Announcements

What will happen to some 15 million analog TV sets rendered obsolete after the transition to digital transmission on February 17, 2009?

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, 25% of them will be recycled. That’s good news because just one TV can leak eight pounds of lead into the environment. Visit CEA’s website at www.mygreenelectronics.org or go to www.earth911.org to find a recycling center that offers a TV recycling program. Or contact the U.S. Environmental recycling hotline at 1.800.253.2687.

Article taken from AARP Bulletin May 08 vol. 49 No. 4

Each year during the National Volunteer week the contributions of time and talents made by volunteers is acknowledged.

The volunteer Department of Presbyterian Homes would like to thank Will Littell from the United Methodist Church. He gave his time and demonstrated his caring nature by visiting residents and participating with them in activities. Will, you made a difference in the lives of our residents. Thank You!

Sincerely,
Pat FiorioDirector,
Volunteer Services

Please come rain or shine.....
Summer Sunday School is every Sunday
Grow in body and wisdom all summer long with the parables from the Gospel of Matthew and more....

Matt, Julie and Nora Sipe’s last Sunday at First Church was Sunday, May 11. Matt has been appointed to be the pastor at Delano United Methodist Church in Delano, Minnesota. Blessings To You!

Peace with Justice Sunday was celebrated Sunday, May 18. A special offering was collected giving the United Methodist Church a voice in advocating peace and justice at home and around the world.

Mothers for Missions

All funds raised will be donated to Marcy Newberry’s Infant Childcare Program for needy families. Marcy Newberry is a National Mission Institute of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.
Ann Sayre Christian gave in honor RuthAnn Sayre
Emerson and Marilynn Fisher gave in honor of Jeanette Fisher and Mrs.
Judy DeAcetis gave in honor of Jinny DeAcetis
Jean Unsen
Bonnie and John Morell gave in honor of their Mothers

Dorothy Silver gave in memory of Thelma Silver
Barbara Zeleny gave in menmory of Helen Zeleny
Caroline Uhlig gave in memory of Ruth Talmage and Dorothy Uhlig
Norm and Pat Gates gave in memory of their mothers
Irving and Grace Roberts gave in memory of their Mothers
Caroline Brinkerhoff gave in memory of Myra Pennewell
Esther Circle gave in memory of Mora Barrows and Dee Moore
Pat Lester gave in memory of Inez A. Taylor
Barbara Sides gave in memory of Harriet Hulse

Compassionate Service

The Children gather to practice a special sending forth blessing prayer for Pastor Matt and his family.





Preparing the Sanctuary “during construction” for a joyous May 11 Worship service celebrating Pentecost, Confirmation and Mother’s Day.






Prayer Shawl Ministry will be meeting Monday, June 2, 16 and 30 at 1:00 pm in the church parlor. Your help is needed to: share stories, needle, pray and deliver. Interested in attending or would like to learn to knit or crochet, call Marilynn (847.692.4656) for more information.

The Humboldt Park meals ministry project serves a meal to those in need at the Humboldt Park United Methodist Church on the third Sunday of each month, on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Meals are cooked in our kitchen and delivered to Humboldt Park. Individuals, couples, families, and church groups are encouraged to support this program by signing up to be a team leader and/or volunteer. Team Leaders and volunteers are needed for the following dates: June 15 and July 20. A sign-up sheet is at the Grant Place entrance, or you can contact Joyce Van der Kloot at 847.698.3273 to reserve a date for your group to cook a meal.

Meaningful Volunteer Experience at Bethany Terrace, 8425 N. Waukegan Rd., Morton Grove. The Terrace is a faith-based, non-sectarian health and rehabilitation center which uses volunteers to bring joy to residents. Lots of flexibility in our volunteer needs for individuals and groups. Call Mila Gallardo, Director of Activities and Volunteers, at (847) 965-8100.

June 16-19, 2008

Vacation Bible School - Opportunities for Everyone!

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (SMEC), Park Ridge Community Church (PRCC), and the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) are once again thrilled to be working together to make Vacation Bible School a memorable experience for children and families. Two years ago, Aslan on the Move made its debut based on the Narnia tales by CS Lewis. Characters such as Tumnus, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, Aslan, the Professor and the White Witch left lasting impressions on the children.

