Hi Parkway People -- 

If you were here last Sunday, you got to hear a pastor losing his voice try and preach a sermon. That has never happened to me before and I am thankful for all the people who handed me water, tea, cough drops, or smiled through it like nothing was wrong!

Losing my voice was the sign of things to come — I've been sick and out of the office until today. In that time, and reflecting on Sunday, I've been thinking about what it means to lose your voice — and how so many ways of thinking about faith are dependent on words and having a voice. For all the ways words can try to substitute for action, or how splitting theological hairs has been mistaken for the substance of faith — it is healthy to think about what each of our faith lives would look like if we 'lost our voice.' That faith can be, and maybe should be, quiet action in a world where loud voices dominate, but do little.

As we get ready to step into Lent, a slow and quiet season of reflection and spiritual practices, I'd challenge you to think about faith in quieter, voiceless ways that instead lean on action and connection with God. In this there is a freedom from 'the right words' or 'having answers' and instead a contentment and joy rooted in noticing and connecting to the quiet ways God is present with us and how we might be present with God.

This coming Sunday, February 15th is officially Josiah's last Sunday at Parkway before he and Carren step into a new chapter with new opportunities. We will gather for a reception between the 9am and 10.30 services in the Worship Center Lobby to celebrate their good work in Student Ministry and wish them well. Stop by, grab a kolache, and wish Josiah and Carren well in their next chapter!

This Sunday, February 15th is also the last Sunday before we begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 18th. We will wrap up our preaching series on Belonging and look ahead to Lent as a season of reflection, slowing down, and preparing to celebrate Easter.

One special way that we will mark this transition is by burning the palms from last year's Palm Sunday. It is an ancient tradition to burn last year's palms to make the ashes for this year's Ash Wednesday. At the close of worship in both services, you'll be invited to take a palm, to reflect upon the season that is ahead, and burn it in a firepit in front of the Worship Center. After they cool, I'll gather these ashes and use them in the Ash Wednesday service to mark people with the sign of the cross.

Parkway will hold a traditional Ash Wednesday service in the Worship Center on Wednesday, February 18th at 7pm. It will be a service of music, Scripture, reflection, and the imposition of ashes.

I will also impose ashes Wednesday morning in the chapel of the Ministry Center from 8.30 - 9.30 am. In past years I have done this for PCDS teachers, but this year I want to offer this to anyone interested.

I am still gathering interest in a new Bible study I'm calling New-ish to the Bible. I want to build a study for people who aren't 'Bible study people,' who feel like they know nothing about the Bible, or who are coming back to the Bible after many years. All questions and doubts are welcome, and my hope is building a space for people new-ish to the Bible will help with the intimidation factor. Right now, I am looking to meet on Tuesday evenings.

If you're interested, fill out this 30 second FORM!

Saturday, February 21st, Parkway Men's Ministry will host a Top Golf Event to benefit Creative Dreams Outreach Center. There's no cost to register and lunch is included! If you'd like to join in for a good cause, click HERE to sign up.

Finally — We sent out an email earlier this week about the Chili Potluck on Sunday, February 22nd. This is our first Table Talk of 2026 — getting Parkway people around a table to talk, meet, and build relationships and community. If you're willing to bring some chili, dessert, or sides to share, let us know HERE so we can make sure there is enough for everyone!

See you Sunday!

Justin