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Park Road University (PRU) – Something for You!

In the fall we introduced the idea of PRU Classes. All are welcome to any of these classes, but they are designed especially for those who are not involved in a Sunday morning Connection Group. We want to continue to ask: What are you doing to challenge yourself spiritually, intellectually?

We have a number of good teachers and will continue to put together a variety of offerings for each “semester.” Most of these are offered on Sundays during the traditional Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45a, just before worship), but we have several Sunday evening classes as well.

We will also introduce our first two “TED-PR” classes – single session classes just to whet your appetite!

We will branch out this semester with an introduction to drawing, offered by Ron Pelt. Look forward to more non-academic opportunities such as this.

Below you will find the full lineup for Winter/Spring/Summer offerings at Park Road.

Please note that our first PRU Class of the semester begins this Sunday, January 14 with a fascinating class by Ana Karim -- examining the physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional components of our lives (more below).

We hope you’ll take the opportunity to deepen your own understanding and faith.

-Russ

PR University, Winter/Spring ‘24

JustFaith course: “Want to talk? Communication Tools for Divided Times”

This small group class will be offered with the other churches on Park Road: 8 weeks, beginning the last week of January. There will be a maximum of 16 people in a group, between our 6 churches, and the day/time for the sessions will be determined by participants. Please sign up here: https://justfaith.org/want-to-talk

Ana Karim: “Pentagon of Wellness (Connection Between Body and Spirituality)

January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 9:45a, Milford Chapel

The new year is traditionally a time to set resolutions. In this series, we'll be more intentional about delving into components of our well-being and compassionately setting intentions, examining the physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional components of our lives. The series will combine experiential and reflective learning. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a journal or notebook, and a receptive heart. 

No PRU Classes February 11, 18

Gray Clark: “Mindfulness Meditation”

February 25, 9:45a, Milford Chapel

Gray has participated in various meditation practices for about two decades and has taught them for many years. Join him for our first “TED-PR” class – a one-week session, modeled on the TED talk. You’ll see other TED-PR courses offered in the future.

Greg Jarrell: “Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods”

March 3, 10, 9:45a, Milford Chapel

Join Greg for two weeks as he talks about his work with QC Family Tree. Greg has engaged in the important and difficult work of racial reconciliation within the now-gentrifying neighborhood of Enderly Park for two decades. His new book, Our Trespasses, is available online.

“Spring Break” – No PRU Classes March 17, 24, 31



Lou Solomon: A Conversation with Lou Solomon: “Fighting the Imposter Mindset.”

Wednesday, March 20, 6p, Helt Hall

Lou will explore a topic that is not widely known or often discussed: the Imposter Syndrome, which refers to an intense internal belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. These feelings tend to show up as self-doubt and the fear of being “found out.” Meanwhile, to the rest of the world, such a person would be considered a high achiever or top performer. As an author and TEDx speaker, Lou’s insights have culminated in two books, Say Something Real, and Fighting the Impostor Mindset. Her TEDx Talk is approaching 1 million views.

Bill Hemingway: “The Ten Commandments, Part 2”

April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 9:45a, Milford Chapel

Last fall Bill introduced the first four commandments, having to do with our relationship to God.  This spring he move to the last six commandments, which some may argue are some of the harder commandments because they deal with our relationship to each other.  In this study, based on the Adam Hamilton book, Jesus and The Promise of the Ten Commandments Today, the group will be looking at the commandments in their historical context, considering the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, studying how Jesus might have reinterpreted them, and showing how every “thou-shalt-not” was intended to point to a life-giving "thou shalt." (The book is not required, but reading it will add to your experience. You can purchase the book from your favorite local or online retailer.)

Ron Pelt: “Learn How to Draw”

Sunday evenings, April 14, 21, 28, 6-8p, Helt Hall

Learn To Draw: Three lessons will last 90 minutes each, to learn the basic skills of drawing and sketching. We will use vine charcoal, and you be introduced the 3 methods of drawing images including line drawing, gesture drawing, and using light and shadows. Come have fun! Perfectionism NOT allowed. Sign up with the church office. Supplies will be provided. A $20 fee is due one week before the first lesson.   Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit smudged. Charcoal washes out easily. Ages 6 and up.

No PRU Class May 19

PR University, Summer ‘24

Missy Solomon: “SoulCollage”

June 23, 30, 6-7:30p, Community Center, Room 503

SoulCollage® is a fun, easy, intuitive process of self-discovery and community building. The process uses images gathered from magazines, calendars, picture books, etc. to create small collages on 5x7 cards, which are then paired with a spontaneous writing process, using specific prompts to help explore the images that are created and their meaning. This writing process often leads to personal insights and discovery. Participants can deepen their understanding of self, others, and the Divine. Note: SoulCollage® is a creative process, but it does not require any artistic ability to create meaningful and beautiful SoulCollage® cards.



Sandy Rogers: “A Survey of Human Emotions”

June 2, 16, July 14, 28, 9:45a, Milford Chapel

Sandy Rogers has a PhD in Old Testament and teaches Bible at Winthrop. Our summer worship series is “A Survey of Human Emotions,” which focuses on a variety of human experiences/emotions. Each sermon will be based on a related text from the Psalms. As a companion to these sermons, Sandy will offer four classes during the traditional Sunday School hour surveying the variety of genres covered by the ancient Psalmist. These classes will be a wonderful complement to our summer worship. Make note of these dates, as most of our Connection Groups do not meet during the summer months.

