Tag: god

What’s Happening with PUMC Youth? – Apr. 5 at 10:00 am

Youth Worship — Sunday, Apr. 5
10 a.m. • Room 200
This Sunday: Peace Worth Rising For

This week in youth, we’ll celebrate the resurrection by focusing on when Jesus appeared to his disciples and said, “Peace be with you.” Students will explore how this peace isn’t based on circumstances, but on Jesus’ presence in the midst of fear and uncertainty. We’ll talk about the cost of that peace—and why it was worth it. Together, we’ll reflect on where we need peace and what it means to receive it. A powerful reminder: the resurrection isn’t just about what Jesus did—it’s about what he offers us today.

Read Ahead: John 20:19-23

Serve with the Homeless Ministry

We need two youth volunteers to serve on the first Monday of each month.
The next open date is April 6. Additional future dates are available—grab a friend and sign up in the youth room

Camp Adventure July 5-10

Middle School Summer Camp is approaching! We will be heading up to Camp Adventure on July 5th and return on the 10th. We will be rock climbing, blobbing (iykyk), paint-balling, and more while worshiping our God. You can sign up here impact2818.org/event/impact-camp-camp-adventure-11/ and let Brandon know if you need assistance.

April 3, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Good Friday Vigil:

Join us for a Good Friday Vigil, a quiet time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Through scripture, prayer and silence, we will reflect on Christ’s suffering and love, and prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. Come and go as you are able, and share this sacred time of reflection with our church community.

May 22 – 23, Lock in

Get ready for an overnight adventure at the church on May 22–23! We’ll have games, movies, late-night fun, and plenty of time to just hang out together. Make sure to RSVP with Brandon so you don’t miss out!

Camp Adventure July 5-10

Middle School Summer Camp is approaching! We will be heading up to Camp Adventure on July 5th and return on the 10th. We will be rock climbing, blobbing (iykyk), paint-balling, and more while worshiping our God. You can sign up here impact2818.org/event/impact-camp-camp-adventure-11/ and let Brandon know if you need assistance.

Questions? Contact Brandon at brdenman@pumc.org.

What’s Happening with PUMC Youth? – Mar. 29 at 10:00 am

Youth Worship — Sunday, Mar. 29
10 a.m. • Room 200
This Sunday: On The Side of Forgiveness

This week in youth we’ll look at one of the most powerful moments in the life of Jesus—when, even on the cross, he chose forgiveness. Students will explore what it means to stand “on the side of forgiveness” instead of holding onto anger or seeking revenge. Through real-life examples, we’ll talk about how forgiveness can feel difficult but ultimately brings freedom. Together we’ll wrestle with what it looks like to let go of hurt and trust God with our pain. It’s a meaningful conversation about grace, healing, and choosing a better way forward.

Read Ahead: Mark 15:1-15

Serve with the Homeless Ministry

We need two youth volunteers to serve on the first Monday of each month.
The next open date is April 6. Additional future dates are available—grab a friend and sign up in the youth room

Camp Adventure July 5-10

Middle School Summer Camp is approaching! We will be heading up to Camp Adventure on July 5th and return on the 10th. We will be rock climbing, blobbing (iykyk), paint-balling, and more while worshiping our God. You can sign up here impact2818.org/event/impact-camp-camp-adventure-11/ and let Brandon know if you need assistance.

Looking Ahead

  • April 3, 2026 @ 7:00 PM — Good Friday Vigil: Join us for a Good Friday Vigil, a quiet time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Through scripture, prayer and silence, we will reflect on Christ’s suffering and love, and prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. Come and go as you are able, and share this sacred time of reflection with our church community.

Questions? Contact Brandon at brdenman@pumc.org.

What’s Happening with PUMC Youth? – Mar. 22 at 10:00 am

Youth Worship — Sunday, Mar. 22
10 a.m. • Room 200
This Sunday: And Then They Will Know Who We Are

This week in youth we’ll explore Jesus’ powerful words from the Last Supper: “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Students will look at how love—not popularity, talent, or influence—is meant to be the defining mark of followers of Jesus. Through discussion and real-life examples, we’ll talk about what that kind of love looks like in friendships, at school, and online. Together we’ll wrestle with the question: if people watched our lives, would they know we belong to Jesus? It’s a reminder that the way we treat others can be one of the clearest ways we show the world who we follow.

