Worship for Sunday, January 23, 2022
PIECED TOGETHER IN CHRIST

Part 3  |  We are tied together in our mutual faith in Christ, with layers of tradition, pieces of stories old and young, diversity in people and patterns of life and called “blessed” of God. Scriptures for worship include Philippians 2:1-14 and a few verses from the Beatitudes of Jesus as found in the gospel of Matthew. Our service will include a kickoff of activities in celebration of FUMC’s 10th Year as a Reconciling Congregation. Pastor David’s message is entitled “In Stitches.”

CHURCH E-NEWS

Celebrating 10 Years of Welcoming 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, or economic standing.

Faith Formation

Worship

Beliefs

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Events

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Staff

Pastor's Notes

Covid-19 Safety at First UMC

JANUARY 2022 UPDATE
In accordance with state, county and denominational guidelines, First UMC of Park Ridge continues to abide by the safest practices and precautions for church events and activities including indoor mask wearing for all children, youth & adults.

NURSERY AND CHILDCARE
In light of growing rates of infection especially in youth and children, FUMC’s nursery will be closed for the month of January. The room itself will be ONLY be open for diaper changes and quiet time for infants during the worship hour, Sunday, 9:30 – 10 am. The nursery will not be staffed in January.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children and youth are invited to attend Sunday school via ZOOM for the month of January. Children’s Sunday school will meet on Zoom from 9:30 – 10:15 am. Maureen Koziol, Children’s Ministries, will be sending the ZOOM details to parents. Director of Youth Ministries Deacon Brooke DeJong will be sending details for youth Sunday school and youth group activities.

WORSHIP
FUMC will continue to hold in-person Sanctuary worship for all who feel comfortable to attend. If you are feeling unwell in any way, please do not attend. If you have been in contact with a covid+ person within five days of Sunday morning for more than 15 minutes (per CDC’s latest guidance), please do not attend worship. The service will be available online later on Sunday morning or early Sunday afternoon for safe viewing on this web page, YouTube and Facebook: First UMC Park Ridge. If another “sheltering/shutdown” ordinance is mandated by state or county health officials, FUMC will abide by the requirement. Per consultation with conference and church leadership, communication will be sent to the congregation immediately and in-person worship will be suspended until a safer time. Click the link for additional CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html  

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. 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 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.
 

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.

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

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