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
Sunday, October 27, 2024
“A Firm Resolve and a Soft Heart“
Sermon Series: Lessons from Dr. King
Scripture: Exodus 8:1-8, 12-15
Dr. King married together two key characteristics (among many others) seen clearly in the fray of the 1963 Birmingham protests: A firm resolve to do what was necessary for the rights of people of color and a soft heart which sought to extend the same agape love of Christ to all peoples, including the White community. King walked a fine line: While several people around him called for outright violence to occur, he repeatedly attested that such was not the way toward a lasting victory over segregation in Birmingham and beyond. Instead, King and his followers (including many children and youth who marched with the adults!) chose the path of intentional suffering and peaceable resistance as a means of calling attention to an issue that many Americans were all too ready to ignore, including JFK and his Cabinet. What’s truly surprising is that this approach eventually worked, in time leading to breakthroughs for the entire Civil Rights Movement. Connections emerge between King’s actions in Birmingham and Moses’ struggle to free God’s people from Pharaoh, who is said to have had a “hard” heart for the Hebrew people and their repeated cries for freedom. Let us learn from both King and Moses what it means to conduct ourselves with a firm resolve to follow God’s leading while maintaining a soft heart toward all of God’s people.
~ 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 Our current children’s curiculum is Cokesbury Kids “Big Faith”. 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.
Youth Our Youth are continuing to learn creative discipleship through Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living. They are 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.