This Sunday at 9:30am, Pastor Avery will continue our Unleashed series, as he shares with us about the goodness of God's love.  In thinking about this topic, I am reminded of a song that my sister and I chose to have played at my mom's memorial service.  It's simply titled, Goodness of God.  Below are some of the lyrics to this popular worship song:

"I love You, Lord, oh Your mercy never fails me.  All my days, I've been held in Your hands.  From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.  All my life You have been faithful.  All my life You have been so good.  With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.  I love Your voice.  You have led me through the fire and in darkest night You are close like no other.  I've known You as a Father.  I've known You as a Friend and I've lived in the goodness of God."

Why did my sister and I choose a song that speaks of God's goodness, when inside, both of us were experiencing pain over the loss of our mom?

The answer is as simple as the song title: Because God is good...all the time! 

When life is good, we find praising God easy because His kindness is evident.  But recognizing hardship as an expression of His care is hard.  In difficult times, we need to remind ourselves that the goodness of God's love is evident in all situations.  Difficult and painful situations in our lives are used by God to shape and mold us into the likeness of Jesus.

Remember, we live under the umbrella of God's goodness.  When circumstances and feelings tell you otherwise, rely on what you know about God's character and his love.  Throughout the day, look for signs of His loving care.  As your perspective changes, then no matter which way you turn, you'll be able to see confirmations that He is good.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week #3 of our study, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  This week, we will focus on the Practice of Simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug

 The book of Psalms has always been my "go to" book when I'm feeling discouraged or tired.  The words of David, Moses, Solomon and others have provided me with messages of hope, restoration, healing, God's glory and his magnificent love for us.  Of all the Psalms to choose from, Psalm 103 is one of my favorites.  In fact, one of my favorite verses in all of scripture is Psalm 103:8:

"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."

Psalm 103 begins with David blessing the holy name of the Lord and then goes on to list some of the incredible blessings enjoyed by you and me, as his children.  He reminds us that our Lord pardons all of our sins, heals all of our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, crowns us with loving kindness and compassion, and renews us like the eagles!  What an amazing picture of our Heavenly Father who redeems, renews, heals and pardons us.  David ends this Psalm by calling all of heaven and earth to praise His mighty name. 

Join me this Sunday at 9:30am, as Larry Annes continues our Unleashed series.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to gather together and "bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!"

This Sunday is also Mother's Day and Pastor Roger's last Sunday with us here at Parkside.  Please plan to stick around after the service for a time of fellowship, as we honor our moms, and give thanks to Pastor Roger for the ministry and leadership he has provided to Parkside.

NOTE:  There will be a basket for you to place notes of encouragement, gift cards or anything else you would like to give Pastor Roger in appreciation for his 3 years of ministry with us.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week 2 of their 5 week study titled, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  Week two will focus on the Promise of Simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug 

The message of the gospel is so simple and yet, so profound:  "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."  John 3:17-17

Just like the first generation of Hebrew believers, Christians today are inheritors of "so great a salvation" (Heb. 2:3).  And because of this, we must respond with lives that are driven by a relentless conviction that resists the tendency to drift.  How do we keep from drifting or getting pulled away from what is eternally important?

1. Continue to be transformed by the "old stuff" of the gospel message.  While it's important to continue to grow in spiritual knowledge, it's also important that we continue to thirst for a tall, cold glass of gospel milk.  Milk that is rich in the free gift of salvation that cannot be purchased, earned or passed down from one generation to the next.  Milk that provides us strength to live as disciples of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.  If you need to quench this thirst for gospel milk, I would suggest a slow, careful, and prayerful read through the book of Galatians or the book of Romans.

2. Also, be consistent in living out the truths of God's Word.  Drifting results either when we're under the currents of the unbelieving world outside of us or when we give in to the selfish desire within us.  Don't allow yourself to wander on your own instincts; but rather, anchor yourself on the immovable truth of the gospel.  To stay anchored, we need to daily--not weekly or monthly--attend to the application of God's Word. 

Join us this Sunday, at 9:30am, as we continue our series, Unleashed.  When Jesus conquered death, he unleashed for us a better, more secure path to God.  A path that is paved with the promise of eternal salvation and not the need to make daily sacrifices for our sins.  Being made right with God doesn't require us to work through a daunting list of do's and don'ts; rather, we are able to turn to our forever high priest, Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.  Take time this weekend to read Hebrews 1, as you prepare your hearts for worship.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship classes will combine for a 5 week study titled, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline. 

