Join Us for the May Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement

We are excited to announce our upcoming mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, scheduled for May 18–23. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact in the Appalachian community.

About Henderson Settlement

Established in 1925 by Hiram M. Frakes, Henderson Settlement has been dedicated to improving lives through Christ-centered service. The settlement offers various community outreach programs, including childcare, youth ministries, a food pantry, senior support, a library, and more. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, contributing to home repairs, educational programs, and other essential services.

Volunteer Opportunities

During our mission trip, there will be diverse opportunities to serve:
Quilting and Sewing: Volunteers can assist in creating quilts and other handcrafted items to be sold in the Gift Shop, helping to offset operating expenses of the settlement.
Construction Projects: Depending on the number of volunteers and the community’s needs, we will undertake construction or repair projects to improve local homes and facilities.
No matter your skill set, there is a place for you to contribute meaningfully.

Accommodations and Costs

Henderson Settlement provides comfortable accommodations for volunteers. The cost per person for lodging and meals is $275 per week for dormitory-style housing or $350 per week for private housing. However, most – if not all – of this cost to volunteers is offset from previous donations. These fees cover lodging and meals during your stay.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of this fulfilling experience. Whether you’re skilled in construction, enjoy sewing, or simply have a heart to serve, your participation will make a difference.

For more information or to sign up for the mission trip, please contact Don Sanders at:

Email: dsandjs@att.net
Cell Phone: 317-340-5188

We look forward to serving together and sharing God’s love with the community of Henderson Settlement.

“Your Life Matters”: A Sacred Commitment to Life and Hope

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

In an effort to embody Christ’s compassion and respond to the very real suffering present in our community, Plainfield United Methodist Church, in partnership with Family Promise, has taken a meaningful step forward. We are honored to host a Narcan nasal spray distribution box—a small but potentially life-saving resource—on the northern edge of our property, adjacent to the church parking lot entrance off of Raymond Street.

Narcan, or Naloxone, is a non-prescription medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in moments. Much like a defibrillator or an EpiPen, it is designed to be used in emergency situations. It’s not a drug that enables use; it’s a tool that offers a second chance at life. Narcan has no potential for abuse, is not addictive, and is harmless if administered to someone not experiencing an overdose. It simply saves lives.

Each day in the United States, more than 225 people lose their lives to opioid overdoses. These are not just statistics—they are our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, and family members. By offering Narcan in a publicly accessible way, we are helping ensure that the next person who finds themselves in a life-or-death moment might have a chance to live.

This effort is about compassion, not condemnation. People who use drugs—or those who love someone who does—might pass by our Narcan box and choose to take a dose home, just in case. That choice does not promote drug use. Instead, it promotes survival. It makes it possible for someone to stay alive long enough to find support, seek recovery, and be restored to the fullness of life they were created for.

This is not just a public health initiative. For us, it is an expression of our Christian witness. We believe in healing, not stigma. Restoration, not rejection. Life, not death. Jesus consistently reached out to the hurting, the struggling, and the outcast—and we seek to do the same.

As followers of Christ, we are called to stand with those in pain. Hosting this Narcan box is one way we say to our community: “Your life matters.” We believe in the sacred worth of every person and the possibility of healing for every soul.

Family Promise is providing and resupplying the Narcan at no cost, ensuring this ministry of presence and protection is sustained. We are grateful for their partnership and their commitment to the well-being of our shared community.

If you or someone you know could benefit from having Narcan on hand, please don’t hesitate to access it. Let this simple box be a reminder that there is always hope, always help, and always a community that cares.

For further information, we encourage you to read the Narcan OTC Fact Sheet and learn more about How and When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose.

Stay Connected with a Simple Scan

At Plainfield UMC, we make it easy for everyone to stay connected, whether you’re new or a longtime member. With one quick scan, you can access everything you need to stay engaged.

Your One-Stop Connection Point: The QR Code

Find our QR code on chair cards in the sanctuary and annex, and on screen during worship services. A quick scan opens the door to:

Connection Card: Share your contact info, ask questions, and sign up for updates to get more involved.
Weekly eNews: Stay informed with news, events, devotionals, and ministry spotlights.
Online Giving: Easily donate anytime through our secure giving platform.
Activities & Studies: Browse current Bible studies, small groups, and volunteer opportunities.
Website & Resources: Explore ministries, prayer requests, event calendars, and more.

