A Note from Pastor Kenneth |
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In Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Church, he tells about a survey one of his friends took in the church where he served. The first question he asked his people was, “Why did you join this church?” Ninety-three percent of the members said, “I joined because of the pastor.” The second question he asked was, “If your pastor leaves, will you leave?” It would be natural to assume that a good percentage of people said yes, considering the way they answered the first question. But that’s not what happened. Ninety-three percent said they would not leave if the pastor left. When asked why, they said, “Because I have friends here!”
This is a small example of the power of community, of gathering around other friends so that we can dig into the scriptures — together — and dig into each other’s lives — together. Our community groups are built around four pillars:
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Accountability: Group members can expect to be held accountable. Accountability is inviting people into your life to challenge you in your priorities and relationships.
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Belonging: Group members can expect to be a part of something. A person who has a sense of belonging is someone who feels accepted, connected, and comfortable with a group of people.
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Care: Group members can expect to be cared for. We care for each other within the group and care for those outside the group through serving.
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Discipleship: Group members can expect to study the Bible to help live out their Christian faith.
Pastor and author Paul Tripp writes, “Autonomous Christianity never works, because our spiritual life was designed by God to be a community project.” So, are you actively involved in a community group? If not, would you like to be?
On September 13, we will begin a church wide study on the book of James, called James: A Faith that Matters. All of our groups will be going through the same curriculum as Pastor Jim preaches through this series. Would you consider joining a group and participating in this study with us? We believe it will be well worth your time!
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We’re excited to announce that John and Cydni Choate will be launching an online-only group for those at Parkgate (or our wider community) who feel uncomfortable joining an in-person group due to our current COVID-19 environment.
The group will most likely begin meeting on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. but the details are still being worked out. If you would like more information, please contact Pastor Kenneth (kspiller@parkgate.org)
Experiencing group life with you,
Pastor Kenneth
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THIS SUNDAY:
Our Enemies
Matthew 5
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We are collecting for our next delivery of encouraging cards to Vista Continuing Care! We would love to have your help in bringing hope and smiles to these who so often feel forgotten, isolated and unloved. We love them, and most of all, God loves them! Let’s keep reminding them! Just bring your cards to the church office on Sundays or any time the office is open. During the week, if you don’t want to come in or knock on the front door, we will continue having a box out front on Wednesdays if you prefer to make a “contactless” card delivery! Thank you! |
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Postcard Prayer Ministry
With the uncertainty facing our children and students in the 2020-2021 school year, we know what a blessing extra encouragement will be.
Our Postcard Prayer Ministry partners you with one or two (per your request) student(s) or child(ren). You'll send a postcard each month (we provide the postcard, you provide the stamp), plus a birthday postcard, for the 2020-2021 school year. On these notes, you can write out prayers and encouraging words to the child/student you are partnered with. In addition, we ask that you pray for your student/child on a regular basis. Don't worry - we remind you to send your postcards each month via email!
This is not an anonymous relationship. We encourage you to reach out to your partner's parents and find out specific ways you can be praying. We also encourage you to say hello when you see kiddos in the halls at church or out in the community.
Our goal this year is to have a prayer partner for every child and student that regularly attends Parkgate. We're looking for approximately 100 partners.
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Birthdays & Anniversaries |
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2 Bobby Hosmer, Jason Hawkins • 3 Kayla Thai, John Wesley Locklear
6 Maddox Ayala • 8 David Duenes • 12 Oliver Sanchez • 13 Kellie Pacheco, Derek Bowdoin • 14 Amy Axtell, Mark Wiess, Trinity Bowdoin • 16 Jimmy Ramirez • 18 Cynthia Palacios, Candy Moore • 20 Donna Bowman, Nicole Chambers • 21 Marge Ray • 22 Genevieve Pacheco • 23 Laura Shugart, Jenni Gonzalez, Ayden Chisolm, Jayden Chisolm • 25 Margaret Johnson, Andrea Holloway • 27 Brady Axtell • 28 Ben Hospson • 29 Christina Roberts
• 30 Angela Ayala, Elizabeth Shelley • 31 Alex Reyes, Celeta Carr, Gabriella Romo, Don Holmes
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10 Brandt & Denise Smith • 12 Jack & Jackie Mitchell
13 Israel & Angela Ayala • 25 Bob & Robin Dunn, Pete & Wanda Martinez
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