Read Ahead: John 13:31–38

Serve with the Homeless Ministry

We need two youth volunteers to serve on the first Monday of each month.
The next open date is April 6. Additional future dates are available—grab a friend and sign up in the youth room

Mission Trip 2026

We’re heading to Cleveland, Ohio, June 7–13, 2026!
Pre-register to save your spot and let Brandon know if you have questions.

College Connection

Do you have a college-age sibling or post-high school friend PUMC could support? Email Pastor Abby at alietz@pumc.org with their name, contact info, and school/major/graduation year or workplace and job title. We’re forming care teams and care packages to encourage young adults in the year ahead.

Looking Ahead

  • April 3, 2026 @ 7:00 PM — Good Friday Vigil: Join us for a Good Friday Vigil, a quiet time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Through scripture, prayer and silence, we will reflect on Christ’s suffering and love, and prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. Come and go as you are able, and share this sacred time of reflection with our church community.
  • June 7–13, 2026 — Mission Trip Cleveland, Ohio. Meaningful service, deep friendships, and growing closer to God—don’t forget to pre-register.

Questions? Contact Brandon at brdenman@pumc.org.

Growing Young

Abby Lietz – Associate Pastor, NewDay Praise

Our Growing Young Team has been busy at work behind the scenes and recently attended a two-day summit in Lapel, Indiana with our Cohort groups to develop next strategies. While this is something we are excited about enacting, it is important to remember Growing Young is a process that takes time to nurture, and if it’s done correctly should never really end.

Thanks to your enthusiasm in this Growing Young movement, 126 of you participated in our recent churchwide survey. Your responses to questions about the six core commitments exhibited by churches who are Growing Young show our church is strong in three areas:Taking Jesus’ Message Seriously, Engaging in Warm Relationships and Being The Best Neighbors. The survey also showed our church scored low when it comes to Empowering Keychain Leadership, Prioritizing Young People and Families Everywhere and Empathizing with Today’s Young People. Our Team believes if we focus on Keychain Leadership and Prioritizing Everywhere we will inherently improve in the area of Empathy.

Keychain Leadership means empowering young people by inviting them into roles and activities that already exist in the church. For example, Veronica is a student at Avon High School who currently helps lead the NewDay Praise Band on a weekly basis. We can do a better job in Keychain Leadership by getting to know our young people – like Veronica – and discovering their interests and talents as we invite them to lead and share their voices. Do you know five young people in our church? Today is a great day to start praying for our young people and making an effort to know them!

Prioritizing Young People and Families Everywhere means allocating attention and resources to young people and families in our congregation and beyond. While we need to be better at reaching and serving all young people, we especially see a need to focus on those whose ages range from their teens to mid thirties. Conversations with our key leaders about how we allocate staff time and responsibilities as well as our financial resources are to come. We plan to dispatch all teams, groups, committees and classes across PUMC toward this effort as well. We hope to start soon with tangible projects such as sending care packages to college-age students, as one example.

As mentioned earlier, by focusing our prayers, attention and energy on the above two commitments we will naturally improve in the realm of showing empathy to today’s young people, which means we will be able to move beyond judging or criticizing and actually understand and act on behalf of younger generations.

We continue to seek your prayers and pray you are as excited as we are to experience the Spirit moving all of us through this process! Our prayer is that we will not just grow young, but become a place where people of all ages thrive and grow closer to Jesus and the living out of his missional call in their lives! Thank you for being part of the journey!

God’s Holy Invitation Set Free

Pastor David Neuen – Lead Pastor, dneuen@pumc.org

This month, the Church of England announced that Sarah Mullally will become the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman ever to hold that role. This is a historic moment within a church tradition that only began ordaining women as bishops a little over a decade ago. I grieve that there will be individuals within the Anglican communion who will refuse to take communion from her. Groups like the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans articulate that she embodies the liberalizing of theology that they fear. I am not naïve to the weight of prejudice that remains against women in ministry leadership across the Christian spectrum. But for this week, I can celebrate one denomination’s courage to overcome injustice rooted in fear.

