The quarantine has played havoc with every in-person gathering that happens in our world these days. And so it has with the Poyner Evening Circle Bible study group. We have not met at the church since February 2020 and there are no plans to do so for the foreseeable future. In the past, we met once monthly in person for a meal and a short Bible lesson. Our meetings were in the evening, on the third Monday of the month, to accommodate people who normally work a conventional office schedule during the day.

 

Since February's abrupt halt to our meetings, we have been meeting regularly by online (Zoom) sessions. The sessions happen about every other week and are scheduled as members' calendars permit. Usually we have been getting together on Monday evenings but we are contemplating a move soon to another time, perhaps on the weekend. At this point, our meetings are more about gabbing and less about study because of the limited time we have. So join us!

 

This is going to be a very different start of school for students and teachers alike. By the PCHAS students' receiving school supplies through Parkway, hopefully they will feel encouraged and excited about the beginning of the school year. With your monetary donation Sophia, our PCHAS employee, can personalize the school supplies for the various learning situations. 

 

There are 3 ways to give: 

John Knox Ranch Cancels Remaining Summer Program

 

John Knox Ranch, our presbytery camp near Fischers, TX, has made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining camps scheduled for this summer. Camp Director, Henry Owens writes, "Due to the recent dramatic spike in local Covid19 cases, we feel we must cancel the remainder of our summer camp sessions for Summer 2020....We are heartbroken about the loss of summer camp this year. We know camp has never been more important and that our campers and staff were so looking forward to the normalcy of the loving, accepting community of summer camp at John Knox Ranch. We are already considering creative ways to host camp experiences during the year as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

"However, we, like so many others, have taken a financial hit from Covid19. Before summer began, I estimated that our Covid related loss of income was $184,000. Now, after gearing up for summer and cancelling, that number is closer to $314,000. Any donation helps offset that loss of income. Also, the 'Light the Match' campaign is still on, and thanks to the generosity of so many of you, camp is in a position to weather this Covid19 storm. All donations received before December 2020 will be matched up to $400,000. If you are able to make a donation, now is a great time to do so."

 

If you would like to make a donation to John Knox Ranch you can either contact the camp directly, or make a donation through Parkway marked for John Knox Ranch. You can do this by check to the church office, through the church website, or using "text-to-give" from your smart phone.  

 "John Raymond "Ray" Barbato passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 7th.  Ray enjoyed the previous weekend with family and grandkids which was a blessing.  The obit will be in the paper on Tuesday. There will be no service at Ray's request.  He will be cremated and his ashes will be remanded to the sea.  This has been quite a shock to his children and their families.  Please respect their privacy and grieving time. 

 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in the form of donations to Parkway Presbyterian Church.  Due to our present circumstances, there are no plans for a celebration of life at this time."

 

 

Guidelines to help ensure safe social distancing: