On Any Given Day: The Social Construction of Homelessness
Written & Directed by Award-Winning Playwright Dr. Yolanda Nieves and performed by Members of the Vida Bella Ensemble

Debut Performance: Saturday, May 19, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge
418 W. Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge IL 60068
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Advance Only:  Students & Seniors $10. Family Ticket $45.
The ticket price includes play, panel discussion & networking reception. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/ebent/242430, or contact Jennie Dye at (773) 398-0147 or jdye@HPSSchanginglives.org

This original play artfully depicts the challenges that individuals experiencing homelessness face on any given day. We invite you to participate in this powerful debut and learn more about the active role you can play in supporting stable homes for thriving communities.

First UMC is joining United Methodist Churches all over the country in spending a couple days in service to our community. In the same spirit of Hopefest, we have planned several activities and events to impact our community and CHANGE THE WORLD!  Men, Women, Children, Youth and Adults – ALL will have something to do to participate! You won’t want to miss this weekend!

A DEBUT PERFORMANCE!
Saturday, May 19 at 6:00 pm “On Any Given Day,” a play presented by the Vida Bella Ensemble from Humboldt Park will inspire and enlighten all as we consider the reality of homelessness that so many people face. Tickets for Students/Seniors are $10; Tickets for General Admission are $20; a Household Ticket is $45. Tickets may be purchased online (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/242430) or in the church office.

SUNDAY BLOOD DRIVE AND OUTDOOR WORSHIP
Sunday, May 20, we will have events all day long! A LifeSource Blood Drive will run from 8 am – 1 pm in Jorgeson Hall. Worship services will be held at 8 am and 9:30 am, with the 9:30 am service being held outside. Following worship, all are invited to participate in a Change the World Celebration Brunch, at which we will reflect on the many ways God has used First UMC Park Ridge to CHANGE THE WORLD this past year. Games for all ages will be provided as we celebrate what God has done!

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE
Finally, we are hosting a HUGE food drive! All food donations should be brought to First UMC by Sunday, May 20, where we expect to make a huge difference by feeding those who are hungry! Bags for donations will be provided beginning on May 6. All are encouraged to take bags around your immediate neighborhood, inviting your neighbors to participate in meeting this extraordinary need.
It’s not hard, but this weekend will make a big impact on many lives! So, let’s work together, provide food and blood, and witness the challenge of homelessness as God continues to use us here and around the world!

A SPECIAL CHURCH MUSIC EVENT!

On Saturday, May 5 at 7:00 pm Brett Zumsteg, organist extraordinaire, will give a concert
Inspired by traditional hymn tunes. An ice cream social will follow the concert.

Come one, come all!

3rd Annual Plant & Garden Sale Benefits Mission

Need a gift for Mom on Mother’s Day?  Creating a new garden?  Come to our 3rd Annual Plant and Garden Sale on Saturday, May 12, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It will be on the church lawn (by the north entrance on Grant Place).

All perennials and plants sold will be proven and seasoned plants that are grown throughout northern Illinois.  Each perennial plant will be identified and have planting information attached.  Plants will be potted in containers and ready for planting.

This is a great opportunity to find some older varieties or something new for your garden.  Most plants will be sold for $5 each.

There will also be used and new garden novelties and hanging baskets of annuals just in time for Mother’s Day!

All proceeds benefit ministry and mission!

Come early for best selection.  The sale opens at 8:00 a.m. sharp.  Rain or shine.  You can park directly north of the church in the church parking lot on Grant Place.  Or park anywhere in the downtown area, shop the sale, and then drive up to pick up your plant purchases.  Contact us if you need more information.