Welcoming All.
First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge
418 West Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Rev. Scott S. Himel, Pastor
office@parkridgeumc.org
847.825.3144
Third Sunday of Eastertide • April 14, 2024
“Do You Still Not Know Me?”
Series: Questions From Jesus
Scripture: John 14:1-14
John 14 is the passage that is most often read by Christians during funerals; however, it has a much broader meaning than simply a reassurance of life after death in connection to the “house with many rooms” metaphor. Thomas, Philip, and Jesus’ conversation drives at perhaps the most important theological claim in the Gospel according to John: that we as Christians come to know the heart of our Heavenly Father through the revelation of Jesus Christ—God incarnate among us! The rub of this passage is verse 6 where Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Some Christians have used this verse in conjunction with other similar passages for centuries to establish a sense of spiritual superiority compared to non-Christians. What if there’s an alternative way to read this seemingly exclusionary verse and passage as a whole? Could a reading that’s sensitive to Jesus’ 1st-century context transform this passage into one that supports interfaith relations instead of undermining it? Join us this Sunday as we explore these questions and more! ~ Pastor Scott
You’re invited: Sundays at 9:30AM
We invite you to sanctuary worship every Sunday at 9:30 am, which is also live streamed on YouTube and shared on social media early Sunday afternoon. Each worship service experience includes time of reflection and prayer, Scripture readings, a powerful message, and singing. Our music is a blend of traditional Wesleyan hymns and contemporary praise songs. Open table Communion meal is offered on the first Sunday of each month. All are invited to help lead our services through singing and reading as liturgists.
Faith Formation for All Ages
Children 3 years old to 5th grade Children may join us in-person or virtually from home. If you are attending in person, the children will leave the 9:30 am worship service after the children’s message, and head to our classrooms – Rooms 103 and 104. If you prefer to join virtually, we will provide the information you need to join the class, along with the materials the in-person group is using. In person, at home, or hybrid, we are here for you.
Our Children and Youth are learning creative discipleship through Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living, this year’s curriculum.
Youth Middle School and High School Youth have returned to their in-person group and Sunday school. This year they will be focusing on connecting bible stories to contemporary issues they face in everyday life.
Online Learning for Adults Sunday morning and weekly online classes, and monthly online seminars on a variety of topics for adults continue to refresh us in faith. Contact the church office or our pastor for more information.
Compassion in Action
Opportunities open to all members and friends include meals to healthcare workers, support of local food pantries, creation of face coverings for anyone in need, prayer squares for first responders, care for the clients of Avenues to Independence, and outreach to the most vulnerable neighbors: the homeless, refugees, and the unemployed.
We continue to partner in service to Methodist agencies and community organizations including UMCOR, Justice For Our Neighbors, Exodus World Service, Feed My Starving Children, The Night Ministry, New Hope Community Food Pantry, International Health Partners, Church World Service, Reconciling Ministries Network, and Kids Above All.