What Is Christmas Like at Plainfield UMC?

Plainfield, Indiana • December 24, 2025

Christmas Eve at Plainfield United Methodist Church is a night filled with warmth, beauty, and the kind of sacred anticipation that makes this season so meaningful. Whether you’ve called PUMC home for many years or you’re planning your very first visit, you’ll find a community ready to welcome you, walk with you, and share in the joy of Christ’s birth.

The celebration begins with the 4:00 p.m. children’s service in the Worship Annex—a lively, interactive gathering created especially for families with young children. This service is full of energy and wonder, using storytelling, movement, simple carols, and hands-on experiences to bring the Christmas story to life. Because it’s designed with safety and accessibility for little ones in mind, this is the only Christmas Eve service without candle lighting, allowing families to relax, participate, and enjoy the moment without worry.

As evening settles in, the Sanctuary opens for the traditional Christmas Eve services at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., longtime favorites for many in our congregation and community. These services are filled with stirring music from PUMC’s festival choir and orchestra, blending classical arrangements with beloved Christmas hymns that lift the heart. Through Scripture readings and a thoughtful Christmas Eve message, worshipers are invited to enter the story of Christ’s birth—its hope, its mystery, and its promise for today.

For those who cherish the stillness and sacred quiet of late-night worship, our 11:00 p.m. service offers a beautiful and contemplative way to welcome Christmas. This candle-lit service is accompanied by PUMC’s Festival Bell Choir, whose shimmering tones fill the Sanctuary with a peaceful, reverent glow. The gentle ring of the bells, the soft lighting, and the unhurried pace create a space where the mystery of the night feels especially near.

One of the most treasured moments of Christmas Eve at PUMC comes near the end of every Sanctuary service: the candle-lighting ceremony. The lights fade, one candle is lit, and the flame is passed across the Sanctuary—person to person, family to family—until the entire room glows with warm, flickering light. With candles raised, the congregation joins together to sing “Silent Night”, creating a moment of peace and stillness that stays with worshipers long after they leave.

Children are welcome at every service. Their excitement, questions, and even their wiggles add to the joy of the night. Christmas Eve is for everyone—every age, every background, every story.

For many, Christmas Eve at Plainfield UMC is a beloved tradition. For others, it becomes a first step back into a faith community or a quiet place to breathe in the middle of a busy season. And for all of us, it is a reminder that Christ enters the world not in perfection, but in presence—in light, in hope, and in love.

As we approach Wednesday, December 24, 2025, we hope you’ll join us for one of these meaningful services. Everyone is welcome, and a place is prepared for you at Plainfield UMC.

What’s Happening with PUMC Youth? | Sunday, November 23, 2025

Youth Worship • 10 a.m. • Room 200
Topic: Small Steps, Big Impact

This week we’re exploring how even the smallest moments can create surprising change—especially when we’re not doing life alone. The early church didn’t change the world through fame or big platforms. It happened because ordinary people took small, faithful steps together. When you show up, stand out, and stay connected, God can use your small group to make a bigger impact than you ever imagined.
Read Ahead: Acts 2:37–4

Serve with the Homeless Ministry

We need two youth volunteers on the first Monday of each month. The next open date is Dec. 1. Grab a friend and sign up by the youth room.

Pre-Register: High School Mission Trip 2026

We’re heading to Cleveland, Ohio, June 7–13. Pre-register now to save your spot. Contact Brandon with any questions.

Angel Tree Party – Dec. 14

We’re helping with the Angel Tree party from 1–4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to run games, assist with crafts, and prepare gifts. Let Brandon know if you’d like to help.

Mark Your Calendar

Dec. 28: Youth Christmas Party
Weekly Bible Study: Continuing the studies Pastor Bob began. Start date to come—stay tuned and share your thoughts with Brandon.
Mission Trip 2026: June 7–13 in Cleveland, Ohio. Let Brandon know if you want to join the team.

Questions? Contact Brandon at brdenman@pumc.org.

Plainfield UMC Christmas Food Drive: Sharing Hope With Our Neighbors

Donations Accepted Through Sunday, Dec. 21 • Donation Depot

As Advent unfolds around us—with its soft glow of candles, its quiet promise of hope, and its gentle invitation to make room for Christ—we are reminded that this sacred season is not meant to be experienced alone. It is a time when light grows in community, when generosity becomes an act of worship, and when compassion takes on flesh in the simplest of ways.

This year, more than ever, many families in Hendricks County are carrying heavy burdens. Rising costs of groceries, utilities, and everyday essentials have stretched household budgets beyond their limits. And while the world is decorating for Christmas, some of our neighbors are wondering how they’ll fill their pantry, let alone prepare a holiday meal.

A Family Waiting for Hope

Imagine, for a moment, a young family of three—a mother, father, and their newborn child. Their home is full of love and new-baby joy, but also the quiet worry that comes when bills stack up faster than paychecks. With a single income and the added expenses of formula, diapers, and medical needs, every dollar is weighed, every purchase reconsidered.

As Christmas approaches, they want to create a warm celebration for their baby’s first holiday. Yet behind their smiles is the question many families share this year:

Will we have enough?

It’s for families like this that our Christmas Food Drive exists. A few donated cans, a box of cereal, or a bag of rice can transform a season of worry into one of relief and gratitude.

How You Can Give

Throughout the Advent season, Plainfield UMC is collecting nonperishable foods to support local families facing food insecurity. Items such as:

Canned vegetables and fruits
Hearty soups, stews, and chili
Pasta, rice, and boxed meals
Peanut butter
Cereal, oatmeal, granola
Beans
Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives

Drop donations off during business hours at Door 2, or in the Donation Depot (near Door 1) on Sunday mornings, anytime before Sunday, Dec. 21.