With the release of Prince Caspian, a sequel to Narnia, we are inspired to offer Return to Narnia-Prince Caspian as this year’s VBS theme. Beginning Monday, June 16th thru Thursday, June 19th children will once again travel to Narnia. Each day VBS is held from 6:30 to 8:00pm at the Park Ridge Community Church for children preK through entering 6th grades. The preschool program will use age appropriate curriculum and activities for 3-4 year olds. Registration must be returned to any of the 3 churches by Sunday, June 8th. Checks should be made payable to Park Ridge Community Church. Financial assistance is available upon request.

We are excited about offering 2 great options for adults this year. Adults are invited to:

1) Attend “Christian Stories for Adults” Monday-Wednesday evenings from 6:55 to 7:50pm at the First United Methodist Church, 418 Touhy. Rev. Bob Campbell, an ordained Methodist minister and currently on assignment at the Willows Wellness Center, will lead informal, lively discussions.

Or 2) Volunteer as a teacher, helper or actor for the children’s program. Just give us a call! As an added bonus, we have arranged with the Pickwick Theater for 2 special showtimes of Prince Caspian.

Plan to go to the movies to see Prince Caspian with VBS friends on Saturday, May 31st at 5pm or Sunday, June 1st at 2pm for a special price of $6 per person which includes admission, a drink and popcorn. Tickets are available in church offices or contact one of the people listed below. Tickets will be handed out during the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26th by Narnia characters, too.

We look forward to seeing you at the movies and for Return to Narnia-Prince Caspian on June 16th! Tell your friends! Fire up for a VBS like never before! VBS changes lives!

Thank you.

Catherine Petersen
FUMC
418 Touhy Ave
847.825.3144

Kristen Wilson
SMEC
306 S. Prospect

Stephen Cady
PRCC
100 S. Courtland

Confirmand Faith Statement

I believe in God. I have been going to a United Methodist Church since I was 6 years old. This is where I learned to believe in God.

When I really saw God for the first time it was with the Youth Group on a mission trip to a poor neighborhood in Chicago and we helped at the Marcy-Newberry Center. This is a place supported by our church that helps the less fortunate children. It was there that I saw the face if God in the eyes of children.

I believe in God’s grace. It is a gift God gives to everyone. I believe in the Holy Spirit who us in my light even on the darkest days.

I believe God created the world with all the animals, trees, water and people. I think the song “Sanctuary” brings me closer to God, and makes me think of who He is. I think praying to God has helped me with the death of my aunt. Praying brought me comfort through that hard time in my life.

I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He died on the cross to forgive our sins and rose on the third day then went into heaven. I believe Jesus is a gift from God. I believe He performed many miracles throughout his life and healed many people.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. Although I am not sure what or who the Holy Spirit is, I will continue my search for that answer as I grow in my faith. But, I do believe the Holy Spirit is with us at all times, helping us in times of need.

I believe in trinity; creator, redeemer, sustainer.

I believe that God created the heavens and thr earth and everything in them, Sometimes I question myself on that one. I guess I assume things just happened this way. Then I think how could they? How could things evolve so purposefully, so naturally? Then thay is when I know there had to be a catalyst. That catalyst is God.

I know that Jesus loves me. I believe that Jesus loves all of us. He loves believers and non-believers alike. I believe Jesus is God’s son and God put Jesus here to show us the way. I believe Jesus is our true leader and is the definition of life. I believe Jesus forgave us our sins and did so, possibly, so we could save ourselves.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe it is in every strand of clothing; it permeates every barrier, and is in our very breath. I believe the Holy Spirit is just the presence of God. I believe it is in everything, everywhere, everyday.

I believe God formed me. I believe God is in me. I believe God is a part of me and always will be. I believe God put me on this planet for a reason. I think that reason is to lead others. I believe that reason is also to teach others. I believe God put everyone on this planet for a reason. I think everyone has their own reason but, we share a common reason; to share the love of God. I believe we are all here for the benefit of each other. I believe I am supposed to teach and be taught. I also believe the same goes for everyone else.

I believe it is hard to describe exactly what it is I believe.

Sharing Our Faith Stories

Big thanks to Laurie Bachmann and Dorothy Silver for their Faith Stories and compassionate service around the globe. Our children are in mission because of people like them.

Spiritual Growth

LIFE Groups are the heartbeat of First United Methodist Church. They are small groups that meet weekly in homes or at church to study the Bible, to spend time in prayer, and to connect with others in ministry. Being a part of a LIFE Group provides fellowship experiences that enrich and equip one’s walk with Jesus Christ. A growing number of people are developing lasting friendships as they follow God’s Spirit through a LIFE group. For more information about this vital ministry of First United Methodist Church, contact Pastor David Jungnickel at (847.825.3144) or by email at djungnickel@parkridgeumc.org