creating space for life-giving ministry, mission and...

Creating space for life-giving ministry, mission and worship at Plainfield United Methodist Church 2014 Building and Campus Prospectus

7/17/2014 PUMC Building Committee

2 Plainfield United Methodist Church


For generations PUMC has been a presence for Christ in the Plainfield, Indiana, area.

For more than 175 years, PUMC has been a spiritual home for countless people; a source of help and hope for those in

need; and a place of gathering and belonging for people throughout the community. Since its first meeting in 1836, the

people of Plainfield United Methodist Church have been a witness to the power and provision of Christ in all

circumstances and seasons.

In 1958 the congregation moved from its

building on Center Street to its current

location on Simmons Street. This bold move

was prompted by the congregation’s

conviction that more space was needed for

expanding ministry and to meet the needs

of the community. With a sense of

adventure, and confidence in the leading of

the Holy Spirit, PUMC broke ground at 600

Simmons Street and began a new chapter in

their faithful mission and ministry. To

continue to meet the needs of a growing community and congregation, two additions were added to that original

building – a kitchen and gathering space in 1983 and classrooms in 1995.

From its location on Simmons Street the congregation has grown in spirit

and faith serving an ever-growing number of people, groups, and needs

locally, regionally and as far away as Costa Rica, Sierra Leone Africa, and

South East Asia. Additionally, ministries and programs have expanded at the

church. Today these include all-day programming five days a week for ages

one through grade five; vibrant youth ministry; children, youth and adult

Christian education; a variety of worship options for youth and adults; to

name just some of what takes place at PUMC on an ongoing basis.

Programming and ministry is growing more vibrant and effective across each year, and PUMC finds that its current

facility can no longer meet the needs of the church or the community. It is time to consider the next great thing the

congregation will do for God.


God has planted and prospered this congregation in a unique geographic location. Recent demographic studies have

shown that PUMC is adjacent to neighborhoods with the highest percentage of unchurched persons in a five-mile radius

of the church. If we were to strategically select a place to

start a church – this would be it! The possibility of effective

outreach and ministry with our neighbors is exceptional. But

it requires vision and resources to make room for more

people. It requires a commitment beyond current ministry to

build a church for future generations.

The church of the future…

will organize itself around relationships, will connect to each other in small groups, and will gather

for worship in a variety of styles and settings;

will encourage people to explore and discover a spirituality centered on Jesus;

will be a place of welcome and hope, commodities that are in short supply in the world;

and will equip people to serve and love those around us, not just be a ‘church member’

As great as this church has been and continues to be, greater things are yet to come as we seek to faithfully live out

God’s call to be the church in this place for future generations. Creating appropriate space to welcome, nurture, and

equip people in the name of Jesus begins PUMC’s journey into even greater mission and ministry.

“I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do –

yes, they will do even greater things.”

- Jesus (John 14:12 GNB)


Specifically, the following needs have been identified to both meet current demand and

create more space for future ministry, mission and worship…

Additional, more appropriate worship space…

Worship attendance has been at a plateau for 25+ years. PUMC has dynamic, creative, excellent

quality worship, and yet we are not engaging more people in this life-giving and life-changing

ministry. More space (for worshipers and worship leaders) that is better suited to the variety of

worship styles we value would mean that more people could be welcomed and included; more

people could experience the gospel of Jesus proclaimed in word, music, and creative arts; and

more people could be involved in creating and leading worship.

As it relates to worship, the pipe organ that contributes to Classic Worship at PUMC is in need of

significant repair and rehabilitation if it is going to continue to be a part of worship here at PUMC.

Additional, appropriate, and secure space for children and youth…

PUMC has outstanding programs for children and youth ranging from weekday

programs for 12-month through grade 5 to children’s Sunday School for all ages to

Christ-centered youth programs that encourage

faith development through teaching,

worship and mission experiences.

