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 20, 2024
“The Friendliness Contagion“
Sermon Series: Lessons from Dr. King
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus)
Howard Thurman was one of the key mentors of Dr. King and chief influencers of the Civil Rights Movement’s theological underpinnings. Thurman’s big claim to fame (aside from Mentoring MLK) was his founding (along with Rev. Alfred Fisk) of the first interfaith and interracial faith community in America called “The Church of the Fellowship for All Peoples” in October, 1944 and located in San Francisco (it’s still active today!). Fellowship Church offered/offers a worldwide witness to what the Church can be: A truly inclusive community of all people who, through the Spirit’s movements within the faith community, are compelled to go out and affect real social change in their respective communities. The “contagion” referred to in the sermon’s title references an idea from Thurman (which actually originates from Gandhi!) that those who participate in such a transformative community feel a “moral congestion” to do something about the inequalities and injustices of the world. The basis of such action is always to treat one’s neighbor with respect—or, to be “friendly.” In a surprising way, we find a Biblical basis for much of Thurman’s teachings within the rarely told parable of “The Rich Man and Lazarus.” In many ways, to understand Thurman is to understand King’s underlying motivations and perspectives on racial justice. See you Sunday!
~ 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.