In addition to these PRU offerings, we have several Connection Groups that meet every Sunday morning. These are wonderful groups, providing not only a chance to study together each Sunday, but a chance for connection and community. We would love for everyone to be involved in a Connection Group! If you have questions, please talk with any of our ministers. Our existing Connection Groups are

• Abundant Grace, led by George Miles
• Prelude, led by Marinn Esch, Beth Mintich, and Brian Smyth
• Lydia/Fidelis, led by Beverly Doyle
• Babylon, led by missy Solomon.

January 28 – State of the Church meeting immediately following worship . . . and a POTLUCK!!!



Watch for next week’s newsletter for all the details – including a full structure of church leadership roles – both elected and volunteer positions. Our “team” approach to get the work of the Church accomplished allows for many people to be involved. One goal of our January 28 meeting is to fill in any missing people to complete our teams for the work and ministry and mission ahead in 2024. Read all about it in next week’s newsletter. (Speaking of opportunities to get involved . . . we need a Potluck organizer. Any takers? This includes receiving and setting up the food and cleaning afterwards. (Tables and chairs will already be set up.)

The Cornhole Night will be Tuesday, January 16 from 6:30-8p. The location (weather dependent) will be either outside in the courtyard under the lights OR inside in Milford Chapel. Again, there will be "door prizes.” Please contact Kevin Kline (kk5thirty1@yahoo.com) or sign up in Helt Hall if interested in attending.

Our January Mission Offering will support the Hope Community Clinic of East Charlotte. The clinic offers medical and counseling services in a combined facility for families that are facing personal and family struggles and challenges. They address both physical and emotional needs that arise from injury, abuse, addiction and trauma, which enables people to be more self-sufficient and productive members of our society. Our own Cindy King is a nurse at the clinic, and the Perez family has benefited greatly from their services.

All men are invited to join us February 2-4, for a 2-night retreat at High Pastures retreat center in Burnsville. We will gather on Friday afternoon and return after a worship experience on Sunday morning. Dan Davis will guide our sessions together around the theme, “What Are You Afraid Of?” Cost of the retreat, which includes all retreat resources, lodging, and food, is $250. Limited scholarships are available. Deadline, with a $50 deposit, is January 14. Talk with Russ or JD or call the church office to sign up.

“My name is Jimmy Niell, and I have been a member at Park Road for over 40 years. I am a native Charlottean and the proud father of 2 men. My older son is Jason, and his wife is my awesome daughter-in-law, Katie. They are parents of my two granddaughters Charli and Addie. My younger son Clayton works for American Airlines. I am employed by Batesville Casket as a delivery driver. Over the years, I have participated in just about every area of activity at Park Road other than choir and preach. The choir is still on my bucket list. I have never been asked to preach. I love PRBC because we welcome all people and are always at the forefront of change. At Park Road, we are hands-on in all our efforts to help others.” – Jimmy Niell

Men's Work will sponsor a blood drive on January 21st from noon - 3p for all men and women. They will use the One Blood Big Red Bus. The location will be the back parking lot of the church.

Donors can reserve a time slot via the following link or by scanning the QR Code.

https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1450571

Walk-in donors are welcome, too. Some donors may desire to go to lunch after worship and return to fill later times in the drive. The Community Center will be available as a backup waiting area. 

Those donating will receive a $20eGift card, a One Blood blanket, and a wellness check (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening).

Please contact Kevin Kline (email-kk5thirty1@yahoo.com) if additional info is needed.

Join us for our next Thursday, January 18 at 6p at the Rhino Market and Deli, South Park for Thirsty Third Thursday! We had a great group in December! Won’t you join us for our January gathering? The address is 4300 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209. There are other Rhino Markets, so please make sure you have the correct address. The Rhino Market in South Park is directly across from the Village Tavern.

• January 10 - Tonight is the Midweek introduction. This semester's theme is "Wholeness and Holiness: The intersection of Faith and Wellness." Youth will explore topics like relationships, mental health, social health/ engagement, civility and civics and more.
• January 12 - Charlotte Checkers Hockey Game at 7p - For Youth, Children, and Families.
• January 31 - Worship Wednesday
• July 8-12 Unidiversity Camp - Please let JD know by the end of January if your student plans on going to camp! 🙂 

• January 12 - Charlotte Checkers Hockey Game at 7p - For Youth, Children, and Families.
• July 16-19, 2024 – Camp Prism – Any student who will complete third grade this year is invited to sign up for Camp Prism. This week is a wonderful time with our students, and JD would love all our current 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to be there. Please make sure to let JD know by the end of January if your student plans on going to camp.

ORTline is a three-day online Zoom conference, hosted by Thomas Jay Oord, Jonathan Foster, and Jason Tripp that will feature authors recently published in the field of open and relational theology, including PRBC’s very own Russ Dean. For more information and tickets please click here

Coming Up at Park Road

Sunday Worship

Facebook Live and In-Person

11a

First Wednesdays

Dinner and Vespers

(Community Center)

5:30p Dinner / 6p Vespers

First and Third Tuesdays

Bible Study and Fellowship

(Community Center - Room C503)

10a

Tuesday and Thursdays

Flexercise

(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