My experience with the Biblical text and today’s movement of the Spirit attests to God’s persistent call to ALL God’s people to serve in a multitude of ways. Humans create limits, consolidate power, and hold the Holy Spirit captive. God continues calling, even when human systems get in the way. There is rejoicing in heaven when the Spirit of call finds liberation and all God’s children can step into the spaces where God has fitted them to lead.

I should be careful as I throw around the word “call.” Our minds immediately lurch to ordained ministry, to those who stand behind pulpits, administer sacraments, and are set apart for unique roles of service. For some reading this article, the invitation to serve in that capacity is becoming real and you are finding that God’s persistence is undoing your resistance and the barriers placed by the culture around you. I am praying for clarity in your discernment and an awakening to your “Yes.

But the language of calling is far broader, deeper, and more beautiful than limiting it to ordained ministry alone. Leadership, service, and vocation are gifts from God that can take unexpected shapes, sometimes challenging us, often surprising us, and always stretching us beyond what we thought was possible. Each of us is called, some to serve in important capacities within the local church and others to shepherd and bless their homes and workplaces as they bear witness to the way of Jesus in everyday life. Calling is the work of the Spirit, engaging all of us in the Great Commission and in the embodiment of God’s kingdom on earth. And heaven help us if we get in the Spirit’s way.

How is God calling you? Maybe this is the year your faith grows through expanded leadership or by taking a risk. What obstacles are standing in your way, holding you back from following that call? I’m praying that chains be loosed, hearts and minds set free, so that all might embrace the opportunities to which God is beckoning. Young people can see themselves in places of influence within their religious communities. Women can imagine no boundaries to their role in the work of God. And anyone regardless of story and experience can step forward to serve and bear witness to Christ’s love in new ways.

If you sense God nudging you toward something new, or if you’d simply like to talk more about discerning your call, reach out to one of our pastors. We’d love to walk with you in that conversation.

Finding Your Place at Plainfield UMC

Everyone Belongs. Everyone is Loved.

At Plainfield United Methodist Church, we believe faith is a journey best traveled together. Whether you’re new to church, returning after time away, or seeking a deeper connection with God and others—there is a place for you here.

You Are Welcome Here—Just as You Are

We like to say that we are not a perfect church. We are not people who have it all together, or who always do the right thing—but we are people who are trying to be more like Jesus and love more like Jesus. So you are welcome here, just as you are.

All Are Accepted and Affirmed

No matter your age, background, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or life story—you are fully accepted, included, and affirmed at PUMC. Here, God’s grace is for everyone, and there are no exceptions.

How to Get Connected

  • Worship With Us – Join us in person or online each Sunday at 8:45 or 10:00 a.m. Come early, stay after, and introduce yourself—we’d love to meet you.
  • Attend “Meet PUMC” – This 30-minute orientation is offered regularly to help you learn more about the church and discover your next step. No sign-up required—just show up.
  • Join a Group or Class – Find community through small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday classes. There’s something for every age and stage.
  • Serve With Purpose – Volunteer opportunities are everywhere—from feeding ministries to tech teams to children’s worship. Find a role that fits your gifts and passions.
  • Become a Member – Ready to go deeper? Membership is open to all. Visit www.pumc.org/nextsteps or talk to a pastor to learn more.

There’s a Place for You

At PUMC, we’re learning, growing, and loving together—imperfect people following Jesus in community. No matter where you are in life or in faith, you are not alone. And you are always welcome.

Visit www.pumc.org or stop by the Welcome Desk in the Main Lobby to take your next step today.

Faith in the Fire: How God Led Us Through Every Storm

John Williams – PUMC Member

I was a miracle baby – I have an elder brother, 12 years apart. My late parents, Emily & Solomon, always introduced me to people saying “he is our miracle son.” My mother was told she could never conceive. She visited different doctors but all said the same. One day, my dad was informed a pastor from Houston, Texas was visiting Pakistan and their church as well. He was known to be a great healer. They were very fortunate to meet him. He prayed over my mum and told her with great faith she would conceive soon. After a few months mum conceived. People around them who knew their situation, including the doctors, were astonished with this great miracle.

The faith of my parents helped them achieve what they were longing for, as prayer without faith lacks power and purpose. It is so important to acknowledge and thank God at all times.

