December 2, 2022

The Parkside Insider: December 2, 2022
Warmest Christmas Greetings!

It is a privilege for me to receive so many letters—even if at the same time, I bemoan the fact that I am able to respond to so few of them. Perhaps one day, when I am no longer in the pulpit, it will be possible for me just to enjoy corresponding with you!

As I write towards the end of the day, I try to imagine all the places and people who read this. I know that there are young families juggling the joys and sorrows of raising children. Some are military personnel, whose service we applaud. Others are teenagers trying to figure out their lives, dreaming dreams, making plans, finding friends. Then there are ER medics, retired pastors, single mothers, prisoners, and widows.

I had a note from one of the latter which hit home: “It’s so lonesome to be a widow. There are times when you just need to talk things over with your spouse. We have a wonderful dog who misses Bill like I do, but he only ‘talks dog’ and looks so sad.” Alongside her note is an invitation to “A Christmas Celebration with Parkside Church,” our annual Christmas concert. It contains the dates and is decorated with a star and just one name: EMMANUEL. It means, as we know, “God with us!” Jesus, who saves his people from their sins, sent his disciples out into the world with the Good News, assuring them, “I am with you always.”

 
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Last Week's Sermon
Luke 7:36-50

When Jesus accepted an invitation to dine with a Pharisee, it quickly became a meal few would forget. An uninvited, despised woman created a stir when she intruded upon the scene and offered an extravagant demonstration of devotion to Christ. Walking us through the extraordinary event, the various reactions, and Jesus’ intervention, Alistair Begg explains that love, not morality, is the measure of forgiveness. Only when we humbly acknowledge our sin and our need for a Savior do we discover true and lasting peace.
 
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Christmas Concerts at Parkside Church
December 8-11, 2022

Celebrate the birth of Jesus in music and song at our Christmas concerts!
Concerts are free to attend and do not require tickets. Doors open at Parkside one hour before each concert. Learn more by visiting our Christmas page.
 
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Coming Up at Parkside
 
Nursery Volunteers 2023
Service Opportunity
We are thankful for the 45 people who already signed up to join our 2023 nursery teams! We are seeking about 55 more volunteers to serve at one service approximately once a month from January-December. Stop at the Children's Wing desk to sign-up, or sign up online.
Christmas Benevolence Project
Now-December 31
Parkside Church desires to share the joy of Christmas with families in need, both in Cleveland and in our surrounding communities by partnering with local schools and organizations. You can partner with us by giving a financial donation or by giving your time.

Learn More >
Children's Ministry Holiday Schedule
Now-January 1
Due to the busyness of the holiday season, we encourage families to make note of our amended Sunday schedule for December. Please follow the link below for more information.

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Embracing Family Gathering
December 3  
3pm  |  Loft/Warehouse
 
Join us for a time of support, encouragement, and fun! Pizza and beverages will be provided, as well as games and inflatables for the children. Please RSVP by emailing Carla.
Missions Tables
December 4  
All Day  |  Outside The Venue
 
Stop by the tables on Sunday to pick up current updates from all our missionaries and ministry partners. You can also find copies of the December Prayer Calendar.
Cancer Support Group
December 4  
10:30am  |  B014 & Online
 
If your life or that of a loved one has been affected by cancer, join us for a time of sharing, encouragement, and prayer. Email Jim for an online invitation.
Cancer Support Christmas Lunch
December 4  
11:45am  |  B012
 
Cancer patients, survivors, and their families are invited to join us for a casual meal and a time of encouragement and fellowship. Main entree and beverages will be provided. Please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share.

Register >
The Gathering
December 4  
7:30pm  |  Danny's House

 
High school students are invited for a hangout after evening service with games, pizza, and fellowship time!

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Transit
December 7
7:30pm  |  The Loft

 
If you are between the ages 18-35 and are looking for a place to get connected at Parkside, we invite you to attend our weekly gatherings.

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Play Groups
December 8 & 15 
10:30am  |  Children's Wing Main Level
 
Moms and children ages birth to 5, please join us for playtime fun. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy afterward. Registration not required.

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Families Facing Addiction
December 18 
11:45am  |  A226
 
Our support group meets one Sunday each month and helps those who have loved ones struggling with substance abuse. Lunch will be provided.

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Widows Christmas Lunch
December 18 
Noon  |  The Venue
 
All widows are invited to lunch as we celebrate the Christmas season together with a time of food, special music, and encouragement.

Register >
GEO Kids Information Night
January 13 
6:30pm  |  The Warehouse
 
Families with children in grades 1-5 are invited to an evening of information and fellowship as we hope to resume GEO Kids in February 2023. We will discuss leadership needs and kids registration.

Learn More & Register >
Join us on Sundays
9am, 10:30am, 6pm