Avon United Methodist Church will offer Stephen Minister Training starting Nov. 3, 2025, continuing through early February 2026. Classes meet Mondays, 6 to 9 p.m. at Avon UMC.

Stephen Ministers are trained laypeople who provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care for those facing illness, grief, divorce, job loss, relocation, and other difficult seasons. They don’t replace pastors or counselors—they extend the church’s care through compassionate listening, prayer, healthy boundaries, and steady support.

No special qualifications required—just a heart to care and a willingness to learn.

Ready to serve? Register by contacting Gloria Bowman at 317-691-2881 or heraclesb1@aol.com.

For too many families in our community, winter means more than frosty mornings—it means choosing between heat and groceries, or sending a child to school without a war m coat. We can change that.

From Sept. 28–Oct. 12, 2025, Plainfield Church Federation is collecting new or gently used coats, scarves, gloves, and winter gear. Look for the marked barrels at the church to drop off your donation.

On Oct. 18, 2025, these coats will be given directly to families in need at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds.

You can be the reason a child walks to school warm, safe, and cared for this winter. Clean out your closets. Pick up an extra coat while shopping. Every single donation makes a difference.

Let’s wrap our neighbors in God’s love—one coat at a time.

Takeout with Heart | Saturday, Sep. 13 | 11–11:30 a.m.

Pick up a warm, ready-to-go meal on the second Saturday of each month. Enter Door 14 and head to the kitchen for takeout.

Know someone who could use a meal or a little extra care? Contact MaryAnn at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com

Enjoy good food—and help extend PUMC’s hospitality beyond the church walls.

Sunday, Sep. 7 | 10 a.m. | Room 200

Youth Worship begins a new series, What’s the Point?, where we’ll explore the big questions of life and faith. This week’s focus: As We Explore Science, Our Faith Can Expand. Sometimes life doesn’t make sense—whether it’s silly questions like whether cereal is soup or deeper ones like, “Does God care about my mental health?” Join us as we discover how science and faith can work together to help us grow closer to God. Read ahead: Genesis 1:1; Matthew 22:37.

Get Involved:

• Fall Kick-Off Cookout (Sept. 14): The men’s group is serving up a hog roast while youth lead games, music, and fun.
• CROP Walk (Sept. 28, 2 p.m.): Walk with PUMC to support hunger relief.
• Fall Retreat (Nov. 7–9, Camp Indicoso): A favorite time away for worship, fun, and connection. Adults interested in chaperoning should contact Brandon.
• Weekly High School Bible Study: Resumes in September; date TBD.

Youth are also invited to help with the PUMC Cookbook project by submitting recipes or designing the cover, and to serve with the Homeless Ministry on the first Monday of the month.

Questions? Contact Brandon at brdenman@pumc.org

Part-time | Approximately 20 hours per week

Plainfield United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Children’s Ministries to lead and grow our ministry with children and families. This part-time role reports to the Senior Pastor and plays a vital part in helping the next generation know and follow Christ.

The Director will provide vision and oversight for children’s ministry, working with the Senior Pastor, Children’s Council, and other leaders to shape a Christ-centered approach to discipleship. Responsibilities include leading Sunday morning programming, supporting Kid’s Connection and the Weekday Children’s Ministry, equipping and supervising volunteers and nursery staff, and coordinating annual events such as Eggstravaganza, Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, and Children’s Advent.

We seek someone with strong personal faith, a passion for children’s spiritual growth, proven leadership in children’s ministry, and excellent communication and organizational skills. A background in education is preferred. All applicants must pass a background check.

To apply or view the full job description, visit pumc.org/job-opportunities.

Mark your calendars, loosen your belts, and prepare to feast—because on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, right after our 10:00 a.m. service, PUMC is throwing a good old-fashioned hog roast.

Weather permitting, we’ll set up on the west side drive of the church (translation: outside, where the delicious smoky aroma will have half of Plainfield stopping to see what’s cooking). If it rains, we’ll move things inside—because nothing stops Methodists when there’s food involved.

