Blog

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.

Stay Connected: PUMC Launching New Text Messaging Service

Timely updates. Real connection. Right to your phone.

Life moves fast, and we want to make sure your church can keep up with you. That’s why Plainfield United Methodist Church is introducing a new text messaging service—a simple way to stay informed, inspired, and involved.

Starting August 3, you’ll begin receiving meaningful updates directly to your phone—if you sign up for text messages. No app required, just timely messages that help you stay connected to your church community.

What to Expect:

  • Worship updates (including weather-related changes)
  • Event reminders (like the Fish Fry, service projects, and more)
  • Volunteer needs and opportunities
  • Occasional encouragement and devotional messages

We promise to keep it brief, relevant, and only when it matters.

How to Sign Up:

It only takes a minute:

  • Go to pumc.link/update or scan the included qr code
  • Update your contact information as needed
  • Under Phone Number, select YES to “Consent to Text Messages”

That’s it! Once you’re signed up, you’ll begin receiving important updates and reminders from PUMC beginning August 3.

Prefer in-person help? Visit the Welcome Desk in the Main Lobby on Sunday mornings. Our team will gladly assist you.

Why It Matters

Church isn’t just a place—it’s a community. And community means staying connected. This new service is one more way to help make sure you never miss what’s most important—because your time, your presence, and your participation matter.

Sign up today and stay connected all week long.

We’re better together—every message, every moment.

Your Privacy Matters

We value your trust. PUMC will never share your personal information with outside parties, and we will never spam your phone. You’ll only receive occasional, meaningful updates related to church life. You may opt out at any time.

Stock the Future: Help Plainfield Students Start Strong

As summer continues, families across Plainfield are quietly preparing for the school year ahead. For many kids, that first day means fresh shoes, a packed backpack, and the confidence of being ready.

But not every child starts that way.

Some students will enter classrooms without the basic supplies they need—not out of neglect, but because their families face tough choices: gas or glue sticks? Dinner or dry erase markers?

You can help.

Plainfield Schools have identified the following essential items for the 2025–26 school year:

  • Crayola crayons (24-count)
  • Dry erase markers
  • Crayola markers (bold and thin line)
  • Elmer’s purple glue sticks
  • Colored pencils
  • Art boxes
  • 1-inch binders
  • Solid-color 2-pocket folders
  • Kleenex
  • Solid-color 3-subject spiral notebooks
  • Holed folders (for binders)
  • Body spray deodorants
  • Trapper Keepers with zippers
  • Backpacks

These are more than supplies—they’re tools that build dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Every donation says to a child: You matter. You belong. You’re not forgotten.

Drop off items in the Main Lobby collection bin now through Sunday, July 28.

We may not be able to change every circumstance. But we can help kids start strong.

Let’s stock the future—together.

Second Saturday Lunch:Takeout with Heart: Saturday, May 10

Mark your calendar for the second Saturday of every month, and stop by PUMC between 11:00 and 11:30 AM for a warm, delicious meal—ready to go! Simply enter through Door #14 and head to the kitchen for pick-up.

Know someone who could use a meal or a little extra care? Reach out to MaryAnn at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com. Let’s share the love and extend our hospitality beyond the church walls.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and brighten someone’s day. See you there!

Another Pie Making Class Has Been Added!

Ever dreamed of mastering the perfect pie crust or crafting a fruit filling that steals the show? This summer, your chance has arrived!

Join us for a hands-on pie-making class at Plainfield UMC, where you’ll learn the secrets of making beautiful, delicious pies from scratch. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to sharpen your skills, this class is for you!

What to Expect:

Learn step-by-step how to make flaky, golden pie crusts
Prepare two pies—one to donate to the PUMC Fish Fry and one to take home
Enjoy a slice of pie and great conversation while your pies bake
Take home your finished pie just in time for summer celebrations!

Class Details:

Where: Church Kitchen
When:
Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 1:30–4:30 PM
NEW – Monday, July 21, 2025 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Cost: $20 per person (includes all ingredients and materials)
Class Size: Limited to 9 participants per session

Don’t Wait—Register Now!

Spots are limited and filling quickly. Sign up today at pumc.link/pies25 to reserve your place in this fun, flavorful, and hands-on experience. Invite a friend, bring your apron, and get ready to bake for a cause—and for yourself!

We can’t wait to bake with you!

Help Make the 2025 PUMC Fish Fry a Success

Since 1945, Plainfield United Methodist Church (600 Simmons Street, Plainfield, IN) has hosted its annual Community Fish Fry. It began as a simple church supper to welcome home returning soldiers and raise funds for mission work. Nearly 80 years later, it has grown into one of Plainfield’s most beloved events—bringing people together for great food and a great cause.

The Fish Fry supports local and global missions: feeding the hungry, caring for youth, and serving those in need. But none of it happens without volunteers.

It takes over 150 people to make this two-day event possible—and we need your help.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

  • Food preparation and cooking
  • Serving under the tent
  • Drive-thru order running
  • Cashiers and greeters
  • Drink and dessert stations
  • Set-up and clean-up crews

Whether you can give one shift or the whole day, every volunteer plays an important role.

Sign-Up Opens Sunday, July 6

Be part of something meaningful. Help us carry on this Plainfield tradition and make the 2025 Fish Fry our best yet.

Sign up. Show up. Make a difference.

Walk in Faith: A 4-Week Discipleship Walking Series

This summer, take a simple step toward deeper discipleship—literally. Join us for the 4-Week Walking Series, a unique opportunity to grow in faith, connect in community, and experience God in motion.

Jesus often taught while walking. His disciples learned by journeying with Him, step by step. In that same spirit, we’ll walk together, reflect together, and grow together—body, mind, and soul.

What to Expect on Each Walk:

  • A short, Christ-centered teaching
  • Time for prayer, reflection, and encouragement
  • Guided group discussion
  • A peaceful walk with others on the same path of faith

Practical Details:

  • Multiple walking group options each week
  • Each walk lasts up to 1 hour
  • Bring a filled water bottle and comfortable shoes
  • You’ll receive an email notification at least 1 hour in advance if a walk is canceled or rescheduled

Whether you’re beginning your walk with Christ or seeking to go deeper, this series is a space to slow down, listen, and learn—together.

Come as you are. Bring a friend. Let’s walk as disciples—side by side, step by step.

Full schedule and sign-up info at pumc.link/ccr