FIRST UMC & MINISTRY IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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. These efforts include reservation-based sanctuary worship, protocols for safer meetings, building usage, with required mask/facial covering wearing and social distancing practiced at all times. Assistance with online meeting scheduling and indoor safe meetings is available through the church office: 847.825.3144, office@parkridgeumc.org. In-person gatherings can be scheduled through the church office as well.
IN-PERSON SANCTUARY WORSHIP SERVICES RESUME
Effective June 13, 2021, FUMC has removed limits on capacity and social distancing for sanctuary worship. We will no longer be requiring reservations. 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. Sunday school for children will continue to use a reservation system; call 847.825.3144 to reserve your child’s spot. Childcare during worship will return in the early fall.
ONLINE PRE-RECORDED DIGITAL WORSHIP
The worship service will be posted on YouTube and the church’s website every Saturday at 5 pm for viewing throughout the weekend. You will find the service on the Facebook page of the church on Sunday morning.
OUTREACH AND WITNESS AND ADVOCACY
Purchase food and gift cards for our neighbors in need. Mail or drop them off to the church and we will make them available to the City of Park Ridge Police Department’s social worker for distribution.
New Hope Community Food Pantry welcomes our food and toiletries donations. Please drop off your donations to the church; use the coolers outside of the Grant Place entrance. Monetary donations can be sent directly to the pantry at www.newhopefoodpantry.com/donate.
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRIES ONLINE
CELEBRATE WONDER is the new children’s curriculum.
Sunday school children and families continue to be resourced by Maureen Koziol. Check out Sunday morning children’s messages via the church’s Facebook page posted early Sunday morning. They are great! Message her at children@parkridgeumc.org.
FAITH IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD is the new youth curriculum.
Brooke DeJong continues to provide online social activities on Sunday evenings and care to our youth throughout the week. Middle & High school aged youth are invited to be in the Sunday evening Zoom group with Brooke; send a text or email her if you are not already in the group. youth@parkridgeumc.org
NURTURE AND CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Our church’s Good Samaritan Fund is ready to assist any church members who are experiencing personal or household emergencies due to unemployment or health or other conditions. Please be in contact with Pastor David if you are in need. Donations to the Good Samaritan Fund are always appreciated.
Several members are now serving as volunteers to run errands, grocery shop, pick up prescriptions for those who are isolating themselves due to age, mental or physical health concerns or mobility. If you are in need of assistance, please call me at 708.441.5179 and I will link you to our coordinators: Janelle Wendling and Jim Lane. No need is too small. Let us help you.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
We continue to keep in touch with friends at FUMC. Our “Keeping in Touch” Directory Project was emailed out to active members. How are you doing with your part of the project? Be in touch with Nurture Ministries chairperson Janelle Wendling at jswendling@msn.com for additional information or assistance.