The PUMC Men’s Group is manning the smokers and serving up pulled pork so tender it practically preaches on its own. Not a fan of pork? No worries. We’ve got hot dogs for the kids and the “pork-averse,” plus all the classic fixings—sides, desserts, lemonade, tea, and water. All you need to bring is your appetite.

But wait, there’s more! Our Youth Group (led by Brandon Denman) and the Growing Young Committee (with Susan Ament and Scout Dunlevy) are cooking up games and activities for all ages. Think sack races, laughter, and maybe—just maybe—a pie-eating contest. (Consider this your chance to practice your “fellowship faceplant” technique.)

So join us for food, fun, and community. Whether you’re a longtime member or just visiting that Sunday, you’re family at the table.

Don’t miss it—come hungry, bring a friend, and let’s roast together!

As the weather turns colder, many children in our community will face the season without a warm coat. You can change that.

From Sept. 24–Oct. 7, Plainfield UMC is collecting new or gently used, clean coats of all sizes. Hats and mittens are also welcome. Drop donations in the Donation Depot or in the collection box near the office entrance.

On Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., coats will be distributed to children in Plainfield Schools and at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. Your generosity will help keep a child warm, safe, and cared for this winter.

Don’t wait—clean out your closets, pick up an extra coat while shopping, and bring it in. Together, let’s wrap our community in God’s love, one coat at a time.

Sunday, August 31, 2025
Youth Worship – 10:00 a.m. in Room 200

This week’s theme: You Can Rest. Life pushes us to keep grinding, but Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads us to still waters, renews our strength, and is present in every valley. Rest is not laziness—it’s an act of trust.

Read ahead: Psalm 23:1–6.

Get Involved

• Fall Kick-Off Cookout Planning – The Youth are teaming up with the Men’s Group for this year’s Hog Roast! The men will handle food, while youth plan games, activities, and music. The planning team needs your ideas—let Brandon know if you’d like to help.
• Serve with PUMC Homeless Ministry – We need two youth volunteers on the first Monday of each month. The next open date is Sept. 8. Sign up by the Youth Room with a friend!
• PUMC Cookbook Project – KIDS@PUMC are creating a special cookbook and need recipes—and a youth-designed cover! Want to help? Let Brandon know.

Mark Your Calendar

• Sept. 14 – Fall Kick-Off Cookout – Hog Roast, games, and fun! Details coming soon.
• Sept. 28 – CROP Walk – 2:00 p.m. at Talon Park. Walk to support hunger relief. Sign up on Sundays!
• Nov. 7–9 – Fall Retreat at Camp Indicoso – A favorite tradition for PUMC Youth! Flyers available in August. Adults interested in chaperoning should contact Brandon.
• September – High School Bible Study – Weekly studies will continue this fall. Stay tuned for start date—contact Brandon with questions.

Questions? Contact Brandon for details on any of these opportunities.

Join us on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Talon Park Pavilion for the annual CROP Walk—a 3-mile community walk to fight hunger locally and globally.

This year we’re teaming up again with Faith & Blue. Walk alongside Chief of Police Kyle Prewitt and officers as they share how faith shapes their service. Registration and group photo at 1:30 p.m.; walk begins at 2:00 p.m.

Not up for the full walk? Come for any distance you can manage—or simply enjoy an ice cream social while supporting the cause. Donations also make a powerful difference (checks payable to CWS/CROP).

Stop by the CROP Walk table in the Main Lobby on Sept. 14, 21, and 28, or see Mary Geible for details.

Every step matters. Let’s walk with purpose and make this our best year yet!

The PUMC Basic Ministry Budget is more than numbers—it’s a story of love in action. Every dollar you give helps share God’s BIG Love and grow faith.

Out of each dollar, 5 cents supports Adult Discipleship—$53,777 in 2025. This ministry provides Bible studies, church wide classes, Sunday School, fellowship groups, and men’s and women’s gatherings that help transform lives.

Thank you for making adult discipleship possible at PUMC!