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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!