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 

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

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

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, for week #3 of our series titled, Gospel:  The Story of a Redeeming God.

In Genesis 3, where sin entered the world and fractured it, we read how man exchanged the creator God...for creation.  I John 2:15-17 mirrors the fall of man and our daily struggle between God's best for our lives and what the world says we need.

"Do not love the world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.  These are not from the Father, but are from the world.  And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.  But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."  I John 2:15-17

The story of Genesis 3 is one of the saddest portions of scripture.  It's the "Bad News" of the gospel story.  But this "Bad News" is not the final chapter of the biblical story.  In the face of the worst thing that could ever happen, the Bible presents to us the best thing that could ever happen.  However, Matt Chandler reminds us that to truly appreciate the good news of the gospel, we must first understand and learn how to navigate the bad news...sin.  This is what we will focus on this Sunday as we walk through the bad news of Genesis 3 and unpack some lessons that will help us in our own daily struggle with the temptations of this world.  Please join us in-person or online beginning at 9:30am.

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. 

I want to invite you to stick around after our service, as our discipleship class will begin a study through the book of Luke.  Luke serves as a "Gospel story investigator" through his account of the life and ministry of Jesus.  The purpose of the book of Luke is to present the facts about Jesus so that people will place their faith in Him, as the Messiah.  This class begins at 10:45am and will serve to further enhance our gospel series.  Consider checking it out!

Sunday Morning Tech Volunteers
We are still in need of volunteers to help with the sound, live-streaming and PowerPoint on Sunday mornings.  No experience required!  Please see Doug or Roger for more information.

Church Council Nominations
It's that time of year again, where we nominate individuals to fill open positions on our church council.  A nominating committee has been put in place and is actively seeking recommendations to fill these open positions.  The members of the nominating committee are Mark Hester (chairman), Bev Lynam, Mary Stevens and Pastor Doug.  If you know an active member of Parkside Fellowship with outstanding leadership ability, you can nominate them by submitting their name via email to doug.boyd@parksidefellowship.org or there will be submission forms available on Sunday.  All submissions will be due no later than January 30th.

Finally, attached is this week's prayer list.  Thanks for being a church committed to praying for one another.

See you Sunday.

Doug

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our series called, The Gospel: The Story of a Redeeming God.  This Sunday, Larry Annes will unpack for us the amazing, indescribable, unconditional, mind-blowing, unshakeable love of God. 

Jeremiah 31:3 reads: "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'."

In commenting on this verse, the Dutch theologian, Geerhardus Vos, once wrote: "The best proof that He will never cease to love us lies in that He never began."  If God loves you eternally, there was never a time when that love began, so there will never be a time when that love ends.  It is an eternal, everlasting love.  There was never a moment in time when God didn't love us.  He has loved us eternally.  He has forever loved us and will forever love us.

On days when it doesn't feel like it...you are eternally loved by God.
When you are plagued by doubt...you are eternally loved by God.
When his promises seem absent and he seems distant...you are eternally loved by God.
When you feel alone and misunderstood...you are eternally loved by God.
On you best day and in your darkest moment...you are eternally loved by God.
His eternal love is your foundation.  Live in this hope.

Join us at 9:30am, as we continue our deep-dive into the nature, character and love of God; the person of Jesus Christ; the scope of salvation; and the finality of eternity.  A journey that will help us discover our own place in the gospel story and will fuel a passion to point others to the work of Christ in our own lives.

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 at 9:30am...and don't forget your mask!

Thanks in advance for being a church that values prayer.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug

When most of us think about the Christmas story, we picture a neatly packaged nativity scene with a little baby Jesus lying in a manger and Mary, Joseph, some shepherds and a few animals standing nearby.  Yet, the events leading up to and following the birth of Jesus were anything but neat and tidy.  In fact, the birth of Jesus was mixed with messiness and controversy.  You can feel the tension in Matthew 1:18-19 as he describes Mary's pregnancy and Joseph's contemplation of divorce.  Then in chapter 2 of Matthew, we read how King Herod, after being outwitted by the wise men, ordered the massacre of every boy in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and younger.  This act by King Herod forced Mary, Joseph and the newly born Jesus to flee to Egypt.

Much like the Christmas story of the Bible, many of us may feel torn between the excitement of the birth of Jesus and the global turmoil of today.  May I offer one suggestion:  allow the Incarnation of Jesus to move you toward a deep-rooted faith in a Savior who indwells his people through the Holy Spirit.  God is with us.  We can live confidently and victoriously, knowing that Jesus came to "save his people from their sins".

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our Advent series titled, Rediscovering Christmas.  This Sunday, we will focus on the word "Peace".  Is peace merely the absence of trouble?  For Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, trouble was all around them and yet, they were able to experience peace, as they waited on God to reveal His perfect plan...in His perfect time!  Come and discover how you can experience the same peace as Mary and Joseph, a peace not based on our circumstances; but rather, a peace based on a God who pardons, a God who is with us, a God who guides us and a God who provides for us. 

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 at 9:30am...and don't forget your mask!

I want to invite you to stick around after our service for two opportunities to connect.  The first is with each through one of our on-campus discipleship classes that meet at 10:45am. (see details below)

• Topic:  A Study in the book of James
• Topic:  A Study in the book of Mark

The second opportunity is to connect with our surrounding community.  See the message below from Pastor Roger.

Let’s go a caroling!
 
I will be passing out song with words as we sing acapella style. You’ll know these songs haha!
 
We’ll meet at Beaverton Lodge (12900 SW 9TH ST) AT 12:15pm to sing in the front entryway. Parking is limited so I recommend a nice short walk or carpooling.
 
After we sing at Beaverton Lodge (12:30ish), we’ll take a 5-minute walk over to Creekside Village (5450 SW Erickson Avenue) to sing. Use the main entryway.
 
If you have a fun Christmas hat, shirt, scarf, etc., please wear it!  We want to be festive and bring to cheer to everyone we see.
 
Once we finish with these two locations, we’ll walk (or drive) to 1st & Watson. There is some parking but limited. Meet in the commons (right next to Lionheart Coffee: 4590 SW Watson) at 1pm. We’ll sing one last time. Once we are finished singing, there are plenty of restaurants around us or you can head out.
 
See ya Sunday!
 
Roger

Thank you for continuing to pray for Parkside Fellowship.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug

Greetings from sunny California!  I hope you and your family had a fun, relaxing, food-filled Thanksgiving.

This Sunday at 9:30am, Rediscovering Christmas kicks-off with week #1 of Advent.  I love this time of year...the church is decorated, our gatherings are praise-filled and people are expectant with thoughts of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.  Join us on this first Sunday of Advent as Pastor Norm shares on the topic of Hope.

If you think about it, most of us run our lives on hope.  Hope gets us out of bed in the morning, it focuses our attention, brings us energy and helps us overcome our fears.  I like what Tim Keller says about hope, "Human beings are hope-shaped creatures.  The way you live now is completely controlled by what you believe about your future".  Hope is seeing our future as good--believing that things will be okay.  God's word has a lot to say about the future of His people.  Take time to read Revelation 21:1-5 and discover the hope we have as children of God. 

Believing in God for our future has the power to change everything! 

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 at 9:30am...and don't forget your mask!

It's not too late to join one of our Sunday discipleship classes.  We have two studies currently meeting each Sunday morning at 10:45am.  See Class details below:

Topic:  A Study in the book of James
Facilitator:  Mark Hester and Jonella Malinowski
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person ONLY

Senior Adult Discipleship Class
Topic:  A Study in the book of Mark
Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person ONLY

Thank you for continuing to pray for Parkside Fellowship.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug

Few men suffered as the Apostle Paul did, yet he learned how to remain content, even thankful, in the midst of his pain and suffering.  Paul learned to live above his circumstances--even in a prison cell.  We can do the same.  Refuse to let circumstances get you down.  Billy Graham liked to tell the story of a man named Matthew Henry and his reaction to being mugged.  "Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed."  Personally, I wonder if I could be so thankful if I experienced a similar situation.  What about you?

Join us Sunday at 9:30am for a special Thanksgiving Service.  In preparation for Sunday, pray Psalm 121 as a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!  He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.  The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.  The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.  The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.  The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

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 at 9:30am...and don't forget your mask!

It's not too late to join one of our Sunday discipleship classes.  We have two studies currently meeting each Sunday morning at 10:45am.  See Class details below:

Topic:  A Study in the book of James
Facilitator:  Mark Hester and Jonella Malinowski
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person ONLY

Senior Adult Discipleship Class
Topic:  A Study in the book of Mark
Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
10:45am to 11:45am
In-person ONLY

Thank you for continuing to pray for Parkside Fellowship.

See you Sunday.

Pastor Doug