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COVID is not over. We are still losing more people to this disease, each day, than to the flu. The loss to the country has been immense, in lives as well as in economic impact, but as we begin transitioning to a new normal, I continue reflecting on some of what we lost in these last few years.

High on that list for me, as a pastor who has been actively engaged in the local community, is contact with fellow clergy. Throughout our tenure in Charlotte, Amy and I have chosen to engage consistently in ecumenical and interfaith work. This has given us the opportunity to create a broad network of colleagues and to enjoy friendships with many of these colleagues.

For three years, we have missed opportunities to gather with colleagues, to share the joys of ministry, to commiserate, and to work together on matters of importance.

As we come into February, observed across the country as “Black History Month,” one of the sad realities we face as a nation is the continued inequality between the races. Our communities are still so segregated that, unless we make a special effort, it is easy to have almost no contact with the African American community. For me, this also means with colleagues and friends, whose relationship I cherish. One of the great losses in these COVID years has been the inadvertent severing of connections I have enjoyed with the Black community.



And it is not as if we have had no reason to gather. Many of the concerns and tragedies that brought us together before the pandemic have continued. While I am glad the streets of our city have been relatively calm for the last two years, those causes of social justice, the protests, meetings, and rallies, had given us (too many) opportunities to be together.



We are not through with racism. Racism is not through with us. The historical injustices that created such a broad chasm throughout the middle of our culture are not past history. The legacy of injustice remains, requiring our constant vigilance and diligence.



The very least I can do in acknowledging the many privileges that have accrued to me as a white, American male is to try to be aware of the ongoing pain so many of my African American sisters and brothers still feel. The best way I know to be aware of this pain, and to be on guard to the ways I might be part of a solution, is to try to maintain relationships.

To that end, Amy and I hope to take some initiative during this appropriate month of 2023 to reach out to the colleagues with whom we have been out of touch. We are considering various ways to reach out and to re-invest with these friends. I hope you’ll do the same within your circle of influence.

To renewed relationships and continued vigilance…

-Russ

Daniel and Rebecca Terry will lead a six-week discussion of the book, Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for Our Times. The book provides an interesting, detailed look at the biblical book of Ruth and provides thought-provoking implications for the issues of immigration, and the divisions rife among us. Written by two Irish activists, through the book, the authors provide insight based on their experiences in politically torn Ireland. The Terry’s will lead six discussions, beginning Sunday, February 26. The Prelude Connection Group will host these discussions in Milford chapel, beginning at 9:45a each Sunday, but all are welcome. Chapters are short and easy to read. Books can be purchased at Thriftbooks.com or other online sellers. 

Due to a lack of response this year, we have opted to postpone another pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago. While we were excited about another trip, as it turns out, our family calendar for this year has gotten very full. We have made the decision to postpone our entire sabbatical until 2024. We hope to still walk the full length of the French way and would love to have another group from Park Road to join us for the last 72 miles. Four people have already expressed interest in a trip next summer. If that timing works better for you, please let us know. We will begin gathering a list of names and start making plans this fall. We are grateful to the church for its sabbatical policy and for your flexibility.

- Russ and Amy

Welcome to the world Cooper Bennett Lewis! He was born on Monday, February 6 and weighed 9lbs 3oz. Cooper is the son of Sam and Rebecca Lewis. We can’t wait to watch him grow and learn and become all of whom God created him to be!

Last month the ladies who participated enjoyed themselves and getting to know each other better! Their next gathering is Thursday, February 16 at 6p at Vintner Wine Market, located at 8128 Providence Road, Suite 500 (in the Arboretum Shopping Center). All are welcome; if you do not drink wine that is perfectly fine, you can still come and enjoy the fellowship!

(Please note that due to staffing shortages the market is unable are not able to honor group reservations at this time; however, Debbie Brown and a few others will arrive early to hold tables.)

Help Needed! Men’s Shelter Lunch: Saturday, February 11, 10:30a-1p

Every other month, on the second Saturday of the month, Park Road prepares and serves a hot lunch for up to 150 residents of the Men’s Shelter at 1210 N. Tryon Street Food preparation begins at 10:30a and lunch service ends at 1p (sometimes earlier). If you have never participated in this service opportunity, you should give it a try. The food preparation is not difficult and requires no prior experience. Also it’s a good chance to work together with other Park Road members and get to know one another a little better. Sign up here to help:



https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0945aca92da2fd0-roof#/

Transportation Help Needed for Perez Family

There are several upcoming doctor appointments’, including Thursday and Friday of this week, for which we could use help with transportation. Check the sign-up genius for dates and times and contact Dan (704-661-3385) for more information.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0945aca92da2fd0-transportation#/

February Mission Offering: Foster Village Charlotte

Our February Mission Offering will support Foster Village Charlotte. Founded in 2018 by four foster parents, FVC began as a grassroots effort to allow foster parents to connect with and support each other. It quickly multiplied into a movement as organizers encountered more foster parents experiencing similar challenges.

