Here's What Parkway's Men's and Ladies' Ministries are Up To!
Here at Parkway Church, we love to connect with one another and with our community to advance our mission — Love: God. Others. Mission. That’s why we aim to create ways for all people to come together and pursue the love of Christ. Our Ladies’ Ministry and Men’s Ministry are key to fostering connections and building relationships within our church community.
These ministries allow for broader connection by combining various age groups, stages, and backgrounds between women and between men. Building deeper connections is so important for a healthy body of Christ!
The Parkway Exclusive had a chance to talk with leaders Kris Newman and Matt Gorniak about the Ladies’ and Men’s Ministries to help us better understand these groups, the events they’re planning, and how you can get connected.
Ladies’ “Flourish” Ministry
Parkway Ladies’ Ministry is called “Flourish,” and its mission is to see the women of Parkway thrive together with purpose, passion and unity. This name comes from Psalms 92:13, which says that those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish. The goal is to foster deeper relationships with Jesus and build the body of Christ to advance His kingdom.
Flourish is led by Melissa Peters and a committee of five ladies: Kris Newman, Iris Reyes, Mari Velasquez, Teresa Haldorsen, and Allison Falkey. These five leaders represent the different ages, backgrounds, and stages of life that Parkway’s women identify with, and they work to plan events that help women connect with one another. Some events are intended to be social and strengthen our relationships with one another, while others have a spiritual emphasis with the goal of strengthening our relationship with God.
What’s Coming Up for Flourish?
Currently, the Flourish committee is working on a Ladies Night Out event at the For the Love of Flowers Farm in Franksville on July 13 from 5-7:30pm. At this event, ladies will hear an encouraging word, connect with other women, and have an opportunity to pick their own flowers to create a unique bouquet. Space is limited and registration is required!
Additionally, Flourish has started planning for the Ladies Weekend on October 3-4, 2025 — More updates on this special weekend will be released soon, but save the date!
How to Get Connected with Flourish:
Join the Flourish Facebook Group
Follow the Flourish Instagram Page
Join the Flourish group on the Church Center App and get monthly devotions and updates from Flourish leaders
Men’s “Planted” Ministry
And now for the gentlemen! Parkway’s Men's Ministry is called “Planted,” and it’s structured in a similar way as the Ladies’ Ministry. This name comes from Psalm 1:3, which refers to a man who is “like a tree, planted by the rivers of water.” The verse goes on to say that those who are planted or rooted in their godly environments experience growth and strength.
Co-led by Pastor Tim Peters and Matt Gorniak, the Men’s Ministry also has a committee of five leaders: Matt Barnett, Julio Velasquez, Jason Pacheco, Al Post and Alfredo Savedro. Planted’s mission is to help men grow in connection with other men and grow in their relationship with God by achieving 7 goals:
Go deeper in prayer
Go deeper in fasting
Have a “Timothy” (someone you are disciplining) in your life
Have a “Barnabas” (someone to hold you accountable and encourage you) in your life
Serve in a ministry
Go on a missions trip (locally or overseas)
Attend a “Man-Up” Adventure
Men are encouraged to accomplish these goals through fellowship events that focus on the outdoors, and that’s why Planted strives for a large men’s event or excursion every year.
What’s Coming Up for Planted?
In 2024, 20 Parkway men attended a Man Up Adventure in South Dakota, and another one is planned for 2026. Until then, Planted will host its Annual Golf Outing on August 9, and a campfire night in the fall. The golf outing is a great opportunity to invite men from our communities to connect with Parkway men and experience God’s love outside of the church building — register now!
Planted also participates in men’s fellowship opportunities through our UPCI District, including “steakout” events, prayer breakfasts, and the 2025 Wisconsin UPCI Men’s Camp, scheduled for August 14-16 at the district campground in Shawano.
Another activity that our men’s ministry actively participates in together is regular prayer. Every Saturday from 5:30-7:30 am, a group of men meets at the church to pray together, and all men are invited to join! Pastor Tim and Matt Gorniak have also expanded the men's prayer opportunity to be throughout the week, so reach out to Pastor or Matt Gorniak about praying at the church during the week.
Additionally, a group of men pray in the Men’s Prayer Room every week before the Sunday morning service.
How to Get Connected with Planted:
Join other Parkway men for prayer next Saturday morning between 5:30 and 7:30 AM in the sanctuary
Stop in the Men’s Prayer Room (located on the left side of the sanctuary platform) next Sunday morning at 9:45 AM for men’s prayer
Join the Planted group on the Church Center App and get monthly devotions and updates from Planted leaders
A Place for Everyone to Connect
The Ladies’ and Men’s ministries are crucial elements to the Parkway church community. These ministries work to create opportunities for all of us to “sharpen” one another in the way that Proverbs 27:17 describes “iron sharpening iron.” Being connected to each other allows every follower of Christ to become the best father, mother, husband, wife, daughter, son, employee, and friend that they can be. However, we cannot sharpen one another from afar.
Whether you are a long-time Parkway member or you’re new to our community of believers, we encourage you to get involved with Flourish and Planted so you can reap the benefits of living in Christ-centered community!