Season for all things

From the February newsletter

“Two are better than one, because they hav e a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can
help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be
overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

The above verse lets us know that we are a much stronger team when we work
together and support one another. I believe this philosophy also applies to parents
and church leaders working together. Can you imagine the results of the church
and family working together with the same goal in mind – to see our
children passionately love Jesus and serve Him with grace and mercy? When you think of it, all other goals
we might have for our children pale in comparison.
In the past six years while I’ve been at Parkway, I have always held the belief that Children’s Ministries is
not about a certain pastor or a group of pastors. I believe that the church has hundreds of children’s
pastors including parents, grandparents, fosters parents, aunts, uncles, etc.! Each and every one of you is
God’s appointed person to be your child’s pastor.
So, with this said, I need to convey to you, the parents I have partnered with, that God has called me and
my family to another ministry. It is with sadness and excitement that we make this change. While at
Parkway, it has been my desire to see the church and parents work better together and to raise up leaders
among our volunteers. I believe we’re living in an extraordinary time where God is using church leaders to
equip parents so that together we can prepare the next generation to take a stand for Christ.
In the coming months, I will take the time to express my gratitude for your support, volunteerism and love.
But this month, I would like to remind you that as I step out and as a new person steps in, that you, the
parents, are the bedrock of strength and excellence for Children’s Ministries at Parkway. As you partner
with the church and other parents, you make a difference in the future of our children, and you create a
place where kids meet God and have authentic Christian adults pouring into their lives! This is my prayer
for each of you.
As we walk through this time of transition, if you have any questions about our future, please do not hesitate
to call me.
God bless,
Pastor Marty