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, November 3, 2024
All Saints Sunday
“Extraordinary and Steadfast Love”
Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18
The story of Naomi and her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, is one of my all-time favorites. Why? Because it’s one of the clearest stories in the Bible of how receiving and sharing God’s love can change someone’s life; especially in the face of great hardship and loss. The whole Scripture revolves around this excerpt from v. 8b: “May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.” After Naomi offers this blessing of love, we watch to see what both Orpah and Ruth will do. Orpah does the logical thing in the face of bleak circumstances: She accepts Naomi’s blessing and returns to her homeland. Ruth, however, does the unthinkable: With no assurance of her safety or future provision, she (a detested Moabite from the Israelites’ perspective) forsakes her homeland and swears to follow Naomi back to Israel. She literally “clings” to her mother-in-law, forbidding her from leaving without her. Why would Ruth do this? What does this mean for us; especially on All Saints Sunday? Please join us on Sunday to find out
~ 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.