418 W. Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Rev. David P. Aslesen, Pastor
Phone: 847.825.3144  •  office@parkridgeumc.org
Office hours: Mon-Thu 8:30am-2:00pm, Fri 8:30am-12:00pm 

Faith Formation

An overview of our spiritual growth programs for all ages.

Worship

You are invited to our sanctuary worship, in-person and online.

Beliefs

Making disciples for Christ in the Wesleyan tradition.

Ministries

Living out Christ’s love in compassionate service.

Events

Check out the upcoming events on our church calendar.

Donations

Help support our continuing ministries through a donation.

Staff

Meet the dedicated people who serve our church.

Pastor's Page

Blessings to you from Pastor David.

HeartBG-4

A Celebration of LGBTQ+ PRIDE in Park Ridge
by local Inclusive, Open and Affirming Congregations and Clergy

Tuesday, June 7, 2022
First UMC Park Ridge, 418 West Touhy Avenue

7:00-7:30pm: WORSHIP & CELEBRATING
7:30-8:00pm: PRESENTATION & SHARING
•••• ALL ARE WELCOME ••••
Parking is available on Grant Place, north of the church

Join with other Park Ridge church members and clergy from area lgbtq+ inclusive churches at FUMC for an evening of worship and celebration of Pride Month. Worship begins at 7 pm followed by a panel discussion with sharing on ministries of inclusion in our community (and beyond) and opportunities for cooperative work. Congregations represented as of May 4 include Park Ridge Community, Park Ridge Presbyterian, St. Luke’s Lutheran and St. Mary’s Episcopal. The event is being held in conjunction with other celebrations and activities celebrating FUMC’s 10th year as a Reconciling Congregation.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 22, 2022

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER  |  The Christian church continues to follow the witness of the Resurrected Christ and the early church. Texts used in worship include the gospel of John “whoever loves me [Jesus] will keep my word” and the book of Acts with the apostle Paul’s travels to Macedonia and visit with Lydia.  Guest Preacher Rev. Dwight Stewart’s message is entitled “Freedom to Be” based on Acts 16:9-15.  Rev. Stewart previously preached at First UMC during Lent 2022, and has recently retired from active ministry, having served churches and chaplaincy in Chicago, Oak Park, Mount Morris, and Harvey.

OUR LATEST CHURCH E-NEWSLETTER

Covid-19 Safety at First UMC
UPDATE: March 8, 2022
Per the State of Illinois & Cook County decision to end masking requirements:
• Masks are required in spaces designated for children including the nursery & Sunday school classrooms.
Staff and volunteers working in those areas will be masked.
• The sanctuary, offices, hallways, restrooms, classrooms for youth and other rooms are mask optional.
• Support those continuing to wear masks.
• Use good judgement to keep our unvaccinated children, vulnerable and immunocompromised members & guests safe.
• Stay at home when experiencing covid-19 and/or cold related symptoms.
• Respect social distancing needs as expressed by others.
Let us work cooperatively & compassionately to provide a safe environment for all.
Please contact our pastor or staff with any questions or concerns. 

Celebrating 10 Years of Welcoming & LGBT+ Inclusion

In January of 2012 our assembled church membership voted to approve an LGBTQ-affirming Welcoming Statement as an addition to our existing church Mission Statement, and to join the Reconciling Ministry Network. In this, the tenth anniversary year of that decision, we seek to rededicate ourselves to the spirit of all-embracing radical hospitality. We welcome all….and ALL MEANS ALL.

Our Welcoming Statement
At First UMC Park Ridge we see all persons as created in the image of God and bearing sacred worth and dignity.We invite all persons to participate fully in the life of our church regardless of age, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental condition, marital status, family situation, economic standing, or citizenship status.

WORSHIP

In-Person Sanctuary Worship Sundays at 9:30 am

First UMC has removed limits on capacity for sanctuary worship. Reservations are not required, and we 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, 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.

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 Prerecorded Worship  Our weekly worship service is posted on Facebook,  YouTube, and this website every Sunday afternoon for viewing throughout the week. The prerecorded service will be replaced by a recording of that morning’s live sanctuary service. An archive of past digitally prerecorded services is maintained on our YouTube channel page.
 

Religious Christian girl and her mother praying at home.

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.

Religious Christian girl and her mother praying at home.

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.

Planning your next event?
Affordable rental space in the heart of Park Ridge
Looking for a budget-friendly spot for your meeting, conference, party, concert, recital, or other event?
Our beautiful Sanctuary and spacious Jorgeson Hall are versatile and available to suit your needs.
Flexible scheduling. Negotiable terms. Parking in our church lot. Nearby shopping and restaurants. Walk to the Metra.
 Download our PDF information sheets, and contact our office at 847.825.3144 to learn more.

SANCTUARY
JORGESON