The sun is shining. Flowers are beginning to bloom. Birds are chirping merrily. Spring is in the air – can you feel it? I find myself soaking in the longer hours of daylight and pausing to breathe in the scent of blossoming trees. There’s something about this time of year that spurs me toward hope.

Martin Luther once said, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” I know that the visible reminders of new life, made possible by the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus Christ, are the true reason I find myself dwelling in hope these days. Easter is coming!

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to travel through the book of Matthew as a part of The Kingdom series in this Lenten season. Traditionally, Lent is the period of 40 days before Easter where Christians pause, reflect, and prepare for the celebration of Easter. I’ve appreciated having the opportunity to spend these 40 days revisiting a gospel full of stories and teachings I’ve heard dozens of times before – being reminded anew that, “ … the word of God is alive and active …” (Hebrews 4:12) and there’s always more I can discover. (Sidebar: If you haven’t yet joined in on The Kingdom journal experience, I want to invite you to do so. Contact the church office to get a copy. If you are participating, keep it up!)

There’s also something so humbling about reading Jesus’ words and soaking in his selfless actions and recognizing he knew full well the tremendous pain and suffering that awaited him on the cross. He knew the battle over sin and death that awaited him, and Jesus still paused to heal earthly ailments, to settle disputes between bickering disciples, to open his arms wide to children, and to dine with society’s lowest.

And – spoiler alert! – Jesus is victorious in that battle over sin and death. He’s our resurrected Savior, preparing a place for his followers in heaven this very moment.

Easter is coming. The promise of resurrection is written on every new leaf, every budding flower – in every corner of creation. Soak in that hope, friends!

Pastor Chelsea

P.S. A huge thank you to all who prepared food, donated items, and attended our Fish Fry! We had a wonderful evening together.

Make sure to save room for donut holes on Sunday, March 31. Our IMPACT Students will be selling them by the cupful as a fundraiser for our summer trips. We’ll charge $2 a cup, but you’re welcome to donate as you feel led. Thanks in advance for helping our students out.

Join the adults in the Fellowship Hall for a time of board games and cards, fellowship and a simple meal. Please bring a snack to share.

We're excited to announce that we're partnering with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and hosting a blood drive on Palm Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. We'll be sharing more details in service this Sunday. Questions? Contact Frankie at (832) 603-2588.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like in ancient Greece? Now's your chance! Join us in ancient Athens, where we'll explore what life was like for the Apostle Paul on his dangerous journey to share the truth. Kids will create cool projects in the Marketplace, laugh as they play Bible-times games, visit with Paul, and eat some interesting new food. Plus, they'll meet lots of fun friends!

Vacation Bible School is a week your kids won't want to miss. Registration for kids (age 4 through exiting 5th grade) and volunteers opens Monday, April 1 at parkgate.church/vbs .

Ladies, you're invited to join us for a day-long outing to Tomball on Thursday, April 25. We'll enjoy shopping and antiquing, then eat lunch together at a tea room. We will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Sandy McHone at sandymchone48@gmail.com.

Click here view the latest newsletter from Lisa Van Damme, one of our Faith Promise partners.

4 Sam Gonzalez • 5 James Finn • 7 Elena Mendiola • 8 Becky Below • 9 Liam Cortez, Bill Hollowell • 1 0 Glenda Stevenson • 11 Carlos Alvarez, Tammy Cirilo • 12 Romona Brinkley, Elisa Mendiola, Irene Mendiola • 13 Bob Dunn, Victoria Higgins, Sheila Nawrot • 18 Pamela Estimbo • 19 Jennifer Barnes, J.R. Shugart • 21 Eleanor Harrington, Jackie Mitchell, Clare Smith • 22 Lazaro Platas, Ted Thompson • 24 Kerri Dodson, Phi Thai • 26 Brianna Chapman, Robbie Robinson • 28 Cristian Romo • 30 Jim Feirtag, Eric Finn

2 Jon & Britnee Cortez • 4 Randy & Laura Shugart • 16 Kim & Danette Lawson • 19 Bobby & Mary Sue Hosmer • 20 Donovan & Maribel Hyatt