Ted Blosser - Senior Pastor

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Pastor Ted Blosser and his wife Lynn come to Plainfield United Methodist Church from Zionsville United Methodist Church where Rev. Blosser had been the senior pastor for seven years.  Prior to 2001, Rev. Blosser served churches in the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church at Bristol, Portage, and Ft. Wayne, in addition to serving as a District Superintendent in the Warsaw District.

Rev. Blosser grew up in Goshen, Indiana.  He received his undergraduate degree from Goshen College and his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University.

Colin Cress - Pastor of Discipleship

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Pastor Colin Cress serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship at PUMC, leading specifically in the areas of children's and adult education and faith formation and missions, as well as serving in all areas of pastoral ministry.

Colin studied at West Vigo High School, DePauw University, and Methodist Theological School in Ohio.  He has served as pastor at Carrollton United Methodist Church, Freedom UMC, and Folsom Memorial UMC.

Colin, and his wife Heather and son Owen, are excited to be in Plainfield and a part of the Plainfield United Methodist Church and to join with this congregation in creating community which honors God. He is glad to partner with this congregation that values mission and service, growing in faith, and providing meaningful worship opportunities.

Elizabeth Gilbert - Pastor of Communication

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Elizabeth Gilbert brings gifts of hospitality and administration together with a passion for sharing the message of Jesus Christ in the position of Pastor of Communications here at Plainfield United Methodist Church.

Elizabeth's husband, Mike, works in management for Amerigas, a national propane company. They have two adult sons - one a recent graduate of Purdue University, and the other still a student.

Elizabeth brings a passion for newcomers, welcoming ministries, and effective messaging to her position at the church, and finds a special joy in sharing that passion with other churches and congregations.

Ron Mercer - Pastor of Visitation

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Ron graduated from Pike High School.  After two years at Butler University in Indianapolis, he graduated from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, as an Educator and a coach.  Ron wanted to go to seminary, and did, possibly due to a very supportive father who was a Minister of the Gospel. It was there that he discovered that he, too, wanted to be a minister. Ron served a church during his senior year in college and "the Lord opened all avenues." Ron's seminary studies were at Garrett, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  Through all of this, Ron received "GREETINGS" from his friends and neighbors during the Korean War and the Purple Heart was bestowed upon him.

Ron loves to play basketball with his sons and other youngsters at the IU Gym. Rumor has it that he keeps up with them too and at times seems to have a little "edge".  He also enjoys a little farming on a "Sweet" Owen County farm near Spencer.  Ron enjoys reading articles and books on Theology.  His projects are described as "Do what comes".  Ron is not presently involved in a Sunday School class and usually attends the 9:50 worship service with his son.  He may also be found in the pulpit or at the lectern as the occasion may demand.  Ron tries not to take himself or the human things he encounters in his daily activities too seriously.

Bob Preusch - Pastor of Youth Ministries

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Bob joined the full-time staff at the Plainfield United Methodist Church in the fall of 2004 to develop and lead youth ministries. Bob began in youth ministry as a volunteer at the First United Methodist Church in Chicago, and then for many years led the youth ministries at the Northbrook United Methodist Church in northern Illinois.

Bob lives in Plainfield with his wife Diane, and they have three awesome daughters; Karen, Kimberly, and Kelly.  As a teenager growing up in Connecticut, Bob found significant enjoyment playing drums for numerous garage bands, playing football and track, going to concerts, performing with theater groups, and finding high adventure in wilderness camping and canoeing. He has great memories of retreats and week-long bike trips with his church’s youth group, and all the numerous times and places spent hanging-out with friends. Bob continues to enjoy sharing the interests and activities of youth, and he loves a good road trip.

For over twenty years Bob has served a calling to share Jesus Christ with teenagers. He focuses his gifts and experience on providing this generation of teenagers with modern worship, experiential Bible teaching, and opportunities for growth through a variety of settings that communicate the relevancy of God’s truth in their lives.

Bob has a master’s degree in business and served The United Methodist Church for many years as the Director of HealthFlex, a health benefits and insurance program that served nearly thirty thousand United Methodist clergy and employees nationwide through the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Bob currently serves as a member of the South Indiana Conference Committee on Insurance.

