Merry Christmas Parkside Family

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more."  Dr. Seuss, from How the Grinch Stole Christmas

For hundreds of years, the world has been in a culture war for ownership of the Christmas season and Christmas Day.  Every year, it's the church vs. the big box retailer and Amazon!  As we approach Christmas Day, I want to provide a different perspective on the possession of Christmas. 

Think about this:  Is our fight over the spirit of Christmas or the Spirit of Christ?  While the spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal.  The spirit of Christmas is sentimental.  The Spirit of Christ is supernatural.  The spirit of Christmas is a human product.  The Spirit of Christ is Immanuel, God with us.  The point is this:  as important as Christmas is to many of us as a holiday, shouldn't it pale in comparison to who Christ is in us every day?!  Something to think about as we approach Christmas Day...and the day after...and the day after that...and...

Christmas Eve @ Calvary Parkside:  Join us at 10:30am for a special collaborative celebration, as we join with the Hispanic, Chinese, Korean churches, and Common Ground, for a multi-cultural Christmas experience.  There will be music, scripture reading, and prayer delivered in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin and English.  We will end our service with the traditional singing of Silent Night as we light candles in anticipation of the birth of Jesus!  Please bring the whole family and don't forget to invite your friends and neighbors.  The morning kicks-off at 10:00am with light snacks, followed by the service at 10:30am.
 
I hope to see you on Sunday!

Pastor Doug

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people".  Luke 2:8-10

It's crazy to think that God did not deliver the good news of the Messiah's birth to priests or prophets or kings.  Rather than issue a formal proclamation from the steps of the temple, God sent an angel to a group of nomadic shepherds.  He chose the least influential individuals to receive the first invitation to meet the savior of the world, (the messiah), Jesus. 

Join us on Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our series, Portraits of Christmas and light the second candle of Advent: Joy.  This week, we will take a deep dive into this all-to-familiar story found in Luke 2:8-20.  Through the eyes of a group of shepherds, we will gain clarity about the true message of Christmas, who Jesus is, why he came, and what our response should be to such an incredible event.

Welcome the Everett Family:  Plan to stay after the service as we welcome James, Ali, and their kids to Calvary Parkside!  There will be treats and a chance to get to know them better.

Note:  Our Adult Discipleship Class will not meet this Sunday

Christmas Eve at Calvary Parkside:  Make plans now to join us for this year's Christmas Eve service.  Since December 24th falls on a Sunday, we will be joining with the other churches that share our campus for very special Christmas Eve celebration.  This multi-cultural Christmas service will include Christmas music presented in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and English; scripture reading and prayers in multiple languages; and a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  Doors will open at 10:00am and the service will begin at 10:30am.  There will be light snacks and drinks available after the service.

See you Sunday!

Doug

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."  Luke 2:14

With these words, the multitude of the heavenly hosts were proclaiming, finally, humanity would be reconciled--have peace and fellowship-with the Lord God when Jesus removed our sin.  Take time this Christmas and join the heavenly hosts in proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest!"  Certainly He is worthy of your praise and is working all things out in a way that will bring you His peace and great joy.

Join us on Sunday at 9:30am, as we continue our series, Portraits of Christmas and light the second candle of Advent: Peace.  This week, we are going to look at Mary, the mother of Jesus.  We are going to look at her story and we are going to look at her song.  Her life is an example to us of what service to God looks like.  First, Mary acknowledges that she was in need of a Savior and she looked to God for that salvation.  Mary's song is a beautiful expression of both praise and worship of God.  Her song is about God and an exaltation of who God is.  Mary's song is from her heart and exalts the loving God by giving Him His rightful position as Lord and Savior.  Let's fill our minds and hearts with Mary's song of praise to God and glimpse the wonder and promise of Christmas!

Adult Discipleship Class Study:  11:00am.  Join us for a special Christmas study.

James Everett Update:  Currently, James and Ali, along with their 3 kids plan to arrive in Beaverton on December 13th.  Continue to pray for them as they pack-up, say goodby to family, and travel from Colorado to Beaverton.