As years passed by, the anticipation of when I would finally find my wife approached. We met in 2005 and married in 2007 by Our Almighty Father who guided us in every setback we had, related to issues with our families in denial due to our different nationalities. My wife is a beautiful and strong woman who has always stood by me and our family in challenging times. came along my daughter in 2009, followed by my son in 2014. God has been so merciful and has blessed us with amazing children; we always ask for His guidance so we may teach them right from wrong & so they choose the path of life by keeping Jesus the center of it.

Our family has faced challenging situations. The worst was when my daughter’s life was threatened. Whilst I was already going through a desert experience, losing my job due to COVID and my wife was on thin ice with her job as well this led to our children not being able to continue schooling; I also lost my mother around this time. Under the circumstances, we completely became hopeless, problems came crashing upon us as all this happened too fast. This was my time to go on my knees and pray, which I did with tears pouring down, and all I had to say is, “Father I have no idea what comes up next for us, you guide and lead us to what you want for us as I have no clue of what I am going to do.”

Within a few months Almighty God navigated a new path for us and it led us to the United States of America.

Our lives took a U-turn as soon as we arrived. The greatest joy for us was to see our children attending school again. But what really stood out most was the church we came upon. Attending PUMC has been a transformative experience. The sense of community and belonging we’ve found here is inspiring. The sermons often provide us with valuable lessons we can apply to our daily lives, fostering a deeper connection with our faith. Overall, our time at this church has not only enriched our spiritual lives but has also welcomed us to many beautiful people and the love they bestowed on us.

I thought to myself when hardships and unmanageable situations occur, why is that the only time I approach God and implore Jesus for help? What I have understood is I should not only go to Him in tough times but also remember Him in the good. By doing this, I comprehended that God never judges no matter what I did or said. God has and will always be by my side under any circumstance. And I want to thank God for all God has done for my family and I. In the end I can say that from the very beginning until now my life along with my family has been nothing but a testimony to Jesus’ unending love for us. He is our living God, our strength and our shield.

Witnessing God’s Beauty Along the Way

Pastor David Neuen – Lead Pastor, dneuen@pumc.org

Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

In the early morning, we departed the bustle of Sydney city streets and skyscrapers to journey west to the Blue Mountains National Park, sometimes called “Australia’s Grand Canyon.” Within two hours, the urban sprawl gave way to a landscape that was ancient, wild, and rich with stories. We were welcomed into eucalyptus forests that stretched in every direction and cliffs that fell away into blue-tinged valleys.

We spent the day hiking beneath towering sandstone cliffs, along narrow stone paths carved into the rock itself. The trail hugged the side of the mountain, sometimes only wide enough for one person to pass. We clung to each other as the valley opened up beside us into the deep canyon.

We reached Wentworth Falls, where water tumbles in thin white ribbons into the canyon below. Just above the main plunge, the water glides its way across stone—softly, steadily, sacredly. Our brief pause to rest and listen to the water’s steady splash was a gift of prayer.

Later, we visited Echo Point and looked out over the famous Three Sisters, sandstone pillars standing like guardians above the Jamison Valley. There’s an ancient Aboriginal origin story of love, war, and magic that defines them, but even beyond the mythology, the spires evoke awe and wonder at creation’s unique display.

As evening approached, we made our way to Lincoln’s Rock, a flat cliff-side ledge often called the “edge of the world.” There, we watched the sun set over the valley, the sky painted in gold and tangerine. Everything grew quiet. Our family huddled together in the hush.

As God’s handiwork, each different perspective of the forest, cliffs, and valleys brings an expanded attitude of awe and praise for the Creator’s brilliance and imagination. Every vantage point of this unique landscape brought us back to the signature blue mist giving the range its name. The intense color is the result of oil particles from the eucalyptus trees lifting into the air where they are met by sunlight filtering through producing the inspiring beauty.

The greatness of God is the capacity to make all things and every person a grand wonder. In our every days, we share our words, ideas, energy, and emotion, and Holy Spirit light filters through producing splendor and inspiration for others to behold. It is no work we perform. We are here, grace is ever present, the light of Christ never fades, the majesty of God is evident. As we tend to our growing in God’s revealing and transforming rays, God will produce the love, joy, and hope that will sustain the earth.

Take those moments and find inspiration in this ball of life God has made. Yet remember that you too are equally God’s miracle, a vessel through which holy light shines, evoking awe, producing bright color, and drawing others into the excitement of life!

