Plainwell First United Methodist Church

09/07/2026

Please read this months blog from Bishop Bard. It talks about renewal and the Bishop’s thoughts on the church and ministry as we move forward.

Thank you David Alan Bard!

In this month’s blog, Bishop David Bard returns from summer leave with reflections on discipleship and renewal, drawing on daily prayer to ask how our churches can love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.

BISHOP DAVID ALAN BARD
Michigan Conference

As I return from my summer renewal leave, I have been reflecting on the renewal of the Church. The mission of the Church, as articulated by The United Methodist Church, is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our new vision statement helps describe who disciples of Jesus Christ are — people who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Forming disciples who transform the world is at the heart of who we are. How might we engage this task more deeply and invite more people to join the adventure of discipleship?

I have no easy answers or a quick, guaranteed formula, only a few thoughts to share. Beginning with prayer is always a good idea. Pray for your own discipleship. Pray for the renewal of your church’s ministry. Pray for renewal in The United Methodist Church.

I have been thinking about another prayer, one I pray frequently, that moved me to reflect on the renewal of the church and its ministry in new ways. Most days, I pray this prayer: New every morning is your love, Great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us a desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen. It is part of the order for morning prayer in our United Methodist worship resources.

Read more: https://michiganumc.org/thoughts-on-church-renewal-start-with-prayer/

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day from Plainwell First United Methodist Church! ❤️🤍💙

Today, we give thanks for the hands, hearts, and minds that work each day to care for families, serve our community, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether your work happens in an office, classroom, factory, hospital, farm, home, church, or somewhere entirely different, your contributions matter. We also remember those who are searching for work, those who cannot work, and those whose hard work often goes unseen.

On this Labor Day, may we find time to rest, reconnect, and be grateful for the many blessings God has given us.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 🙏

From all of us at Plainwell First United Methodist Church, we wish you and your family a safe, peaceful, and blessed Labor Day! ❤️

Our office is closed and will reopen Wednesday at 9am. Our office administrator and Pastor will be out of the office Wednesday but the office will remain open for any congregation emergency needs.

09/06/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TemOup9FIvU

Thank you for joining Plainwell First United Methodist Church this ...

09/03/2026

Please join us on September 18th at 5:30 p.m. for our Teen Movie Night at The Paparella's! Please RSVP at the number below and bring a friend!

There will be games, food, and prizes as well!

See you there!

09/03/2026

Please support Christian Neighbors for their PATH walk on October 4th.

Please share and walk to end hunger!

09/03/2026

Please join us today at 11:30 for our Free Community Lunch.

Line up drive-thru style, and a volunteer will come to you.

We will serve until we run out.

08/31/2026

Please join Pastor Tony Shumaker for his Grief Support Group here at Plainwell UMC tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. and at Martin UMC at 7:00 p.m.

Please contact the office at 685-5113 or [email protected], or send us a PM here on our page with your name and contact information for Pastor Tony. Please share this with those who may benefit.

08/31/2026

🌿 Happy Monday, Church Family! 🌿

A new week is here, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to share God’s love, encouragement, and kindness with those around us. 💛

Whatever this week holds—busy schedules, challenges, celebrations, or quiet moments—remember that you do not walk through it alone. God is with us in every step, giving us strength when we are weary and peace when life feels uncertain.

📖 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

As you begin your week, consider this: Who might need a little extra encouragement, kindness, or prayer from you this week? 🙏

Let’s be the hands and feet of Christ in our community and look for opportunities to lift one another up.

❤️ Have a blessed Monday and a wonderful week ahead, church family!

08/30/2026

Thank you Rev. Thom Davenport for preaching for us today! We always love your ukulele and your amazing words of wisdom and from Our Lord.

Happy 90th birthday Leonard Sours! 🎂 We love and appreciate you and your family. ♥️

We are also praying for the loss of Jeff Allen. We are sending all of our prayers to the family and friends of Jeff.

Please join us Tuesday for Pastor Tony Shumaker begins his grief classes that will span 5 weeks. Please join us here at Plainwell UMC at 1:30 p.m and be also has an additional class at the beautiful Martin United Methodist Church at 7:00p.m. Please call the church or email, or PM this page if interested in these classes.

Thank you for all who attended in person and online on YouTube today!

Again, thank you Bronco Asphalt for our beautiful parking lot. We are blessed to have you do it for us again this year. If anyone needs asphalt work, please contact Bronco Asphalt Maintenance in Kalamazoo.

Happy Sunday.

08/30/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjnmT1Sg3oo

From our home to yours, thank you for joining Plainwell First Unite...