A Word About Scams

We at PUMC have been the targets of several scam attempts in the past few years. We know that one of the reasons why church communities such as ours are targeted are a byproduct of our people being a generous people of faith. Those who seek to capitalize on the kindness of others, see a community such as ours as an easy target. As we continue to remind, no one from the PUMC staff will ever text, email, or use any other means of communication to solicit you for gift cards or other such items. Lastly, we at PUMC are undergoing an update to our database/people tracking software this coming week. It is my hope that as this update takes place, bringing us up-to-date with current technology as provided by our provider, we will see fewer such scams taking place with the enhanced security that the update will provide. As this update happens, we are also working to take other steps to further strengthen our collective selves so that these types of things do not continue to upset our shared life. Stay vigilant, and thanks for being so good - Jabe

Contemporary Night of Worship

PUMC's first ever Night of Worship will take place on Friday, February 6th. Our 9:40 Praise Team will lead us in an extended time of singing and reflection as a means of connecting with God and one another. With a theme of "Preparing Our Hearts," the evening will provide an opportunity to anticipate the deepening of our relationship with God through the upcoming season of Lent. Doors open at 6pm and worship will begin at 6:30pm. Nursery care will be provided and finger foods will be available upon arrival.

Join Us for Youth Sunday

Join us for worship this Sunday and come hear the youth reflect on how we are all made unique and for a purpose. Our PUMC youth will lead us in worship at all 3 services.

Contemporary Playlist

1. What An Awesome God by Phil Wickham
2. Rest On Us by Maverick City Music and UPPERROOM
3. Made For More by Josh Baldwin
4. Great Are You Lord by All Sons & Daughters
5. No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music

Noisy Offering

It's time to empty those piggy banks! We invite you to bring your loose change on Sunday, February 8 for the Youth Sunday edition of our noisy offering. During our previous installment, we raised money to support local schools with clothing items for students in need. We look forward to further supporting our local students through your continued generosity.

Baby Blanket Sunday

Baby blankets will be available in the narthex this Sunday, February 8 for anyone who would like one. Compliments of the Yarns of Love ministry.

If you are interested in joining this ministry, the group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 1pm.

Young at Heart Luncheon

Young at Heart invites all seniors and their guests for lunch and fellowship at Red Bowl Asian Bistro on Tuesday, February 10 at 11:30am.

To RSVP, contact Margaret Pluff.

Flower Ministry Volunteers

This is a gratifying opportunity to reach out personally to our church members and to meet new congregants. It has been amazing to all of us on the Committee to see eyes light up and smiles spread across the faces of the recipients! Regardless of the reason they are receiving the

flowers, they are reminded that their church family has them in their thought and prayers.

Each Sunday we take the flowers from the altar, make individual arrangements and deliver to identified recipients. The deliveries can be made Sunday or Monday. Depending on the

number of volunteers we have, it would require a commitment of one delivery every 4 to 6 weeks.

For more information or to volunteer, please call or text Gayle Geoghegan, 910-986-1887. I look forward to speaking with you!

Ash Wednesday Services

On Ash Wednesday, February 18, there will be 2 services at PUMC: 8:30am and 5:30pm. A pastor will also be available to administer ashes between 11am-1pm for those who want to drop by.

Each year, we bow our heads and receive a marking of ashes on our brow to remind us that we are dust, helpless before God. Come to one of these simple worship services and humble yourself before God.

Lenten Lunches & Guest Speakers

Make your Lenten journey more meaningful this year by coming to the table with us. Join Pastor Jabe and a special guest speaker each week during our Lenten lunches as we collectively journey to the cross. Lenten lunches will be held weekly on Thursdays at noon beginning February 19.

To help the Fellowship Team prepare, RSVP each week using the RSVP slips found in the Welcome Pads in the sanctuary pews or look for the link in the weekly e-news to RSVP online.

Women's Cookie Exchange

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR THIS EVENT

Because of a scheduling conflict the date of this event has been changed to Thursday, February 19 at 1pm immediately following the Lenten lunch. In lieu of tea time, women of PUMC and friends are invited to attend a cookie exchange while decorating placemats to support the Kairos team's ministry in the prison the following weekend. Please be sure to label cookies with any allergens.

RSVP to Dee Johnson. 

Valentine's Dinner & Fellowship

The Young Adult ministry would like to extend an invitation to all married couples at PUMC for a Valentine's Dinner & Fellowship on Friday, February 20 at 6:15pm. This event is designed to create intergenerational connections as we share stories of life and faith together. Any local college-aged students are encouraged to attend along with PUMC couples of all ages. Dinner will be served at 6:30. We hope you will join us for this special opportunity to celebrate Christ-centered love across generations.

Please RSVP to aid in planning.

Weekly Coffee Set Up

Setting up our weekly coffee service may be the right fit for you! Each week we provide coffee for all three services, and we need volunteers to help out. Set up takes about 10-15 mins. You can come by the church whenever you schedule permits, by picking up a key. If you would like to learn just call or text Carrie Ruemmler at 217-556-3167. If you're already a pro, pick a date below. 

Hands, Heart & Mind Survey

A new calendar year can serve as a great opportunity to consider new ways to engage in your life of discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ. The PUMC staff has compiled an online form for you to fill out as you reflect on your current engagement and on potential new ways to engage as you consider stewardship of the resources that are your hands, your heart, and your mind.

Please, only one individual (not household) respondent per form. If you need a paper copy as opposed to the online form, please contact the church office. All instructions are on online on the form. The form will remain online until 2/8.

Leadership Gathering Survey

Help Shape the Future of The United Methodist Church. The Leadership Gathering Design Team invites lay leaders across the connection to participate in this survey as part of the ongoing preparation for the 2026 Leadership Gathering. Your voice will help inform how the church listens, discerns, and leads together in the years ahead.