Looking Forward Into 2019

It's hard to believe that 2019 is upon us and we are almost half-way through January.....crazy!

As I reflect on what God did in the life of our church this past year, let me take a moment and recap some of the highlights for you!

First of all, he brought us Pastor Avery to lead us in worship.  Although Avery continues to lead Common Ground as their Lead Pastor, somehow, he still finds the time to come alongside and help me design a service that brings glory to God and helps us become more like Jesus.  Be sure and say, "THANKS" to Avery the next time you see him.

God also brought together an amazing team of individuals within our own church family, who made the commitment to lock-arms and strategize ways to increase Parkside's influence in our community.  One of the key tasks undertaken by this team was to help our congregation understand the need to change the name of our church.  This was not an easy job and not without it's obstacles, but I'm so thankful that you chose to rally around this decision to change our name from First Baptist Church to Parkside Fellowship.  I have heard from many in our community who like our new name and see it as a positive step forward in increasing our ministry effectiveness.  Thanks Grow Young Team!  I could not have done it without you!

Finally, just this past December, we were able to close the books on two important financial transactions that will help us moving forward.  First, we were able to secure a new loan with the Northwest Baptist Foundation.  This new loan agreement, with a lower interest rate, allowed us to decrease our monthly payment from $11,600 per month to $6,768 per month.  Then, on December 31st, we closed on the sale of the orchard property to Tualatin Hills Park and Rec District.  With the proceeds from the sale of this property, we were able to decrease our loan amount from $1.42 million dollars, to just over $1 million dollars, which again, lowered our monthly payment from $6,768 to $5,700 per month.  This decrease in our loan payment will allow us the freedom to dream about how best to reach our community with the Gospel.

Please join us on Sunday at either 9:15am or 10:30am, as we give glory to God for "every perfect gift" that he has chosen to rain down on us during 2018.

At 9:15am, we will begin a new series called, Love God, Love Others.  Our focus will be on the Great Commandment and what it truly looks like to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.  For this week's message, you can get a head start by taking a moment to read the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42 and ask yourself the question....."Do I possess the heart of Mary or the heart of Martha?"....after Sunday, your answer might change!

At 10:30am, we will be asking the question, "What is the foundation for our belief in God and Jesus of the Bible?", as we begin a new series called, Who Needs God.  If you know someone who is skeptical of Christianity, or not quite sure if Jesus is for them, this would be a great series for them come to with their doubts and questions.

Pick a service that fits you and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Pastor Doug
Hi Parkside Fellowship Family.

It's hard to believe that 2019 is upon us and we are almost half-way through January.....crazy!

As I reflect on what God did in the life of our church this past year, let me take a moment and recap some of the highlights for you!

First of all, he brought us Pastor Avery to lead us in worship.  Although Avery continues to lead Common Ground as their Lead Pastor, somehow, he still finds the time to come alongside and help me design a service that brings glory to God and helps us become more like Jesus.  Be sure and say, "THANKS" to Avery the next time you see him.

God also brought together an amazing team of individuals within our own church family, who made the commitment to lock-arms and strategize ways to increase Parkside's influence in our community.  One of the key tasks undertaken by this team was to help our congregation understand the need to change the name of our church.  This was not an easy job and not without it's obstacles, but I'm so thankful that you chose to rally around this decision to change our name from First Baptist Church to Parkside Fellowship.  I have heard from many in our community who like our new name and see it as a positive step forward in increasing our ministry effectiveness.  Thanks Grow Young Team!  I could not have done it without you!

Finally, just this past December, we were able to close the books on two important financial transactions that will help us moving forward.  First, we were able to secure a new loan with the Northwest Baptist Foundation.  This new loan agreement, with a lower interest rate, allowed us to decrease our monthly payment from $11,600 per month to $6,768 per month.  Then, on December 31st, we closed on the sale of the orchard property to Tualatin Hills Park and Rec District.  With the proceeds from the sale of this property, we were able to decrease our loan amount from $1.42 million dollars, to just over $1 million dollars, which again, lowered our monthly payment from $6,768 to $5,700 per month.  This decrease in our loan payment will allow us the freedom to dream about how best to reach our community with the Gospel.

Please join us on Sunday at either 9:15am or 10:30am, as we give glory to God for "every perfect gift" that he has chosen to rain down on us during 2018.

At 9:15am, we will begin a new series called, Love God, Love Others.  Our focus will be on the Great Commandment and what it truly looks like to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.  For this week's message, you can get a head start by taking a moment to read the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42 and ask yourself the question....."Do I possess the heart of Mary or the heart of Martha?"....after Sunday, your answer might change!

At 10:30am, we will be asking the question, "What is the foundation for our belief in God and Jesus of the Bible?", as we begin a new series called, Who Needs God.  If you know someone who is skeptical of Christianity, or not quite sure if Jesus is for them, this would be a great series for them come to with their doubts and questions.

Pick a service that fits you and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Pastor Doug