Hi Parkway People -- 

My family is in that weird part of the year where one kid is back in school, and one is still waiting for preschool to start up next week. It's another week of sort-of-summer where we're searching for a normal rhythm when there isn't really one to be found. So it feels like we spend the week reacting to whatever happens knowing that this is how things are now, but won't always be.

I think that's a feeling that lots of families know — feeling like their now is always some step between what was and what hasn't started yet. And life somewhere in-between normals can be its own sort of tiring.

That's why a big focus of faith formation at Parkway centers on building and sustaining rhythms and habits instead of memorizing information or knowing enough. So much of life and faith grows out of the rhythms and habits we build for ourselves and our families beyond just going to church on Sunday. If you're in a place of waiting for the next normal, or settling into a new school year, give some thought to the rhythms and habits of you and your family. Where are the places where you are caring for and attending to your spirit? Where do you plan to encounter God in the midst of a world and schedule that only ever gets faster?

At Parkway we are working to get back into the rhythm of the school year: Parkway Children's Day School starts back next week, Table Talk is back this Sunday, Wednesday activities start back up next week (you should have gotten an email about that this week!) — but we are also looking for new ways to help people connect to God and others. 

Take a look at what's in the works and look for a place to connect — and if you're not seeing how you want to connect to faith formation, reply to this email and let me know. I'd love to work with you to build something new.

Justin

This Sunday Table Talk is back!

Table talk is basically going out to grab lunch after church. It's a simple way that we try to get people around a table to get to know one another and build the community that makes everything possible at Parkway. This Sunday we will be Live Oak Grill (12935 Dairy Ashford Rd, Sugar Land). There will be some room for kids to run and play outside, and we can usually find enough room in the air-conditioned patio. I hope to see you there!

The following Sunday, August 30th, Pizza with the Pastor will return after the summer off. 

Pizza with the Pastor is for anyone new-ish to Parkway — it's a chance to have lunch after the 10.30 service and get to know people who are getting to know Parkway. You can learn a little more about Parkway, the work we're doing, the values we care about, and, if you're ready, find a place to plug into the community.

If you're interested, you can use this link to sign up. There's no cost, we just want to make sure there is enough pizza for everyone.

Also, on August 30th, Parkway will host a Blood Donation bus in partnership with Gulf Coast Blood. 

If you're interested in donating blood, use this link to register for an appointment slot (use sponsor code: P580).

Save the Date!

2nd Grade Bible Presentation will be on September 20th! Please let Becky know if you have a 2nd Grader so we can ensure they are included, even if you cannot attend that Sunday. If your child of any age has not received a Bible from Parkway and you would like them to have one, please let Becky know (rbetz@parkwayumc.org).

Parkway's Family Promise week is coming up on September 13th – 17th. Several times a year, Parkway partners with Holy Cross Episcopal to provide meals for families working towards better, safer, more secure housing through the Family Promise organization. If you, your small group, some friends and neighbors, or the people you sit next to on Sunday can partner up and provide a meal for families, you can use this sign up genius to sign up.