Back before cell phones, texting, instagram, snapchat, etc., the only way to let your family and friends experience your vacation with you, was through those familiar "wish you were here" picture postcards.  You know the ones I'm talking about.  A 4x6 overpriced, thick, cardstock quality piece of paper, with a color picture of some exotic location on one side and a brief description on the other side, with just enough room left over for you to write a brief note along with a name and address.  What I loved most about these postcards was the enticement for the recipient to get up and get moving. 

In the spirit of the "postcard from paradise", this Sunday at 9:30am, we are kicking-off a brand new series called, Postcards with a Punch.  What we are going to be doing over the next couple of months is taking a deep dive into some "postcard" type letters from the Bible.  When I say postcard letters from the Bible, what I am referring to are those short books like II and III John, Philemon and others.  As we open these short letters from scripture, what we will quickly realize is that short does not mean insignificant or irrelevant.  In fact, I titled this series, Postcards with a Punch, because each of the books we are going to look at contain passionate language and vivid "postcard worthy" imagery that communicates the urgency to stand up and fight for the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the next 3 weeks we will focus our attention on the little book of Jude.  Jude is the second to the last book in the New Testament.  A book often lost in the shadow of its next-door neighbor...the book of Revelation.  But even with just 25 verses and 613ish words, the book of Jude still packs a punch, as the author wastes no time in providing us with a fighter's manual for defending the faith.  In a world where people emphasize love without truth and tolerance without limits, the letter of Jude stands as a timely reminder to stand firm for and even fight for the faith.

Take some time this weekend to read the book of Jude and, in the midst of the call to contend for the faith, don't forget Jude's closing benediction:

"Now all glory to God who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.  All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.  All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!  Amen."  Jude 24-25

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, Martha will lead a workshop on how to prepare your own way 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

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 

This Sunday, at 9:30am, we will continue our series called, Exodus: Seeing God in the Journey.  This week, we be in Exodus chapters 5 and 6, as we learn how obedience to God's call does not mean everything will be easy.  Remember what Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33:

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Three timeless principles we can take away from this verse are:  1.  Circumstances that turn against us force dependence.  When you find yourself in a situation that suddenly goes from bad to worse, you are humbled, and that forces you into a position of dependence upon the Lord.  That's precisely where God wants you.  2.  Circumstances that force dependence teach us patience.  In a position of dependence, we are forced to wait on God and give Him time to work.  3.  Circumstances that teach us patience make us wise.  The wisdom we learn from our experiences and from our testings will stay with us and bless us the rest of our lives. 

Let your minds meditate on James 1:2-5 as you prepare your hearts for our Sunday gathering.

Prior to our 9:30am service, join us at 8:45am in Pastor Doug's office, for a special time of praying for Parkside and the other churches that meet on our campus.

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside church staff and leadership will be wearing masks and we are asking everyone to do the same.  Please consider joining us this weekend.  We were created by God to worship and praise Him together, in community, so plan on being at Parkside this Sunday at 9:30am and don't forget your mask!

Also, for those that are not able to join us in-person, you can still join us online

After the service, consider staying for one of our two discipleship classes that meet at 10:45am.  See class details below: 

Keeping It Simple:  Spiritual Disciplines for a Focused Life
Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person and on zoom
Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82089655176

Revelation:  The Christian's Ultimate Victory
Facilitator:  Trudy Reusser
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person ONLY

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug

​Tucked away in the 3rd chapter of Proverbs are a couple of verses you probably know from memory.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Over the past few months, God has been reminding me to rely on him, letting him take the lead and yielding the steering wheel of my life to his steady hands.  There's also a warning in these verses that we tend to skip over:  "lean not on your own understanding".  In other words, don't attempt to lead in your own strength; but rather, lean hard into God and his will.  Our part in God's plan for our lives is to trust him whole-heartedly, in every corner of our lives, recognizing that he is the one in charge.

But let's not forget God's promise in verse 6.  "He will make your paths straight".  Other translations use the word, "smooth".  In other words, he will smooth out your path.  He'll take care of each of those obstacles on the trail ahead of you.

I want to thank you for continuing to pray for Parkside Fellowship.  As we patiently wait on God to show us which path to take, let's commit ourselves to lean on him, focus on his will and let him begin to smooth out the path in front of us.

This Sunday, at 9:30am, we will continue our series called, Exodus: Seeing God in the Journey.  This week, we be in Exodus chapter 4, as we look at how the power of God almost always flows through obedience rooted in faith.  Also this Sunday, Bedrock Community Church will be joining us for a portion of the service, as they baptize kids who accepted Jesus as their Savior during VBS.  I am excited that Parkside is able to join in the celebration, as we witness the power of the gospel to change lives!  God is awesome!

Prior to our 9:30am service, join us at 8:45am in Pastor Doug's office, for a special time of praying for Parkside and the other churches that meet on our campus.

As we gather for our in-person service, Parkside church staff and leadership will be wearing masks and we are asking everyone to do the same.  Please consider joining us this weekend.  We were created by God to worship and praise Him together, in community, so plan on being at Parkside this Sunday at 9:30am and don't forget your mask!

Also, for those that are not able to join us in-person, you can still join us online

After the service, consider staying for one of our two discipleship classes that meet at 10:45am.  See class details below: 

Keeping It Simple:  Spiritual Disciplines for a Focused Life
Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person and on zoom
Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82089655176

Revelation:  The Christian's Ultimate Victory
Facilitator:  Trudy Reusser
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person ONLY

Update on Bill Walker Celebration of Life service.  A service for Bill Walker will be held here at Parkside Fellowship on Saturday, September 25th at 10:30am.

Finally, attached is this week's prayer list.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug