​Never was a cloudy day in September…so we hope! Pastor Doug and I are excited about our plans for Sundays over the next four weeks. There are two items we’d like you to place on your calendar and plan to attend as you are able.
 
First, we will be meeting together in the parking lot for worship services 9:30-10:30am every Sunday in September weather permitting. If you attended the most recent service, you have a good idea of what to expect. Pastor Doug will be leading us through the Life of Jonah in his most recent sermon series. Consider bringing a friend or two. People are more open to getting out of the house right now creating a perfect opportunity for us to invite them to a worship service.
 
Second, we will begin offering one in-person discipleship class inside the church! The class will meet each Sunday in September from 10:45-11:45am. It will be limited to 50 people (ages 13+). We will follow protocols to keep us safe as Larry Annes leads our discussion. Here is an excerpt of the class offering:
 
“Few pastors or Christian writers have dared to approach the subject of how proper eating and an active lifestyle can affect how we serve God. Author Gary Thomas does just that. And he reaches all the way back to the apostle Paul, who wrote that we need to prime our bodies to become, "an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." – Promo from “Every Body Matters” book that we will utilize as our main resource.
 
We hope you’ll consider joining us this Sunday and staying for the class. We do need to know if you are planning to attend the class so we can make a decision on which room to use. Please email me (roger.sharp@parksidefellowship.org) to let me know of your interest.
 
If you cannot attend the worship service, please join us online as we live-stream via YouTube. Go to the church website (www.parksidefellowship.org) and then click either “Streaming on YouTube” or “Streaming on Facebook.”
 
“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.”- Philippians 3:13–15
 
Blessings,
 
Pastor Roger

 Merry Christmas Parkside Family!
​
Christmas is here!  It's time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, whose name is Immanuel...God with us!
​
As I have been sharing in our "Christmas Wonder"... series, the Christmas story began long before Mary and Joseph, a bunch of shepherds and some wise men watched as Jesus exploded onto the scene.  The story of Christmas began way back in the book of Genesis, when God first promised that one day, He would send a Messiah to redeem mankind from his brokenness.  And while the last chapter of the Christmas story begins with the words, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.  And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.  She gave birth to her first child, a son.  She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available to them.", it doesn't end there.  The last chapter is still being written.  Bethlehem was just the beginning.  Jesus gave a promise of a repeat performance.  The skies will open up, trumpets will blast and a new kingdom will begin. 

The point of Christmas is that you and I need a Savior and because of Bethlehem we have one!  Let's not keep this a secret.  Invite someone to join you this Sunday morning at 10:30am for Christmas at Parkside!  Below are the details:

This Sunday, December 22nd, we will have ONE service at 10:30am.  There will be NO adult Sunday School.

The morning kicks-off at 9:30am with our Christmas cafe' featuring an assortment of fruit, bagels, pastries, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate.

At 10:30am we will all gather in our main sanctuary for a time of celebration featuring Christmas carols, advent candlelighting and a presentation by our very own Mary Jo Sharp, who will be speaking on the topic, "Is the Story of Jesus a Copy of the Pagan Myths?"  Mary Jo is an accomplished Author, Professor and Apologist. 

This Sunday represents a great opportunity for you to invite a relative, friend or neighbor who may need to hear the true story behind the birth of Jesus.  Who are you going to bring with you this Sunday?

So, don't forget this Sunday, December 22:  One service at 10:30am.  No Sunday School.  Christmas Cafe opens at 9:30am.  Don't come alone!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug