A Note from Pastor Kenneth
While I was listening to the radio last week, the speaker made a fantastic point about prayer. As the disciples followed Jesus, they never asked Him to teach them to perform miracles. They never said, “Hey, Jesus, would you teach us how to do signs and wonders?” But they did ask Jesus to teach them how to pray:

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray …” - Luke 11:1a

The disciples could have asked Jesus to teach them to do anything. Why prayer? Why not something more practical, such as helping others through healing? Why not ask Him how to point others to God through the performing of miracles? The speaker on the radio concluded that the disciples understood that prayer was the power behind the miracles. Prayer was the vehicle that connected everyday life to the power of God. In other words: no prayer, no signs and wonders. That’s amazing.  

If Jesus Himself, God in the flesh, saw the value of prayer - and if Jesus’ own disciples saw how indispensable prayer was to their everyday lives - shouldn’t we also place an extremely high value on prayer? Shouldn’t prayer be something that we engage in, consistently and passionately? The truth is that prayer changes things. Prayer changes us. Prayer is one of those vital links connecting us with Almighty God. 

  • Prayer is the power behind defeating your temptations.
  • Prayer is the power behind intimacy with God.
  • Prayer is the power behind making wise decisions.
  • Prayer is the power behind a life full of fear or a life full of faith.
  • Prayer is the power behind hearing from God. 

Let’s take a cue from the disciples. Open up Luke 11 and see how Jesus answered the disciples’ request to “teach us to pray.” 

Learning to pray with you,
Pastor Kenneth
THIS SUNDAY:
Know What
1 John 4:7-21
News & Events
Food Pantry Donations Needed
Our Food Pantry is fairly depleted after the holiday season. We would welcome donations of crackers, peanut butter, pastas and sauces, canned meats, canned soups, and cereals. Donations can be dropped off in the church office.
Ministry Forecast 2020
Sunday, January 19 • 6 p.m.
The Leadership Team invites you to hear the different plans and ideas for ministry in 2020. Opportunities for discussion and questions will be provided.
 
Annual Business Meeting
Sunday, January 26 • Directly after second service
We will vote on the 2020 budget and new members of the Leadership and Stewardship Teams directly after the second service.
 
Baptism Sunday
Sunday, January 26
On Sunday, January 26, we will celebrate what God has done among us by baptizing those who have come to Christ. If you have made Jesus the leader of your life and would like to take this important step, please contact the following:
 
Toddler Teacher Needed
We have a need for a lead teacher in our Toddler Room two Sundays a month (the 3rd and 4th Sundays) at 9 a.m. This is a super sweet group, typically comprised of 3 or 4 girls. We provide everything you need - a simple lesson and supplies - as well as an amazing assistant teacher, Miss Diane. This is a fun, wonderful way to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Contact Pastor Chelsea if you're interested at chaines@parkgate.org.
New Community Group Begins February 6
Thursday, February 6 • 7 p.m.
Beginning Thursday, February 6, Parkgate will launch a new Community Group, meeting at 7 p.m.. Group Life is extremely important for encouragement, accountability, support, and spiritual growth. If you do not attend a group currently, why not consider taking this one for a spin? If you are interested, contact Pastor Kenneth at kspiller@parkgate.org .
Ladies' Outing to Rice Village
Thursday, February 13 • 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ladies, you're invited to join us for a day-long outing to Rice Village on Thursday, February 13. We'll enjoy shopping and lunch together. We will meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m. Let us know you're coming by clicking the button below to register. Questions? Contact Sandy McHone at sandymchone48@gmail.com .
Birthdays & Anniversaries
January Birthdays Birthdays
2 Everly Nawrot • 3 Israel Ayala, Bill Pearce • 6 Addie Nawrot • 9 Jean Holmes • 10 Rima Lee, Carlos Toro • 11 Brianna Alvarado, Emmaline Keeney • 12 Dianne Gardner • 13 Cydni Choate • 14 Betsy Esparza • 15 Tommie Stanley • 16 Rhonda Culpepper, Brenda Hodges, Lucius Nawrot • 19 Ethan Aschenbrener, Monica Coody, Gary Mosley • 21 Suzanne Garcia, Roger Huffar, Cassandra Kilgore • 22 Gary Keeney 24 Elvia Tellez • 25 Larry Gardner • 26 Makayla Browning • 28 Martin Fadden, Andrea Wissel • 29 Todd Vaden • 31 Mary Ellen Hicks, Brad Phenix
January Anniversaries
17 Gary & Joyce Mosley • 31 Roger & Jamie Huffar