Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Parkside Family!

As we close the book on 2021, I don't think anyone would argue that the last two years have been filled with loss, disappointment, hope, confusion, frustration and constant changes.  The pandemic has forever changed our world and yet we will gather this Sunday to thank God for a brand-new year.  Like the beginning of 2021, many are speculating that 2022 will turn out to be better than 2021, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that nothing is certain...except God and His love for us!  COVID-19 may have changed our world, but it cannot change my God.  James 1:17 reminds us that God never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  He is the Alpha and Omega--the beginning and the end.  The God who was and is and is to come!

As we begin a brand-new year, let's place our hope and trust in the one who redeems, restores and renews.  This is what God does for us when we come to Him and confess our sin.  How many times in your life have you wished you could start all over again with a clean slate, with a new life?  Resolve right now to allow God to wipe your slate clean by placing your hope and trust in Him and let Him give you a brand-new start to a brand-new year.  The apostle Paul did this when he said, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us." (Philippians 3:13-14) 

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we launch a brand-new series called, The Gospel: The Story of a Redeeming God.  Our story of forgiveness and redemption, although personal to each of us, was never meant to be kept private.  The vision behind this series is, as we take a deep-dive into the nature, character and love of God; the person of Jesus Christ; the scope of salvation; and the finality of eternity; that each of us will fall in love with our own place in the gospel story, that will fuel a passion to point others to the work of Christ in our own lives.  Join us this Sunday at 9:30am, as we embark on a journey to what the apostle Paul referred to as, "of first importance".

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!

Also, our Sunday Discipleship classes will resume this Sunday.  (see details below)

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

NOTE:  Pastor Roger's sister, Kelly passed away this past Wednesday.  Please pray for Pastor Roger and Mary Jo as they fly to Oklahoma to be with family.   

Thanks in advance for being a church that values prayer.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug