Dear Church Family,
This past Saturday, a 37-year-old man named Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents on a street corner in Minneapolis. He was an ICU nurse at the VA, caring for our veterans. Less than three weeks earlier, another person, Renee Good, was killed in similar circumstances.
Our nation is grieving. Our nation is angry. Our nation is divided.
I’m not writing to tell you what to think about immigration policy or federal enforcement. You are thoughtful people capable of wrestling with those questions before God and with one another. I’m writing because moments like this have a way of doing something dangerous to us if we’re not careful: they isolate us.
Hatred isolates. Fear isolates. Outrage—even justified outrage—isolates. We retreat to our corners. We curate our feeds. We talk only to people who see it the way we see it. And slowly, we become something less than what God made us to be.
Here’s what I keep coming back to: We are people formed by a God who exists eternally in community. Father, Son, and Spirit—three persons in perfect union, love radiating outward from the very heart of God. The Trinity doesn’t isolate. The Trinity draws near. And if we are made in that image, then isolation is a kind of death for us. We were not made to go it alone.
This is why our church exists as family—freely gathered, long-suffering with one another, transparent, encouraging, and honest. Not people who all vote the same way. Not people who all feel the same things when they watch the news. But people who have made a covenant to stay in the room together, even when staying is hard.
So what do we do in a moment like this?
We pray. We pray against violence—all violence. We pray for peace officers and federal agents and protesters and families who are afraid. We pray for Alex Pretti’s family and Renee Good’s family. We pray for the agents who pulled triggers. We pray for leaders making impossible decisions. We pray for our country.
We stay. We stay present to one another. If you’re angry or grieving, find trusted people who can sit with you in it—not to fix it, but to carry it with you and pray. If you’re hurting, please reach out. Our pastors and leaders want to be an encouragement to you with whatever you’re carrying right now. We know that for some, what’s happening feels distant and ideological; for others, it’s deeply personal—you or people you love may feel at heightened risk. We want to be sensitive to that, and we want you to know you’re not alone. Hatred grows in the dark. But we are people of the light, and light means we stay visible to one another.
We act locally. We cannot solve what’s happening in our nation. But we can love our neighbors here in San Antonio. We can show up for the vulnerable in our own community. We can be the kind of people who cross the street toward our neighbors, not away from them. Renewal starts in the ordinary, faithful moments—right where we are. Our team is actively looking for concrete ways we can serve and help in our immediate area—small, tangible steps we can take together. More to come on that soon.
I don’t know how you feel about what’s happening. I don’t need to know. What I do know is that you are my family, and we belong to each other because we first belong to Christ. Let’s not let this moment—or any moment—make us smaller than that.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Scott
I will be leading our congregation in Prayers of the People this week. I encourage you to join us and lean in. I have asked Des and a few other leaders to be present in the back during communion for prayer. If you need a pastor to join with you in prayer we are here.
End of Year Giving Statements
2025 End of Year Giving Statements have been sent via email or USPS. If you did not receive yours, please email Terri at terri@theparksa.org for a copy.
Upcoming Events
Starting Point
This Sunday we will have Starting Point in the Drama Room immediately following the service. It lasts roughly 15-20 minutes and is a time we share more about The Park and learn more about you. Whether you’re new or have been around for a while, we’d love to meet you this Sunday.
NOMI Hygiene Kit Drive
Due to the cancellation of service last week, we will still be collecting items for NOMI. Our youth packing event has been rescheduled for February 22. For any questions you can contact Kevin Tsui at kevin@theparksa.org. Thank you for helping us come together to serve our Missional Partner.
Women’s Social | Thurs, Jan 29, 7-9 pm
We hope to see you today, January 29, 7-9pm at Vintage Wine Bar and Specialty Food! This is for women of all ages and stages of life—whether you’re new or have been part of the community for a while, we’d love for you to come and get to know one another. Bring a friend, enjoy great food and drinks, and make connections.
Register Here.
Men’s Coffee & Finance Discussion | Sat, Jan 31, 8:30-10:30 am
Join the men of The Park this Saturday for a relaxed and intentional morning together January 31, 8:30-10:30 AM at the home of Scott Austin. We’ll gather around faith and finances, exploring what Scripture says about money, stewardship, and how we handle resources as followers of Jesus. Expect great conversation, quality pour-over coffee, and breakfast tacos, plus plenty of time to connect with friends old and new.
Register Here.
Dinner Together | Sat, Feb 7, 5-7 pmThis Sunday is the last day to sign up for Dinner Together. This is a relaxed, family-style evening where people from all ages and stages gather to share a meal and good conversation. Each group will meet in a host home with about 10–15 people from The Park. Your host will provide the main dish, and guests bring a side, dessert, or drinks. Dinners will take place Saturday, February 7 from 5–7 PM in homes around the city. We can’t wait to gather around the table with you!
Register Here.
Spring School of Theology | Starting Feb 15, 8:30-9:30 am
Join us for a four-week class starting February 15th, 8:30-9:30 AM, based on Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley, where we’ll explore four emotions that can quietly shape our lives and relationships—guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy—and the spiritual habits that help us confront them with hope and wisdom. Each week includes practical teaching and a simple challenge to apply what we learn. Open to everyone at The Park.
Register to save your seat and reserve childcare.
Connect
Community at The ParkAs we step into a new year and begin thinking about fresh rhythms for 2026, we invite you to consider making community one of them. At The Park, the community doesn’t stop on Sundays; connection continues as we share life together throughout the week. Our communities gather in living rooms, around tables, and on back porches to grow in their faith and follow Jesus side by side. Whether it’s a Bible study, book club, movie night, or something uniquely you, every group carries the same heart: discipleship in everyday life.
There’s a place for you here. Explore current groups and what’s new at theparksa.org/groups. And if you’re considering starting a group of your own, we’d love to help you think through what that could look like, you can reach out to Nancy Gaines at nancy@theparksa.org.
Spiritual Formation Resources
Free Access to Seminary Now – A Gift to Our Church Community
The Park has partnered with Seminary Now, an on-demand streaming platform featuring video courses from leading Christian scholars and teachers. Whether you want to grow in theology, ministry, or spiritual formation, this is a valuable resource for deepening your faith and equipping you for discipleship. As a gift to our church community, you can sign up at no cost. To get started:
– Click this link: Seminary Now Sign-Up
– Create your account
– At checkout, use the code: THEPARK
Worship at The Park
Worship through music is an integral part of our practices at The Park. Whether you leave our services wanting to know “What was that song?” or want to come prepared or need a way to sit in the presence of the Lord during your week, here is a playlist of the songs we’re currently worshiping with at The Park.
Follow The Park’s Worship Playlist on Spotify
Follow The Park’s Worship Playlist on Apple
Mental Health Advising and Wellness
We aim to support our congregation and community through companionship, guidance to relevant services, mental health education, a vetted referral list, and, when needed, help with crisis care costs. The goal is to offer love and presence during mental health needs, crises, or ongoing care. Contact us for mental health resources