For week #1, The Premise of Simplicity, please read Luke 10:17-42 and consider the question:  "What is the 'one thing' necessary (vs.42)  Also, come prepared to share about the many things that keep you from being focused on the one necessary thing.  Hope to see you there!

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug

After his miraculous, bodily resurrection from the grave, Jesus spent forty days on earth, mainly with His disciples.  It must have been an incredible time for these men and women as they spent time with their resurrected Savior; because now, with a living breathing Jesus, all the hope, all the confidence, and all the dedication to the mission and message suddenly returned.  What an amazing experience it must have been!  Oh, how I would have loved to have been there to witness the reactions of those who went from the dark despair of a crucified Christ to the overwhelming joy of a risen Lord...all in a matter of days! 

How do you respond to the resurrection of Jesus?  What do we do with a resurrected Savior?  What was unleashed when Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of the tomb?

This Sunday at 9:30am, we will continue with our Unleashed series.  This week, we will focus our attention on the depth and breadth of the Good News.  We will be diving into Colossians 1:15-20, where the apostle Paul provides for us one of the earliest distinctly Christian hymns written in praise of Christ.  In the same spirit of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name", or "Crown Him with Many Crowns", Paul's purpose was to crown Christ Lord of all.  Take time this weekend to read Colossians 1:15-20.  Its words are packed with deep reverence for Christ and profound theological truth.  It focuses on the unique person and work of Jesus, underscoring the absolute sufficiency of Christ as Lord!

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am and together, let's declare that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Also, consider staying after the service and attending our adult discipleship class that begins at 10:45am.  Pastor Roger will be leading this week, as he introduces a brand-new study that will be led by Martha Bailey.  Don't miss it!

Thank you for being a church that prays for one another.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug

Beginning this Sunday at 9:30am, we look back at arguably the most important week in human history..."Holy" or "Passion" Week.  The climax of Jesus's messianic ministry began as he entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday.  He rode into the city on the back of a donkey as Israel's Messiah-King.  While the journey between Bethany and the gates of Jerusalem was rather short, to the crowd that gathered along the road on that Sunday morning, it was a profoundly important journey that had the potential to seal their eternal destinies.  Holy Week could not have begun on a bigger note!

As you read the account of the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21:1-11, look for yourself in the crowd.  Are you the one pushing and shoving your way to front, wanting to get as close to Jesus as you possibly can, while you place your own garment on the ground as an act of worship and honor, acknowledging Him as your Savior and Lord?  Can the people closest to you see your devotion to Jesus, or do you follow from afar, keeping the "Hosannas" to yourself?  Maybe you're like those who got swept up in the excitement of the moment, hoping to gain some short-term joy and celebrity status, as you get close to Jesus of Nazareth.

There's only one right response to the One who has come to reign in our lives...total surrender.  It's the one response that doesn't come naturally to any of us.  And yet, with all of our heart, soul, and strength, we are called to join the loud chorus of eternal "Hosannas"!  Join us this Sunday as we proclaim in one loud voice, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna, Hosanna to the King!"

Below is the schedule for Holy Week at Parkside Fellowship:

• This Sunday, April 10 is Palm Sunday.  Make plans now to join us at 9:30am for a special Palm Sunday service.  NOTE:  Adult Sunday School classes will meet at their normal time.
• Good Friday service will take place in our Fireside Room on Friday, April 15th at 7:00pm.  You won't want to miss this special time of singing, reflection and communion, as we "hear" from some who were there, as Jesus died for our sins.
• Easter Sunday at Parkside Fellowship!  Easter is the celebration of Christ's glorious resurrection and His triumph over sin and death.  Join us as hope is Unleashed through our risen Savior...Jesus!   Easter service at 9:30am.

As we gather for our in-person services, Parkside Fellowship has adopted a mask optional policy, based on the recommendations of our state and local leaders.  Please join us this Sunday at 9:30am, masked or unmasked, for a time of singing, prayer, encouragement from God's word and fellowship.  We look forward to seeing you!

Thank you for being a church that prays! 

See you Sunday.

