Praying for Unity

On the last night of his life Jesus prayed a prayer that stands as a citadel for all Christians:

I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching.  Father, I pray that they can be one.  As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us.  Then the world will believe that you sent me.  John 17:20-21

It's overwhelming to think that Jesus, knowing the end is near, prays for us.  Notice he didn't pray for our success, safety, health or happiness.  He prayed for our unity.  He prayed that we would love each other.  I also want to point out that he prayed for "those who will believe because of their teaching."  Jesus, before he went to the cross to die for our sins, prayed that together, we would spread the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am as we continue our series, Gospel:  The Story of a Redeeming God.  This week, we will unpack one of Jesus' most famous parables...the sower, the seed and the soil.  In this parable, Jesus is going to scatter seeds over the crowd, landing on all kinds of soil.  The harvest would, in time, reveal which kind of soil the seed found in each person.  Would their hearts look to the Lord for more, or turn away?  While this parable is included in Matthew, Mark and Luke, we will be focusing on Luke's account in Luke 8:4-15.  As we prepare to gather together to give God praise, consider taking a few moments to read Luke 8:4-15.

Join us this Sunday at 9:30am for the good news of the gospel story.

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 we offer two opportunities for you to connect in community:

• Study of Gospel of Luke
• Study in Wisdom

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
This Sunday is the last day to submit nominations for our church council.  You can nominate by submitting their name via email to doug.boyd@parksidefellowship.org or there will be submission forms available on Sunday.

Parkside Fellowship Annual Meeting
Our annual church meeting will take place on Saturday, February 26th at 2:00pm in the Fireside room.  At this meeting, our church council will share with you ministry goals and opportunities for the coming year.  We will also be voting on our 2022 budget and the nominees for church council.  Please circle Saturday, February 26th on your calendars and plan to attend.

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

See you Sunday.

Doug