Hi Parkway People! 

It's been strange to be in the office this week. It's too quiet. 

The next few weeks are the quietest weeks of the year around the Parkway buildings — There's no day school and Kids Adventures has wrapped up for the summer. Many of our smaller groups and community partners won't be back in the building until after the school year gets up and running.

It's the quiet that is often there as we step between seasons. I'm trying to use it to prepare, to hit reset, to think about how I am going to step from summer normal (also known as chaos) into school-year normal.

It can often feel like time, seasons, and cycles are things that happen to us — that come and go no matter how much we try to lean-in, resist, or control them. And, in many ways, that is true. You can, however, choose how to mark, hallow, and intend to exist in an ever changing and ever cycling world.

My hope and prayer for you and for Parkway — as you start to get all of the school emails like I've been getting, as you fill out forms, start at new schools, buy grandkids back to school clothes, or whatever else might fill your time and thoughts — is that your experience of God and life as a part of this community will help you meet this next season with thoughtfulness, intention, attention to what really matters in a loud world, and hope sustained by the God and community that will continue to meet you and shape you in this and all seasons.

Take a look below at what's going on in the Parkway community and how you can jump in and be a part!

Justin

First — a thank you to all who donated school supplies and money to support Parkway's partnership with Fort Bend Hope in making sure students across Fort Bend County have what they need to get a great start to the school year. Jachin has put in some work to catalog everything donated and make a video — watch for it to drop on Parkway's Facebook on Friday.

Coming Up Next Week:

Our end-of-summer children, student, and family's trip to Typhoon Texas is next week on Tuesday, August 4th.

Typhoon Texas



Registration for Typhoon Texas closes this Sunday, August 2nd. Usually we are able to be flexible on late registrations, but since the tickets include food, etc, we will not be able to accept any late registrations!

One other reminder, any child younger than age 10 must have a parent go with them and stay at Typhoon Texas.

Anyone who would like to go, but the price of a ticket is the issue, please respond to this email and let me know. We never want cost to be a reason that anyone is excluded.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Meagan Miller, Director of Student Ministry at mmiller@parkwayumc.org.

You can register HERE.

Registration for the End-Of-Summer Student Retreat closes this Sunday, August 2nd!

Parkway students will finish the summer and get ready to start another school year with a retreat in Galveston on August 7 - 9. Students will depart on Friday and return for 10.30 worship on Sunday. You can use this link to get more information or register. If your student would like to attend, but the $100 cost would keep them from going, please reply to this email and let me know. Parkway never wants cost to be a reason that someone is excluded. Register HERE.

Looking Ahead:

Promotion Sunday + Potluck is Sunday, August 9th

Parkway will celebrate the start of a new school year, pray for all students and educators, and promote children and students up to new age level groups on Sunday, August 9th. In the past, we've called this Blessing of the Backpacks, but we are making some changes to how we mark this new season — children and students do not need to bring their backpacks this Sunday!

Please plan to stay after the 10.30 service for a potluck lunch in the atrium of the Ministry Center. Bring food to share and we'll all eat together as a community.

Students Back to School Ice Cream Social

Students will be meeting for ice cream at Baskin Robins on August 14th from 5-6pm.

All 7th-12th graders are invited! Parkway will provide payment for all students.

Parkway at the Park for Parkway Kids and 456

On Saturday, August 15th, Parkway will set up at the pavilion in Pecan Park right here in New Territory to celebrate a great first week of school. We will be there 9am - 11am on Saturday morning with snacks. Come play at the park, tell Mrs. Becky about your first week of school, and hang out with other Parkway families.

Wednesday Nights are back on August 26th

During the school year, groups and studies for children, students, and adults meet on Wednesdays from 6 - 7.30. Save the date now and we'll send out more information about studies and topics in the coming weeks!



Blood Drive @ Parkway on Sunday, August 30th

From 9am - 1pm on Sunday, August 30th, Parkway will host a Donor Coach from Gulf Coast Blood. You can sign up for an appointment time HERE (Sponsor code: P580) or check availability on the day of the blood drive.