CONNECTIONS

The Connection Ministry at Parkside Christian Church exists to focus on our PCC Strategy:

• Connect People through environments that produce authentic relationships with Jesus and others.
  
• Grow Spiritually by intentional steps on a life-long journey towards Christ-likeness.
  
• Engage Everyone to become leaders who invest in the spiritual development of
  others.
  

Our role is to help people connect with each other, and ultimately with God. We want people to discover their significant design by God and experience an authentic relationship with Him and with others.

People matter to God. We want all people who experience Parkside Christian Church to feel special and valued. Our desire is to make those who may be uncomfortable with the idea of church, comfortable. We also hope to make those who are too comfortable with church, uncomfortable. It is important for us to communicate that we do not attend church but that we are the church. Being a Christ-follower is not a Sunday event you attend; it is a life-style you live by faith.

We want our Connection Ministries to create the atmosphere as expressed in Jesus’ invitation to grace-filled community in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We also want to encourage and equip people to grow spiritually and engage our world for Jesus. Jesus’ final words were a challenge to his followers to go into the world and engage more people to become Christ followers (Matthew 28:18-20).

Impressions Team
Our Impression Team consists of our ministry groups that help create environments and experiences that communicate we value people who choose to associate with Parkside Christian Church.

Whether a person is a first time visitor or has attended Parkside for many years, we want them to know they matter to God and therefore they matter to us. We want all people to feel special and valued. Our desire is to celebrate every person on our campus. We want our guests and members to be talking about their positive experience with Parkside Christian Church on Monday morning at work or for that matter, all week long.
Our present First Impressions Teams include:

• Traffic Control Team – This includes our Parking Lot and “Golf Cart” Team. These groups are responsible for helping the traffic flow in our parking lot, identifying places to park, and transporting people from their cars to the entrances.
  
• Greeters/Ushers/Servers – These teams of friendly people will greet people at our entrances and welcome them to our services. They will also hand out our publications and help people find a place to sit. During the services they will be responsible for serving communion and taking up the offering.
  
• Coffee Cart Team – This team oversees the set up and clean up for our Sunday morning refreshments.
  
• Welcome Center Team – This group is stationed at our Welcome Center to provide information to those who are new or have questions about Parkside Christian Church. This team will also be able to guide people to different locations in the facility.

Volunteer Central
The goal for the Volunteer Central Team is to create a volunteer-friendly church culture with intentional steps to connect people into meaningful service opportunities. We want to create a volunteer revolution.

One of our expectations of a participating member is to support Parkside with time and abilities. There is definitely Biblical support for Christ-followers to engage in serving the Lord. Jesus is the ultimate example of serving. He even said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Using your gifts, abilities, experiences, and resources to help grow God’s family is expected and is an indicator of spiritual growth.
The Volunteer Central team will focus on the process helping people find out where they can best serve the Lord. This is a proactive recruiting process.

Whether someone is brand new to the church or been here for 10 or 20 years we want to help each find a place of meaningful service. We hope to develop and communicate our need to have different levels of service from “First Serve” to Leadership positions to all ministry groups.

The “First Serve” concept identifies the different opportunities to serve in an entry level situation. The commitment level would be minimal to see if it is a “fit” for the one wanting to get involved.

Connection Groups
The idea behind this ministry team is to connect people to each other through groups and events that focus on fellowship and building relationships. For many, the first step to discovering the importance of a relationship with God will come through connecting with people whose lives reflect a personal commitment to Jesus.

We have made a commitment to do ministry together in groups. Even though our groups will have different purposes we do expect each group to function in a way that promotes a live-changing relationship with Jesus.

We see our Connection groups’ primary focus to be on the relationship element. These groups would be determined by different interests (athletics, hobbies, projects, care, etc.) but would always point towards God. It would be our goal to match people up by interests and life stages as well as allow for intergenerational opportunities. We want to provide Connection events that would encourage people to invite their non-churched friends and know they will be welcomed!

Care Ministries

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
- 1 Peter 4:10

Showing God’s love and mercy comes from many groups within the church. The Care Team exists to serve the needs of those who are in special care situations.

• GRIEFSHARE GROUP
  This is a group that will walk through the grief experience with you. This group is a branch of an organization that offers support to individuals that are dealing with the death of a loved one. Click here for the schedule.
• FUNERAL CARE
  Funeral Services can be held at the church, or a minister can assist with a funeral at another location. To arrange these services contact the church office.
  
  Funeral meals are available upon request to those who regularly attend and are involved at Parkside. Meals can be provided by the family’s Lifegroup, Adult Bible School class, Ministry Team, or the Funeral Care team.
  Funeral follow-up group provides encouragement to those who have experienced a loss. Contact either Joy Wilson or Don Hinton.
• SHARE & CARE
  This group provides care and visits to those within the Parkside family who are homebound or in a nursing home facility. Contact either Gayle Ryan or Maryann Hinton.
• ELIZABETH MINISTRY
  Elizabeth Ministry provides care for Parkside’s expectant mothers and comfort in case of loss. Contact either Gayle Ryan or Paula Becker.
• FIX-IT CREW
  Volunteers provide limited repair and maintenance assistance around the house for Parkside individuals and families. The Fix-it Crew serves older adults, single parents, the disabled and others in unique circumstances that need assistance. Contact Marge Raake.
• CARE GROUPS & RESOURCES
  We offer care groups & workshops throughout the year for a variety of needs. Check the website or bulletin for information on what is currently offered. We can also refer individuals to Christian Counselors for additional support. Contact either Joy Wilson or Bill Chance.
• JOB NETWORK GROUP
  This group provides encouragement, prayer, and networking for those who are looking for a new job situation. Contact either Court Snell, Ken Hudson, or Charles Hand.
• FINANCIAL ADVICE
  Financial counselors are available to come alongside you and help establish a budget. Contact person: Bob Kitchen.
• HOSPITAL VISITS
  Visits are made to local hospitals throughout the week by various group leaders, Elders, ministers, or caregivers. If you or a family member is hospitalized contact the church office. Due to the “Privacy Act” hospitals do not notify the church when a patient is admitted. Please make sure we have the patient’s legal name.
• BENEVOLENCE
  Help is available. In times of crisis the Parkside Outreach Ministry and Wellness Center can provide food, clothing, health advice, and encouragement in times of need. Contact either Jennifer Cowgill or Kathy McCann.

Partners in Care Ministry:

• Ohio Benefits Bank,
  
• Wesley Community Senior Services,
  (Includes Home Care Services, Meals-On-Wheels, and Medical Transportation for
  senior adults)

To find out more about these Care Ministry opportunities or to join a ministry group within the Care Team contact the church office at:
513.231.9482 or e-mail care@visitparkside.com.

We do have a Minister on Call rotation available to help with a crisis or urgent need. Call the church office (after hours follow the voice mail instructions).

Missions
Children
Lifegroups
Students
Connections
Worship