The Messenger

Congratulations
Betty Henry proudly announces the birth of her first great grandchild, Hudson James Taylor who was born on December 28. He is the son of Justin & Abbie Taylor. Michael and DeDe Lawson are the proud grandparents.
 
Covenant Sunday
At the beginning of every year at Park Avenue, we make a covenant to recommit ourselves to the Lord. Our theme for the year comes from Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Join us for this special service next Sunday, January 8 to participate in making this covenant with your church family! 
 
Man Alive
Men, join us on Saturday, January 14 from 7:30-9:00 AM for breakfast, community, and challenge. Sammy Earnhart will be encouraging us that day.  
 
Marriage Getaway
Invest in your marriage together by committing to the Marriage Getaway this February 24-26th!  This will be a great chance to relax, reflect, and reconnect with one another. Dr. Heidi Morris, licensed and professional counselor and professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University will be our speaker for the weekend. The retreat will be held at the beautiful Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center in Sulphur, OK. Register now on the church app. 
 
Reader’s Library
Today during worship there will be a children’s library where kids can borrow books to read during worship in lieu of classes.  There is also a handout for our older children that they can use to take notes of today’s sermon.
 
Youth Ministry

 
Thank You
Thank you so much for the beautiful plant sent in memory of our mother. Thank you also for your love and support over this difficult time. Mark Ewig & Amy Lichwa

Park Avenue Wednesday Supper
Join us this Wednesday, January 4 for our PAWS meal at 5:15PM. We are having Brisket, Sides, Rolls, Salad,  & Desserts. The meal will be prepared by Jim & Maida Rangel and their team.
 

TODD'S TAKE
Good morning and  welcome to our worship service. A special welcome to our guests. If you have any questions about Park Avenue or Christianity in general, feel free to track down one of our ministers or elders or contact us any time.
 
This morning we will take some time to celebrate those who have been baptized in 2022. It’s always a joy to relive those moments when people gave their lives over to Christ in the waters of baptism. Along with that celebration, today’s sermon will take a look at why baptism is such an important rite in the life of a believer. I pray this morning those of you who have been baptized will reflect on that moment, renew your commitment to God, and remember the gracious forgiveness that flows from the Father.
 
As the new year begins let me challenge all of you to be in the word daily. Bible reading plans are available through the YouVersion app. Or you can just choose a book of the Bible to read through. Maybe find a teaching series on RightNow Media and take off. Find a routine that works good for you and commit yourself to being immersed in God’s word.
 

 
Covenant Sunday—January 8
Covenant Sunday has been a tradition here at Park Avenue for several years now. It’s a special Sunday to renew our commitment to the Lord. Each year we present a theme and this year’s is Trust in the Lord. In a world of uncertainty and change we will remind ourselves that God is faithful and trustworthy. In spite of what is happening around us we can find peace and hope as we trust him. Our theme verse will be Proverbs 3:5—Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
 
Elder Selection—January through March
Every three years we go through the process of appointing Elders to spiritually lead the church. This three year cycle allows us to recognize spiritually mature men who feel called to shepherd us. We have been blessed over the years with spiritual and visionary leadership. Be in prayer as we, as a church, go through this process. The schedule for Elder selection will be announced Sunday, January 15.
 
Grace Offering—April 9
It’s not too early to start talking about and preparing for Grace Offering on Easter Sunday. That Sunday’s offering will be dedicated to the outreach ministries of the church both locally and globally. A highlight is our children’s coin collection and Daisy’s Little Red Wagon which will be Sunday, April 2. Canisters will be available on Sunday, January 29 if you don’t have yours from last year.
 
What an honor and privilege for us to be together today to worship our God who loves us more than we can imagine. May that love continue to transform us into his likeness.

 
Prayer List—Ernie Sturch, Steve Black, Ralph Stone

Ongoing Needs—Chris Reinsch, Shawn Landrum, Larry Long, Corky & Linda  Armstrong, Sandra Aynes, Bobby & Peggy Slaughter, Kaile Williams (Norris),  Jim Scroggins, Roy Galyon, Patrick Mullins, Vicki Ard, Joyce Henshaw, Debbie Black, Ken Bell

Homebound—JD Huffman, Dewey & Joyce Martin

Expectant Mothers—Alissa Cope, Lauren Claborn, Whitney Allison, Melanie Truxal

Missions—Hammer & Dela Afakule (Togo), Mario “Pepe”  Torre (Monterrey, Mexico), Jimenez family (Cartagena, Colombia), Cristian & Ana Corrales (Bucaramanga,  Colombia)

Friends of Park Avenue—Rebekah Taylor (great niece of the Russell’s), Becky Sanchez (wife of Gil Sanchez, Director of  orphanage in Mexico), Greg Oliver (father of Karee Earnhart), Ray & Marsha Jones (former members)

 

 

 Sunday Schedule

 

 

Babies -Nursery Area

2 & 3 Year Olds—Nursery Area

Pre K-6th Grade—Family Life Center

 

 

 Discipleship Making Communities (DMC’s)

Meet at various times and locations. Contact Lantz Howard for more information, or sign up at pacoc.net/groups