Welcoming All.
First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge
418 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847.825.3144
Rev. Scott Himel, Pastor
“How to Raise Faithful Kids” Workshop
with Dr. Virginia Lee
Date: Sunday, October 26 • 2:00–4:00 pm
Location: First UMC Parlor and Sanctuary
Registration Link: LINK
Cost: Free
Questions? Contact Suzy Vanderberg-Dent (susan.vanderbergdent@gmail.com)
Join Dr. Virginia Lee for “How to Raise Faithful Kids,” a free workshop designed to help parents raise children of faith in today’s challenging world. Dr. Lee, Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of Deacon Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, will share practical wisdom and research-based strategies from her book Raising Faithful Kids: This is the Stuff of Faith to equip parents with actionable approaches for nurturing faith in their children and youth. This free, interactive, and highly-engaging workshop welcomes all parents, grandparents, children, youth, and anyone interested in supporting children’s spiritual development—no prior reading required.
Now at First UMC, a free meal, no questions asked: In partnership with Saint Lukes Lutheran Church and Saint Andrews Lutheran Church, First UMC is now hosting a free hot meal for the community, every Sunday night from 4pm to 5pm! Join us in Jorgeson Hall; park in our church lot on Grant Place, accessible from Prospect Avenue. Our thanks to Park Ridge Presbyterian Church for their six years of dedicated service to this project! Learn more about it at https://www.sundaysupperspr.org
Worship.
You're invited.
Sunday Sanctuary worship at 9:30 am, which is also live streamed on YouTube and shared on social media Sunday afternoon.
Each service includes time of reflection and prayer, Scripture readings, a powerful message, and singing. Our music is a blend of traditional Wesleyan hymns and contemporary praise songs.
Open table Communion meal is offered on the first Sunday of each month. All are invited to help lead our services through singing and reading as liturgists.
Learn.
Faith formation for all ages.
Children 3 years old to 5th grade Our current children’s curriculum is Cokesbury Kids “Big Faith”. 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. If you prefer to join virtually, we will provide the information and materials you need to connect and join the class. In person, at home, or hybrid, we are here for you!
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Youth Our Youth are learning creative discipleship through Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living, as they focus on connecting bible stories to contemporary issues they face in everyday life.
Adult Study Sunday morning and weekday evening online classes on a variety of topics continue to refresh us in faith. Contact the church office or our pastor for a current schedule.
Serve.
Compassion in action.
Service opportunities open to all members and friends include meals to healthcare workers, 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.
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We continue to partner in service to Methodist agencies and community organizations including UMCOR, Justice For Our Neighbors, Exodus World Service, Feed My Starving Children, The Night Ministry, New Hope Community Food Pantry, International Health Partners, Church World Service, Reconciling Ministries Network, and Kids Above All.
October 26, 2025
“Taking a Leap of Faith”
John 20:24-29; Hebrews 11:1
This Sunday, inspired by “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” we begin the sermon with Pastor Scott, Phil Virgen and Tim Fanning taking a leap of faith across an invisible bridge in search of the Holy Grail. This fun moment launches our exploration of how to balance reason with faith when making important decisions. Our reflections—grounded in the narrative of doubting Thomas—challenge our modern world’s singular demand for proof, making room for the mysterious and the divine alongside logic and scientific fact. Join us as we seek the courage to find God in both what we can see and what we cannot.
~ Pastor Scott
