'Church'

It is so good to be home and back working with you - my beloved church family. In particular, the past 2 Sunday's at ParkwayHills have been most wonderful. The effects of 'change' in both our Worship and our LIFEgroup time and space has been immediately felt, and, all in a sprit which this church is known for - grace.

But it has not just been Sunday's alone that have brought this effect upon me. Witnessing the impact through our everyday, 24/7, facilities usage bearing weekday study of the Bible, children's learning and care, community training and support, and youth in the sand playing volleyball - all of this has just, flat-out, inspired me! I could not be more pleased.

When churches serve the cause of Christ, they serve their community. What church is not interested in the well-fare of those who surround them? What church does not care that those driving by and those gracing our halls have a place to find comfort, love and rest for their soul?

Last night I tagged after our youth and went to Sonic. While there one of the young men came up to me to introduce himself. He said that BOTH his sisters before him had been active in our parkwayhills youth group - and that he had decided he was going to be too. I told him I was pleased to hear this. When the car-hop came to bring us our food, he turned to her and said, 'this is my pastor!' Then, as she looked at me, I replied, 'this is one of our sons!' What better mention might we have? What better task might we apply ourselves toward? To be the church where a young man may find Christ, well... that is EXACTLY why we are here. Kudos to our new student pastor, CODY JONES, and to the excellent job he and his team of workers and volunteers do in making this vision an everyday reality.

So yes...

Our Church is made of people, it seems. Of boys and girls - of princesses and kings. For the precious blood that paved OUR way, creates in US a love that STAYS.

Till Sunday,

Pastor Sam

From Athens

We have returned this morning (September 9) to Athens - having experienced a most wonderful journey across the Aegean on visit to Istanbul. There we docked for 2 days to see this amazing city and feel the pulse of the 'once great' epicenter of the Christian faith (known then as Constantinople) - a center for witness, both unto Europe to its west and Asia to its east.

From there we sailed south - arriving at the Isle of Mykonos, Greece on Monday, then journeyed back, north a bit, for one last peek upon the shore of Turkey, as we toured the ruins of Ancient Ephesus.

The next morning it was off again - south to the isle of Patmos (near the isle of Samos), then to Rhodes, and finally to Santorini - noting, always, the stunningly spectacular beauty of these places. As we sailed, I could not help but think of the apostles - especially of Paul. What courage he had! What an adventurous spirit he possessed! This man who wrote, 'for me to live is Christ and to die is gain,' was fearless in the face of it all. And when entering the cave of John on the isle of Patmos, where in exile he was to receive the Revelation, I could not help but smile and think how good God was to this apostle, who, at the ripe age of 95 was exiled by Domitian to a place that was, well... absolutely beautiful! And, with a word from God that seemed to say, John, I'm not quite through with you - "write this down!"

Pastor's have a way of loving the churches they serve. Paul did, for he said so, and I'm sure that John did too. Likewise, I have found myself loving you 'all the more' with each day that is passed. My journey here has done much to refresh my sense that God really IS in charge - of us ALL.

So to this end I look forward to seeing EACH of you upon my return - and especially speaking to you from the parkwayhills pulpit on Sunday, September the 18th. That day will begin a new journey for us as a church as we come together for worship in one great hour called "ten-forty-five" I pray this hour will always be a time on the Parkway to celebrate all God has done - and... to anticipate all He has in store for days yet to come.

In the meantime, "remember to remember" (Sunday, 9.11.2011) by honoring God with your lips and your life.

Till then,

Pastor Sam