This Sunday, we will be collecting food items (perishable and non-perishable), as we want to welcome them with a stocked fridge and pantry.  Below is a list of what they would like:

• Lean Ground Beef.....Chicken breasts.....Goldfish crackers.....Fruit snacks.....Almond milk (unsweetened).....Creamy Peanut Butter    
• Cookies and Cream ice cream (Fred Meyer brand).....Canned unsalted green beans.....Frozen steamable broccoli.....Brussel sprouts.....Onions
• Garlic.....Potatoes.....Grapes.....Cuties(clementines).....Turkey sausage links (frozen, pre-cooked).....Whole wheat flour.....Sugar.....Salt
• Butter.....Mustard.....Non-fat Greek yogurt.....Nonfat Cottage cheese.....Quick-cooking oats.....Carb balance tortillas    
• Uncured turkey lunch meat slices

​Christmas Eve at Calvary Parkside:  Make plans now to join us for this year's Christmas Eve service.  Since December 24th falls on a Sunday, we will be joining with the other churches that share our campus for very special Christmas Eve celebration.  This multi-cultural Christmas service will include Christmas music presented in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and English; scripture reading and prayers in multiple languages; and a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  Doors will open at 10:00am and the service will begin at 10:30am.  There will be light snacks and drinks available after the service.

See you Sunday!

Doug

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever."  Psalm 136:1

As you prepare to spend time with family and friends, eating food, watching football, eating leftovers, playing board games, eating more leftovers, napping and, did I mention eating leftovers, don't forget to take time and give thanks to God.  Below are some thoughts on things to be thankful for...

1. God's Character: "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."  Psalm 145:8

2. God's Word (Bible):  "The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."  Romans 15:4

3. The Church:  "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."  I Corinthians 12:27

4. Health and Healing:  "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."  Psalm 103:3

5. God's Leading:  "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."  Psalm 25:5

6. Rest and Relaxation:  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Join us on Sunday at 9:30am, as we conclude our mini-series--Portraits of Thanksgiving.  This week, we will turn our attention to the life of Jesus.  Who else to better model our lives after than the Son of God.  In John 6:1-13, Jesus walked his disciples through a lesson on how to be thankful.  Join us as we gather together to worship God passionately and grow to know Him deeply.

Adult Discipleship Class Study:  Stick around after our service as we continue our study through Psalm 119.  Psalm 119 is a heartfelt prayer from the Psalmist, that can be used as a tool to transform your affection to love God's Word more.

James Everett Update:  Please see the message below from James:

"Hey Calvary Parkside!  We are so excited to be joining you in person in the next month!  We have heard that many of you are eager to help us get settled in our new home and we are so thankful.  This is a list of furniture items we will be scouring Facebook marketplace for when we arrive.  If you have an item that meets one of these needs and would like to donate, please send me a picture via email ([email protected]) and Ali and I can let you know if it meets our needs at this time. Again, we are already so blessed by your generous hearts towards our family, so thank you! See you soon!"

Bunk bed
Medium firmness queen mattress and frame
twin size bed
book shelves
table and chairs (6)
desk
brown leather sofa
washer/dryer
nightstands
t.v./t.v. stand
sewing machine
Kitchen aide
Piano

Deck the Halls:  November 28th 2pm to 8pm.  This year, we have invited the other campus churches to join us as we come together and prepare our campus for the Christmas season!  Sign-up this Sunday at the Next Step table.

Rose City Flute Choir Holiday Concert:  Sunday, December 3rd at 2:00pm.  Calvary Parkside will once again host this year's Rose City Flute Choir's annual holiday concert.  Join with others from the Beaverton community for a fun afternoon of Christmas music, food and fellowship. 

Christmas Eve at Calvary Parkside:  Make plans now to join us for this year's Christmas Eve service.  Since December 24th falls on a Sunday, we will be joining with the other churches that share our campus for very special Christmas Eve celebration.  This multi-cultural Christmas service will include Christmas music presented in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and English; scripture reading and prayers in multiple languages; and a time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  The morning kicks-off at 10:00am with light snacks, followed by our Christmas Eve service at 10:30am.  More details to come!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

See you Sunday!

Doug