Advent & Christmas Season Events
Whether paper or electronic, add these to your calendar! FUMC invites all to participate in the following events beginning Sunday, Nov. 21 through the end of December. These are just a few events; more to come!
• Sunday, Nov. 21, 11 am to 1 pm, Christmas Decorating in the Sanctuary
• Wednesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 Meet at the Manger, 7 pm in the Memorial Garden
• Sunday, Dec. 5, 2-4 pm, Cookies and Crafts for Kids
• Sunday, Dec. 19, 2 pm, Christmas Caroling Party
• Friday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Services, 4 pm indoors, 5:30 pm outdoors, 8 pm indoors
ADVENT STUDY: Light of the World
Join Pastor David for “Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent” either of two days/times during the Advent season: online, Monday evenings, beginning Nov. 28, 7 pm OR in-person, Wednesday mornings, 10:30 am, beginning Dec. 1. The study is authored by Amy-Jill Levine. Books are $17 and can be purchased through the church office. Sign up for either group by Nov. 23. The study will meet weekly through Dec. 22. Contact Pastor David for additional information.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH OF KIDS ABOVE ALL
The Outreach Team is coordinating our congregation’s efforts to supply gifts to children and youth served by Kids Above All. The email link with list of names and gift information is now available in our e-newsletter. The email will give instructions as to a SignUp Genius list for participating in online gift selection. Deadline for gifts to be dropped off or delivered to the church is Dec. 5.
COOKIES AND CRAFTS SUNDAY, December 5 from 2-4 pm at church.
All FUMC KIDS are invited! We will have fun crafting and decorating cookies to eat at home. Watch your inbox for your invitation. Staying close to home? We have craft bags ready for you to pick up on December 4 or December 5th. If you have any questions, please contact Maureen Koziol at children@parkridgeumc.org or Amy Lane in the church office.
CHRISTMAS BELLS
First UMC’s very own “Christmas Bells” play during the Sundays in Advent (11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19), accompanying our student musicians. We need volunteers to play our English handbells; no musical training is needed to play with the circled-word bell sheets; a minimum of seven ringers each week. We will have a run-through each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. then perform during prelude and offering. Sign up sheets are in the Narthex, outside the sanctuary, or contact John Schuman, Director of Music Ministries, at 224-374-9597, MusicParkRidge@gmail.com
CHRISTMAS EVE “KETTLE CONCERTS”
Our instrumental ensemble will play carols for our Christmas Eve services, reminiscent of the Salvation Army players around the kettle at Macy’s. We won’t actually be playing outdoors, though we might be dressed like it. We are a mixed ensemble (strings, winds, brass, percussion) and all players are welcome for any/all the services. There will be one brief rehearsal immediately prior to the afternoon service; more practices by arrangement with John Schuman, Director of Music Ministries. Players please contact John at 224-374-9597, MusicParkRidge@gmail.com.