Join Us for the May Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement

We are excited to announce our upcoming mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, scheduled for May 18–23. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact in the Appalachian community.

About Henderson Settlement

Established in 1925 by Hiram M. Frakes, Henderson Settlement has been dedicated to improving lives through Christ-centered service. The settlement offers various community outreach programs, including childcare, youth ministries, a food pantry, senior support, a library, and more. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, contributing to home repairs, educational programs, and other essential services.

Volunteer Opportunities

During our mission trip, there will be diverse opportunities to serve:
Quilting and Sewing: Volunteers can assist in creating quilts and other handcrafted items to be sold in the Gift Shop, helping to offset operating expenses of the settlement.
Construction Projects: Depending on the number of volunteers and the community’s needs, we will undertake construction or repair projects to improve local homes and facilities.
No matter your skill set, there is a place for you to contribute meaningfully.

Accommodations and Costs

Henderson Settlement provides comfortable accommodations for volunteers. The cost per person for lodging and meals is $275 per week for dormitory-style housing or $350 per week for private housing. However, most – if not all – of this cost to volunteers is offset from previous donations. These fees cover lodging and meals during your stay.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of this fulfilling experience. Whether you’re skilled in construction, enjoy sewing, or simply have a heart to serve, your participation will make a difference.

For more information or to sign up for the mission trip, please contact Don Sanders at:

Email: dsandjs@att.net
Cell Phone: 317-340-5188

We look forward to serving together and sharing God’s love with the community of Henderson Settlement.

“Your Life Matters”: A Sacred Commitment to Life and Hope

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10

In an effort to embody Christ’s compassion and respond to the very real suffering present in our community, Plainfield United Methodist Church, in partnership with Family Promise, has taken a meaningful step forward. We are honored to host a Narcan nasal spray distribution box—a small but potentially life-saving resource—on the northern edge of our property, adjacent to the church parking lot entrance off of Raymond Street.

Narcan, or Naloxone, is a non-prescription medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in moments. Much like a defibrillator or an EpiPen, it is designed to be used in emergency situations. It’s not a drug that enables use; it’s a tool that offers a second chance at life. Narcan has no potential for abuse, is not addictive, and is harmless if administered to someone not experiencing an overdose. It simply saves lives.

Each day in the United States, more than 225 people lose their lives to opioid overdoses. These are not just statistics—they are our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, and family members. By offering Narcan in a publicly accessible way, we are helping ensure that the next person who finds themselves in a life-or-death moment might have a chance to live.

This effort is about compassion, not condemnation. People who use drugs—or those who love someone who does—might pass by our Narcan box and choose to take a dose home, just in case. That choice does not promote drug use. Instead, it promotes survival. It makes it possible for someone to stay alive long enough to find support, seek recovery, and be restored to the fullness of life they were created for.

This is not just a public health initiative. For us, it is an expression of our Christian witness. We believe in healing, not stigma. Restoration, not rejection. Life, not death. Jesus consistently reached out to the hurting, the struggling, and the outcast—and we seek to do the same.

As followers of Christ, we are called to stand with those in pain. Hosting this Narcan box is one way we say to our community: “Your life matters.” We believe in the sacred worth of every person and the possibility of healing for every soul.

Family Promise is providing and resupplying the Narcan at no cost, ensuring this ministry of presence and protection is sustained. We are grateful for their partnership and their commitment to the well-being of our shared community.

If you or someone you know could benefit from having Narcan on hand, please don’t hesitate to access it. Let this simple box be a reminder that there is always hope, always help, and always a community that cares.

For further information, we encourage you to read the Narcan OTC Fact Sheet and learn more about How and When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose.

Bell Choir Director – A Key Role in Musical Ministry

Plainfield United Methodist Church (PUMC) is seeking a passionate and skilled Bell Choir Director to lead the handbell and handchime ensemble. This role involves directing the bell choir, planning rehearsals, and selecting music that enhances worship services, special events, and community performances. The Bell Choir Director will work closely with the Music Director and pastor to ensure the music aligns with the themes of each service or event.

