Welcoming All.
First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge
418 West Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
Rev. Scott S. Himel, Pastor
office@parkridgeumc.org
847.825.3144
Fourth Sunday of Eastertide • April 21, 2024
“Do You Want to be Made Well?”
Series: Questions From Jesus: Part 3
Scriptures: John 5:1-9
At first blush, it seems like this passage is only about Jesus’ miraculous healing powers. In our day and age, such a reading may seem irrelevant to our logical/scientific minds. Yet, what if there’s more happening “beneath the surface” here? If we read this passage in a literal sense for the sake of the narrative and thus grant that the waters of Beth-zatha did in fact have healing properties, then a fascinating question emerges: Why after 38 years has this poor man not found someone to befriend him by helping him into the waters when they were “stirred” so that he might be healed? Could it be that his illness is more complicated than a lame leg? How might his relationship (or lack thereof) with his surrounding community intersect with his ongoing suffering? What’s more, how does all of this relate to our struggles with suffering and various ailments today? Join us this Sunday as we explore these questions and more. Following the sermon, anointing oil is offered as a ritual of healing to those who wish to participate. Blessings to you all.
~ Pastor Scott
You’re invited: Sundays at 9:30AM
We invite you to sanctuary worship every Sunday at 9:30 am, which is also live streamed on YouTube and shared on social media early Sunday afternoon. Each worship service experience 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.
Faith Formation for All Ages
Children 3 years old to 5th grade 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 and Youth are learning creative discipleship through Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living, this year’s curriculum.
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 contemporary issues they face in everyday life.
Online Learning for Adults Sunday morning and weekly online classes, and monthly online seminars on a variety of topics for adults continue to refresh us in faith. Contact the church office or our pastor for more information.
Compassion in Action
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.
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.