The annual PUMC Youth Online Auction starts August 25, 2023 and your support is needed!
By supporting PUMC youth, you will make a difference in their spiritual growth and development. Your prayers and your donations will make a difference in the programs and outreach available to the youth.
You can help the vibrant youth ministry at PUMC thrive! Here’s a list of some things you can contribute to the Youth Online Auction:
Gift cards to restaurants, stores, gas cards, spas, etc.
Gift baskets – lots of ideas out there to be creative
Monetary gifts directly supporting the youth
You might have talents such as baking, carpentry, home repair, crafting, etc.
Tickets to future sporting, concert, and theatre events
New merchandise – think about what you might like bidding on!
For more information and to donate to the 2023 Youth Online Auctions, visit pumc.org/youth-auction.
Contact Diane Preusch or Brenda Barnett at auction@pumc.org if you have any questions or need more information on how to donate items for the 2023 Youth Auction.
Join us on the last Saturday of the month for a free lunch. Pass the word and bring a friend. Everyone is welcome! Door 14 will be open, and we will serve from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In recent years there has been a lot of activity and debate in the United Methodist Church as a denomination, especially around homosexuality. I work closely with Indiana Bishop Julius Trimble and our Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Fulbright, as I chair the Indiana Conference Committee on Episcopacy. Our church rules (the Book of Discipline) are reviewed and amended by the General Conference (GC) when they meet, which is generally every four years. GC delegates are elected from every Annual Conference (like Indiana). Representatives from all over the world are comprised of equal numbers of clergy and laity. This is the only body that speaks for the United Methodist Church. The next GC is scheduled to convene in 2024.
FAQ
Are churches required to vote on remaining United Methodist?
No. Churches are not required to vote to remain or discontinue (disaffiliate) to be United Methodist. The GC has never taken action that forces or invites churches to take such a vote. Our Book of Discipline (BOD) has always had provisions for congregations to disaffiliate. There always will be such provisions. The Special Called GC of 2019 established a temporary provision for disaffiliation that expires at the end of 2023. This temporarily grants permission for churches to disaffiliate and retain their buildings and grounds. There is still and always will be a financial cost for disaffiliation. Even if GC allows the 2019 provision to expire, churches may negotiate for disaffiliation while retaining their property. This practice was already occurring before 2019 in some circumstances.
Are some churches leaving the UMC? Why?
Yes. In Indiana, over twenty churches have acted to disaffiliate, and others are planning to do so. Many Indiana churches that are disaffiliating want to affirm traditional views regarding homosexuality. They anticipate the UMC eventually becoming progressive on this issue. In some parts of the country, churches are disaffiliating in protest to the current traditional rules regarding homosexuality in the BOD.
Will the General Conference act in 2024 to settle the issue of homosexuality once and for all?
Not likely. Nearly every GC since 1972 has handled motions and proposed legislation on homosexuality. No matter how GC may act in 2024, action on the issue may still come to future sessions of GC.
Where can I find United Methodist theology and doctrine?
Our core and central theology statements are in the BOD and protected by the UMC’s Constitution. Changes in these basics require more than GC action. Such changes are difficult and complex, requiring each Annual Conference worldwide to act. Visit this link on the UMC website to find “What We Believe” http://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe.
Closing Remarks
We are United Methodists. That does not mean that we all must think alike. We do not. Never have. Never will. But, as John Wesley suggested, we certainly may all love alike. I would be open to discussing this further with you or a group of which you are a part at PUMC.
This year’s Vacation Bible School is just around the corner! The theme this year is STELLAR: SHINE JESUS’ LIGHT.
At Stellar, kids discover how to shine Jesus’ love and hope in everyday life! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible Adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of Jesus’ light, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long.
STELLAR Vacation Bible School will occur June 20 – 23 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on “Wesley Planet” (behind the church). All children, four years old – 5th grade, are welcome.
If you are a group leader, join us for an orientation to the new Groups page at pumc.org/groups. Sign up for a training session at pumc.org/registration. Sessions are one hour in length. See “Change” in the May 2023 Circuit Rider for more information.
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, 23 cents of it supports God’s house.
Children & Youth: $113,668
At PUMC, we want every child to know they are loved by Jesus. It’s essential 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 2023 Basic Ministry: Budget: $1,033,349
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/2023NB.
Plainfield UMC’s men, young men, and guests gather at the church on the third Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. for food and fellowship.
We meet in Clayton Hall/Worship Annex. Bring an empty stomach, a friend, and your Bible! Be ready to be nourished through delicious food and the word of God! Hope to see you there! Check our pumc.org for more information.
The United Women of Faith (UWF) invite you and your family to have a Mother’s Day family picture taken in their photo corner in the Main Lobby. Pictures are free of charge; we’ll even gladly take your family pictures with your phones. We look forward to seeing you!
It’s that time of year! Vacation Bible School is just around the corner (June 20 – 23).
We need nearly 50 volunteers to make vacation bible school awesome for the children attending! This year’s vacation bible school theme is “Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light.” Volunteers are needed to help with games, story time, music time, a STEAM Station (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), and more!
Volunteers are encouraged to contact Charity Aton at caton@pumc.org to volunteer and attend an organizational meeting on May 25 at 5:00 pm in the Koinonia Room. Let’s make this vacation bible school an experience the children will think about all summer!
We invite you to come in and pick up a carry-out meal between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Please enter through door 14 and go to the kitchen, and someone will be there to get your meal. If you know of someone who might need a meal, visit pumc.org/groups.
Plainfield UMC Today 