The Quiet Revolution Continues

Pastor's Update

Hi Parkway People --

Happy Advent! It's always great to see the lights and trees go up, to hear songs of the season, and to return to the story that grounds and focuses all of the other stories we tell throughout the year: that Christ was born among us, as us, and reveals God to us.

It's a quiet story that can hide in the busyness and brightness of the season.

Parkway's Advent series this Advent is called Quiet Revolution - it's a look at big, loud Old Testament hopes for who God would send one day, contrasted with God showing up a little quieter than expected. Each week we'll take a look at what quiet faith looks like in a world that turns on hurry and that loves loud winning.

This Sunday we'll continue on in the series learning from the Old Testament Book of Malachi on how to navigate a complicated world with a million choices and each of us only have so many yes-es to give. We will ALSO host special music by Parkway Children's Day School students and teachers at the 10.30 service.

New Grow Group

The new Families with Kids Grow Group will meet this Friday at the home of Micaela and Cameron Waldner. If you're looking for a smaller community to plug into, this is a great way to jump in and get to know people. If you'd like to attend, reply to this email and I will get you the address. Bring an appetizer to share!

Second Mile Toy Drive

I've had people ask about this long-standing Parkway tradition — and my answer has been I haven't heard anything from Second Mile this year. We found out this past week that our invitation to participate was sent to a wrong email address and it's all been a big miscommunication.

The good news is that we can still be a part even though we are late to the party! The collection boxes are set up in the Ministry and Worship Centers and will be there this Sunday but will be picked up by Second Mile late next week. If you're at the store today through this weekend and able, please pick something up for a child/family in need right here in Fort Bend County. See the attached flyer for age group gift ideas.

Welcome Sunday for Josiah and Carren

This past Sunday was Josiah Canto's first day as Director of Student Ministries at Parkway! We're giving him and his wife, Carren, a bit of time to settle in, but we're planning to formally welcome them to the Parkway family on Sunday, December 15th!

Since they have recently made the big move from Southern California to Texas, we figured the best way to welcome them would be helping them get to know Texas a little better!

We are collecting Texas themed gifts (HEB, Buc-ees, gift cards to local places, etc.) to give them.

Between the 9am and 10.30am services we will host a kolache reception in the Worship Center - so plan to stay a little after or get here a little earlier to meet and celebrate Josiah and Carren.

After the 10.30 service, the Parkway Board will host a taco bar lunch for students and their families to eat with and get to know Josiah and Carren. The Board has organized a Sign-Up Genius for that lunch. If you're willing and able to help provide food, please sign up here.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4CACAA238-53408423-welcoming

We are ending 2024 strong - with service, excitement, and hope for Parkway's future. I hope that as you and your family plan to celebrate Advent, that the 'why' isn't lost in the noise and busyness of the season.

Happy Advent!

Justin

Parkway United Methodist Church | parkwayumc.org