All of these programs are limited by the square

footage and the type of space available

to them in the current building. Creating a

secured area for all of the children’s programs

(weekday and Sunday) is of highest priority. And the development of space to accommodate more youth

in engaging onsite programs and events is a significant need.

Creating Community has been at the heart of PUMC for generations. Welcoming people into this church and

connecting with each other for study, worship, relationship-building and more is central to who we are as a people of

faith. The current facility limits this primary function of the church in two ways:

The linear design of the current building severely limits the possibility of community-building by

segregating groups that meet here throughout the week, but especially on Sunday. Young families

with children are discouraged from making the trek to the sanctuary or refreshment area because

of the distance and narrow halls that connect these areas. Youth rarely find their way into

common areas for the same reason. Adults may seldom see or hear children because they are so

far removed from the main sanctuary and adult study areas.

This linear, segregated design also inhibits the church’s ability to welcome guests and newcomers.

PUMC has fourteen entrances and no discernible ‘front door.’ This lack of a ‘front door’ means

that guests (weekday and Sunday) are confused about where to enter and limits PUMC’s ability to

respond warming and consistently to guests.

The addition of a central ‘hub’ to the building will strongly encourage

community-building and the natural interaction of all ages, as well as provide a

comfortable place of welcome and hospitality.


A Master Plan has been developed to transform the current building and the entire campus into a place that can meet

the current needs of this congregation, provide room for future ministry and mission allowing this congregation to

welcome more people into this amazing congregation and introduce them to Jesus Christ for years to come, and address

the critical mechanical concerns that the aging building is presenting.

This plan will provide:

An attractive, noticeable, and welcoming ‘front door’ facing east and a centrally located gathering space

to receive worshipers, guests, and weekday families.

Larger, more flexible, and creative worship space.

Dynamic age and activity-appropriate youth space.

Secure and engaging space for children.

Additional adult learning and meeting space.

Updated kitchen facilities better positioned on the campus for large events such as church-wide dinners,

the Annual Fish Fry, community banquets and more.

Additional, much-needed parking.

Upgraded and updated mechanical systems, technology, and communication systems.

Beautiful outdoor space for walking, picnics, and community activities.

MULTIPURPOSE/YOUTH 60’ X 90’

5400 SQ. FT.

(1 of 2 Options)

COMMONS

or (Early Phase)

MULTIPURPOSE/YOUTH

3500 SQ. FT.


Proposed Timeline for completion of this Master Plan, which will likely take place in phases…

2014 Organ Renovation 12-18 months

2015 Master Plan Development and Financial Planning 12-18 months

Phase One Building Project

Phase Two Building Project

Phase Three Building Project

There is still much prayer, planning and discernment to go into this project. Next steps will include architectural

drawings, financial planning and fund-raising, careful ministry planning that allows PUMC to continue its vital ministries

and mission, as well as its quality worship, throughout construction and transition. The Building Committee thanks you

for your faithful participation in the process.

As you have questions, would like to add helpful thoughts and comments, or just want to express your thanks and give

encouragement to the Building Committee, you may be in touch with them through the church office (317.839.2319) or

at the contact information below:

Bill Edie, Chair, [email protected]

Mike Rohrer, Church Council Chair, [email protected]

John Baer, Finance Chair, [email protected]

Vern Sullenger

Mark Hossler

Eiric Shriner

Nikki Shoultz

Jennifer Finesilver

Charlie Wilfong, Senior Pastor, [email protected]

Elizabeth Gilbert, Pastor, [email protected]

Colin Cress, Pastor, [email protected]

Bob Nolan, Facility Manager, [email protected]

Keep up with the work of the Building Committee and progress of the building project through

the monthly newsletter, The Circuit Rider, and at pumc.org (click on “Growing Into God’s

Future” tab).

Thank you for your commitment to Jesus and this community as faithful partners in this

ministry.


600 Simmons Street, Plainfield, Indiana 46168

317.839.2319 • pumc.org

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