Worship for Sunday, July 25, 2021
In our sanctuary and online worship services, Pastor David Aslesen shares a message titled “A Daring Dream” based upon the visions of Peter in Acts 11:4-10 and John of Patmos in Revelation 21:1-6. What is God’s dream for humankind and the church in the world? What is the work of the faithful followers of Christ to make it real? Let’s discover new promises of love and service today.
UPDATE: 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.
New Guidelines for In-Person Sanctuary Worship Service
Effective June 13, 2021: FUMC has removed limits on capacity and social distancing for sanctuary worship. We will no longer be requiring reservations. 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 will continue to refrain from coffee hour/fellowship inside the building but will find ways for fellowship outside as often as possible. As it pertains to vaccination status, we will operate on the honor system for all members and guests. We will continue to practice care of one another and our guests for worship. Sunday school for children will continue to use a reservation system; call 847.825.3144 to reserve your child’s spot. Childcare during worship will return in the early fall.
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 throughout the weekend. You will also find the service posted on the Facebook page of the church on Sunday morning.
Online Learning for Children & Youth
Virtual Sunday school is now underway for preschool to 2nd grade students, using the Cokesbury “Celebrate Wonder” curriculum. Each participating child receives a Wonder Box that contains a Celebrate Wonder Family Resource Book, an age-appropriate Celebrate Wonder activity pack, a Worship Kit, and fun crafts (no extra supplies needed).
Virtual Sunday school is now underway for 3rd to 5th graders via ZOOM at 9:30 am. We watch the Celebrate Wonder video and then discuss the lesson, have some fun and enjoy “free” chat time.
For additional learning member families can visit the church’s Family + Faith + Fun Facebook Group.
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.
Office Hours, Staffing and Pastoral Care
The church office summer hours (June-August) are Monday-Thursday 8:30 am to 2:00 pm / CLOSED Friday
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