Hi Parkway People,

For the last 8 days I have had the livestream of the United Methodist Church's General Conference playing in the background. 

There have been tedious things that have nearly put me to sleep – nominations to various committees, speeches for motions and amendments to move and amend other motions and amendments. Yawn.

There have also been significant changes for the worldwide church:

• How geographic areas are organized and structured
• Reducing the amount local churches like Parkway pay into the larger Church 
• Removing decades-old bans on inclusion of LGBTQ people in the life of the United Methodist Church

And there are still two days filled with decisions to be made.

It has been easy to be plugged into what's going on 'out there' after several difficult and uncertain years in the church.

At the same time that I have been plugged into what's going on 'out there,' there have also been moments I've been keenly aware that none of what happens 'out there' matters without what's going on right here.

In these votes and changes, the United Methodist Church is, in many ways, remembering that the local church is the primary place where disciples of Jesus Christ are invited, formed, and live life in community.

This has been 8 days of being faithfully in two places at the same time – looking forward to the next chapter of the United Methodist Church, while continuing in the good ministry and service that has been at the core of Parkway's identity since the beginning.

Below are ways that you can plug into the work and ministry that Parkway carries on no matter what goes on 'out there:'

General Conference Debrief, Week 2

Just like last week, following the 10:30am service I will host a General Conference debrief. I'll give a quick summary of the major decisions and how they may affect Parkway's ministry (I'll be quick so Step by Step can leave to meet as a small group after.) Following the summary there will be as much time as needed to let you ask any questions you might have.

Tree Removal in Main Parking Lot

One project the Parkway Board is moving forward with is removing the back row of 8 trees in the parking lot. These trees have grown tall enough to block much of the light – leading to a darker parking lot for evening activities. This is just to let you know this is happening, and we plan to plant replacement trees at a later date as a part of a forthcoming garden renovation. A committee on the garden has begun meeting and will consider how to best replace these trees.

Upcoming Men's and Women's Ministry Events

Check out the upcoming men's and women's ministry events – these are laid back times designed to help build relationships in the Parkway community.

Women's Coffee - THIS Saturday, May 4th

Blockhouse Coffee (611 Jackson St. Richmond) at 9am

Men's Breakfast - Thursday, May 9th

Black Bear Diner (13590 University Blvd, SL) at 7am

Men's Trivia - Tuesday, May 21st

Flying Saucer (15929 City Walk, SL) at 6.30pm

Taking it to the Streets Video

This Sunday, May 5th, we'll celebrate graduates, their accomplishments, and their next steps. Their note boxes will be on the welcome desk – feel free to write them a note of congratulations and wish them luck in their next chapter.

As usual, there is always something going on 'out there,' and we cannot avoid it or pretend it isn't happening. We must be faithful people who are in two places at the same time – out there and right here – always, in all seasons, guided by grace into where God needs us to be a witness to love, service, and the gospel.

Justin