Worship for Sunday, September 12, 2021

SEPTEMBER WORSHIP SERIES: HOMECOMING
HOMECOMING Part 2: In our sanctuary and online worship services, Pastor David Aslesen shares a message “Finding Home Again.” Scriptures for worship include the Old Testament book of Ruth chapter 1 and the gospel of Luke chapter 15 – two unique stories of homecoming. As we look to the stories of Naomi & Ruth and the prodigal son & gracious parent, what might it mean for us to find home again – in relationship with God and others – especially in times of desperation and in our need for forgiveness?

We honor the indwelling presence of Christ and invite all into a spirit of “homecoming” – our focus for worship and adult faith formation and discipleship for September. Scripture stories used in the series include God’s coming to earth in the birth of God’s holy child Jesus, Ruth and Naomi returning home in perilous times, the prodigal son welcomed home, and more. Share an invitation with those you know may be searching for a church home to join FUMC for worship either online or in-person.

Visit our Worship Video Channel Archive

Guidelines for In-Person Sanctuary Worship Service
Sundays at 9:30 AM

Effective June 13, 2021, FUMC removed limits on capacity for sanctuary worship. We will 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 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. 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 throughout the weekend. 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 will be returning to their in-person group and Sunday school starting September 12th. 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.

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