Children’s Sabbath in Classic Worship: Sunday, November 16

Join us for a joyful celebration of our youngest disciples during Children’s Sabbath in Classic Worship. On this special Sunday, children from preschool through eighth grade will share their gifts and lead us in worship.

The morning will include:

  • Readings for the Call to Worship, prayers, and scripture led by children
  • A longer Children’s Moment in both the 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. services
  • Prayers for children locally and around the world
  • Original artwork from our kids featured in the worship folder

This meaningful service shines a light on how God is at work through Plainfield UMC’s children’s ministry—weekday programs, Sunday morning classes, monthly family gatherings, and mission efforts that serve children near and far.

Come celebrate the faith, creativity, and promise of our children as they lead us in worship and remind us of Jesus’ words: “Let the little children come to me.”

Trunk or Treat on Simmons Street Returns October 30!

Join us for Plainfield UMC’s annual Trunk or Treat on Simmons Street on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy a safe, fun evening filled with candy, costumes, and community.

This year brings the return of the popular Cake Walk and other games, plus a new layout with more room to move around and less congestion—making it easier for families to enjoy the fun.

Last year, we welcomed an estimated 500 children and their guardians, and we expect another big crowd! To make it great, we need your help: we need candy—LOTS of it! Donations can be dropped off in front of the Main Office (Door 2) anytime before the event.

If you’d like to set up a trunk, volunteer, donate candy, and more, click here (pumc.link/tot).

Come be part of one of Plainfield’s favorite fall traditions—whether you host a trunk, lend a hand, or just stop by for the treats!

Thursday, Oct. 30 | 5–7 p.m. | South Parking Lot Parking Lot | Parking available in the East & North lots, at Library, or at First Baptist Church Plainfield.

What’s Happening with PUMC Youth? – October 26, 2025

Youth Worship at 10 a.m. in Room 200
This Sunday: From “They” to “We”

It’s easy to stay close to people who think, talk, and act like we do—it feels safe, comfortable, and familiar. But in doing so, we can drift away from those who are different, dividing the world into “we” and “they.”

In John 4, Jesus breaks every cultural rule by speaking with a Samaritan woman, showing that everyone—no matter their background—has value and deserves to be seen. This week, we’ll explore how one conversation can bridge divides and change everything.

Read Ahead: John 4:4–8

This Sunday evening, join us for our Halloween Party at 7 p.m. in the youth rooms. We’ll have games, a costume contest, a Halloween movie, and snacks. Please bring your favorite snack to share.

Kids@PUMC need volunteers for Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 30. Several spots are still open—click the link (pumc.link/tot)to sign up and help make this fun night possible!
We also need two youth volunteers to serve with the PUMC Homeless Ministry on the first Monday of each month. The next open date is November 3. Sign up with a friend on the sheet posted by the youth room.

Mark Your Calendars:

  • Sunday, October 26 – Halloween Party: 7 p.m. in the Youth Rooms. Costume contest, games, and food!
  • November 7–9 – Fall Retreat at Camp Indicoso: A favorite PUMC Youth tradition. Flyers are available outside the Youth Worship Room. Adults interested in chaperoning should contact Brandon. RSVP by October 20.
  • Weekly High School Bible Study: Coming soon—details to follow. Contact Brandon with questions or ideas.

Questions? Contact Brandon for more information.

Refill, Don’t Landfill

Even though our coffee cups are eco-friendly, they still cost money—and they still end up in the landfill. On average, we go through about 100 cups every week here at Plainfield UMC. That adds up quickly, both in cost and in waste.

You can make a simple but meaningful difference. By bringing and reusing your own travel mug on Sunday mornings, you help reduce waste, conserve resources, and care for God’s creation. It’s one small habit that, when shared by many, makes a big impact.

Each time you bring your own mug, you can enter our “Refill, Don’t Landfill” prize drawing! It’s our way of saying thank you for taking part in this creation care effort.

Don’t have a reusable mug? No problem—there are plenty of affordable options available, or consider repurposing one you already have at home.

Together, we can model faithful stewardship in even the simplest things—like how we drink our morning coffee. So grab your favorite mug, fill it up with something warm and wonderful, and know that every sip helps keep our planet a little cleaner and our community a little greener.

Euchre at PUMC

Euchre is back and going strong! Each month, friends gather for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and a little friendly competition.

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month from 2–4 p.m. in the Worship Annex. Whether you’ve been playing for years or are learning for the first time, you’re invited to join the table.

Never played before? No problem—someone will be happy to teach you. The focus is on connection, laughter, and community, not just keeping score.

Come enjoy good company, a few great hands, and maybe even a few good-natured rivalries. There’s always room for one more!

Financial Summit Update: A Look at Our Church’s Financial Health

Plainfield UMC’s fall Financial Summit offered an encouraging look at the church’s financial health and ministry impact.

Through August, total income reached $722,464, or about 72% of the annual budget—up from $682,614 during the same period last year. This growth reflects the continued generosity of our congregation.

The Finance Committee also reviewed the narrative budget, which shows how giving fuels ministry in areas such as Worship, Adult Discipleship, Mission and Outreach, Facility Care, Children and Youth, and more. Facility Care represents the largest portion of the budget at 28%, followed by Worship at 19%.

Expenses remain under budget, with most ministry areas spending just over half of their annual allocations. The church also maintains 49 designated funds totaling $183,308, supporting projects like Youth Missions, Homeless and Hungry Ministries, and Reach Beyond facility improvements.

The Board of Trustees shared a long-range maintenance plan through 2060, noting the need for ongoing funding to sustain facilities and address unplanned repairs such as termite treatment and bat eradication.

We’re grateful for the faithful giving that makes ministry possible and for everyone who supports Plainfield UMC’s mission to make a difference for Christ every day.

Free community lunches—twice a month

Plainfield UMC offers two free lunch opportunities each month to serve our community with good food and warm hospitality:

  • Second Saturday Carryout Lunch — Every second Saturday. Pick up a hot, ready-to-go meal from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Door 14.
  • Last Saturday Community Lunch — Every last Saturday. Enjoy a sit-down meal and friendly conversation from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Door 14.

Know someone who could use a meal or a little extra care? Invite them to join—or contact Mary Ann Hamilton at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com.

All are welcome. No cost. No catch. Just kindness and a good meal.

Men’s Breakfast – Food, Fellowship, and Faith

Each month, Plainfield UMC’s men, young men, and guests come together for something more than just a meal—we gather for connection, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
The Men’s Breakfast meets on the third Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Worship Annex, and you’re invited to be part of it.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, uplifting conversation, and time spent in Scripture as we build relationships and strengthen our faith together. Whether you’ve been coming for years or this is your first time, you’ll find a welcoming space to grow in your walk with God and one another.
Bring your Bible, bring a friend, and come hungry—not only for food, but for fellowship and the Word of God. Let this monthly gathering nourish both body and spirit, reminding us that we’re not on this journey alone.

All are welcome—just as you are.