Beyond the QR Code: In-Person Connection

While technology keeps us informed, nothing beats connecting face-to-face. Join us for worship, coffee with a small group, or volunteer at a service project.

Take Your Next Step

Scan the QR code today to explore how you can connect, grow, and serve. Our staff is here to help you get started.

Take Action: Scan. Connect. Grow.

Finding Hope After Loss: GriefShare Returns Spring 2025

If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, navigating the emotional challenges of grief can feel overwhelming. Plainfield United Methodist Church (PUMC) is offering a lifeline of hope with the return of GriefShare, an 11-week seminar beginning on May 18th, 2025. Meeting weekly on Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., GriefShare provides a safe, supportive space for those grieving to connect with others who understand their pain.

Led by compassionate, trained Stephen Ministers, GriefShare combines biblical wisdom with practical tools for coping with loss. Participants will gain valuable insights into the emotional stages of grief, learn healthy coping strategies, and find renewed hope for the future. This group setting allows individuals to share their experiences in a caring and understanding environment, helping to reduce the isolation often felt during the grieving process.

GriefShare will run from May 18th to July 27th, 2025. To register, visit pumc.link/gs2025.

For questions or more information, contact Gloria Bowman at heraclesb1@aol.com. We invite you to join us for this healing journey.

Open Your Pantry, Open Your Heart: Food Donations at PUMC

At Plainfield United Methodist Church (PUMC), we are committed to caring for our neighbors by ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food. Our Donation Depot serves as a vital resource for local families struggling with food insecurity.

The Growing Need in Our Community

Recent data reveals that food insecurity is a pressing issue in Indiana. In 2022, approximately 950,220 Hoosiers experienced food insecurity, with a state rate of 13.9%. This represents a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the escalating need for food assistance. Moreover, 1 in 5 children in Indiana faces hunger, emphasizing the importance of community support.

In Hendricks County, while poverty rates are below the state average, food insecurity remains a concern. Local food pantries are essential in bridging the gap for families who may not qualify for federal assistance but still struggle to put food on the table.

How You Can Help

You can make a tangible difference by donating non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter. Bring your contributions to the Donation Depot:

Sunday Mornings: During worship services.
Weekdays: During church office hours.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps provide essential meals, reduces food waste, and promotes health and well-being in our community.

Join Us in Nourishing Our Neighbors

By opening your pantry and your heart, you support local families in need. Let’s work together to combat food insecurity in our community. Your generosity embodies the spirit of compassion and service that defines PUMC.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact the Rev. Ken Loudenback at kloudenback@pumc.org.

Set Your Course for Adventure: True North Vacation Bible School at PUMC!

Join us this June at Plainfield United Methodist Church for an exciting week of discovery, music, and fun at Vacation Bible School! The theme, True North, helps kids navigate today’s world by teaching that Jesus is our ultimate guide.VBS runs June 23–27 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at PUMC, 600 Simmons Street, Plainfield, IN 46168. Children will enjoy hands-on activities, Bible stories, music, and adventures to strengthen their faith and purpose.

This is a great opportunity for kids to grow in faith, make new friends, and have fun! All children are welcome. Don’t miss out—register today at pumc.link/2025vbs and secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable week!

We Need Your Help!

VBS is one of our biggest outreach events, and we need volunteers to help with everything from decorating and snack preparation to leading groups and crafts. Whether for one day or the entire week, your help makes a difference.

Step up and volunteer today!

To get involved, contact Carey Michels at cmichels@pumc.org.

Let’s make True North VBS unforgettable for our kids and community! Take action now—register or volunteer to make a lasting impact!

Last Saturday Lunch: April 25, 2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to a free community lunch at our church on the last Saturday of every month. Bring your friends and family to join us for a delicious meal and some good company.
The lunch is served from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Door 14, located on the north side of the Sanctuary.

We’re looking forward to sharing a meal and building community together!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mary Ann Hamilton at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com.

See you there!

Second Saturday Lunch: April 12, 2024

Mark your calendar! On the second Saturday of every month from 11:00–11:30 AM, we’re serving up warm, delicious meals to go. Simply enter through Door 14 and head to the kitchen.

Know someone who could use a meal? Let’s spread the love! Email MaryAnn at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com to arrange a meal for them.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and make someone’s day a little brighter. See you there!

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!