Emptying
It's always a struggle, isn't it? Emptying things out. Whether it's a house going onto the market or a storage area that has been accumulating, clearing out can be its own kind of heavy, spiritual work.The earliest followers of Jesus knew that work well. They wrote a hymn, portions of which we find in Philippians 2:6-11, that became perhaps the earliest statement of faith in Jesus that we have. It said that Jesus emptied himself to take on human form. He took the lowest places in society, submitting to death itself, even the worst kind of death one could imagine. Yet the story did not end there.
Those earliest believers were ones who never lost hope. Who saw in Jesus' own emptying a way that hope continues even now. They made room for a hope that can fill our own lives.
This Sunday, I invite us to consider the hope we find in that earliest Christian hymn from Philippians 2. It's a hope found in emptying and the raising up that comes from God. Join us!
Worship 10am
In person or online at the links below (Facebook or YouTube)
New Congregation to Share Space on
Sunday Afternoons
We are sharing our space on Sunday afternoons. Starting this coming Sunday, a church known as Sudanese Community Church will be sharing our space from 12:00 onward.
This congregation had been housed at Faith UMC in Lombard but needed a new home due to a growing congregation currently housed at Faith.
Our Trustees have been working out an agreement with Sudanese Community that includes our congregation having the access we need for days like fundraiser events, etc.
Thank you to our Trustees and welcome to Sudanese Community Church.
Women’s Book Group
September 28th, the Women’s Book Group will discuss The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy. Join us at 7pm in the library. Books for the remainder of the year are as follows:
October 26: The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
November 30: Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
December 28: Educated by Tara Westover
To register, call the church office of email us at office@firstumclonbard.org
Five Marks of a Methodist
For the next five weeks, we'll be using Steve Harper's devotional book Five Marks of a Methodist that looks at Methodist history and the distinctives that continue to shape who we are. It focuses on John Wesley's teaching as well as the questions we can ponder for our faith today.
Each participant will receive the devotional book (each weekly devotional takes less than10 minutes to read), and we will watch the accompanying 12 minute video on each lesson. We'll also share the way the questions have prompted us in our faith. Join us for this journey together!
Crop Walk-Sunday, Sunday, October 4th
No one in this world should be hungry. That's why the CROP Hunger Walk is more than just a gathering of people in a place. We're part of a movement, taking steps and raising funds together to provide meals for those in our own community who need them - and supporting programs that create greater food security in communities all around the world.
Please join us to walk a 3-mile route on the Prairie Path and Great Western Trail starting and ending at First Church of Lombard (220 S. Main Street, Lombard). There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the sanctuary.
To see a video about what CROPWalk supports and how you can be a part, click on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfBeQ4f359U
Church Conference - November 3rd at 7pm
Join us for our annual meeting that we call our Church Conference. This is where we will vote on our reports, leadership, and direction for the next year. Join us!
Lombard Christmas Mart - Saturday, Nov. 7th
Join folks from across Lombard as they visit vendors set up in our lower level Fellowship Hall. Use the Main Street entrance or go down the stairs. You'll be able to find all kinds of Christmas gift and craft items for sale. Our United Women in Faith are hosting!
Wanted: Gently used holiday decor for the upcoming Holiday Mart!! Items can be dropped off in the parlor on Saturday, October 10th from 9:30 am to 10:00am. Thank you!
Women's Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study group resumed its studies on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and are studying Prince Caspian from the The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
The group meets on Thursdays from 1:00pm - 2:30 pm via Zoom. The first half hour is an informal time to visit with one another. The next hour is our study session.
With this study, we will discuss three chapters/meeting.
Any woman is welcome to join the group! Email Linda Nystrom (nystrom8@comcast.net) with your name and email address and you will be added to the group!
Sewing Ministry Update
Our church has received a heartfelt thank you from the Midwest Mission for the 20 pillows we sent them this spring. You may remember that we were collecting money to buy pillows on line and have them delivered directly to the mission. Again your generosity has proven to be a big help to others.
Monday morning sewing ministry from 9-12. All are welcome!
Card Ministry
Check out the card rack in the back of the sanctuary. Cards are available for $2 each or $3 for 2. All proceeds go to Kids Above All! Thank you for supporting the Card Ministry! Watch for new fall dates!
Join us for Prayer Group Thursdays at 9am
All are welcome to attend our prayer group dedicated to praying for our congregation, community and world needs will meet every Thursday morning at 9am in the church chapel at FUMC.
Week at a Glance
Sunday, September 27th
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
10:00am Children's Education
11:00am Coffee&
11:00am Sermon Chats
Slides: Martha Sound:
Liturgist: Denise K.K.
Acolyte: Amelia & Ruthie
Coffee&: Julia J.
Ushers: Steve F. & Tom S.
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
10:00am Children's Education
11:00am Coffee&
11:00am Sermon Chats
Slides: Martha Sound:
Liturgist: Denise K.K.
Acolyte: Amelia & Ruthie
Coffee&: Julia J.
Ushers: Steve F. & Tom S.
9:00am Sewing Ministry
7:00pm Women's Book Group (library)
Thursday, October 1st
9:00am Prayer Group
1:00pm Women's Bible Study (zoom)
2:30pm Endowment
6:15pm Choir rehearsal
7:15pm Bells rehearsal
Saturday, October 3rd
9:00am Crafters(Library)
Sunday, October 4th
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
10:00am Children's Education
11:00am Coffee&
1:00pm Crop Walk
Slides: Martha Sound:
Liturgist:
Acolyte: Amelia & Ruthie
Coffee&:
Ushers: Steve F. & Tom S.
Help us Serve Coffee&
Could you bring a tasty treat for us to enjoy after church? Your contribution could help us enjoy this time of connection and fellowship. Sign up below!
Coffee & Sign-up
The person usually brings items for us to enjoy after worship
Sunday, Ocober 25th
Sunday, November 1st
Sunday, November 8th
Sunday, November 29th
Sign Up to be a Liturgist
A liturgist stands up front and leads us all as we say our call to worship, opening prayer, and scripture. Sign up below!
Liturgist Sign Up
Liturgist for Sunday, October 18th
Liturgist for Sunday, October 25th
Liturgist for Sunday, November 1st
Liturgist for Sunday, November 8th
Online Suggestion Box for Trustees
Is something broken? Can we fix or clean an area? Send us a suggestion!
email: Trustees@firstumclombard.org
Become an Acolyte
Acolytes bring in the light of Christ each Sunday morning, reminding us that Christ's light is always with us. Children are accompanied by an adult to help them as they perform this essential part of worship. To sign up your child or loved one, click this link to email Pam Lohman.
Pray for those who are healing: Mary H.(internal bleeding); Angela A.; Dick K.; Shelly Y.(kidney surgery); John & Diane; Alice W. (Myasthenia Gravis); Zachery C.(extensive burns); Carol W.(chemo); Glenn B.(transplant complications); Christine M.; Tony V.(Cancer).
Pray for those mourning: The Family of Fred Cotterell; The Family of Mary Hurt; The Family of Doug Summers; The Family of David Malish.
Prayers for our world: Iran, Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, Nepal, and Tibet.