Happy Advent, Parkway!

Yesterday at the start of worship, I reminded everyone about the office hours through the end of the year. Wanted to send that out so that everyone has that information for any reason, but especially for any end-of-year giving.

A quick note about that. When I arrived at Parkway almost one year ago, one of the biggest concerns on the minds of everyone from staff, leadership, to the many people I was meeting everyday was making sure our financial house was in order and healthy. We worked the process and asked tough questions to make a good budget and a solid plan to use what is given for its true purpose: to help people grow as followers of Jesus and to serve people who need us most.

The good news I can report is that we've done that and more. Over the course of the last year we've found new ways to reach new people, meet needs, and invite people to go further in their journey of faith. I've seen this in everyday conversations, looking for new partnerships in the community, and the in feeling of good momentum on Sunday morning and beyond. We've done all of this while beating the budget for 9 of the last 11 months. There is no doubt that we're ending this year stronger than we began -- and I'm asking for your help in finishing out the year well.

If you believe in the work Parkway has done this year -- taking a step into a new chapter, returning to hosting community events, hiring talented staff, making progress with different projects like access to counseling and mental health care through Watershed, or being a go to partner for community groups across New Territory and beyond - I'm asking that you consider an end of year financial contribution to Parkway that helps your staff and leadership to continue the good work of planning for, dreaming about, and working towards all that Parkway can do, with God's help, in 2024.

The Parkway office will be open during regular hours (M - Th, 9am - 4pm) through Thursday, December 21st. The office will be closed from Monday, December 25^th through Monday January 1^st. Regular hours resume Tuesday, January 2^nd.

A Reminder -- any end-of-year giving must be received by Sunday, December 31^st to apply to 2023 tax deductions. The Parkway mailbox, across the drive-through in front of the Ministry Center, will be checked daily if you would like to leave any contribution there. We will check the mailbox one final time the morning of Tuesday, January 1^st. Any end-of-year contribution received at that time will be eligible for tax year 2023. Donations can also be processed through the regular electronic giving system, accessible here.

Thank you for all that you have done, prayed for, and given to make the past year of Parkway's life and ministry possible. There are good days ahead, new people to meet, help, and serve, and a vision to ensure that Parkway United Methodist Church is a force for good and Gospel in this place for many years to come.

Pastor Justin