WORSHIP FOR OCTOBER 17, 2021
On this CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, our liturgy includes readings from Romans 12:9-21 and Matthew 14:15-21, offering us a story of a miraculous meal meant to be enough for any who hunger. A Mission Moment will share our call to serve our neighbors through the CROP Walk. We are blessed by God who is our portion and provider.
Join our FUMC CROP Mini-Walk on October 17!
In support of the Niles-Park Ridge CROP Hunger Walk during this COVID time, our church team is marching up to Prospect Park and back, after worship on Sunday, October 17, at 10:30 AM. Total distance: about two miles. Donate to our effort by using the Donations page on this website, or directly to the First UMC team page at the local CROP Walk website. Proceeds benefit Church World Service and the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry.
Sanctuary Worship Guidelines
Sundays at 9:30 AM
Effective June 13, 2021, FUMC removed limits on capacity for sanctuary worship. We no longer require reservations, and invite you to come as you are able and as you feel comfortable. We will however continue to require mask wearing when gathering in groups inside our church building, including worship. We continue to refrain from coffee hour/fellowship inside the building, but will find ways for fellowship outside as often as possible. Regarding vaccination status, we will operate on the honor system, as we continue to practice care of one another and our guests. Childcare during worship will return in the early fall.
Important reminder to all: The children of our church are not yet vaccinated against COVID. We are following strict safety guidelines: masks, social distancing, no sharing of supplies, and increased sanitation. As you see children in worship, by the church doors, or in the garden, please respect social distancing and wear your mask. And smile! The children are excited to see their church family again and are smiling back at you!
Online Pre-recorded Digital Worship
Every Saturday at 5 pm our video worship service is now being posted on YouTube and the church’s website for viewing. You will also find the service posted on the Facebook page of the church on Sunday morning.
Faith Formation for All Ages
Children 3 years old to 5th grade
Beginning September 5th our Sunday school year will offer a new format! 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.
Our children will continue in the Celebrate Wonder curriculum. Topics for the fall include the story of Joseph and his many brothers (Reconciliation), Moses and the Ten Commandments (Awe), and Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness (Trust). All children are welcome to join us. 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.
For additional learning member families can visit the church’s Family + Faith + Fun Facebook Group.
Youth
Middle School and High School Youth have returned to their in-person group and Sunday school. This year they will be focusing on connecting bible stories to everyday life.
Online Learning for Adults
Sunday morning ZOOM, weekly online classes, and monthly online seminars on a variety of topics for adults continue into the late summer and fall. Contact the church office or our pastor for more information.
Ongoing Activities
Opportunities open to all members and friends include meals to healthcare workers, cleanup of Axehead Lake, 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.
In-person Sanctuary worship Sundays at 9:30 AM. Masks are required.
In accordance with state, county and denominational guidelines, First UMC of Park Ridge will continue to abide by the safest practices and precautions for church events and activities. These efforts include protocols for safe worship and meetings, building usage, with required mask/facial covering wearing and social distancing. Assistance with online meeting scheduling and indoor safe meetings is available through the church office: 847.825.3144, office@parkridgeumc.org. In-person gatherings can be scheduled through the church office as well.
Office Hours, Staffing and Pastoral Care
The church office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 am to 2:00 pm / Friday 8:30 am to 12 Noon
Staff can be reached by their cellphones and email addresses. As always, Pastor David Aslesen can be reached for any member and for church needs at 708.441.5179 (call or text) and pastordavid@parkridgeumc.org.
Our primary calling as church in this time is to keep our congregation safe and connected to God, to one another and to the people & communities we serve. There is great love to be made known in this time – for friend and neighbor alike. My prayer is this difficult sheltering-in-place decision may reveal our church’s desire to be proactive and caring as we listen to and follow the lead of the international and local medical community on helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus in our area. It is critical that we care for each other, listen for God’s wisdom, and support the work of the church.
Rev. David Aslesen, Pastor
First UMC Park Ridge • 418 West Touhy Avenue • Park Ridge, IL 60068
847-825-3144 • office@parkridgeumc.org