The director will be responsible for fostering a supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere, encouraging teamwork among choir members, and ensuring both individual and group growth. Regular rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, and the bell choir performs once a month from September to May. The Bell Choir Director will also organize special performances for holidays and community outreach.

Key responsibilities include music selection, rehearsal management, performance coordination, and maintaining musical equipment. The director will also assist with budget planning and manage relationships with donors. The position requires strong musical leadership, proficiency in reading music, and the ability to work with a variety of age groups and skill levels.

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the church community through music. The position is part-time with a salary of $7,400.

For more information, please visit pumc.org/job-opportunities.

Director of Music/Choir Director – A Vital Role in Worship Leadership

The Director of Music/Choir Director plays an integral role in enhancing the worship experience at PUMC. This position combines musical expertise with a passion for worship, focusing on leading the Classic Worship Services and overseeing choirs, ensembles, handbells, and other musical groups. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in both choral and congregational music, capable of inspiring musicians and singers at all skill levels.

Key responsibilities include providing vision and leadership for a diverse music program, selecting hymns and anthems that align with the liturgical calendar, and conducting the choir during services. Additionally, the director will work closely with the pastor to ensure music complements sermon themes and will oversee music events and outreach activities to engage the congregation and the broader community.

The Director of Music/Choir Director will also manage the music ministry’s budget, maintain a well-organized music library, and promote inclusivity by recruiting new members. Proficiency in music software, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to foster a welcoming environment are essential.

This role requires a commitment to both musical excellence and the mission of PUMC, offering a fulfilling opportunity for someone passionate about worship leadership and music ministry.

For more information, please visit pumc.org/job-opportunities.

Exciting News from PUMC Youth!

Exciting updates for our PUMC family! Pastor Bob is continuing his recovery at home and doing well. He plans to return on December 1 to serve communion and celebrate the Christmas season with all of you. He deeply appreciates your prayers and encouragement as he heals.

Homeless Ministry Update: While Pastor Bob is unavailable, regular participation is temporarily paused. However, experienced older youth can still serve by coordinating with Rick Jones. Your continued support is invaluable to this impactful ministry.

Upcoming Opportunities:

Pizza Fundraiser – December 14: Raise funds for youth events like retreats, laser tag, mission trips, and more! Sign up by the youth room, and participant materials will be available in November.
Christmas Eve Candle Prep – December 19: Help prepare Christmas Eve candles by loading batteries after school. Sign up by the youth room or contact Pastor Bob.

Save the Date: Summer 2025 Highlights!

Mission Trip – June 8-14, 2025: Join us on a transformative trip to Elliott County, Kentucky, to serve a rural Appalachian community. Details and registration packets are available near the youth room or Pastor Bob’s office.
Camp Adventure – July 6-11, 2025: Middle school camp details coming in December, with registration opening in January. Older youth interested in being counselors should connect with Pastor Bob.
Canoe Trip – July 13-20, 2025: Paddle into adventure! Stay tuned for more info in December.

Mark your calendars and get involved—amazing opportunities await!

Join Us in Prayer for Florida

Hurricane Milton made landfall just South of Tampa Bay. We invite everyone to pray for the people of Florida, facing another devastating storm. With Milton impacting the same areas that were hit by Hurricane Helene, it is a critical time for communities in the region.

Please pray for the safety, resilience, and strength of those impacted as they endure another challenge. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, first responders, and all those involved in disaster response efforts.

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is playing a pivotal role in this crisis. They are actively reaching out to conferences across the southeastern U.S., coordinating preparations, and offering support as communities brace for the impact of Hurricane Milton. Your support will directly contribute to these crucial efforts.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Milton. To donate to the relief efforts, please visit pumc.link/hurricanemilton. We are deeply grateful for your support, and we assure you that 100% of your gift will be used to directly assist those in need.