The Chosen – A Small Group Study

You’re Invited: A Small Group Study on The Chosen

Are you looking for a meaningful way to deepen your faith and connect with others? Join us for an engaging small group study based on The Chosen, the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be chosen by Him.

What to Expect

Watch & Reflect – We’ll watch Season 1 (8 episodes) of The Chosen and discuss its powerful themes.
Biblical Connections – Dive into Isaiah 43 and see how its promises are fulfilled in Jesus and His followers.
Thoughtful Discussion – Explore script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from the series, connecting them to your own faith journey.
Community & Fellowship – Share insights and grow in faith with others in a welcoming and supportive setting.

Come and see how being chosen by Jesus impacts our lives today. We hope you’ll join us!

To sign up for The Chosen Bible Study, visit pumc.link/thechosen.

Help Us Shape the Future of PUMC Youth Ministry

As we prepare for the search for a new Youth Pastor following Pastor Bob’s retirement this summer, the Staff Parish Relations Committee invites families of youth who have attended or currently participate in PUMC Youth activities to share their thoughts.

We want to understand what aspects of the program—and the qualities in a Youth Pastor—are most important to our youth and their parents. Your input will help guide us in making the best hiring decision for our church community.

Please take a few moments to complete our survey by scanning the QR code above or following this link: tinyurl.com/y2nseafa

Thank you for your time, prayers, and support!

What’s Happening with PUMC Youth?

Join us Sunday, March 30, for our Youth Gathering at 9:40 AM in Room 204 with donuts and fellowship. Youth Worship follows at 10 AM in Room 200. This week’s theme, “Shine On!”, explores how we can shine our light through small, daily acts. Read Matthew 5:16 and 6:22-23 to reflect ahead.

Looking for fun? We still have seats for the Indy Fuel Hockey Game on Saturday, April 5, against the Fort Wayne Komets. Departing PUMC at 5:30 PM and returning by 10:30 PM. Tickets are $20, and you can use your youth account. Sign up outside the youth room or text Bob.

Want to make a difference? Serve with the PUMC Homeless Ministry on Monday, April 7. We need two youth volunteers. Sign up by the youth room or text Bob.
Save the date for Bowling at Brownsburg Bowl on Sunday, May 18, right after Youth Worship. $30 covers two games, a $10 arcade card, pizza, breadsticks, and drinks. Return around 3:30 PM.

Join us for the Good Friday Youth Vigil on April 18 at 7 PM in Room 200. Experience a multimedia reflection on the Passion story. Youth who’d like to participate should contact Bob by April 6.

Summer Highlights:

Appalachian Mission Trip: June 8-14. Limited spots available; contact Bob soon.
Camp Adventure: July 6-11 for Middle Schoolers. Register online by April 20. Apply for scholarships before registering.
Canoe Trip: July 13-20 for ages 17-21. Sign up near Youth Worship.

Scholarships Available: Need financial assistance? Applications are by Youth Worship and in Bob’s office.

Questions? Contact Pastor Bob at bpreusch@pumc.org. Let’s make this spring and summer unforgettable!

Announcement: Pastor Ken Loudenback’s New Role

We’re pleased to announce that Ken Loudenback is now serving as Associate Pastor of Missions and Older Adult Ministries. In this role, he will support the Mission Team in local and global outreach and provide care, discipleship, and connection for our older adult members.

Ken’s responsibilities include leading monthly worship at Cumberland Trace, developing fellowship and discipleship gatherings, and training volunteers to strengthen these ministries.

Please join us in celebrating Ken’s expanded role and the continued growth of our mission and older adult ministries.

Celebrate Easter with Beautiful Lilies

This Easter, help fill our church with the joy and beauty of Easter lilies! Honor or remember a loved one, or celebrate a special moment by dedicating a lily. Each flower serves as a symbol of hope and new life in Christ.

Lilies are $10 each, and payment must accompany your order.

Order by April 14, 2025 at pumc.org/easterlilies.

