Pastor Abby | alietz@pumc.org

Growing old is our default – it happens naturally, and inevitably! We see the results of growing older when we look in the mirror, get out of bed each morning and look around our congregations! With age, however, comes beauty, wisdom and responsibility. Decades of living in the love and grace of Jesus have given our faith community deep roots; season after season, your ongoing commitment to building the Kingdom of Heaven here and now yields a rich harvest! Growing older isn’t bad – we love old! We just know it’s not the whole story!

We at PUMC are stepping forward together, not chasing the fountain of youth – but rather venturing into new territory as we discern where God is calling and leading us next. We may all be growing old, but our church can continually engage in practices that ensure we are always Growing Young, too!

Growing Young is a movement catching fire in mainline churches across the United States aimed at helping churches better engage and minister to young people, ages 15 through 29. Backed by the research, data and careful attention of the Fuller Youth Institute, we know this age group is one that has left bare spots in our church communities. We know there are young people in this age group out there, but more often than not we don’t know who they are or how to share life with them – even when they do find their way to our church.

PUMC belongs to an Indiana UMC Growing Young Cohort of 25 other congregations all spending 18 months learning how to better engage and minister to young people. We are studying the Six Core Commitments of Growing Young and how we can apply them to our life together. Those Commitments are Unlock Keychain Leadership, Empathize With Today’s Young People, Take Jesus’ Message Seriously, Fuel a Warm Community, Prioritize Young People and Families Everywhere and Be the Best Neighbors.
In order to reach our goal of better engaging and ministering to and with young people – our Growing Young Team needs your help! You are invited – whether you are a member or not – to take our Growing Young Survey. It is available via the QR code or link here. This academically-validated survey tool will help our church understand how well we are engaging young people, providing vital insights into our strengths and areas of growth – so we need as many of us as possible to complete this survey in order to get the best snapshot of where we are at present. The survey is anonymous and will take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. If you are reading this but do not have online access to the survey, members of the Growing Young Team will be in the Main Lobby at church Sundays after worship June 29th, July 6th and July 13th to help you.

The Growing Young Team, alongside clergy staff and other key church leaders, will reflect on the survey results to discern where God is leading us, especially as we get a clearer picture of how young people are perceived and experienced in our church. The survey results will also provide recommended next steps to enhance our life together. The ultimate goal is for PUMC to grow in our vitality and how we make disciples of Jesus of all ages!

The survey will close July 18th, but don’t wait! Please provide your honest feedback as soon as possible, and pray for the team and our church as we all work to make good use of this opportunity to learn and grow. The survey is just the beginning – we need all of us to Grow Young! Thank you!
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Abby at alietz@pumc.org

The heart of our church beats with the rhythm of Loving God, Loving People. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s the driving force behind everything we do. And you, dear reader, are an integral part of this mission!

We are blessed with a diverse congregation, each member brimming with unique talents and passions. These gifts are meant to be shared, to build up our community and reach out to those in need.

Here are just a few ways you can put your talents to work for God and the people around you:
Community Outreach: Do you have a heart for serving those in need? Join us in organizing food drives, visiting the elderly, or participating in neighborhood clean-ups. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

• Children and Youth Ministries: Sharing your love and knowledge with the younger generation is a rewarding experience. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with Sunday School, youth groups, and special events that nurture their spiritual growth.
• Worship and Music: If you have a passion for music or the arts, consider joining our choir or worship team. Your talents can enhance our worship experience and inspire others to connect with God.
• Mission Trips: Want to make a difference beyond our community? Participate in mission trips! These experiences allow you to serve those in need, build lasting relationships, and share the love of Christ.
• Support Services: Do you have skills in organization, communication, technology, or a desire to contribute to the smooth operation of our church? Your help is invaluable! From managing events to assisting with communications and facility maintenance, every bit of support makes a difference.

Every member of our congregation has something special to offer. By serving together, we embody the essence of Loving God, Loving People.

Ready to discover your place in service? We’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your gifts and passions. Visit pumc.org/serve to explore the many ways you can make a difference!

Let’s come together to make a difference in our community and beyond. Your involvement is not just a contribution; it’s a way to live out our faith and share God’s love with others.

The heart of our church beats with the rhythm of Loving God, Loving People. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s the driving force behind everything we do. And you, dear reader, are an integral part of this mission!

We are blessed with a diverse congregation, each member brimming with unique talents and passions. These gifts are meant to be shared, to build up our community and reach out to those in need.

Here are just a few ways you can put your talents to work for God and the people around you:
Community Outreach: Do you have a heart for serving those in need? Join us in organizing food drives, visiting the elderly, or participating in neighborhood clean-ups. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

• Children and Youth Ministries: Sharing your love and knowledge with the younger generation is a rewarding experience. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with Sunday School, youth groups, and special events that nurture their spiritual growth.
• Worship and Music: If you have a passion for music or the arts, consider joining our choir or worship team. Your talents can enhance our worship experience and inspire others to connect with God.
• Mission Trips: Want to make a difference beyond our community? Participate in mission trips! These experiences allow you to serve those in need, build lasting relationships, and share the love of Christ.
• Support Services: Do you have skills in organization, communication, technology, or a desire to contribute to the smooth operation of our church? Your help is invaluable! From managing events to assisting with communications and facility maintenance, every bit of support makes a difference.

Every member of our congregation has something special to offer. By serving together, we embody the essence of Loving God, Loving People.

Ready to discover your place in service? We’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your gifts and passions. Visit pumc.org/serve to explore the many ways you can make a difference!

Let’s come together to make a difference in our community and beyond. Your involvement is not just a contribution; it’s a way to live out our faith and share God’s love with others.

Eiric Shriner, Director of Communications, eshriner@pumc.org