Messages
Every Sunday brings new and vibrant sermons by Pastor Rich and Pastor Carol. We typically follow the Lectionary, but occasionally, we preach on a special series. Check here for written manuscripts from some of our more recent sermons.
Lent Series – Water in the Wilderness
Throughout Lent, we have examined the role of faith and Jesus Christ in providing our sustenance and life at wilderness times in our lives. Everyone is invited to COME TO THE WATER!
March 13 – Wilderness of Temptation: Sermon by Rev. Carol Hill
March 20 – Wilderness of Questions and Doubt: Sermon by Rev. Carol Hill
March 27 – Wilderness of Shame: Sermon by Rev. Rich Darr
April 3 – Wilderness of Blindness: Sermon by Rev. Rich Darr
April 10 – Wilderness of Despair: Sermon by Rev. Carol Hill
April 17 – From Palms to Passion: Sermon by Rev. Carol Hill
April 24 – EASTER: Sermon by Rev. Rich Darr
EASTER SEASON: The underlying thread is the role of the Spirit in empowering us to be the body of Christ and witness for Christ.
MAY 1 – 2nd Sunday of Easter
Focus: Body Life (John 20:19-31)
Emphasis: To open doors to the Spirit so as to become the living, breathing Body of Christ. This is the story of the disciples, in fear, locked in the “upper room”. It includes the story of doubting Thomas. Jesus appears among them, breathes upon them, and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
MAY 8 – Mothers Day – 3rd Sunday of Easter
Focus: Mothers (2 Timothy 1:1-7)
Emphasis: The powerful role mothers can play in passing their faith on to their children and grandchildren. This is the story of Lois who passed her faith on to her daughter Eunice who in turn shared her faith with her son Timothy, who became an important colleague of the Apostle Paul.
MAY 15 – 4th Sunday of Easter
Focus: Powerful Witness (Acts 2:42-47)
Emphasis: To gather as God’s people and be inspired to live as Christ’s body, Christ’s community. I plan to compare this passage of scripture with the membership vows we gave upon joining First UMC: To participate in our church’s ministries through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
MAY 22 – Confirmation Sunday – 5th Sunday of Easter
The focus is our confirmands, their confirmation of faith and baptismal vows.
MAY 29 – 6th Sunday of Easter (John 14:15-21)
Focus: Witness of Love
Emphasis: To recognize the Spirit’s presence through community that enables us to fulfill love’s expectations. This is the passage where Jesus promises to send the Spirit of truth, our Advocate, who empowers us to keep Christ’s commandments (love for God and love for others).
JUNE 5 – 7th Sunday of Easter (Acts 1:6-14)
Focus: Spirit of Witness
Emphasis: To welcome through prayer God’s Spirit that empowers us individually and communally to witness for Christ. This is actually Acts’ version of Christ’s “Great Commission” in which the disciples are to witness to their experience of Christ starting at home (Jerusalem) and extending outward in every growing circles to Judea, Samaria and the whole world.
JUNE 12 – Pentecost Sunday – (Acts 2:1-21)
Focus: Pentecost
Emphasis: To celebrate the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s gifts within all.
First UMC Park Ridge is a place where all are welcome! Click here to learn what to expect, how to get here, and MORE!
At First UMC Park Ridge, “welcoming all” means that we see all persons as created in the image of God and bearing sacred worth and dignity. We invite all persons to participate fully in the life of our church regardless of age, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental condition, marital status, family situation, or economic standing. 