Doug

This Sunday at 9:30am, we will wrap-up our series titled, Jesus in the Wilderness.  Through the lens of Matthew's gospel, we have been looking in on Jesus as he spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Satan. With this third and final temptation, Satan drops his pretense and makes one final, desperate effort to corrupt Jesus.  He had first suggested what Jesus ought to do for Himself.  Next he suggested what the Father ought to do for Jesus.  In his third temptation, the devil attempted to coax Jesus into worshiping him for a magnificent but short-term gain.  Satan is telling Jesus what he can do for him--in exchange for what Jesus could do for Satan.

Through the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, we learn the keys to victory over our own temptations:

1.  Trust and Obey God
2.  Commit to following His purpose and plan for our life.
3.  Hold on tight to our convictions and values without compromise.

Simply, we find help against temptation, just as we find help for everything else in the Christian life, by "fixing our eyes on God and His Son, Jesus".  Keeping our eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ is our only hope of conquering temptation and faithfully running the race that is set before us.  And as we do, I believe God will do for us exactly what he did for Jesus....

"Then the devil went away and angels came and took care of Jesus".  Matthew 4:11

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am and find your rest in Jesus.

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside Fellowship has adopted a mask optional policy, based on the recommendations of our state and local leaders.  Please join us this Sunday at 9:30am, masked or unmasked, for a time of singing, prayer, encouragement from God's word and fellowship.  We look forward to seeing you!

After the service, at 10:45am, I want to invite you to join one of our adult discipleship communities.  We have two to choose from:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

Holy or "Passion" Week at Parkside Fellowship

• Next Sunday, April 10 is Palm Sunday.  The climax of Jesus's messianic ministry began as he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Holy or "Passion" Week could not have begun on a bigger note!  Make plans now to join us for a special Palm Sunday service on April 10th at 9:30am.
• Good Friday service will take place in our Fireside Room on Friday, April 15th at 7:00pm.  You won't want to miss this special time of singing, reflection and communion, as we "hear" from some who were there, as Jesus died for our sins.
• Easter Sunday at Parkside Fellowship!  Easter is the celebration of Christ's glorious resurrection and His triumph over sin and death.  Join us as hope is Unleashed through our risen Savior...Jesus!   Easter service at 9:30am.

Thank you for being a church that prays! 

See you Sunday.

Doug

Charles Swindoll, in his commentary on the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4, wrote, "When we ponder Satan's strategies and goals in leading us into temptations that test our faith and obedience, we need to keep some important principles in mind."  He goes on to share 4 simple reminders as we face temptation:

1.  Remember that Satan is a defeated enemy--so don't fear and don't be intimidated in the face of his temptations.  "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."  (I John 4:4)
2.  Remember that God's Word is alive and powerful--so don't hesitate to stand on it.  "The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword."  (Hebrews 4:12)
3.  Remember that God is our shield and sustainer--so don't lean on your own strength.  "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge...".  (Psalm 18:2)
4.  Remember that you don't have to yield to temptation--so resist its call.  "Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  (James 4:7)

This Sunday at 9:30am, we will continue our journey with Jesus in the Wilderness, only this time, Jesus is not in the wilderness, but is standing on a temple wall overlooking Jerusalem and the valley beyond.  With this second temptation, Satan is enticing Jesus to presume on God, to test God, to manipulate God...for His own personal gain.  Thankfully, Jesus was not about to put his own personal plans above those of His Father.  Jesus did not come to play God.  He came to cooperate with God...to fulfill the will of His Father.  Are you tempted to presume upon God for your needs, wants and desires?  Or do you rest confidently in His divine provisions for all that you need?  Join us this Sunday at 9:30am as we focus on Matthew 4:5-7.

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside Fellowship has adopted a mask optional policy, based on the recommendations of our state and local leaders.  Please join us this Sunday at 9:30am, masked or unmasked, for a time of singing, prayer, encouragement from God's word and fellowship.  We look forward to seeing you!

After the service, at 10:45am, I want to invite you to join one of our adult discipleship communities.  We have two to choose from:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

 Thanks for being a church committed to praying for one another.

See you Sunday.

