Hi Parkway People!

It has been a fun, tiring sprint through the last few weeks of VBS, Lakeview Summer Camp, and UM Army! I've learned a lot, including that being out in East Texas with no Wi-Fi for two out of the last three weeks is not great for sending out regular emails! Let me play catch-up after a few weeks of being in-and-out of town for what's going on in the back half of summer at Parkway.

First, I'd like to start with a Thank You and an update. Earlier this summer, Parkway began raising funds for phase three of the garden project, only to pause those efforts to support our longtime ministry partner Creative Dreams Outreach Center. Creative Dreams asked us and others across the community for help in raising money to keep their doors open, receive grants, and land on better financial ground.

Thus far, donations from Parkway's benevolence account and donors have totaled over $25,000. Thank you to all who have given generously to Creative Dreams in hopes of reaching their overall goal of $30,000, which unlocks another $30,000 of matching funds.

If you would like to donate to Creative Dreams Outreach Center, you can click HERE.

I know that the $25,000 raised and given to Creative Dreams would have helped us get the garden closer to complete, but I think it was the right move to use this money to serve families in need through Creative Dreams. Parkway isn't going anywhere, there will be plenty of time and support to get the garden exactly how we want it. Thank you for giving to support Creative Dreams Outreach Center!

School Supplies Drive

Every summer we partner with Fort Bend Hope to make sure students across the area have the supplies they need to start the school year right! Fort Bend Hope is going to collect supplies the week of July 28th, so please bring your supplies over the next two Sundays. See the list of supplies below and grab some next time you're at the store. Together we can do more than on our own — and together we can help the students in our area get a good start to the next school year!

Women's Ministry Dinner

Parkway Women's Ministry will meet for a dinner out on Monday, July 20th at Pablo's Mexican Kitchen (9711 Mason Rd, Richmond). Come to catch up, meet new people, and build the community that keeps Parkway moving forward. You can register for the dinner HERE.

Typhoon Texas

All Parkway families are invited for a day of fun at Typhoon Texas on Tuesday, August 4th! You can register HERE. Students 10 and up can attend without a parent — children under 10 must have a parent that travels to Typhoon Texas and stays for the day. We will send out information about what time to meet and about what time we will be back once we are closer to the day!

Student Retreat

Parkway students will finish the summer and get ready to start another school year with a retreat in Galveston on August 9th – 11th. Students will depart on Friday and return for 10.30am worship on Sunday. You can click HERE to get more information or register. If you are interested in serving as an adult volunteer, please contact Meagan Miller at mmiller@parkwayumc.org.

Worship Volunteers

If you sing or play an instrument and you are interested in leading worship at Parkway on Sunday mornings, Jachin Mann, Parkway's Worship Leader, is interested in connecting with you! Jachin will work with your schedule to find time for you to join in rehearsals and connect with the band before leading on a Sunday morning. If you are interested, you can chat with Jachin on Sunday mornings or by email at jmann@parkwayumc.org.

See you Sunday!

Justin