Hi Parkway People, 

When it comes to change, it can feel like there is no middle-ground.

Some change happens quickly, seemingly overnight. And as much as you might feel like some kind of change is necessary, quick change usually brings on an anxiety and uncertainty for what comes next.

On the other hand, sometimes personal change can feel so slow. Will power. Repetition. Sustaining good choices over time — for days, weeks, maybe even months before you see results. 

Change seems to resist the pace we'd prefer. 

This is why Parkway's Sunday focus in Lent has been building a rule for life — a lived-out, intentional rhythm of habits that give the spiritual life the structure it needs to thrive. We've been using this guide in building out practices at the core of following Jesus - BUILDING A RULE OF LIFE.

Over the last two weeks, my sheet looks like this:

• Daily Prayer: Alarm set for 5.30am each day, pray early each morning, before each meal, reflect on the day before bed.

• Community: Meet at least twice/month with small group. Grab coffee with other pastors 2x/month.

Have I been perfect so far? No. But I am working out the right rhythm of these practices each day so that my spiritual practices help form me in the midst of the week, rather than let the busyness of each week be in the driver's seat.

If you are looking for a Bible Study, a Grow Group, or another way of plugging into Community here at Parkway, reply to this email and let me know. I would love to help you find a place to plug-in.

This Sunday we'll keep building this out with practicing Sabbath — or approaching rest as a regular spiritual practice. If you've ever felt stretched too thin, said yes to too many things, or feel like work always finds a way to creep into your evenings and weekends, be at Parkway at 9am or 10.30am this Sunday for a Sabbath focused on Sabbath.

Other fast-approaching ways of plugging at Parkway are:

Spring Workday THIS Saturday, 3/29, 9am - Noon

Bring some gloves, shovels, and a wheelbarrow for Parkway's annual Spring Workday. We will mulch all flower beds by the buildings and in the garden. This is a great chance to get into the garden, after Phase 1 of our redesign recently finished, and begin to imagine how we can transform the space. No sign up needed — just show up! See you Saturday!

Lent Bible Study, Wednesdays

This year's Lent Bible study dives into basic ideas of following Jesus and how to live that out practically. Following along with the Sunday series, this week will focus on different parts of Scripture and how later writers understood Jesus' death and resurrection to 'work.' We'll look at what are called 'theories of atonement,' and what they mean for the way we live as a Christian community. This Wednesday from 6 - 7.30pm in room 126/128 on the first floor of the Ministry Center.

Day With Dad at the Carol Vance Unit

Last Advent Parkway supported the Family Christmas Party at the Carol Vance Unit, and we've been invited back for Day with Dad. 

Day with Dad is an annual event where incarcerated fathers can spend a fun day with their families and children. Churches and community groups transform the Vance Until into craft booths, games, bounce houses, and more for this big day. Parkway has been asked to run a cookie-craft table where families can decorate cookies and have dessert together. If you're willing to help make this happen, please use the following form link to sign up. [https://www.fellowshiponegiving.com/App/Form/2023584b-34d9-4aa4-96e3-6fd89a463558] Responses are due by Tuesday, April 15th so there is time to run background checks and be approved to enter the unit. If you have questions, reach out to me at justin@parkwayumc.org.

That's all for now — keep an eye out for another email on Thursday that will give a preview of Holy Week!

Justin