Giving Back a Success

Today was, by anyones standard of measure, a signature success in the life of ParkwayHills Church.  Today, by doing it, we got it - and it was good.  

As I drove about from one group to another, I was thrilled each time I came upon you.  Seeing those blue T-Shirts, gloved hands, and Spirit-filled smiles reminded me of the genius of God in first sending His Son, and then, second, sending His church.  

At one site I happened to be alone for a moment picking up trash, when a young couple rode up on bicycles hot and exhausted from their ride. They paused by me collecting their selves together, and I offered them some of our cold water from a nearby cooler.  They thanked me, then continued by asking what group we were with and why we there.  I told them who we were and that our purpose for this day was to make the point that we were sent into the community to be a part of it, not just a user of it, and to make a difference.  The young man then asked me what I did.  I told him I was the pastor.  "Do you attend church?" I asked.  "No,"  he said. "Only a few times as a boy, and not at all since becoming an adult."  Then, he added this, "I may try your church, though, because - if I did go I'd want to attend one like yours."  I smiled and told him I'd love to see him, "anytime."

Oh, and as he rode off he added one thing more - "what you are doing is very responsible,"  he called.  To which I said, "thank you" then asked, "and what do you do?"  "I'm an environmental ecologist."   "Really?"  I returned, thinking he might be just pulling my leg.  "Yes, really!"  He said.  

Hmm!  God is in charge, indeed!

Pastor Sam 

ParkwayHills Gives Back

I am proud of ParkwayHills, though I realize that most are not aware of the hundreds who grace our halls - not on Sunday - but Monday through Friday.  

Yet, this year, as we entered our 19th year of ministry, being proud of our 'weekday record' wasn't enough.  Somehow, I thought, we should translate what is true of our buildings and a few, into a reality that is true of all.  From this, "ParkwayHills Gives Back" was born.   

On Sunday, May 25, we will end our services and campus activities early.  Then, after a light lunch, prayer, and brief instruction - we will leave our campus behind and take the 'spirit' of ParkwayHills outside these walls and into the streets in order to give back to the community we are called to serve.  

I can't tell you how excited I am about this.   Why?  Because this action will provide a living metaphor for the teaching/preaching point so often made,  that we 'go.'  In short... we are! 

Now some may argue against this; saying, this effort will not produce any 'converts.'  Yet, I would return with this - "I think it's worth volumes."  For it will practically demonstrate that going is the first step to sharing; and that, until we are willing to step outside our comfort zones, literally step outside our own walls, we might just as well be a 'clanging gong' or 'tinkling cymbal' to a world caring less and less.  

So come join us on this Sunday before Memorial Day.  Make a church memory - for yourself and your family.  A memory you'll not soon forget as you allow this Sunday to be the day that you got up, got out of your seats, and really did what the pastor said.    

Let's give back.  

Pastor Sam  

Mother's Day and preaching

In pulpit ministry there are those Sunday's that if you don't get right, well... you might just as well hang it up.  One of those, of course, is Mother's Day.  A day when hearts are warm, moist, and, some... are aching from hurt.

Now I didn't always know this.  Oblivious to the tradition, I insisted on following my own agenda determined not to give in to 'sentimentality'.  Mother's beware! (thought I)  this pastor has something to say!  Even if it has nothing - whatsoever - to do with you!  Aaarrgghh!!! 

Now, 19 years and 20 Mother's Days later, I have reformed from the error of my ways.  It's Mother's Day for crying out loud!   And, well,  we all have a Mother - and can use a word concerning how to be one, how to love one, how to learn from one, and, how to hope and help all the one's yet to come.  Too, I can think of no better time than our "hip and happening" 21st century to hear a word from God's pulpit on Christian Motherhood.  

So, if you're near Plano and/or the North Dallas Tollway this weekend, step in to ParkwayHills.  There you'll hear a word on Mother's Day concerning Mother's.   Whether broken, blessed, or somewhere in between - this is one preacher who will not miss the opportunity this wonderful day brings. 

Happy Mother's Day, indeed  

Pastor Sam 

  

A 'New York' minute and tip

My bride and I just returned late Wednesday from two and a half days in Manhattan.  We went there to celebrate 25 years of marriage by spending time together.  It was fantastic. How could it not be?  But... it was fast.  

Of course, in New York everything is fast, even a minute!   Have you never heard the term, "A New York Minute"?  Wikipedia says the term originates from an understanding that New Yorkers are 'hurried and impatient."  And, that fast little encyclopedia should know!

While there we went to a show at the Gershwin, ate, shopped, ate, went sight-seeing, ate, and.., walked around Central Park - topped off by one last time to... eat.  Alka Seltzer anyone?   I  marveled at how much I love my wife.  How good God is to have seen fit to allow us a partnership in this life of love, raising children, and ministry. " B" really is my partner  - and I am blessed.  

But one other thing I always experience when in new York, beyond a "hurried" minute and "lot's" of food, are the New York Cabbie's.  These are generally men who have moved here from somewhere else - often the Middle East, and don't I have some fun in those cabs?   

In a New York Cab I've been in 3 wrecks, a few more fender benders,  witnessed a myriad of hand gestures, endured lots of honking, and never experienced a decent A/C.   Yet, being a Texan, a preacher, and your pastor Sam, I always mange to strike up a conversation (maybe that's why we're having all the wrecks) and pass along a witness for Christ.  Which, by the way, also prompts me to be a good tipper.  Stinginess does not follow well the message of grace.

After all, how can I share Jesus and be jerk at the same time?  I can't!   And that's the whole of this story.  

Blessings - 

Pastor Sam