Prefer assistance? Call Brent Miller at 317.839.2319, ext. 223 for help.

Payments can be made securely online through SecureGive at pumc.org/securegive or by mailing or dropping off a check to:
Plainfield UMC
600 Simmons St.
Plainfield, IN 46168

Please write “Lilies” in the memo of your check. All payments must be received by April 14, 2025.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the joy of Easter!

Finding Hope After Loss: GriefShare Returns Spring 2025

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Are you struggling to navigate the complexities of grief? Plainfield UMC is offering a lifeline of hope and healing with the return of GriefShare, an 11-week seminar starting on May 18th, 2025.

Led by compassionate Stephen Ministers, GriefShare provides a safe and supportive space to explore the grieving process. Through a unique blend of biblical wisdom and practical tools, you’ll gain valuable insights, learn coping strategies, and discover hope for the future.

Mark your calendar for May 18th! More details and registration information coming soon. Stay tuned!

Nourish Your Spirit: Women’s Retreat at Plainfield UMC

Calling all women of faith! Join us for a refreshing and rejuvenating Women’s Retreat on Saturday, April 12th, from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Plainfield UMC Worship Annex.

This special day is designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, offering a chance to deepen your relationship with God, find encouragement, and connect with other women of faith.

What to expect:

Guided Workshops: Engage in meaningful discussions and activities that will deepen your understanding of God’s word and your own faith journey.
Relaxation: Take time to unwind and rejuvenate in a peaceful environment, allowing yourself to rest and recharge.
Community Connection: Meet and connect with other women of faith, sharing experiences and building lasting friendships.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided, so all you need to do is come ready to connect, grow, and be inspired!

Limited spots are available, so register today at pumc.link/wr25 to secure your place at this transformative event.

Loving God, Loving People: Discovering Your Place in Service

The heart of our church beats with the rhythm of Loving God, Loving People. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s the driving force behind everything we do. And you, dear reader, are an integral part of this mission!

We are blessed with a diverse congregation, each member brimming with unique talents and passions. These gifts are meant to be shared, to build up our community and reach out to those in need.

Here are just a few ways you can put your talents to work for God and the people around you:
Community Outreach: Do you have a heart for serving those in need? Join us in organizing food drives, visiting the elderly, or participating in neighborhood clean-ups. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

Children and Youth Ministries: Sharing your love and knowledge with the younger generation is a rewarding experience. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with Sunday School, youth groups, and special events that nurture their spiritual growth.
Worship and Music: If you have a passion for music or the arts, consider joining our choir or worship team. Your talents can enhance our worship experience and inspire others to connect with God.
Mission Trips: Want to make a difference beyond our community? Participate in mission trips! These experiences allow you to serve those in need, build lasting relationships, and share the love of Christ.
Support Services: Do you have skills in organization, communication, technology, or a desire to contribute to the smooth operation of our church? Your help is invaluable! From managing events to assisting with communications and facility maintenance, every bit of support makes a difference.

Every member of our congregation has something special to offer. By serving together, we embody the essence of Loving God, Loving People.

Ready to discover your place in service? We’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your gifts and passions. Visit pumc.org/serve to explore the many ways you can make a difference!

Let’s come together to make a difference in our community and beyond. Your involvement is not just a contribution; it’s a way to live out our faith and share God’s love with others.

Stay Connected: Your Gateway to Community and Resources

Eiric Shriner, Director of Communications, eshriner@pumc.org

As we continue to grow as a vibrant United Methodist community, staying connected and informed is more important than ever. We’re excited to share a wealth of resources and opportunities to deepen your involvement and enrich your faith journey.

