion of our 2025 Endowment Fund Awareness Campaign at Plainfield United Methodist Church. Thank you to everyone who has participated with prayer, interest, and generosity.

Next Sunday, we invite you to return your Endowment Fund banks at the table in the Main Lobby. Committee members will be available to collect your gifts and answer any questions.

Remember, any donation you make to the Endowment Fund will remain with the church forever. Only the income generated by your gift will be spent—supporting ministry not just today, but for generations to come.

Let’s finish strong—BEAT HARVARD!

Finding Your Place at Plainfield UMC

Everyone Belongs. Everyone is Loved.

At Plainfield United Methodist Church, we believe faith is a journey best traveled together. Whether you’re new to church, returning after time away, or seeking a deeper connection with God and others—there is a place for you here.

You Are Welcome Here—Just as You Are

We like to say that we are not a perfect church. We are not people who have it all together, or who always do the right thing—but we are people who are trying to be more like Jesus and love more like Jesus. So you are welcome here, just as you are.

All Are Accepted and Affirmed

No matter your age, background, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or life story—you are fully accepted, included, and affirmed at PUMC. Here, God’s grace is for everyone, and there are no exceptions.

How to Get Connected

  • Worship With Us – Join us in person or online each Sunday at 8:45 or 10:00 a.m. Come early, stay after, and introduce yourself—we’d love to meet you.
  • Attend “Meet PUMC” – This 30-minute orientation is offered regularly to help you learn more about the church and discover your next step. No sign-up required—just show up.
  • Join a Group or Class – Find community through small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday classes. There’s something for every age and stage.
  • Serve With Purpose – Volunteer opportunities are everywhere—from feeding ministries to tech teams to children’s worship. Find a role that fits your gifts and passions.
  • Become a Member – Ready to go deeper? Membership is open to all. Visit www.pumc.org/nextsteps or talk to a pastor to learn more.

There’s a Place for You

At PUMC, we’re learning, growing, and loving together—imperfect people following Jesus in community. No matter where you are in life or in faith, you are not alone. And you are always welcome.

Visit www.pumc.org or stop by the Welcome Desk in the Main Lobby to take your next step today.

Stay Connected with PUMC Text Updates

Starting August 3, PUMC is launching a new text messaging service to help you stay informed and involved—right from your phone. No app required!

Get quick, meaningful messages about:

  • Worship updates (including weather changes)
  • Event reminders (Fish Fry, mission projects, and more)
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Occasional encouragement and devotionals

How to sign up:

  • Visit pumc.link/update or scan the QR code.
  • Update your info and say “YES” to text messages.
  • That’s it!

Need help? Stop by the Welcome Desk on Sunday.

Your privacy matters.

We’ll never spam you or share your number. You can opt out anytime.

Let’s stay connected—because church is more than a place. It’s a community.

Be the Love They Need This Summer

Support PUMC’s Homeless Outreach

Each week, PUMC delivers more than 120 meals to people experiencing homelessness—offering not just food, but dignity, compassion, and hope.

But summer brings new struggles: heat, sunburn, bug bites, and sleepless nights. Let’s show up with love that makes a difference.

We’re collecting essential summer supplies:

  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes (non-disinfectant)
  • Small tubes of antibiotic ointment
  • Small LED flashlights
  • Candles (no tapers, please)

Drop off items in the outside the office during the week and in the Donation Depot on Sunday mornings now through summer.

Want to do even more? Volunteer to help prepare or deliver meals.

Even one hour of your time can bless someone deeply.

Let’s be Christ’s hands in this world.

Questions? Contact Rick Jones at rickjones1980@icloud.com.