A Call From the Heart of Advent

Advent is about preparing a place—for Christ in the world, and for compassion in our hearts. Giving to the food drive is a simple, beautiful way to live out that calling.
Your gift—small or large—can ease the burden of a neighbor and make Christmas morning brighter for a family who needs a sign of hope.
If you have questions or wish to arrange a larger donation, please contact Mary Raver at mraver@pumc.org.

May our generosity this season shine as brightly as the star that led the world to hope.

Homeless Winter Donations: Sharing Warmth When It’s Needed Most

As winter settles in and temperatures begin to fall, the men and women living in camps and on the streets face dangers that most of us will never experience. What feels like a chilly inconvenience to us—a cold car ride, a gust of wind while walking inside—can be life-threatening for someone without shelter. For our neighbors experiencing homelessness, every layer of clothing matters. Every blanket matters. Every act of compassion matters.

Those our Feed the Hunger Outreach team serves in Indianapolis often have little more than the clothes on their backs. Many are underweight, making warmth even more difficult to hold onto. Pants above size 34 frequently slip off. Sweatpants—worn over existing clothing—become a vital buffer against the cold. And simple items like gloves, flashlights, or a small tent can mean the difference between a brutal night and one that is at least bearable.

Items Needed

To help our homeless neighbors endure the harsh winter months, we are seeking donations of:

Hoodie sweatshirts: Large–XXL
Sweatpants: Medium–XL
Blankets
Stocking hats
Men’s jeans: Size 34 or smaller
Women’s jeans: Size 6 or smaller
Belts
Gloves
Flashlights
Lighters
Small tents

These items are not simply clothing—they are warmth, safety, dignity, and hope.

Your Compassion Can Change Someone’s Winter

If you’ve ever shivered on a cold morning, imagine facing that cold all day—and all night—with nowhere warm to go. Imagine bundling a thin sweatshirt tighter because it’s all you have. Imagine trying to sleep through freezing temperatures with nothing but a blanket that barely covers you.

For the people we serve, these donations are lifelines.

This winter, we ask you to give generously. Look through your closets. Pick up an extra item or two on your next shopping trip. Share this need with someone who might help. Each donation goes directly into the hands of someone who desperately needs it.

Your support allows our outreach team to carry God’s grace from Plainfield to the “least of these” in Indianapolis, offering warmth, comfort, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for your continued compassion and generosity.

Thank you, and God bless.

Together We Wait: An Advent of Friendship and Faith

Take a peaceful pause this Advent season. Join the Discipleship Team on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary for a weekly Advent meditation designed to help you slow down and reconnect with the heart of Christmas.

Each 20–30 minute gathering offers a simple, meaningful rhythm of Scripture, reflection, prayer, and music. It’s a quiet space to step away from the season’s busyness, breathe deeply, and prepare your heart for the birth of Jesus.

Everyone is welcome—come as you are, bring a friend, or make a new one along the way. Registration isn’t required, but signing up ensures you receive a helpful weekly reminder. Register here: pumc.link/n7i

Join us in this gentle, hope-filled journey as Together We Wait in friendship and faith.

UWF Holiday Candy Sale

The United Women in Faith will hold a holiday candy sale on Sunday, Dec. 14, in the church lobby. Place your order ahead of time on Sundays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, to guarantee availability. A limited number of boxes will also be available on the day of the sale.

Each box of buckeyes or fudge is $6. We accept online card payments as well as cash.
All purchases and donations support Cub’s Den and the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program.

Thank you for your support!

Advent Study: “A Child Is Born”

Join Pastor David for a four-week Advent study of Amy-Jill Levine’s new book, A Child Is Born. The class meets Sundays, Nov. 30–Dec. 21, at 11:15 a.m.

Together, we’ll explore the people, context, and meaning behind the Nativity stories, gaining a deeper understanding of Jesus’ birth and the hope it brings. No preparation or prior reading is needed—simply come ready to learn and reflect.

All are welcome. Register here: pumc.link/q51

Refill, Don’t Landfill

This Sunday, bring your favorite coffee mug—the one with a story, the one that feels just right. Enjoy your coffee and enter our prize drawing.

It may seem small, but it matters. Each reusable mug keeps a cup out of the landfill and helps us care for God’s creation. Every shared effort—big or small—moves us toward a cleaner, more mindful community.

Bring your mug, enjoy the moment, and join us in making a simple, meaningful difference.

Surviving the Holidays: Support for a Difficult Season

The holiday season can be especially hard for those experiencing their first Christmas after the death of a loved one. To offer comfort, guidance, and a place of understanding, the Stephen Ministry team will host Surviving the Holidays on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This video-based session, produced by GriefShare, provides practical tips for navigating grief during the holidays—helping participants prepare for emotional moments, set healthy boundaries, and find small ways to honor their loved one’s memory.

A light brunch will be served. All who are seeking support during this season are welcome. Please visit pumc.link/3w3 to register. If you have any questions, call Gloria Bowman at 317-691-2881.

A Christmas Movie Night for All Ages

Thursday, December 5 • Worship Annex

Kick off the Christmas season with a cozy, family-friendly evening at PUMC! On Thursday, December 5, we’re inviting everyone to gather in the Worship Annex for a special showing of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever—a heartwarming, humorous story that’s perfect for all ages.

This fun holiday night includes a popcorn and cocoa bar, complete with all your favorite toppings. Whether you love extra marshmallows, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or classic buttered popcorn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Come laugh, relax, and make memories as we settle in together to watch this Christmas favorite. Bring your family, invite a friend, and share in an evening filled with joy, warmth, and community.

We can’t wait to see you there!