Doug

Before officially beginning His public ministry, Jesus would figuratively retrace the steps of the Hebrew people through the wilderness.  There in the rugged Judean hill country, He would also face the temptations that would cause other kings, like King David, to fall.  Matthew states emphatically that Jesus went there specifically to "be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1)  The Greek verb rendered "tempt" means to "try and learn the nature or character of someone or something by submitting such to thorough and extensive testing."  In other words, Jesus went into the desert to confront His enemy and prove that He was the Son of God.  At the end of his 40 day wilderness experience, Jesus would emerge as the one true King, worthy of saving us from our sins!  

What lessons can we learn from Jesus' time in the wilderness?  Why do we give into temptation?  Why do we keep making bad decisions?  Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we begin a 3 week journey with Jesus in the Wilderness.  During this series we will look at the driving forces behind the temptations we face every day.  Once we realize what is behind temptation, we can find the confidence to respond as Jesus did...with a right attitude, a right heart and a right desire.  In preparation for Sunday, you might consider reading Matthew 4:1-11 and Deuteronomy 8:2-3.    

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside Fellowship has adopted a mask optional policy, based on the recommendations of our state and local leaders.  Please join us this Sunday at 9:30am, masked or unmasked, for a time of singing, prayer, encouragement from God's word and fellowship.  We look forward to seeing you!

After the service, at 10:45am, I want to invite you to join one of our adult discipleship communities.  We have two to choose from:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

Thanks for being a church committed to praying for one another.

See you Sunday.

Doug

I want to thank all of those who attended our church's annual meeting last Saturday and took the time to vote on our 2022 proposed church budget.  The budget passed with 100% approval.....God is good!

Also, both Shirley Andersen and Mark Hester were confirmed to the church council with 100% approval.

If you were not able to attend the meeting, I presented a theme for the year...Re--Engage!

This year, I'm asking our church family to Re--Engage in three specific areas.

1. Within our Church Family
2. Within our "Churches on Erickson Ave." Family
3. Within our Neighborhood Community

In sharing these three specific areas of reengagement, Pastor Roger provided specific opportunities for engaging with each other, with the other churches that meet on our campus, and within our own neighborhood.  I would encourage you to contact Roger and join one of his initiatives to help you re--engage with what God is doing within Parkside Fellowship; the "Churches on Erickson Ave." and in our own local community.

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as Larry Annes speaks on being Alive in God's Love.  He will be sharing from I John 2, where the Apostle John reminds us how destructive and deadly sin can be.  The good news is we have a God who is for us and sent us an advocate in Jesus to extract us from the penalty of sin and walk alongside us in our walk with God.  Please join us and yes, masks will still be required to attend.

Also, consider staying after the service and joining one of our adult Sunday School classes.  We have two opportunities for you to connect in community:

• Study of the Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

As our nation begins to open up, after 2 full years of limited social interaction, I want to share some thoughts on the "Power of Being Together".  As the power of technology continues to progress in our society, allowing for real time meetings anywhere, we are seeing a world that has never been more close...and more distant.  Smartphones and social media widen our relational networks, allowing us to keep up with old friends while constantly meeting new people.

While technology makes many new things possible and many old things easier, it limits intimate, personal relationships.  It limits true Christian Koinonia.  The digital age must never replace the personal relationships God intends for us as part of His body, the church.  There is no substitute for being together.  There is nothing that can compare to using one's gifts to bless, encourage, share with, and pray for other believers in person.  God calls us to be the church--personally.

Look at what Paul wrote about the power of being together.

"God knows how often I pray for you.  Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.  One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.  For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.  When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."   Romans 1:9-12

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as together, we encourage one another!

Special Announcement:  Mask Required Mandate will end on Sunday, March 13th.

From the very beginning of the pandemic, our church leadership has been committed to following the guidelines and rules set forth by both the CDC, the Oregon Health Authority and our state leaders. 

On Monday, February 28th, Governor Brown made the announcement that Oregon would be joining with California and Washington in lifting the indoor mask mandate on March 12th.  This means that on Sunday, March 13th, we will no longer require that you wear a mask in order to attend an event at Parkside Fellowship (either indoor or outdoor).  Our church leadership has been diligent to follow all COVID-19 related guidelines and will continue to do so in the future.  Again, beginning Sunday, March 13th, Parkside Fellowship will no longer require that you wear a mask inside our building.

NOTE:  Masks will still be required this Sunday, March 6th!

Please pray for the needs of those in our church family.

For His Glory,

Pastor Doug