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

Spiritual growth. Compassionate service.

Ministries
Events
Donations
Staff
Pastor's Page

Maundy Thursday
Dinner & Worship

Thursday, March 28th, 6:30 P.M., parlor & sanctuary
We remember the Last Supper Jesus and his disciples shared by partaking of similar foods used still to this day during the Passover Meal. Liturgy and small group discussion are interwoven throughout the meal. Our time together concludes by leaving the dinner table and transitioning into the sanctuary for the ceremonial stripping of the sanctuary’s vestments. 

Good Friday
Worship Services

Option 1: Park Ridge Ministerial Association
Good Friday Noon Service of Music and Meditation

Sponsored by the PRMA and held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, the service on March 29, 2024, at 12:00 noon will feature the Montag Ensemble playing The Seven Last Words of Christ by Franz Joseph Haydn. The string quartet is comprised of violinists Eleanor Bartsch and Kate Carter, violist Karl Davies and cellist Margaret Daly.  Spoken reflections will be provided by members of the Park Ridge Ministerial Association, including from Pastor Scott Himel. This is a unique opportunity for anyone living or working in the area to worship at a midday service on one of the most solemn days in the Christian church year. A freewill offering will be received at the door. For more information, please call 847-825-6659, or see www.stlukespr.org.

Option 2: First UMC’s Good Friday 7 PM Service

Join us in the sanctuary at 7 PM for a Good Friday evening service centered on the seven last words of Jesus spoken from the cross. Meditations, poems, art, and songs are interspersed between the readings to create a contemplative experience. This is an intergenerational service featuring participation from our older children and youth. Please join us for this special evening.

Fifth Sunday of Lent
“The Trouble with Anselm”
Series: Understandings of the Cross
Scripture: Galatians 4:1-9, Romans 5:6-8

A United Women In Faith Fundraiser to support their mission work.

Join us for this living-history portrayal, as Actress and Scholar Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., portrays suffragist Alice Paul, one of the most dynamic leaders in the fight to win votes for women. An innovative and tireless worker, Paul arranged parades, organized the first picketing demonstrations outside the White House, lobbied politicians, and endured imprisonment for women’s suffrage. As fearless as she was pioneering, she remains an icon in the struggle for equal rights.

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.

Planning your next event?

We offer affordable rental space in the heart of Park Ridge.

Looking for a budget-friendly spot for your meeting, conference, party, concert, recital, or other event? Our beautiful Sanctuary and spacious Jorgeson Hall are versatile and available to suit your needs. Flexible scheduling. Negotiable terms. Parking in our church lot. Nearby shopping and restaurants. Walk to the Metra.
 Download our information sheets below; then complete the inquiry form and email it to our office.
We will contact you promptly!