Pastor's Update

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

The idea of Mother’s Day began following the Civil War. Julia Ward Howe made the suggestion that a special day be set aside to remember those mothers who hearts were broken by the death of their sons in battle. Ward made the suggestion this special "Mother’s Day" be dedicated to working toward peace, toward brother learning how to love brother and that fewer mothers’ hearts would be broken in the future.

While Ward did not get her day, the idea was not forgotten. Another woman, a hundred years ago, gave voice to the needs of often neglected and forgotten mothers, that they be honored and cared for, especially as they grew older. Anna Jarvis started a campaign for an annual religious celebration which eventually paved the way for this holiday, first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. A day which began to honor the sacrificial love mothers’ have to give up for their sons and daughters for the country they love.

This Sunday, we will hear words from the Apostle John that remind followers of Christ that living lives of sacrifice and love is what we are called to do.

Adopt an Intern!

John Ferguson brought the Summer Intern Program to Parkway in 2002 when he recruited college students to hang out with our youth in “The Lounge”. My children benefited from the quality time they spent with the interns so much that I decided to replicate the model for our Children’s Ministry. Instead of bringing in “outsiders”, five of our own high school seniors and college students became our 2009 Summer Interns. Two of them, Matthew and Mary Ellen, remained with us throughout this school year, teaching every Sunday.

Why does an Intern Program cost money? I agree that serving the church is the duty of every Christian and kids shouldn’t get paid for it. But providing summer-long weekly programming requires a BIG commitment on the part of the workers. College-bound kids are under a lot of pressure to earn their mad money, if not their actual tuition. The stipend we give at the end of the summer helps the student to make the choice to do God’s work instead of flipping burgers. It reinforces that this is actually a job, not something they can show up for if it’s convenient for them. That is crucial once we promote our activities to the community, we MUST have leaders here to deliver the program.

I hope you will give generously so that we can have a sufficient number of interns to do all the ministry we want to this summer. For more information, check out our site or contact Valerie.

Take A Step Forward!

Beginning this Sunday during the 9:00 worship hour, Gary Payne will kick off a new group, Old Fashion Bible Study. The group will read Scripture, figure out what it says and then apply the Scripture to life in the 21st century. This is a great opportunity for you especially if you see yourself at the Foundational or Growing places.

New Group Starting Monday May 17!

Weekly Intercessory Prayer Meeting
Mondays 10–11am, Chapel
Join us to lift up specific prayer requests that the congregation submits each Sunday. Intercession is praying for others. You don't have to be a "gifted" prayer warrior to intercede, just a heart to pray for those who are in need. Come experience the fellowship and joy of giving the gift of prayer. When we pray for others, God works a softness and tenderness that was not there before, in our hearts, and He rewards us in ways that only He can give. For more info, contact Q-1 Smith at 281.302.5538.

Ready for a Retreat?

If you would like to experience a one day, quiet, reflective, mainly independent retreat come with members of Parkway and Chapelwood United Methodist Church on Monday, May 17^th from 9:30 to 3pm. The retreat will be held at the Ruah Retreat Center on Lawndale in Houston. If you are interested or would like further information contact Julie Angle by May 12^th.

Acts of Kindness

The 5^th grade Confirmation Class is collecting stories about acts of kindness for their class project. We would like 1-2 sentences about an intentional act of kindness you performed, witnessed, or have been the recipient of. Contact Valerie to submit your story, or fill out a card at one of the Registration Kiosks this Sunday or next Sunday. If you would be willing to be interviewed or photographed for inclusion in the video we are preparing, visit our “booth” in the Ministry Center lobby near Faith Works this Sunday.

Carolina Creek Christian Camp

June 27th-July 3rd
This excellent Christian camp in Huntsville has partnered with Parkway to provide our children a meaningful camp experience for nearly half the cost of sending your child to camp on your own; only $300 for a full week! At this rate, perhaps you can scholarship your child’s unchurched friend! We do not accompany the children to camp, but all children enrolled under Parkway’s name will be grouped together for the week. Parents provide transportation to and from camp. The camp session is for ages 7-13. Register and pay online. Be sure to spread the word and invite your child’s friend to attend!

Second Mile Work Day

Saturday May 8th, 9am-12noon
Join us for Parkway’s next workday at 2nd Mile Mission Center where we stock shelves, sort donations, help in the warehouse and anywhere else needed. We need at least 20 people to make this happen, so bring your family and your Small Group! If you have questions or to sign up please contact Pam Johnson.

Family Promise

Rotation: May 16-23rd
Parkway hosts know the innocent face of our average Family Promise guest, who is 9 years old. One week each quarter, Family Promise and Parkway provides safe lodging, meals, welcoming care, and support services to help lift up families in need. We are honored to be God's hands and love our neighbors by hosting Family Promise guests; we need servant volunteers to provide evening meals and hosting in our Worship Center. This is a great time for Grow Groups to fellowship and serve. Families and individuals are welcome as well. Sign up by contacting Shirley Connally or sign up at the Outreach Kiosk in the lobby.

PLEASE EMAIL KATHY YOUR BIRTHDAY, YEAR NOT NEEDED!