Foster Village Charlotte creates connection with dignity for children and families experiencing foster care by meeting urgent needs, providing educational and emotional support, and advocating as a collective community voice for children.

FVC collaborates with 16 private foster parent licensing agencies, local government, child welfare organizations, and the community to serve families holistically and represent the foster family voice to Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS). To learn more, go to FosterVillageCharlotte.org

After visiting with us this last year, we welcome Bill and Theresa as our newest members. The parents of three college/adult children, Bill is a computer engineer, and Theresa teaches English, online, to Chinese students. The Hemingways live in Cameron Woods and have been long time friends of Mark and Beth Mintich. Welcome!

The Abundant Grace Connection Group gathered this past Saturday night for food and fellowship. As evident in the photos, a good time was had by all. 

Our annual Ash Wednesday service will be held in the sanctuary. All are invited to join for this intimate and reflective service as we begin the season of Lent. The choir will sing, the pastors will share a brief meditation, and after the imposition of ashes, we will dismiss in silence. We will not have supper on this Wednesday night, so join us for the service only.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 22) and ends with Easter (April 9). Forty days, not counting Sundays, of intentional reflection to do some “self-work” to prepare for Easter. Lent marks the forty days leading up to Easter, mirroring the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness. It is a practice that began during the 4th century as a way to prepare Christians for the holiest days of the year. Amy will lead two different opportunities – one more intensive, the other more relaxed, while Russ will lead a daily Holy Week lunch conversation. In addition, there are Wednesday Lunches with the Park Road Pastors. We hope you will find one or more of these opportunities to be helpful in your own spiritual journey.

Amy’s Two Opportunities

For those looking for a short and easy journey of 40 days, Amy will post a short Scripture reading accompanied by a prayer or poem to guide your thoughts for the day. You can find these short readings at “Beyond Chocolate” Facebook group. (If you do not already follow this group on Facebook, simply request to be a member, by clicking here, and you will receive notifications of the daily new posts which will begin on Ash Wednesday.) These daily readings and prayers coincide with the daily entries of the more intensive study described below.

For those wanting a little more, Amy’s weekly discussion group is based on Kate Bowler’s new book The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. (The release date for this book is February 14.) There is a free online daily guide accessible by clicking here. The daily readings are designed to be completed in about 20 minutes. On the Sundays of Lent Amy will lead an in-person discussion from 4-5p at the church (February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, and April 2). You do not have to buy the book to participate in this study, though it does seem that the experience will be richer with the book. Of course, you can download Bowler’s free guide and do it on your own if you do not want to commit to a more intensive group experience. If you would like to be a part of this in-person Sunday Lenten discussion group, please sign up with Amy.

Russ will Be Leading a Holy Week Study

The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem - A Study for Holy Week

This year, as we make our way from Palm Sunday to Easter, Russ invites you to join him for a study of Marcus Borg, and John Dominic Crossan‘s interesting book, The Last Week… The book, traces, chapter by chapter, the actions of Jesus in this last week leading up to the crucifixion on Good Friday. We will meet over lunch, and keep our time to an hour, so working folks can possibly join the group. We will meet at church and will provide beverages. Those participating should bring their lunch. Please purchase a book now and make a commitment to read a the appropriate chapter before each day’s study. This book is several years old, so used copies are available at a very reasonable price. We recommend ThirftBooks.com to purchase The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem, over Amazon.

Lunch with the Pastors of Park Road

Last year we enjoyed sharing lunch, each Wednesday of Lent with the Park Road clergy, group, and some members of these churches. Again, this year we will rotate churches, and one of the pastors will share a brief devotional thought. You are invited to bring your own lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided. We will meet at noon each Wednesday of Lent, beginning March 1. No sign up is necessary.

The schedule is as follows:



• March 1 – Sedgefield United Methodist Church – Russ and Amy Jacks Dean
• March 8 – Park Road Baptist Church - Jonathan Coppedge-Henley
• March 15 – Holy Comforter Episcopal - Jim Ewing
• March 22 – Avondale Presbyterian Church - TBD
• March 29 - Woodlawn Community Fellowship - Tom Stinson-Wesley

Thanks to the Brittains for hosting! The party starts at 6p. The Brittains will provide pizza and drinks. Youth, please bring Super Bowl snacks to share! AND PLEASE . . . let Amy know if you plan to be there so we can get a head count for ordering pizza!

We list an individual each week that we call our “Friends at Home” with their contact information.

Drop a card or give a call to check-in. Even if you do not know someone personally, a contact from someone from their church is always an encouragement.

Coming Up at Park Road

Sunday Worship

Facebook Live and In-Person

11a

First Wednesday

First Wednesday of Each Month 

5:30p

Mid-Week Meetup (via Facebook)

Third Wednesday of Each Month 

6p

Tuesday and Thursdays

Flexercise

(In-person in the Community Center)

9a

Park Road Baptist Church 

 3900 Park Road | Charlotte NC | 28209

Tel (704) 523-5717 

Fax (704) 523-8481

info@parkroadbaptist.org 

 www.parkroadbaptist.org