Welcoming All.
First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge
418 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847.825.3144
Rev. Scott Himel, Pastor
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.
December 15, 2024
Third Sunday in Advent
“Offspring of the Virgin’s Womb”
Series: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Women played a significant role in the formation of the early Church, likely holding a statistical majority in congregations and occupying positions of leadership, including teaching, offering worship leadership, and spreading the Gospel. This background affects how we read the story of the Angel Gabriel’s proclamation to Mary that she will bear the Christ (this story is called “The Annunciation”). Such a story that a woman of low status (remember, Mary was a virgin) would bear the incarnate God of the universe would have been quite controversial in Jesus’ time. How might the people of the early Church have connected with this story? How might we today use it as a springboard to consider the importance of women’s ministries for our present times? Happy Advent, and see you Sunday.
~ Pastor Scott
Advent Events
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 15 • 1:30-4:00pm
Meet at the church: Caroling at nearby retirement homes; afterward, the group will stop by a restaurant for fellowship.
Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 22 • 9:30-10:30am
In the Sanctuary: Come hear the Christmas story told by our church’s children and youth! Stay for a festive Snack n’ Chat.
Christmas Eve Worship
Tuesday, December 24 • 4:30-5:45pm
In the Sanctuary: lessons and carols, special anthems by the choir, a message of hope, communion, and fellowship!