Introducing Eco-Action: Caring for God’s Creation at PUMC

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” – Psalm 24:1

At PUMC, we believe that caring for the environment is a faithful response to God’s call to stewardship. That’s why we’re launching Eco-Action, a new ministry dedicated to sustainable living and the care of creation.

Why We’re Taking Action

God created a world full of beauty and balance—and God entrusted us to care for it. Yet today, even right here in Hendricks County, we see signs that our environment is under pressure. Local landfills are expanding rapidly. Streams like White Lick Creek face threats from pollution and runoff. And single-use plastics, especially Styrofoam, are contributing to long-term waste problems.
Eco-Action is our response. This ministry will lead initiatives that reduce our environmental impact, promote awareness, and foster a deeper spiritual connection to the earth God made.

Our First Steps

We’ve already begun our journey. Eco-Action has partnered with the Trustees to:

  • Resume recycling services at PUMC through Waste Management.
  • Reduce the use of Styrofoam products in our food ministries.

These are small but meaningful steps toward a greener church.

How You Can Help

This is a ministry that needs many hands and hearts. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious learner, or just someone who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you in Eco-Action.

Ways to get involved:

  • Pray for the work we are doing.
  • Join our team—no experience needed.
  • Share your gifts and skills—from gardening to research.
  • Suggest ideas or resources that might help.
  • Explore what other United Methodist churches are doing at http://www.umcreationjustice.org.

Let’s Work Together

We believe that every small act of care can make a big impact. Join us as we explore how PUMC can become a model of environmental justice and faithful stewardship.

To learn more or to sign up, contact Mary Ann Hamilton at m.a.hamilton2@gmail.com

Let’s grow this movement together—step by step, action by action.

Joyful Noise

Brandon Denman – NewDay Praise Worship Leader

Church family, music has always been central to my faith in God. From my early days in the youth group band More Than Conquerors to leading worship today, I have found that music connects us to Him in ways words alone cannot. As the NewDay worship leader, I have the joy of guiding our congregation into His presence through song.

A Lifelong Calling to Worship

Since high school in 2007, I have been leading worship in our community. Starting in youth group, I learned that worship is more than just singing—it’s an offering to God. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of how music invites us into His presence. Over the years, my role has changed, but my heart remains the same: to help our church encounter God through worship.

Music as a Bridge to God

The Bible is filled with examples of music drawing people closer to God. The Psalms, written by David, express raw emotions of joy, sorrow, and gratitude. When we sing together, we follow in the footsteps of believers who have worshiped through music for centuries. Worship isn’t just about the lyrics or melodies—it’s about opening our hearts to God in a way that invites His Spirit to move among us.

Witnessing God Move Through Worship

One of the greatest joys of leading worship is seeing how God moves through our music. A song can bring peace to a troubled heart, inspire surrender, or even lead someone to faith. When we, as a congregation, lift our voices in unison, it’s a powerful reminder that we are one body in Christ. Worship is not about performance but about creating a space where we can encounter the love and presence of God together.

The Joy of Leading Worship

Leading you all in worship is more than just a role for me—it’s a calling. I prayerfully choose songs that speak to where we are as a church, whether in times of celebration or deep reflection. My hope is that each song we sing together draws us closer to God. Seeing you engage in worship—lifting your hands, closing your eyes, singing from your hearts—reminds me why I do this. Worship is a gift from God, and I am honored to share it with you.

Worship Beyond Sunday

Church, worship doesn’t only happen on Sunday mornings. It’s a way of life. Whether singing in the car, meditating on lyrics, or filling your home with praise, music has the power to keep our hearts connected to God. He doesn’t seek perfect singers—He desires sincere worshippers. Psalm 100:1 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” and that’s what matters most.

Music as a Reflection of God’s Glory

Ultimately, worship through music is about glorifying God. It shifts our focus from our struggles to His greatness. During our busy lives, worship allows us to pause, reflect, and be reminded of His faithfulness.

As we continue worshiping together at Plainfield United Methodist Church, my prayer is that every song we sing deepens our faith and strengthens our connection with God. Worship is a powerful gift, and I am grateful to share it with each of you. So, I encourage you—sing out, engage fully, and let the music guide you into a deeper relationship with Him. Because when we lift our voices as one, we step into a holy encounter with our Creator.