Your One-Stop Connection Point: The QR Code

Look for the QR code displayed on the screen during services, on the cards in the back of the chairs in the sanctuary, and on the chairs in the annex. This simple scan unlocks a world of information, including:

Connection Cards: Whether you’re a long-time member or a first-time visitor, we want to know you! Fill out a connection card to share your information and receive updates on church events, activities, and opportunities. We’re always thrilled to welcome new faces and connect with those who are seeking a spiritual home.
Weekly eNews: Stay in the loop with our weekly eNews, packed with information about upcoming services, special events, studies, and opportunities to serve. From insightful articles to heartwarming stories, the eNews keeps you informed about the vibrant life of our church community.
Giving: Your generosity makes a difference! Easily give through the secure online platform accessible through the QR code. Your contributions support our ministries, outreach programs, and community initiatives, allowing us to make a positive impact both within our church and in the wider world.
Current Activities and Studies: Explore the diverse range of activities and studies happening throughout the week, designed to help you grow in your faith and connect with others. Whether you’re interested in Bible study, small groups, service projects, or social events, we have something for everyone.
Website and Online Resources: Discover a wealth of information about our ministries, find prayer requests, volunteer opportunities, and more. Our website is a valuable resource for learning more about our church, our beliefs, and the many ways you can get involved.

Get Involved and Grow!

We encourage you to explore these resources and engage with our community. Your participation is vital to our shared journey of faith and service. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any staff member if you have questions or need assistance. We’re here to help you connect and feel welcomed.

Beyond the QR Code: Connecting in Person

While the QR code offers a convenient way to stay connected, we also encourage you to engage with our community in person. Attend our services, join a small group, volunteer for a ministry, or simply chat with fellow members after a service. These face-to-face interactions are essential for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

Bread for the Journey

Pastor David Neuen – Lead Pastor, dneuen@pumc.org

In a lower desk drawer in my church office is a stash of mid-afternoon snacks. In bags and wrappers are an assortment of salty and sweet treats to help tide my hunger from a lite lunch. Yes, there is little redeeming nutritional value in my snack collection, but sometimes it’s flavor satisfaction that I’m craving.

I might do well to read Wendy Shah’s illustrated book “Is this Stomach, Mouth or Heart Hunger?” After all, sometimes our eating has to do with physical needs, other times to fulfill cravings of our senses, or because we’ve created a habit of eating when we are stressed or afraid. Food becomes one of a variety of items we hope will fill us when we feel empty. Peeling open a Reese’s cup takes far less investment than deeper reflection on an emotional need. Yet, as delicious as the chocolate and peanut butter may be, they may not answer the question for that which we truly hunger.

Are you hungry? A significant number of people struggle with food insecurity and physical hunger. Some of those same individuals and others experience heart hunger as well. Loneliness, bitterness, unworthiness, and shame are only a few of the feelings we seek to satisfying with any number of fillers. Jesus reveals deep attention and compassion for both the stomach and the heart.

The good news of Jesus often begins with resourcing the community for mealtime. Around the table, Jesus provided bread with equity so that everyone had enough to eat and leftovers to share. Equally, Jesus responded to the spiritual starvation of the people, feeding them with company, acceptance, forgiveness, and love. His act of breaking bread with humanity reveals God’s attention to every hunger.

Barbara Brown Taylor writes, “Follow the bread and it will lead you to the source of all life.” Perhaps she is suggesting that as we follow Jesus, who is dispersing sustaining appetizers to all, we will find the fullness of grace and provision. Or maybe she is describing the search of scripture for bread basket stories and there we will find God’s spirit of life. Or is she pointing out that as we gather for bread we receive life in the fellowship around the table? After all, the word companion literally means to “share bread with.” Certainly, there is deep meaning dining from all of the above.

You are invited to reflect on hunger and God’s nourishment in our worship series “Bread for the Journey,” which began Sunday March 9th as the first Sunday in Lent. In both Classic and NewDay worship we will explore bible stories about bread to discuss its rich significance in the narrative of the people of God. We will be fed with God’s sustenance, the intimacy of the Spirit as we grow in understanding and faithfulness. We will move through this season of Lent, in spiritual preparation for Easter, turning with commitment to the things of God that fulfill our cravings. We will find belonging and fellowship as we experience bread through our senses, even some taste testing after services. We will be reminded that as we follow the bread we do experience life in the one who answers every hunger.