Pastor's Update

Greetings!

As the temperatures heat up, things are heating up at Parkway. In fact, things are getting so "hot" that I want to depart from my normal Update format, and share with you about 2 upcoming events that you will not want to miss!

On August 29th, Parkway is Taking It To The Streets! We will not have Worship Services that day...no Small Groups, no Student Ministry, no Children's Ministry, no Worship. Instead of doing Church, we are going to be the Church. Instead of waiting for people to come to Parkway, we are bringing Parkway to the people. Instead of just striving to be the best church in the community, we will focus our energy on being the best church for the community.

We have about 13 teams set up to do various projects...anywhere from visiting the forgotten at a nursing home to packing boxes for our troops in Afghanistan to minor repairs to homes in the area; and everything in-between. You can sign up for a team in the Worship Center or on-line.

We will meet that  morning at 8:00 for a time of sharing the Eucharist with our team and then hit the streets. Around noon we will begin meeting back at Parkway for a meal prepared by our Cooking Team. This will be a time of fellowship and food. Imagine that...a FREE lunch after a great morning of being the church. I cannot wait to see how God uses us to bring about His Kingdom of grace and peace. The Revolution is beginning...don't miss out!

Did you know that this summer in Sunday School, the children have been studying the 2 commandments Jesus gave us? In case you have forgotten what those commandments are,  you say: Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. The kids have learned that one of the primary ways of loving God is through worship. The final lesson calls for bringing parents and their children together for a time of teaching and then to worship together.

So why am I telling you all of this? On August 1st, we are going to bring this "groovy" experience to the whole Parkway family. At 9:00 am, we will gather in the Ministry Center for a time of teaching. There will be 4 workshops to choose from...and yes, one just for adults that I will be teaching in the Chapel. In these workshops we will learn about worship.

Following the brief teaching time, we will share in a light continental breakfast and then head to the Worship Center for a 10:00 am worship time.

Worship will be special. The children will play a vital role in the service as they lead us in many ways. I will be preaching a message about the Eucharist and its meaning. And then we will share in this meal together. I know for some of you, the combination of the services will be a change and might become an excuse to "skip" church. I hope you will try to be with us. We don't combine the services often so every once in awhile, it is fun to worship as one family! Valerie will be sending out more information!

Just so you know, Jill and I will be heading to Florida this next week! We are excited about seeing my family and just getting away. So I will see you August 1st for a great teaching and worship experience.

Take care and God Bless...See you in Church!!