Blog

General Conference Meets and Acts

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church met April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, NC. Elected General Conference delegates half laity and half clergy from Indiana and all over the world are the only group which speaks for and makes policy and rules for The United Methodist Church. This group acted by a large majority to provide full status, participation, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in all aspects of church life and eliminated all rules that had excluded them. At PUMC and in the larger UMC, all are accepted and loved. Glory to God! If you would like more information, visit www.resourceumc.org/en/content/general-conference-legislative-recap or find a summary of General Conference actions provided by our Superintendent, Dr. Aleze Fulbright, at pumc.org/gc2024. Feel free to contact one of the pastors if you have further questions.

Basic Ministry Budget: Children and Youth

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, 10 cents of it supports Children and Youth.

Children and Youth: $105,158

At PUMC, we want every child to know they are loved by Jesus. It’s so important that “serving the children of Plainfield” is our one big thing — where we want to serve the community with such impact that the love of God in Jesus Christ is revealed and noticed. We aim to show God’s love through programs for children of all ages, from birth to kindergarten through high school. Examples include preschool programming, before-and-after-school child care, an interactive Sunday School curriculum, seasonal events like Easter Eggstravaganza and Trunk or Treat, and a vibrant youth ministry engaged in mission throughout the United States and beyond.

Thank you for supporting Children and Youth here at PUMC!

Total 2024 Basic Ministry Budget: $1,051,584

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/2024NB.

Family Promise: May 19 – 25

PUMC is providing meals for Family Promise from May 19 to May 25 at Almost Home shelter house. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., but you can drop off meals early. Contact Mary Raver at mraver@pumc.org or sign up online to contribute. Next dates are in September. Your support makes a significant difference, and we appreciate your commitment.

Quarterly Food Drive

Please consider picking up a grocery bag or list to help us continue supporting our local food pantries. Financial donations are also a great way to help. With the cost of living continuing to rise, food pantries have seen a higher number of clients needing extra assistance. Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Trip to Henderson Settlement: May 19-24

If you’re up for a unique community service opportunity, join the trip to Henderson Settlement from May 19-24. Here are all the details you need to know:

  • Date of the trip: May 19-24
  • Who can join: Everyone who is interested is welcome
  • RSVP deadline: Confirm your attendance by May 5

Additional Information:
This trip will allow you to make a difference and engage in community service. Prior Henderson Settlement inserts can offer further details about the activities and schedule. If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to Don Sanders at dsandjs@att.net.
Take advantage of this chance to be part of an incredible experience at Henderson Settlement!

Family Promise: May 19 – 25

PUMC will provide meals for Family Promise from May 19 – 25. The families are currently residing at the Almost Home shelter house, located at 7233 E. County Road 300 S., Plainfield. Meals will be served family-style, and supper will be served starting at 6:00 p.m. However, you can drop off the meals early at your convenience. You are welcome and encouraged to join the families for the meals.

To provide a meal for the families during this upcoming host week, May 19 – May 25, kindly contact Mary Raver at mraver@pumc.org or sign up online.
Please note that the next dates for providing meals for Family Promise are in September.

Bu-Waa from Madina Village School, the Madina Health Center, and The Village!

Plainfield UMC has supported a Sierra Leone, West Africa school since 2012. We proudly announce that the fifth group of Class 6 students (equivalent to fifth grade in the US) will graduate this year. At the end of the school year, students take the National Exam to determine their eligibility to continue their education. All students except one have passed the exam, meaning over 180 students have completed their education. Our school has grown substantially, with two preschools and a Junior Secondary School for Class 7. Currently, we have 480 students, and our education system is life-changing, especially for girls, who traditionally have yet to be prioritized for education in this region. We provide a warm meal at lunchtime for every child.

Besides the school, the Medical Center is busy seeing patients, with as many as 25-30 patients daily. The main building is ready but must still be equipped to perform surgeries. Though the Medical Center cannot perform surgeries currently, it treats many people with chronic ailments. The first baby was delivered at the Medical Center on April 24th, 2024!

The school initiated a bed/net program against malaria four years ago. We are proud to share that no child has died from malaria in the last two years, including any family with babies or children younger than school age!

If you wish to donate to Madina Village School or Madina Medical Center, please mention it on the memo line of your donation. We express our gratitude and say “Bee-Say” from Madina Village!