Welcoming All.

First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge
418 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847.825.3144
Rev. Scott Himel, Pastor
418 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847.825.3144
Rev. Scott Himel, Pastor
Sunday Night Suppers Park Ridge has come to First UMC!
In partnership with Saint Lukes Lutheran Church and Saint Andrews Lutheran Church, First UMC is now hosting a free hot meal for the community, every Sunday night from 4pm to 5pm! Join us in Jorgeson Hall; parking in our church lot on Grant Place, accessible from Prospect Avenue. Our thanks to Park Ridge Presbyterian Church for their six years of dedicated service to this project!
“How to Raise Faithful Kids” Workshop
with Dr. Virginia Lee
Date: Sunday, October 26 • 2:00–4:00 pm
Location: First UMC Parlor and Sanctuary
Registration Link: LINK
Cost: Free
Questions? Contact Suzy Vanderberg-Dent (susan.vanderbergdent@gmail.com)
Join Dr. Virginia Lee for “How to Raise Faithful Kids,” a free workshop designed to help parents raise children of faith in today’s challenging world. Dr. Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of Deacon Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, will share practical wisdom and research-based strategies from her book Raising Faithful Kids: This is the Stuff of Faith to equip parents with actionable approaches for nurturing faith in their children and youth. This free, interactive, and highly-engaging workshop welcomes all parents, grandparents, children, youth, and anyone interested in supporting children’s spiritual development—no prior reading required.
Sunday Sanctuary worship at 9:30 am, which is also live streamed on YouTube and shared on social media Sunday afternoon.
Each service 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.
Children 3 years old to 5th grade Our current children’s curriculum 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. If you prefer to join virtually, we will provide the information and materials you need to connect and join the class. In person, at home, or hybrid, we are here for you!
Youth Our Youth are learning creative discipleship through Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living, as they focus on connecting bible stories to contemporary issues they face in everyday life.
Adult Study Sunday morning and weekday evening online classes on a variety of topics continue to refresh us in faith. Contact the church office or our pastor for a current schedule.
Service 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.
October 12, 2025
“Image-Bearers, Not Influencers”
Series: Unfiltered: Living Beyond the Feed
Scriptures: Genesis 1:27; Colossians 1:14-23
This week, we continue our “Unfiltered” sermon series by diving into what it means to treat everyone with dignity—especially in a “keyboard warrior” culture where disrespect and division can feel all too normal. We explore ancient wisdom and modern voices, searching for ways to embody more grace in our relationships—online and in person. Let’s discover together how seeing the image of God in each other transforms how we connect and care.