Merry Christmas 2016

21 December 2016

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For a pastor, this time of year is anything but silent – but last night I found time to sit quietly by the fire and reflect over the last 28 years of my calling to ParkwayHills. What memories Belinda and I have! Memories of Vacation Bible School in the park, of Brinker Elementary School, and memories of hundreds – even now thousands of faces – who have walked through the doors of 2700 Dallas Parkway and into our lives forever. Weddings, funerals, births  - and even a Quinceañera celebration, where I was privileged to dance with the young girl being honored – all of these now make up memories for me of this great church and our time together. 

Of course, as wonderful as all this is, if Belinda and I held only memories, this would not have been enough to sustain God's call upon our lives. For His call was not about these sweet memories alone – no, they just make up the ‘gravy.’  You see, the main course of God’s call was and is always about mission - the mission to reach this community with the gospel and to open our doors to those passing by. Even we could not have conceived of what God had in mind, for what He had in mind was our becoming a gateway for the gospel to people who would move here from all over the world. And… certainly they have come. 

So this Christmas, in ‘my’ silent night last night, I took a moment in the quiet to thank God for His provision, then asked Him to give me strength to remind you of our mission once more. For it has always been about that one child, that one family and that one senior or single adult. Yes, it is for 'that one yet to come' that we are here. This has always been so and I pray will remain till Jesus calls us home.

Now… from our house to yours, Merry Christmas! 

I ask that you remember us with your tithes, your offerings and your prayers.  If in town, join us for Christmas Eve either at 4:00 or 6:00 pm, and on Christmas Day at 10:45 am. And, should you have questions or need assistance, our church and finance office will remain open until 2 pm on December 30.

So, until we see you again, we remain faithfully and with love, always yours…

Pastor Sam and Belinda Dennis