Sharon Dunlevy - Director Out of School Program (Kids Connection)

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Sharon Dunlevy is pleased to have returned to Plainfield UMC to serve the children and families of the church and the community.  Sharon served as Director of Christian Education here at PUMC from 2000-2005. During her time at PUMC, she was on the team that started the Kids Connection Before and After School Program (now known at the Out of School Program). Serving as the director of Kids Connection allows Sharon to combine her passion for educating children and her gifts of administration.

Sharon is married to Donnie, a limousine driver for Carey International, and they have a daughter Rachel.  All three enjoy volunteering at Strides to Success, an equine therapy stable located here in Plainfield, Indiana.

Sigrid Schuld - Children's Weekday Director

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Sigrid directs all of the church's weekday early childhood programs for children ages 1 - Pre-K, which includes Play N' Share, Stay N' Play, and the Preschool.

Sue Hylton - Office Manager

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Sue has been attending Plainfield United Methodist Church since she was 6 years old, which means she has been around PUMC for a very long time. In fact, she was confirmed when this congregation was housed in the small red brick church on Center Street. She has taught Sunday School for over ten years and has served on various committees at the church.

Michael Pettry - Director of Music and Organist

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Michael Pettry serves as the Director of Music and Organist at Plainfield United Methodist Church, having joined this community of faith in 2004. A conductor, organist, pianist and arranger, Pettry has also served as adjunct professor of music at Butler University.

Pettry also serves as the Executive Director of the Indinapolis Symphonic Choir, the 165-voice choral partner of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1937, the Symphonic Choir performs 25+ concerts annually reaching more than 30,000 person, and has presented concert tours to the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and through the Republic of China. The Choir's discography also includes a recent, complete recording of Mendelssohn's Elijah.

With a B.M. in Organ Performance (and minor in the carillon) from Ball State University, and a M.M. in Conducting from Butler University, Pettry is a life-long Hoosier. In addition to his musical interests, he a self-confessing foodie and Mid-Century Modern enthusiast.

Jacob Wolverton - Assistant Director of Music

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Jacob Wolverton, Assistant Director of Music and Praise Team Director, joined the staff of Plainfield United Methodist Church in September of 2009.  He brings over 15 years of experience in directing both traditional and contemporary worship. Jacob is from West Lafayette, IN, where he served on the music staffs of Trinity UMC, Otterbein UMC, White Horse Christian Center, and others.

Jacob holds his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN, as well as a Bachelor of Ministries from White Horse School of Ministries in West Lafayette, IN.  His passion to see souls reconciled to the Lord has been seen both nationally and internationally as he has preached and led worship in India, Mexico, Ireland, and Canada.  His music draws from experiences in creative arts, choral music, contemporary Christian music, and his love for the word of God. 

In addition to his involvement at PUMC, Jacob is the Director of Choral Activities at Western Boone Jr/Sr High School in Thorntown, IN.  Jacob is also an active private voice, piano, and music theory instructor in the community.  His desire and passion is to see this generation of musicians excel in their gifts and talents and to find a love for music and God that will impact their lives for the future.

Oma Buckner - Handbell Choir Director

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Before retiring from teaching at Westside Christian School for 15 years, Oma taught music privately in her home.  During the time at Westside she began directing the handbell choirs and the children's choir at PUMC.  Majoring in music at Indiana University, she received a bachelor of music education degree with clarinet concentration in 1964.  Music has been the core of her life. As a small child she listened to her sister sing and play piano until she could begin her own music pursuits at 7 with the violin.  From that moment music was the magnet that has drawn her in many directions. 

Oma directs three handbell choirs.  There are 12-14 in each choir.  Many of the seasoned members have played for over 20 years. 

Some are just beginning but have had other musical experiences.  As with most small group involvement we feel as if we are family.  Using our talents to praise God blesses the musician as well as the listener.  We welcome those who would like to add to this ministry.

Pat Nelson - Treasurer

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Please contact Treasurer Pat Nelson with any questions you have about church giving, budgets, or expenses.

Plainfield United Methodist Church is seeking to fill the following positions.

(There are no staff openings at this time.)