Being Known & Being Needed

Yesterday, I attended a virtual conference called, Future of the Church Summit (our SBC President J.D. Greear was a featured speaker).  One statement that stuck with me, was made by Chris Hodges who pastors Church of the Highlands in Alabama.  In talking about the future of the church, he said that even with all the fast-moving changes happening around us, the one thing he believes will never change is "a person's need to be known and their need to be needed"...to be a part of a community.  As the church shifts and pivots with an ever-changing culture, we must never lose sight of a person's need to be loved!  Today's lent reading spoke directly to this point.

I have loved you with an everlasting love.  Before time began, I knew you.  For years you swam around in a sea of meaninglessness, searching for love, hoping for hope.  All that time I was pursuing you, aching to embrace you in my compassionate arms.  When the time was right, I revealed Myself to you.  I lifted you out of that sea of despair and set you down on a firm foundation.

Jeremiah speaks to this as well in Jeremiah 31:3.  "Long ago the Lord said to Israel: 'I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.  With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

This Sunday at 9:30am, Larry Annes will continue our series "Gazing at Glory." This week we will focus on Jesus as the Light of the World from John 8.  Don't forget to join me in my office at 8:45am for prayer!

NOTE:  Our Sunday service continues to meet at 9:30am, with two options for participating.

1. Attend our live "in-person" gathering.  No reservations are required and we will continue to follow all necessary COVID guidelines.  Please wear a mask so we can keep everyone safe and healthy!
2. We value our online church community and will continue to livestream our church service at 9:30am for those who wish to participate. 

NOTE:  For the month of March, our "after-church" zoom gathering will be focusing on prayer as we prepare our minds and hearts for Easter.  This week we will be joining with other SBC churches all across America in praying for North American Missions.

Sunday Mornings in March:  "Prayer Focus"
10:45am to 11:30am
In-person and Zoom options 
Link for zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84125779768

As I mentioned at our Annual Meeting, we have two ancillary committee vacancies.  We need to fill one open seat on our Personnel Committee and one open seat on our Legal Committee.  On Sunday, March 21st, church members will have the opportunity to vote to confirm the following candidates for these two open positions. 

• Legal Committee:  Jonella Malinowski
• Personnel Committee:  Greg Malinowski

Should you have any questions about this process, please email Pastor Doug at doug.boyd@parksidefellowship.org or Mark Hester at mark.f.hester@gmail.com

If you currently have a listed prayer request, please let us know of any changes to the request.  You can do that by replying to this email or emailing Pastor Doug at doug.boyd@parksidefellowship.org

See You Sunday!

Pastor Doug